UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20082011

or

 

¨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: 001-33164

Domtar Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 20-5901152

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

395 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West

Montreal, Quebec H3A 1L6 Canada

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (514) 848-5555

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

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

 

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

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

Large Accelerated Filer  x          Accelerated Filer  ¨           Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨          Smaller reporting company  ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

As of June 29, 2008,30, 2011, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $2,561,637,248.$3,742,000,932.

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of February 24, 2009: 495,067,96717, 2012: 36,134,262

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement, to be filed within 120 days of the close of the registrant’s fiscal year, in connection with registrant’s 2009its 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


DOMTAR CORPORATION

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20082011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

        PAGE
  PART I  

ITEM 1

  

BUSINESS

  4
  

General

  4
  

Our History

4
  

Our Corporate Structure

  4
  

Our Business Segments

  5
  

PapersPulp and Paper

  6
  

Paper MerchantsDistribution

  1011
  

WoodPersonal Care

  11
12  

Our Competitive Strengths

13
  

Our Strategic Initiatives and Financial Priorities

  1412
  

Our Competition

  1513
  

Our Employees

  1514
  

Our Approach to Sustainability

  1614
  

Our Environmental Challenges

  1615
  

Our Intellectual Property

  1615
  

InternInternet Availability of Information

  16
  

Our Executive Officers

  1716
  

Forward-looking Statements

  1917

ITEM 1A

  

RISK FACTORS

  2018

ITEM 1B

  

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

  3126

ITEM 2

  

PROPERTIES

  3126

ITEM 3

  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGPROCEEDINGSS

  3328

ITEM 4

  

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERSMINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

  3530
  PART II  

ITEM 5

  

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

  
31


35

  

Market Information

  3531
  

Holders

  3531
  

Dividends and Stock Repurchase Program

  3631
  

Performance Graph

  3633

ITEM 6

  

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

  3734

ITEM 7

  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

  3835
  

Executive Summary

  3835
  

Recent Developments

  39
  

The Transaction

40

Accounting for the Transaction

40
  

Our Business

  4039
  

Consolidated Results andof Operations and Segments Review

  4241
  

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

  53


54  PAGE
  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

  54
  

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

  57

PAGE
  

Guarantees

  57
  

Contractual ObligationObligations and Commercial Commitments

  5958
  

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

  5958
  

Critical Accounting Policies

  6259

ITEM 7A

  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

  7371

ITEM 8

  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

  7674
  

Management’s Reports to shareholdersShareholders of Domtar Corporation

  7674
  

Report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  77
75  

Report of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

78
  

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss)

  7976
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

  8077
  

Consolidated StatementsStatement of Shareholders’ Equity

  8178
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  8279
  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  8481

ITEM 9

  

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

  148155

ITEM 9A

  

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

  148155

ITEM 9B

  

OTHER INFORMATION

  149156
  PART III  

ITEM 10

  

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

  149157

ITEM 11

  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

  149157

ITEM 12

  

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

  149157

ITEM 13

  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

  149158

ITEM 14

  

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

  149158
PART IV

ITEM 15

  

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

  150159
  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement ScheduleSchedules

  154159
  

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

  154164
  

SIGNATURES

  155165


PART I

 

ITEM 1.BUSINESS

GENERAL

We design, manufacture, market and distribute a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication papers, specialty and packaging papers and adult incontinence products. We are the largest integrated manufacturermarketer and marketermanufacturer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity. We are also a manufacturer of papergrade, fluff and specialty pulp. We design, manufacture, market and distribute a wide range of paper products for a variety of customers, including merchants, retail outlets, stationers, printers, publishers, converters and end-users. On September 1, 2011, we completed the acquisition of Attends Healthcare Inc. (“Attends”), a producer of adult incontinence products. We also own and operate Domtar Distribution Group,Ariva, an extensive network of strategically located paper and printing supplies distribution facilities. The foundation of our business is the efficient operation of pulp mills, converting fiber into papergrade, fluff and specialty pulp. The majority of this pulp is consumed internally to make communication and specialty papers with the balance being sold as market pulp.

We also produce lumber and other specialty and industrial wood products. We have threeoperate the following business segments: Papers,Pulp and Paper, MerchantsDistribution and Wood.Personal Care. We had revenues of $6.4$5.6 billion in 2008,2011, of which approximately 81%85% was from the PapersPulp and Paper segment, approximately 15%14% was from the Paper MerchantsDistribution segment and approximately 4%1% was from the WoodPersonal Care segment. Our Personal Care segment was formed on September 1, 2011, upon completion of the acquisition of Attends.

Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless otherwise specified, “Domtar Corporation,” “the Company,” “Domtar,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Domtar Corporation, its subsidiaries, as well as its investments. Unless otherwise specified, “Domtar Inc.” refers to Domtar Inc., a wholly-owned100% owned Canadian subsidiary. Information regarding our recent developments is included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the caption “Recent Developments.”

OUR HISTORY

Domtar Corporation was incorporated on August 16, 2006, for the sole purpose of holding the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business (the “Predecessor”) and consummating the combination of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business with Domtar Inc. (the “Transaction”). The Predecessor was owned by Weyerhaeuser Company (“Weyerhaeuser”) prior to the completion of the Transaction on March 7, 2007. Domtar Corporation had no operations prior to March 7, 2007 when, upon the completion of the Transaction, we became an independent public holding company. Information regarding the Transaction is included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the caption “The Transaction” and “Accounting for the Transaction.”

OUR CORPORATE STRUCTURE

At December 31, 2008,2011, Domtar Corporation had a total of 494,636,72636,131,200 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc., an indirectly 100% owned subsidiary, had a total of 20,896,301619,108 exchangeable shares issued and outstanding. These exchangeable shares are intended to be substantially the economic equivalent to shares of our common stock and are currently exchangeable at the option of the holder on a one-for-one basis for shares of our common stock. As such, the total combined number of shares of common stock and exchangeable shares issued and outstanding was 515,533,02736,750,308 at December 31, 2008.2011. Our common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “UFS” and our exchangeable shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “UFX.” Information regarding our common stock and the exchangeable shares is included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 2221 “Shareholders’ Equity.”Equity”.

The following chart summarizes our corporate structure.

OUR BUSINESS SEGMENTS

We operate in the three reportable segments described below. Each reportable segment offers different products and services and requires different manufacturing processes, technology and/or marketing strategies.

The following summary briefly describes the operations included in each of our reportable segments:

PapersPulp and PaperrepresentsOur Pulp and Paper segment comprises the aggregation of the manufacturing, sale and distribution of business, commercial printingcommunication, specialty and publication, and converting and specialtypackaging papers, as well as softwood, fluff and hardwood market pulp.

Paper MerchantsDistribution Our Distribution segment involves the purchasing, warehousing, sale and distribution of our paper products and those of other paper manufacturers. These products include business and printing papers, and certain industrial products and printing supplies.

Personal Care– Our Personal Care segment, which we formed in September 2011, consists of the manufacturing, sale and distribution of adult incontinence products.

Wood – comprises the manufacturing and marketing of lumber and other specialty and industrial wood products and the management of forest resources.

Information regarding our reportable segments is included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as well as Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, under Note 27,24, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Geographic information is also included under Note 2724 of the Financial Statements.

Statements and Supplementary Data.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS PER SEGMENT

  Year ended
December 31, 2008
 Year ended
December 30, 2007 (1)
 Year ended
December 31, 2006 (1)
   Year ended
December 31, 2011
 Year ended
December 31, 2010
 Year ended
December 31, 2009
 
  (In millions of dollars, unless otherwise noted) 
(In millions of dollars, unless otherwise noted)    

Sales:

        

Papers

  $5,440  $5,116  $3,143 

Paper Merchants

   990   813   —   

Wood

   268   304   234 

Pulp and Paper

  $4,953   $5,070   $4,632  

Distribution

   781    870    873  

Personal Care(2)

   71    —      —    

Wood(3)

   —      150    211  
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total for reportable segments

   6,698   6,233   3,377    5,805    6,090    5,716  

Intersegment sales—Papers

   (276)  (235)  —   

Intersegment sales—Paper Merchants

   —     (1)  —   

Intersegment sales—Pulp and Paper

   (193  (229  (231

Intersegment sales—Wood

   (28)  (50)  (71)   —      (11  (20
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

Consolidated sales

  $6,394  $5,947  $3,306   $5,612   $5,850   $5,465  

Operating income (loss):(1)

        

Papers (2)

  ($369) $321  $(608)

Paper Merchants

   8   13   —   

Wood

   (73)  (63)  52 

Pulp and Paper

  $581   $667   $650  

Distribution

   —      (3  7  

Personal Care(2)

   7    —      —    

Wood(3)

   —      (54  (42

Corporate

   (3)  (1)  —      4    (7  —    
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  ($437) $270  $(556)  $592   $603   $615  

Segment assets:

        

Papers

  $5,399  $6,888  

Paper Merchants

   120   108  

Wood

   247   320  

Pulp and Paper

  $4,874   $5,088   $5,538  

Distribution

   84    99    101  

Personal Care(2)

   458    —      —    

Wood(3)

   —      —      250  

Corporate

   338   410    

 

 

 

453

 

  

 

 

 

 

839

 

  

 

 

 

 

630

 

  

          

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  $6,104  $7,726    $5,869   $6,026   $6,519  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1)The year 2007 consistsFactors that affected the year-over-year comparison of 52 weeks ended December 30, 2007 and includes the consolidated financial results ofare discussed in the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business, on a carve-out basis, from January 1, 2007 to March 6, 2007year-over-year and of the Successor for the period from March 7, 2007 to December 30, 2007, and the year 2006 consists of 53 weeks ended December 31, 2006 and includes only the consolidated financial results of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business, on a carve-out basis. Information regarding the Transaction issegment analysis included in Part II, Item 7, Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial ConditionsCondition and Results of OperationsOperation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2)Operating income (loss) forOn September 1, 2011 we acquired Attends Healthcare Inc (“Attends”) and formed a new reportable segment entitled Personal Care. Results of Attends are included in the consolidated financial statements as of September 1, 2011.
(3)We sold our Papers segment includes an aggregate $694 million charge for impairment and write-downWood Products business on goodwill and property, plant and equipment in 2008, a $92 million charge for impairment on property, plant and equipment in 2007 and $749 million charge for impairment on goodwill in 2006.June 30, 2010.

PAPERSPULP AND PAPER

 

 

Our Operations

We produce 4.3 million metric tons of hardwood, softwood and fluff pulp at 12 of our 13 mills. The majority of our pulp is consumed internally to manufacture paper and consumer products, with the balance being sold as market pulp. We also purchase papergrade pulp from third parties allowing us to optimize the logistics of our pulp capacity while reducing transportation costs.

We are the largest integrated manufacturermarketer and marketermanufacturer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity.America. We have 1110 pulp and paper mills in operation (nine(eight in the United States and two in Canada), with an annual paper production capacity of approximately 4.13.5 million tons of uncoated freesheet paper. In addition, we have an annual production capacity of 238,000 tons of coated groundwood at our Columbus paper mill. Approximately 83% of our paper production capacity is domestic and the remaining 17% is located in Canada. Our paper manufacturing operations are supported by 1615 converting and distribution operations including a network of 12 plants located offsite of our paper making operations. Also, we have forms manufacturing operations at three of theone offsite converting and distribution operations and two stand-alone forms manufacturing operations. Additional information regardingApproximately 78% of our Papers

paper production capacity is in the U.S., and the remaining 22% is located in Canada.

business is included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual report on Form 10-K, under the caption “Recent Developments.”

In addition, we manufacture and sellWe produce market pulp in excess of our internal requirements and we purchase papergrade pulp from third parties allowing us to optimize the logistics of our pulp capacity while reducing transportation costs. We have the capacity to sell approximately 1.6 million metric tonnes of pulp per year depending on market conditions. Approximately 42% of our trade pulp production capacity is domestic and the remaining 58% is located in Canada. Our net pulp position, the amount of pulp produced and sold net of purchases from third parties, was approximately 1.1 million metric tonnes in 2008. We produce market pulp at our three non-integrated pulp mills in Kamloops, WoodlandDryden, and Dryden,Plymouth as well as at our pulp and paper mills in Espanola, Ashdown, Hawesville, Windsor, Marlboro and Windsor.Nekoosa. We also produce fluffhave the capacity to sell approximately 1.7 million metric tons of pulp atper year depending on market conditions. Approximately 43% of our Plymouth milltrade pulp production capacity is in the U.S., and have pulping operationsthe remaining 57% is located in Prince Albert, which is not in operation.Canada.

The table below lists our operating pulp and paper mills and their annual production capacity.

 

     Saleable     Saleable 

Production Facility

  Fiberline Pulp Capacity  Paper Capacity  Trade Pulp (1) Fiberline Pulp Capacity Paper(1) Trade Pulp(2) 
  # lines  (‘000 ADMT)  # machines  (‘000 ST)  (‘000 ADMT) # lines (’000 ADMT) (4) # machines Category(3) (’000 ST) (’000 ADMT) (4) 

Uncoated freesheet

          Uncoated freesheet 

Ashdown, Arkansas

  3  810  4  933  86  3    747    3   Communication  703    129  

Windsor, Quebec

  1  454  2  670  33  1    447    2   Communication  646    54  

Hawesville, Kentucky

  1  455  2  634  47  1    430    2   Communication  578    100  

Kingsport, Tennessee

  1  272  1  425    1    276    1   Communication  416    —    

Marlboro, South Carolina

  1  356  1  391    1    325    1   Communication  351    46  

Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania

  1  231  2  374    1    238    2   Communication  369    —    

Plymouth, North Carolina

  2  486  1  199  153

Nekoosa, Wisconsin

  1  162  3  167    1    161    3   Specialty & Packaging  149    10  

Rothschild, Wisconsin

  1  60  1  147    1    66    1   Communication  138    —    

Port Huron, Michigan

  —    —    4  116    —      —      4   Specialty & Packaging  114    —    

Espanola, Ontario

  2  351  2  77  114  2    352    2   Specialty & Packaging  77    117  
                

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

Total uncoated freesheet

  14  3,637  23  4,133  433

Coated groundwood

          

Columbus, Mississippi

  1  70  1  238  —  
               

Total coated groundwood

  1  70  1  238  —  

Total Uncoated freesheet

  12    3,042    21     3,541    456  

Pulp

                

Kamloops, British Columbia

  2  477  —    —    477  2    475    —       —      470  

Woodland, Maine

  1  398  —    —    398

Dryden, Ontario

  1  319  —    —    319  1    328    —       —      322  

Plymouth, North Carolina

  2    438    —       —      436  
                

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

Total pulp

  4  1,194  —    —    1,194
               

Total Pulp

  5    1,241    —       —      1,228  

Total

  19  4,901  24  4,371  1,627  17    4,283    21     3,541    1,684  
               

Pulp purchases

          288       131  
                 

 

 

Net pulp

          1,339       1,553  
                 

 

 

 

(1)Paper capacity is based on an operating schedule of 360 days and the production at the winder.
(2)Estimated third-party shipments dependent upon market conditions.
(3)Represents the majority of the capacity at each of these facilities.
(4)ADMT refers to an air dry metric ton.

Our Raw Materials

The manufacturing of pulp and paper requires wood fiber, chemicals and energy. We discuss below these three major raw materials used in our manufacturing operations.operations below.

Wood Fiber

United States pulp and paper mills

The fiber used by our pulp and paper mills in the United States is primarily hardwood and secondarily softwood, both being readily available in the market from multiple third-party sources. The mills obtain fiber from a variety of sources, depending on their location. These sources include a combination of long-term supply contracts, wood lot management arrangements, advance stumpage purchases and spot market purchases.

Canadian pulp and paper mills

The fiber used at our Windsor pulp and paper mill is hardwood originating from a variety of sources, including purchases on the open market in Canada and the United States, contracts with Quebec wood producers’ marketing boards, public land where we have wood fiber harvesting rightssupply allocations and from Domtar’s private lands. OurThe softwood and hardwood fiber for our Espanola pulp and paper mill and the softwood fiber for our Dryden pulp mill, which consume both hardwood and softwood, obtain fiberis obtained from third parties, directly or indirectly from public lands, either through designated wood harvesting rightssupply allocations for the pulp mills or from our Ontario sawmills. Our Dryden pulp mill was converted to a softwood pulp mill in January 2009.mills. The fiber used at our Kamloops pulp mill is all softwood, originating mostly from third-party sawmilling operations in the southernsouthern-interior part of the British Columbia interior.Columbia.

Cutting rights on public lands related to our pulp and paper mills in Canada represent about 0.70.9 million cubic meters of softwood and 1.21.0 million cubic meters of hardwood, for a total of 1.9 million cubic meters of wood per year. Access to harvesting of fiber on public lands in Ontario and Quebec is subject to licenses and review by the respective governmental authorities.

During 2008,2011, the cost of wood fiber relating to our Papers businessPulp and Paper segment for our pulp and paper mills in the United States and in Canada, comprised approximately 21%20% of the aggregate amount oftotal consolidated cost of sales.

Chemicals

We use various chemical compounds in our pulp and paper manufacturing facilities that we purchase, primarily on a central basis, through contracts varying in general between one toand twelve years in length to ensure product availability. Most of the contracts have pricing that fluctuates based on prevailing market conditions. For pulp manufacturing, we use numerous chemicals including caustic soda, sodium chlorate, sulfuric acid, lime and peroxide. For paper manufacturing, we also use several chemical products including starch, precipitated calcium carbonate, optical brighteners, dyes and aluminum sulfate.

During 2008,2011, the cost of chemicals relating to our Papers businessPulp and Paper segment comprised approximately 12%13% of the aggregate amount oftotal consolidated cost of sales.

Energy

Our operations consume substantial amounts of fuel including natural gas, fuel oil, coal and hog fuelbiomass, as well as electricity. We purchase substantial portions of the fuel we consume under supply contracts. Under most of these contracts, suppliers are committed to provide quantities within pre-determined ranges that provide us with our needs for a particular type of fuel at a specific facility. Most of these contracts have pricing that fluctuates based on prevailing market conditions. Natural gas, fuel oil, coal and hog fuelbiomass are consumed primarily to produce steam that is used in the manufacturing process and, to a lesser extent, to provide direct heat to be used in the chemical recovery process. About 84%77% of the total energy required to produce steam, which is all produced internally through power and recovery boilers,manufacture our products comes from renewable fuels such as bark and spent cooking liquor. The remainder of the energy comes from purchased fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil and coal.

We own power generating assets, including steam turbines, at thirteen locations: Ashdown, Dryden, Espanola, Hawesville, Johnsonburg, Kamloops, Kingsport, Nekoosa, Plymouth, Port Huron, Rothschild, Windsorall of our integrated pulp and Woodland,paper mills, as well as hydro assets at fivefour locations: Espanola, Gatineau,Ottawa-Hull, Nekoosa Woodland and

Rothschild. Electricity is primarily used to drive motors and other equipment, as well as provide lighting. Approximately 66%68% of our electric power requirements are produced internally. We purchase the balance of our power requirements from local utilities.

During 2008,2011, energy costs relating to our Papers businessPulp and Paper segment comprised approximately 8%6% of the aggregate amounttotal consolidated cost of sales.

Our Transportation

Transportation of raw materials, wood fiber, chemicals and pulp to our mills is mostly done by rail although trucks are used in certain circumstances. We rely strictly on third parties for the transportation of our pulp and paper products between our mills, converting operations, distribution centers and customers. Our paper products are shipped mostly by truck, and logistics are managed centrally in collaboration with each location. Our pulp is either shipped by vessel, rail or truck. We work with all major railroads and truck companies in the U.S. and Canada. The length of our carrier contracts are generally from one to three years. We pay diesel fuel surcharges which vary depending on market conditions, but are mostly tied to the cost of diesel fuel.

During 2011, outbound transportation costs relating to our Pulp and Paper segment comprised approximately 11% of the total consolidated cost of sales.

Our Product Offering and Go-to-Market Strategy

Our uncoated freesheet papers are used for communication and coated groundwoodspecialty and converting applications. Communication papers are used forfurther categorized into business, commercial printing and publication, and converting and specialtypublishing applications.

Business papers include copy and electronic imaging papers, which are used with ink jet and laser printers, photocopiers and plain-paper fax machines, as well as computer papers, preprinted forms and digital papers. These products are primarily for office and home use. Business papers accounted for approximately 44%45% of our shipments of paper products in 2008.2011.

Ourcommercial printing and publicationpublishing papers include uncoated freesheet papers, such as offset papers and opaques and coated groundwood.opaques. These uncoated freesheet grades are used in sheet and roll fed offset presses across the spectrum of commercial printing end-uses, including digital printing. Our publicationpublishing papers include tradebook and lightweight uncoated papers used primarily in book publishing applications such as textbooks, dictionaries, catalogs, magazines, hard cover novels and financial documents. Design papers, a sub-group of commercial printing and publicationpublishing papers, have distinct features of color, brightness and texture and are targeted towards graphic artists, design and advertising agencies, primarily for special brochures and annual reports. Coated groundwood papers are used primarily in magazines, catalogs and inserts. Commercial printing and publication papers accounted for approximately 31% of our shipments of paperThese products in 2008.

We also produce paper for several converting and specialty markets. These converting and specialty papers consist primarily ofinclude base papers that are converted into finished products, such as envelopes, tablets, business forms and data processing/computer formsforms. Commercial printing and publishing papers accounted for approximately 43% of our shipments of paper products in 2011.

We also produce paper for severalspecialty and packaging markets. Products consist primarily of base stock used by the flexible packaging industry in the production of food and medical packaging and other specialty papers for various other industrial applications, including base stock for sandpaper, base stock for medical gowns, drapes and packaging, as well as transfer paper for printing processes. We also participate in several converting gradesmanufacture products for specialty and security applications. These convertingspecialty and specialtypackaging papers accounted for approximately 25%12% of our shipments of paper products in 2008.2011. These grades of papers require a certain amount of innovation and agility in the manufacturing system.

The chart below illustrates our main paper products and their applications.

 

Communication Papers

Specialty and Converting Papers

Category

 

Business Papers

 

Commercial Printing and Publication
Publishing Papers

 

Converting and
Specialty Papers

Type

 

Uncoated Freesheet

Coated
Groundwood

 

Uncoated Freesheet

Grade

 Copy Premium imaging /  technology

Technology papers

 

Offset


Colors

Index

Tag

Bristol

 

Opaques

Premium opaques

Text, cover  and writing

Lightweight

Tradebook

 

No.4

No.5

Business converting

FlexibleFood packaging

Abrasive papersBag stock

DecorativeSecurity papers

Imaging papers

Label papers

Medical disposables

Application

 Photocopies

PhotocopiesOffice
documents

Office

 documents Presentations

 Presentations

Reports

 Commercial

Commercial    printing

Direct mail

Pamphlets

Brochures

Cards

Posters

 

Stationery

Brochures

Annual reports

Books

Catalogs, Forms & Envelopes

 

Catalogs

Magazines

Direct mail

Cards

Posters

Packaging

Forms & envelopes

Food & candy wrappingspackaging

Fast food takeout bag stock

Check and security papers

Surgical gowns

Repositionable note pads

Security check papers

Our customer service personnel work closely with sales, marketing and production staff to provide service and support to merchants, converters, end-users, stationers, printers and retailers. We promote our products directly to end-users and others who influence paper purchasing decisions in order to enhance brand recognition and increase product demand. In addition, our sales representatives work closely with mill-based new product development personnel and undertake joint marketing initiatives with customers in order to better understand their businesses and needs and to support their future requirements.

We sell business papers primarily to paper stationers, merchants, office equipment manufacturers stationers and retail outlets. We distribute uncoated commercial printing and publicationpublishing papers to end-users and commercial printers, mainly through paper merchants, as well as selling directly to converters. We sell our convertingspecialty and specialtypackaging products mainly to converters, who apply a further production process such as coating, laminating, folding or waxing to our papers before selling them to a variety of specialized end-users. We distributed approximately 42%34% of our paper products in 20082011 through a large network of paper merchants operating throughout North America, one of which we own (see “—Paper Merchants”“Distribution”). Paper merchants,Distributors, who sell our products to their own customers, representrepresents our largest group of customers. Our ten largest paper customers represented approximately 49%

The chart below illustrates our channels of our 2008 Paper business sales or 42% of our total sales in 2008. In 2008, none of our customers represented more than 10% of our total sales. The majority of our customers purchase products through individual purchase orders. In 2008, approximately 81% ofdistribution for our paper sales were domestic, 8% were in Canada, and 11% were in other countries.products.

Communication PapersSpecialty and
Converting Papers

Category

Business PapersCommercial Printing and
Publishing Papers

Domtar sells to:

Merchants

i

Office
Equipment
Manufacturers
/Stationers

i

Retailers

i

Merchants

i

Converters

i

End-UsersConverters

i

Customer sells to:

Printers/

Retailers/

End-users

Retailers/

Stationers/

End-users

Printers/

End-users

Printers/

Converters/

End-users

Merchants/

Retailers

End-users

We sell market pulp to customers in North America mainly through a North American sales force while sales to most overseas customers are made directly or through commission agents. We maintain pulp supplies at strategically located warehouses, which allow us to respond to orders on short notice. In 2008,2011, approximately 35%31% of our sales of market pulp were domestic, 5%12% were in Canada and 60%57% were overseas.in other countries.

Our ten largest customers represented approximately 47% of our 2011 Pulp and Paper segment sales or 40% of our total sales in 2011. In 2011, Staples, one of our customers of our Pulp and Paper segment represented approximately 10% of our total sales. The chart below illustratesmajority of our channelscustomers purchase products through individual purchase orders. In 2011, approximately 77% of distribution for our paper products.Pulp and Paper segment sales were domestic, 10% were in Canada, and 13% were in other countries.

Category

Business Papers

Commercial Printing and

Publication Papers

Converting
and
Specialty
Papers

Domtar sells to:

Merchants

i

Office Equipment Manufacturers / Stationers

i

Retailers

i

Merchants

i

Converters

i

End-Users

Converters

i

Customer sells to:

Printers /

Retailers /

End-users

Retailers /

Stationers /

End-users

Printers /

End-users

Printers /

Converters /

End-users

Merchants /

Retailers

End-users

PAPER MERCHANTSDISTRIBUTION

 

 

Our Operations

Our Paper MerchantsDistribution business involves the purchasing, warehousing, sale and distribution of our various products and those of other manufacturers. ProductsThese products include business, printing and publishing papers and certain industrial products. These products are sold to a wide and diverse customer base, which includes small, medium and large commercial printers, publishers, quick copy firms, catalog and retail companies and institutional entities.

Our Paper Merchants operateDistribution business operates in the United States and Canada under a single banner and umbrella name, the Domtar Distribution Group. Ris PaperAriva. Ariva operates throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest areas from 1917 locations in the United States, including 1613 distribution centers serving customers in over 18 states.across North America. The

Canadian business operates as Buntin Reid in threetwo locations in Ontario; JBR/La Maison du PapierOntario, in two locations in Quebec; and The Paper House from two locations in Atlantic Canada.

Sales are executed by our sales force, based at branches strategically located in served markets. We distribute about 50%51% of our paper sales from our own warehouse distribution system and about 50%49% of our paper sales through mill-direct deliveries (i.e., deliveries directly from manufacturers, including ourselves, to our customers).

The table below lists all of our Domtar Distribution GroupAriva locations.

 

RIS Paper

Buntin Reid

JBR/La Maison
du Papier
The Paper House

Eastern Region

  

MidWest Region

  

Ontario, Canada

  Quebec, Canada  Atlantic Canada

Albany, New York

  Buffalo, New YorkCincinnati, Ohio  London,Ottawa, Ontario  Montreal, Quebec  Halifax, Nova Scotia

Boston, Massachusetts

  Cincinnati,Cleveland, Ohio  Ottawa,Toronto, Ontario  Quebec City, Quebec  Mount Pearl, Newfoundland

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

  Cincinnati,Columbus, Ohio (I.T.)

Cleveland, Ohio

  Toronto, Ontario    

Hartford, Connecticut

  Columbus, OhioCovington, Kentucky      

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

  Covington, KentuckyDayton, Ohio      

New York, New York

  Dayton, OhioDallas/Forth Worth, Texas      

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  Dallas/Forth Worth, Texas

Fort Wayne, Indiana

      

Southport, Connecticut

  Indianapolis, Indiana      

Washington, DC / Baltimore, Maryland

        

Our Raw Materials

The distributionDistribution business sells annually approximately 0.80.6 million tons of paper, forms and industrial/packaging products from over 60 suppliers located around the world. Domtar products represent approximately 35%30% of the total.

Our Product Offering and Go-to-Market Strategy

Our product offerings address a broad range of printing, publishing, imaging, advertising, consumer and industrial needs and are comprised of uncoated, coated and specialized papers and industrial products. Our go-to-market strategy is to serve numerous segments of the commercial printing, publishing, retail, wholesale, catalog and industrial markets with logistics and services tailored to the needs of our customers. In 2008,2011, approximately 68%63% of our sales were made in the United States and 32%37% were made in Canada.

WOODPERSONAL CARE

 

 

Our Operations

Our WoodPersonal Care business comprises the manufacturing, marketingsells and distribution of lumber and wood-based value-addedmanufactures adult incontinence products and distributes disposable washcloths marketed primarily under the managementAttends® brand name. We are one of forest resources.the leading suppliers of adult incontinence products sold into North American hospitals (acute care) and nursing homes (long-term care) and we have a growing presence in the domestic homecare and retail channels. We operate seven sawmillsnine different production lines to manufacture our products, with a production capacityall nine lines having the ability to produce multiple items within each category.

Attends operates out of approximately 855 million board feet of lumber and one remanufacturing facility. In addition, we own two sawmills that are currently not in operation but have an aggregate production capacity of approximately 360 million board feet of lumber. We also have investments in three companies, one of which is not in operation. We seek to optimize the 31 million acres of forestland we directly license or own in theSoutheastern United States and Canada through efficient management and the application of certified sustainable forest management practices to help ensure that a continuous supply of wood is available for future needs.from one location in Greenville, North Carolina.

The table below lists all of our sawmills and their annual production capacity.

Production facilities

ProvinceAnnual Wood Capacity
(MFBM)

Operating sawmills:

Ear Falls

Ontario190

Val d’Or

Quebec160

Timmins

Ontario140

Nairn Centre

Ontario130

Matagami

Quebec100

Ste-Marie

Quebec70

Gogama

Ontario65

Total capacity of operating sawmills

855

Remanufacturing facility:

Sullivan

Quebec75

Non-operating sawmills:

Big River

Saskatchewan250

White River

Ontario110

Total capacity of non-operating sawmills

360

The following table lists our investments.

Investments

ProvinceOwnership

Elk Lake

Ontario66%

Wapawekka1

Saskatchewan51%

Anthony Domtar

Ontario50%

1Not in operation

Our Raw Materials

Wood Fiber

Fiber costs, net of revenues from wood chip sales, represent approximately 42% of our total manufacturing costsThe primary raw materials used in our Wood business, or approximately 1% of the aggregate amount of cost of sales. In Quebec, our annual allowable softwood harvesting amounts to approximately 1.0 million cubic metersmanufacturing process are nonwovens, pulp, super absorbent polymers, polypropylene film, elastics, adhesives and is granted by the Ministry of Natural Resources (Quebec). We obtain most of the wood fiber required for our northern Quebec sawmilling operations either directly or indirectly from these harvesting rights. Additional information regarding wood fiber availability in Quebec is included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the caption “Fiber Supply.”

In Ontario, our annual allowable softwood harvesting on public lands amounts to approximately 2.8 million cubic meters pursuant to Sustainable Forest Licenses that have been granted by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. We obtain most of the wood fiber required for our northern Ontario sawmilling operations either directly or indirectly from these harvesting rights. The remaining required fiber is either harvested from our private lands, or purchased under various contractual arrangements and on the open market.

All wood fiber received by Domtar mills must conform to Domtar’s Fiber Use and Sourcing Policy, which forbids the inclusion of fiber that is illegally harvested, derived from improperly managed High Conservation Value Forests, or is genetically engineered. Further, 55% of Domtar’s Ontario and Quebec timber supply area is currently third-party certified, with 45% of the total supply area certified to the Forestry Stewardship Council (“FSC”) standards. Domtar’s goal is to reach 100% certification of all lands under its control by the FSC, and to have all of its wood suppliers conform to the FSC Controlled Wood Standard.

Energy

Our wood operations require the use of two types of energy: electric energy is used to operate our manufacturing machinery and fossil fuel is used for the drying of wood. The type of fossil fuel used to dry the wood varies among our sawmills and depends on the technology available. Some of our assets operate with energy produced with biomass through residual products such as bark, sawdust and shavings. The use of our own biomass in the production of energy results in lower energy costs. In other sawmills, we use fuel oil, natural gas and propane.packaging materials.

Our Product Offering and Go-to-Market Strategy

We produce primarily dimensional lumber usedOur products, which include branded and private label briefs, protective underwear, underpads, pads and washcloths, are available in the construction industry and our offerings include a variety of grades of kiln-dried softwood lumber, produced mainly from black spruce and jack pine which are known for their strength, stability, light weight and good workability. Most of our production capacity is used to produce studs and random length lumber in dimensions of 2 inches by 3 inches through 2 inches by 10 inches in lengths of 8 feet to 16 feet. We also manufacture quality #1 and #2 wood, utility quality #3 wood, economic woodsizes, as well as “rough” wood that we sell greenwith differing performance levels and dried. We also manufacture a wide variety of value-added products including MSR 2100, MSR 1650, Premium, Select and Mid-line.product attributes.

We sell substantially allserve four channels: acute care, long-term care, homecare, and retail. Through the utilization of our softwood lumber through our sales office in Montreal to a wide range of retailers, distributors, manufacturersflexible production platform, manufacturing expertise and wholesalers in the United States and Canada who sell to end-users. These wood products are consumed in the home construction, renovation and industrial markets. Our marketing efforts for lumber products are focused on providing our customers with efficient value-added supply chain integration, in ordermanagement, we are able to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction and a balanced and diversified customer base for our products. In 2008, approximately 59% of our lumber sales were made in the United States and 41% were made in Canada.

Our ten biggest customers represented approximately 39% of our Wood business sales in 2008. None of these customers represented 10% or more of our total sales in 2008.

OUR COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS

We believe that our competitive strengths provide a solid foundation for the executioncomplete and high-quality line of our business strategy:

Leading market position. We are the largest integrated manufacturerbranded and marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity. This leading market position provides us with key competitive advantages, including economies of scale, wider sales and marketing coverage and a broad product offering, such as business, printing and publishing and converting and specialty paper grades.

Efficient and cost-competitive assets. Our papers business is comprised of a mix of assets which allow us to be a low-cost producer of high volume papers and an efficient producer of value-added specialty papers. Our six largest mills focus on production of high volume copy and offset papers while the others focus on the production of value-added paperunbranded products where quality, flexibility and service are key determinants. Most of our paper production is at mills with integrated pulp production and cogeneration facilities, reducing their exposure to price volatility for purchased pulp and energy.

Proximity to customers. We have a broad distribution and manufacturing footprint completed by converting and distribution operations located across North America. This proximityreliably to customers provides opportunities for enhanced customer service and the minimization of freight distance, response time and delivery cost, which constitute key competitive advantages, particularly in the high volume copy and offset paper grades market segment. Customer proximity also allows for just-in-time delivery of high demand paper products in less than 48 hours to most major North American cities.

Strong franchise with attractive service solutions. We sell paper to multiple market segments through a variety of channels, including paper merchants, converters, retail companies and publishers throughout North America. In addition, we maintain a strong market presence through our ownership of the Domtar Distribution Group. We will build on those positions by maximizing our strengths with centralized planning capability and supply-chain management solutions.

High quality products with strong brand recognition. We enjoy a strong reputation for producing high quality paper products and market some of the most recognized and preferred papers in North America, including a wide range of business and commercial printing paper brands, such as Cougar®, Lynx® Opaque, Husky® Offset, First Choice®, and Domtar EarthChoice® Office Paper, part of a family of environmentally and socially responsible paper.

Experienced management team with proven integration expertise. Our management team has significant experience and a record of success in the North American paper industry, including with respect to business integration issues. To support the management team, we believe our employees’ expertise and know-how help create operational efficiencies and enable us to deliver improved profitability from our manufacturing operations.across all channels.

OUR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND FINANCIAL PRIORITIES

Our goal isAs a leading innovative fiber-based technology company, we strive to be the supplier of choice for our customers, to be a core investment for our shareholders and to be recognized as the supplier of choice of branded and private branded paper products for consumer channels, stationers, merchants, printers and convertersan industry leader in North America.sustainability. We have implementedthree unwavering business objectives: (1) to grow and find ways to become less vulnerable to the secular decline in communication paper demand, (2) to reduce volatility in our earnings profile by increasing the visibility and predictability of our cash flows, and (3) to create value over time by ensuring that we maximize the strategic and operational use of our capital.

To achieve these goals, we have established the following business strategiesstrategies:

Perform:Drive performance in ordereverything we do focusing on customers, costs and cash. We are determined to enhanceoperate our assets efficiently and to ensure we balance our production with our customer demand in papers. To generate free cash flow, we are focused on assigning our capital expenditures effectively and generate shareholder value:minimizing working capital requirements. We apply prudent financial management policies to retain the flexibility needed to successfully execute on our strategic roadmap.

build customer loyaltyGrow:To counteract the secular demand decline in our communication paper products and balance supplysustain the success of our company, we believe that we must leverage our core competencies and expertise as operators of large scale operations in fiber sourcing and in the marketing, manufacturing and distribution of fiber-based products. We are focused on optimizing and expanding our operations in markets with demand;

increase depthpositive demand dynamics through the repurposing of product offerings includingassets, through investments to organically grow or through strategic acquisitions.

Break Out: Through agility and innovation, move from a paper to a fiber-centric organization by seeking opportunities to break out from traditional pulp and paper making. We continue to explore opportunities to invest in innovative fiber-based technologies to bring our offeringbusiness in new directions and leverage our expertise and our assets to extract the maximum value for the wood fiber we consume in our operations.

Grow our line of environmentally and ethically responsible line of papers;

focus on free cash flow generation and maintain financial discipline; and

conduct operations in a sustainable way.

Build customer loyalty and balance our production with our customers’ demand. We are building on the successful relationships that we have developed with key customers to support their businesses and to provide inventory reduction solutions through just-in-time delivery for the most-demanded products. We believe that we are a supplier of choice for customers who seek competitively-priced paper products and services.

Increase depth of product offering including our offering of environmentally and ethically responsible line of papers.products: We believe that we are delivering improvedbest-in-class service to customers through increased deptha broad range of product offerings and greater access to volume. We believe thecertified products. The development of EarthChoice®, our line of environmentally and socially responsible paper, is providing a platform upon which to expand our offeringsoffering to customers. The EarthChoice® line of papers, aThis product line endorsed andis supported by leading environmental groups and offers customers the solutions and peace of mind through the use of a combination of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)FSC® virgin fiber and recycled fiber. FSC is the certification recognized by environmental groups as the most stringent and is third-party audited.

Focus on free cash flow generationOperate in a responsible way:We try to make a positive difference every day by pursuing sustainable growth, valuing relationships, and maintain financial discipline.We believe that value creation is achieved by operating our assets efficiently and reducing manufacturing costs whileresponsibly managing our capital expenditures effectivelyresources. We care for our customers, end-users and minimizing working capital requirements to generate free cash flow by reducing discretionary spending, reviewing procurement costs and pursuing the balancing of production and inventory control.

Conduct operations in a sustainable way. Customers and end-users as well as all stakeholders in the communities where we operate, seekall seeking assurances from the pulp and paper industry that resources are managed in a sustainable manner. We strive to provide these assurances by certifying our distribution and manufacturing operations and measuring our performance against internationally recognized benchmarks. We are committed to the responsible use of forest manufacturing and

distributionresources across our operations and we intendare enrolled in programs and initiatives to subscribeencourage landowners engage towards certification to internationally recognized environmental management systems, namely ISO 14001.improve their market access and increase their revenue opportunities.

OUR COMPETITION

The markets in which our businesses operate are highly competitive with well-established domestic and foreign manufacturers.

In the Paperspaper business, our paper production does not rely on proprietary processes or formulas, except in highly specialized papers or customized products. In order to gain market share in uncoated freesheet, we compete primarily on the basis of product quality, breadth of offering, service solutions and competitively priced paper products. We seek product differentiation through an extensive offering of high quality FSC-certified paper products. While we have a leading position in the North American uncoated freesheet market, we also compete with other paper grades, including coated freesheet, and uncoated groundwood, and with electronic transmission and document storage alternatives. As the use of these alternative products continues to grow, we continue to see a decrease in the overall demand for paper products or shifts from one type of paper to another. All of our pulp and paper manufacturing facilities are located in the United States or in Canada where we sell 89%86% of our papers.products. The five largest manufacturers of uncoated freesheet papers in North America represent approximately 81%80% of the total production capacity. On a global basis, there are hundreds of manufacturers that produce and sell uncoated freesheet papers, ten of which have an annual production capacity of over 1 million tons.papers. The level of competitive pressures from foreign producers in the North American market is highly dependent upon exchange rates, including the rate between the U.S. dollar and the Euro.Euro as well as the U.S. dollar and the Brazilian real.

The market pulp we sell is either hardwoodfluff, softwood or softwood and, to a lesser extent, fluffhardwood pulp. The pulp market is highly fragmented with many manufacturers competing worldwide, some of whom have lower operating costs than we do.worldwide. Competition is primarily on the basis of access to low-cost wood fiber, product quality and prices.competitively priced pulp products. The fluff pulp we sell is used in absorbent products, incontinence products, diapers and feminine hygiene products. The softwood and hardwood pulp we sell is primarily slow growth northern bleached hardwoodsoftwood and softwoodhardwood kraft, and we produce specialty engineered pulp grades with a pre-determined mix of wood species that go into the makingspecies. Our hardwood and softwood pulps are sold

to “non-paper grade” customers who make a variety of all kinds of papers, from business toproducts for specialty papers.paper, packaging, tissue and industrial applications, and customers who make printing and writing grades. We also seek product differentiation through the certification of our pulp mills to the FSC chain-of-custody standard and the procurement of FSC-certified virgin fiber. All of our market pulp production capacity is located in the United States or in Canada, and we sell 60%53% of our pulp overseas.to other countries.

In Wood, we sell primarily kiln-dried softwood lumberthe adult incontinence segment, there are high barriers to entry and other value added products. We are the 10th largest producertop 5 manufacturers supply approximately 90% of lumberthe North American market share and have done so for at least the last 10 years.

Competition is along the line of four major product categories – briefs, protective underwear, underpads, and pads with customers split between retail and institutional channels. The retail channel has the majority of sales concentrated in drug stores and mass marketers. The institutional channel includes extended care (long term care and homecare) and acute care facilities.

In North America, an estimated $2.7 billion was spent on Adult Incontinence products in 2010 with the spending estimates of $2.83 billion in 2011. Globally, sales of Adult Incontinence products were estimated to be $8.7 billion in 2010 and are estimated to be $9.3 billion in 2011. Our estimated North American market share, based on production capacity, with a production capacity of 1.3 MFBMthe 2011 sales, was between 5% and our competitors include other major lumber producers, most of which are located15% in Eastern Canada. Competition is primarily on the basis of access to low-cost fiber, service and prices. All of our lumber production capacity is located in Canada and we sell 59% of our lumber to the United States. As a result, we have exposure to currency fluctuations and are potentially subject to softwood lumber export taxes.various channels.

OUR EMPLOYEES

We have approximately 11,000over 8,700 employees, of which approximately 61%66% are employed in the United States and 39%34% in Canada. Approximately 65%57% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements, generally on a facility-by-facility basis, certain of which expired in 2011 and some will expire between 20092012 and 2013.2015.

During 2008, we signed a four yearA new umbrella agreement with the United Steelworkers Union (“USW”), expiring in 2015, affecting approximately 4,0002,900 employees at oureight U.S. locations.mills and one converting operation was ratified effective December 1, 2011. This agreement only covers certain economic elements, and all other contract issues will beare negotiated at each operating location, as the related collective bargaining agreements become subject to renewal. The parties have agreed not to strike or lock-out during the terms of the respective local agreements.

Should the parties fail to reach an agreement during the local negotiations, the related collective bargaining agreements are automatically renewed for another four years.

In Canada, the collective agreement expired in 2010 at our Windsor facility in Quebec, Canada, with the Confederation of National Trade Unions (“CNTU”). A new agreement was ratified in mid-November 2011. At the Espanola Mill facility, agreements have been reached with the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (“CEP”), locals 74 and 156 and with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (“IBEW”). Agreements that expired in 2009 at our Dryden facilities in Canada are being negotiated with the CEP and are on-going. These Canadian collective agreements are unrelated to the umbrella agreement with the USW covering our U.S. locations.

OUR APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY

Domtar delivers a higher, lasting value to our customers, employees, shareholders and communities by viewing our business decisions within the larger context of sustainability. As a renewable fiber-based company, we take the long-term view on managing natural resources for the future. We adopted our Statement on Sustainable Growthprize efficiency in everything we do. We strive to govern our pathway to sustainability, from excellence in corporateminimize waste and encourage recycling. We have the highest standards for ethical standards to product stewardship. Consistently with our Statement, we define our actions under our Code of Ethics, policies addressingconduct, for caring about the health and safety environment, forestryof each other, and for maintaining the environmental quality in the communities where we live and work. We value the partnerships we have formed with non-governmental organizations and believe they make us a better company, even if we do not always agree on every issue. We pay attention to being agile to respond to new opportunities, and we are focused in order to turn innovation into value creation. By embracing sustainability as our operating philosophy, we seek to internalize the fact that the choices

we have and the impact of the decisions we make on our stakeholders are all interconnected. Further, we believe that our business and the people and communities who depend upon us are better served as we weave this focus on sustainability into the things we do.

Domtar effects this commitment to sustainability at every level and every location across the company. With the support of the Board of Directors, our Management Committee empowers senior managers from manufacturing, technology, finance, sales and marketing and corporate staff functions to regularly come together and establish key sustainability performance metrics, and to routinely assess and report on progress. In 2011, Domtar decided to establish a new, vice-president position to help lead this effort, allowing the company’s organizational structure to better reflect the priority focus the company places on sustainable performance. At the same time, recognizing that the promise of sustainability is only achieved if it is woven into the fiber procurementof an organization, Domtar is committed to establishing EarthChoice Ambassadors – sustainability leaders and others.advocates – in every one of the company’s locations. We believe that weaving sustainability into our business positions Domtar for the future.

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

Our business is subject to a wide range of general and industry-specific laws and regulations in the United States and Canada relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing harvesting, air emissions, climate change, waste water discharges, the storage, management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, contaminated sites, landfill operation and closure obligations and health and safety matters. Compliance with these laws and regulations is a significant factor in the operation of our business. We may encounter situations in which our operations fail to maintain full compliance with applicable environmental requirements, possibly leading to civil or criminal fines, penalties or enforcement actions, including those that could result in governmental or judicial orders that stop or interrupt our operations or require us to take corrective measures at substantial costs, such as the installation of additional pollution control equipment or other remedial actions.

Compliance with U.S. federal, state and local and Canadian federal and provincial environmental laws and regulations involves capital expenditures as well as additional operating costs. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has promulgatedwill be promulgating regulations dealing withaddressing the emissions of hazardous air emissionspollutants from all industrial boilers, including those present at pulp and paper mills, including regulations on hazardous air pollutants thatwhich will require the use of maximum achievable control technology and controls for pollutants that contribute to smog and haze.technology. Additional information regarding environmental matters is included in Part I, Item 3, Legal Proceedings, under the caption “Climate change regulation” and in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the section of Critical accounting policies, caption “Environmental matters and other asset retirement obligations.”

OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Many of our brand name paper products are protected by registered trademarks. Our key trademarks include Attends®, Cougar®, Lynx® Opaque Ultra, Husky® Opaque Offset, First Choice®and, Domtar EarthChoice® and Ariva®. These brand names and trademarks are important to the business. Our numerous trademarks have been registered in the United States and/or in other countries where our products are sold. The current registrations of these trademarks are effective for various periods of time. These trademarks may be renewed periodically, provided that we, as the registered owner, and/or licenseeslicensee comply with all applicable renewal requirements, including the continued use of the trademarks in connection with similar goods.

We own U.S. and foreign patents, some of which have expired or been abandoned, and have several pending patent applications. Our management regards these patents and patent applications as important but does not consider any single patent or group of patents to be materially important to our business as a whole.

In connection with the Transaction, we entered into a contribution and distribution agreement with Weyerhaeuser and Domtar Paper Company, LLC, dated as of January 25, 2007 (as amended from time to time, the “Contribution and Distribution Agreement”). Under the terms of the Contribution and Distribution Agreement and the intellectual property license agreement, we received a fully paid-up, royalty free, non-exclusive license to use certain intellectual property and technology that is retained by Weyerhaeuser.

INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we incorporate by reference certain information contained in other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and we refer you to such information. We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100F Street, NE, Washington DC, 20549.

You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains our quarterly and current reports, proxy and information statements, and other information we file electronically with the SEC. You may also access, free of charge, our reports filed with the SEC through our website. Reports filed or furnished to the SEC will be available through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed or furnished to the SEC. The information contained on our website, www.domtar.com, is not, and should in no way be construed as, a part of this or any other report that we filed with or furnished to the SEC.

OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

John D. Williams,age 54,57, has been president, chief executive officer and a director of the Company since January 1, 2009. Previously, Mr. Williams served as president of SCA Packaging Europe between 2005 and 2008. Prior to assuming his leadership position with SCA Packaging Europe, Mr. Williams held increasingly senior management and operational roles in the packaging business and related industries.

Raymond RoyerMelissa Anderson, age 70, retired as president and chief executive officer of47, is the Company, effective December 31, 2008. He continues as a directorsenior vice-president, human resources of the Company. Mr. Royer was president and chief executive officer ofMs. Anderson joined Domtar Inc. since joining Domtar Inc. in 1996. He is also a director of Power Financial Corporation. Mr. Royer is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Commander of the Order of Léopold II of Belgium and an Officer of the Ordre national du Quebec.

Marvin D. Cooper, age 65, has been executive vice-president and chief operating officer of the Company since March 2007. Mr. CooperJanuary 2010. Previously, she was senior vice-president, cellulose fiber, white papershuman resources and containerboard manufacturing and engineering of Weyerhaeuser from 2002 to 2006 when he stepped down to work full-time ongovernment relations, at The Pantry, Inc., an independently operated convenience store chain in the Transaction.southeastern United States. Prior to joining Weyerhaeuser in 2002, hethis, she held a number of executivesenior management positions with Willamette Industries, Inc., including executive vice-president, pulp and paper mills from 1998 to 2002. His career inInternational Business Machine (“IBM”) over the pulp and paper industry spans over 37span of 18 years.

Daniel Buron, age 45,48, is the senior vice-president and chief financial officer of the Company. Mr. Buron was senior vice-president and chief financial officer of Domtar Inc. since May 2004. He joined Domtar Inc. in 1999. Prior to May 2004, he was vice-president, finance, pulp and paper sales division and, prior to September 2002, he was vice-president and controller. He has over 2023 years of experience in finance.

Steven A. Barker, age 55, is the senior vice-president, pulp and paper marketing of the Company. Mr. Barker was senior vice-president pulp and paper sales and marketing of Domtar Inc. since December 2004. He joined Domtar Inc. in 2000 following the acquisition of Ris Paper Company, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Domtar Inc. since 2000) where he held a number of executive positions. His career in the paper industry spans over 26 years.

Michel Dagenais, age 59, is the senior vice-president, human resources of the Company. Mr. Dagenais was vice-president, human resources of Domtar Inc. since 2005. Previously, he was director, human resources of the Forest Products Group since joining Domtar Inc. in 2001. During his career that spans over 37 years, he has held various management and consulting positions in human resources and labor relations.

Michael Edwards, age 61,64, is the group senior vice-president, pulp and paper manufacturing of the Company. Mr. Edwards was vice-president, fine paper manufacturing of Weyerhaeuser since 2002. Since joining Weyerhaeuser in 1994, he has held various management positions in the pulp and paper operations. Prior to Weyerhaeuser, Mr. Edwards worked at Domtar Inc. for 11 years. His career in the pulp and paper industry spans over 4548 years.

Zygmunt Jablonski, age 55,58, is the senior vice-president, law and general counselcorporate affairs of the Company. Mr. Jablonski joined Domtar in 2008, after serving in various in-house counsel positions for major manufacturing and distribution companies in the paper industry for 13 years—most recently, as executive vice-president, general counsel and secretary.years. From 1985 to 1994, he practiced law in Washington, DC.

James F. Lenhoff,Mark Ushpol, age 58,48, is the senior vice-president, Distributiondistribution of the Company. Mr. Lenhoff was the senior vice-president, Domtar Distribution Group of Domtar Inc. since 2004. HeUshpol joined Domtar Inc. in 2000 following the acquisitionJanuary 2010. Previously, he was sales and marketing director of RisMondi Europe & International Uncoated Fine Paper, Company Inc. where he was vice-president,in charge of global uncoated fine paper sales. He has over 22 years of experience in senior marketing and sales and marketing. His careermanagement with the last 15 years in the pulp and paper sector. Prior to that, he was involved in the plastics industry spans over 27in South Africa for 8 years.

Patrick Loulou, age 40,43, is the senior vice-president, corporate development since he joined the Company in March 2007. Previously, he held a number of positions in the telecommunications sector as well as in management consulting. He has over 1113 years of experience in corporate strategy and business development.

Jean-François Mérette,Richard L. Thomas, age 42,58, is the senior vice-president, forest products of the Company. Mr. Mérette was the vice-president, sawmills since he joined Domtar Inc. in 2005. Previously, he has held various management positions with a major forest products company. His career in the forest products industry spans over 17 years.

Yves L. Parent, age 55, is the senior vice-president, information technology of the Company since March 2007. He joined Domtar Inc. in 2005 as vice-president, information technology. He has over 26 years of experience in IT management, including 16 years in the pulpsales and paper industry and 10 years as senior director, IT in an international manufacturing organization.

Gilles Pharand, age 64, is the senior vice-president, corporate affairs of the Company. Mr. Pharand joined Domtar Inc. in 1970 and has been senior vice-president, corporate affairs since 1994, responsible for communications, government relations, internal audit and head office operations. He was also general counsel from 1986 through 2008, responsible for secretariat, legal and environmental affairs. His career in the pulp and paper industry spans over 38 years.

Richard L. Thomas, age 55, is the senior vice-president, salesmarketing of the Company. Mr. Thomas was vice-president of fine papers of Weyerhaeuser since 2005. Prior to 2005, he was vice-president, business

papers of Weyerhaeuser. Mr. Thomas joined Weyerhaeuser in 2002 when Willamette Industries, Inc. was acquired by Weyerhaeuser. At Willamette, he held various management positions in operations since joining in 1992. Previously, he was with Champion International Corporation for 12 years.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements relating to trends in, or representing management’s beliefs about, Domtar Corporation’s future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. These forward-looking statements are generally denoted by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “aim,” “target,” “plan,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “should” and similar expressions. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any occurs, what effect they will have on Domtar Corporation’s results of operations or financial condition. These factors include, but are not limited to:

 

conditions in the global capital and credit markets, and the economy generally, particularly in the U.S. and Canada;

 

market demand for Domtar Corporation’scontinued decline in usage of fine paper products which may be tiedin our core North American market;

our ability to the relative strength of various U.S. and/or Canadianimplement our business segments;diversification initiatives, including strategic acquisitions;

 

product selling prices;

 

raw material prices, including wood fiber, chemical and energy;

 

performance of Domtar Corporation’s manufacturing operations, including unexpected maintenance requirements;

 

the level of competition from domestic and foreign producers;

 

the effect of, or change in, forestry, land use, environmental and other governmental regulations (including tax), and accounting regulations;

 

the effect of weather and the risk of loss from fires, floods, windstorms, hurricanes and other natural disasters;

 

transportation costs;

 

the loss of current customers or the inability to obtain new customers;

 

legal proceedings;

 

changes in asset valuations, including write downs of property, plant and equipment, inventory, accounts receivable or other assets for impairment or other reasons;

 

changes in currency exchange rates, particularly the relative value of the U.S. dollar to the Canadian dollar;

 

the effect of timing of retirements and changes in the market price of Domtar Corporation’s common stock on charges for stock-based compensation;

 

performance of pension fund investments and related derivatives;derivatives, if any; and

 

the other factors described under “Risk Factors,” in itemPart I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, when evaluating the information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Unless specifically required by law, Domtar Corporation assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to the other information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of the following risks relate principally to the Company’s business and the industry in which it operates, while others relate principally to the Transaction.

RISKS RELATING TO THE INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES OF THE COMPANY

Some of the Company’s products are vulnerable to long-term declines in demand due to competing technologies or materials.

The Company’s paper business competes with electronic transmission and document storage alternatives, as well as with paper grades it does not produce, such as uncoated groundwood. As a result of such competition, the Company is experiencing on-going decreasing demand for most of its existing paper products. As the use of these alternatives grows, demand for paper products is likely to further decline. Declines in demand for our paper products may adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position.

Failure to successfully implement our business diversification initiatives could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial results or condition.

We are pursuing strategic initiatives that management considers important to our long-term success including, but not limited to, optimizing and expanding our operations in markets with positive demand dynamics to help grow our business and counteract secular demand decline in our core North American paper business. These initiatives may involve organic growth, select joint ventures and strategic acquisitions. The success of these initiatives will depend, among other things, on our ability to identify potential strategic initiatives, understand the key trends and principal drivers affecting businesses to be acquired and to execute the initiatives in a cost effective manner. There are significant risks involved with the execution of these initiatives, including significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control.

Strategic acquisitions may expose us to additional risks. We may have to compete for acquisition targets and any acquisitions we make may fail to accomplish our strategic objectives or may not perform as expected. In addition, the costs of integrating an acquired business may exceed our estimates and may take significant time and attention from senior management. Accordingly, we cannot predict whether we will succeed in implementing these strategic initiatives. If we fail to successfully diversify our business, it may have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, financial condition and operating results.

The pulp and paper and wood product industries areindustry is highly cyclical. Fluctuations in the prices of and the demand for the Company’s products could result in lower sales volumes and smaller profit margins and lower sales volumes.margins.

The pulp and paper and wood product industries areindustry is highly cyclical. Historically, economic and market shifts, fluctuations in capacity and changes in foreign currency exchange rates have created cyclical changes in prices, sales volume and margins for the Company’s products. The length and magnitude of industry cycles have varied over time and by product, but generally reflect changes in macroeconomic conditions and levels of industry capacity. Most of the Company’s paper products are commodities that are widely available from other producers. Even the Company’s non-commodity products, such as value-added papers, are susceptible to commodity dynamics. Because commodity products have few distinguishing qualities from producer to producer, competition for these products is based primarily on price, which is determined by supply relative to demand.

The overall levels of demand for the products the Company manufactures and distributes, and consequently its sales and profitability, reflect fluctuations in levels of end-user demand, which depend in part on general

macroeconomic conditions in North America and worldwide, the continuation of the current level of service and cost of postal services, as well as competition from electronic substitution. See—“ConditionsSee “Conditions in the global capital and credit markets, and the economy generally, can adversely affect ourthe Company business, results of operations and financial position” and “Some of the Company’s products are vulnerable to long-term declines in demand due to competing technologies or materials.” For example, demand for cut-size office paper may fluctuate with levels of white-collar employment. Demand for many such products is currently being negatively impacted by the global economic downturn.

Industry supply of pulp paper and woodpaper products is also subject to fluctuation, as changing industry conditions can influence producers to idle or permanently close individual machines or entire mills. Such closures can result in significant cash and/or non-cash charges. In addition, to avoid substantial cash costs in connection with idling or closing a mill, some producers will choose to continue to operate at a loss, sometimes even a cash loss, which could prolong weak pricing environments due to oversupply. Oversupply can also result from producers introducing new capacity in response to favorable short-term pricing trends.

Industry supply of pulp paper and woodpaper products is also influenced by overseas production capacity, which has grown in recent years and is expected to continue to grow.

As a result, prices for all of the Company’s products are driven by many factors outside of its control, and itthe Company has little influence over the timing and extent of price changes, which are often volatile. Because market conditions beyond the Company’s control determine the prices for its commodity products, the price for any one or more of these products may fall below its cash production costs, requiring the Company to either incur cash losses on product sales or cease production at one or more of its manufacturing facilities. The Company continues to evaluatecontinuously evaluates potential adjustments to its production capacity, which may include additional closures of machines or entire mills, and the Company could recognize significant cash and/or non-cash charges relating to any such closures in future periods. See Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,Operation, under “Restructuring“Closure and restructuring activities.” Therefore, the Company’s profitability with respect to these products depends on managing its cost structure, particularly wood fiber, chemical and energy costs, which represent the largest components of its operating costs and can fluctuate based upon factors beyond its control, as described below. If the prices of or demand for its products decline, or if its wood fiber, chemical or energy costs increase, or both, its sales and profitability could be materially and adversely affected.

Conditions in the global capital and credit markets, and the economy generally, can adversely affect ourthe Company’s business, results of operations and financial position.

TheA significant or prolonged downturn in general economic conditions may affect the Company’s sales and profitability have been adversely affected by recent adverse changes in general economic conditions. The global capital and credit markets are currently undergoing a period of unprecedented contraction.profitability. The Company has exposure to counterparties with which we routinely execute transactions. Such counterparties include commercial banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions, some of which may be exposed to bankruptcy or liquidity risks. While the Company has not realized any significant losses to date, a bankruptcy or illiquidity event by one of ourits significant counterparties may materially and adversely affect ourthe Company’s access to capital, future business and results of operations.

In addition, the global economy is undergoing aour customers and suppliers may be adversely affected by severe economic slowdown.conditions. This is resultingcould result in reduced demand for our products and may adversely affect the ability of some ofor our customers and suppliersinability to continue to operate their businesses. Continuation of these financial and economic conditions is likely to continue to adversely affect our operations, results of operations and financial position.

Some of the Company’s products are vulnerable to long-term declines in demand due to competing technologiesobtain necessary supplies at reasonable costs or materials.

The Company’s business competes with electronic transmission and document storage alternatives, as well as with paper grades it does not produce, such as uncoated groundwood. As a result of such competition, the Company has experienced decreased demand for some of its existing pulp and paper products. As the use of these alternatives grows, demand for pulp and paper products is likely to further decline. Moreover, demand for some of the Company’s wood products may decline if customers purchase alternative products.at all.

The Company faces intense competition in its markets, and the failure to compete effectively would have a material adverse effect on its business and results of operations.

The Company competes with both U.S. and Canadian paper producers and, for many of its product lines, global producers, some of which may have greater financial resources and lower production costs than the Company. The principal basis for competition is selling price. The Company’s ability to maintain satisfactory margins depends in large part on its ability to control its costs. The Company cannot assure youprovide assurance that it canwill compete effectively and maintain current levels of sales and profitability. If the Company cannot compete effectively, such failure will have a material adverse effect on its business and results of operations.

The Company’s manufacturing businesses may have difficulty obtaining wood fiber at favorable prices, or at all.

Wood fiber is the principal raw material used by the Company, comprising approximately 21%20% of the aggregate amount oftotal cost of sales during 2008.2011. Wood fiber is a commodity, and prices historically have been cyclical. The primary source for wood fiber is timber. Environmental litigation and regulatory developments, alternative use for energy production and reduction in harvesting related to the housing market, have caused, and may cause in the future, significant reductions in the amount of timber available for commercial harvest in the United States and Canada. In addition, future domestic or foreign legislation and litigation concerning the use of timberlands, the protection of endangered species, the promotion of forest health and the response to and prevention of catastrophic wildfires could also affect timber supplies. Availability of harvested timber may be further limited by adverse weather, fire, insect infestation, disease, ice storms, wind storms, flooding and other natural and man made causes, thereby reducing supply and increasing prices. Wood fiber pricing is subject to regional market influences, and the Company’s cost of wood fiber may increase in particular regions due to market shifts in those regions. Any sustained increase in wood fiber prices would increase the Company’s operating costs, and the Company may be unable to increase prices for its products in response to increased wood fiber costs due to additional factors affecting the demand or supply of these products.

The Company currently obtainsmeets its wood fiber requirements in partby purchasing wood fiber from third parties and by harvesting timber pursuant to its forest licenses and forest management agreements, in part by purchasing wood fiber from Weyerhaeuser

pursuant to the fiber and pulp supply agreements entered into in connection with the Transaction, which expire between 2009 and 2027, and in part by purchasing wood fiber from third parties.agreements. If the Company’s cutting rights, pursuant to its forest licenses or forest management agreements are reduced, or if Weyerhaeuser or any third-party supplier of wood fiber stops selling or is unable to sell wood fiber to the Company, itsour financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

An increase in the cost of the Company’s purchased energy or chemicals would lead to higher manufacturing costs, thereby reducing its margins.

The Company’s operations consume substantial amounts of energy such as electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, coal and hog fuel. Energy comprised approximately 8%6% of the aggregate amount oftotal cost of sales in 2008.2011. Energy prices, particularly for electricity, natural gas and fuel oil, have been volatile in recent years. As a result, fluctuations in energy prices will impact the Company’s manufacturing costs and contribute to earnings volatility. While the Company purchases substantial portions of its energy under supply contracts, most of these contracts are based on market pricing.

Other raw materials the Company uses include various chemical compounds, such as precipitated calcium carbonate, sodium chlorate and sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, dyes, peroxide, methanol and aluminum sulfate. Purchases of chemicals comprised approximately 12%13% of the aggregate amount oftotal consolidated cost of sales in 2008.2011. The costs of these chemicals have been volatile historically, and they are influenced by capacity utilization, energy prices and other factors beyond the Company’s control.

Due to the commodity nature of the Company’s products, the relationship between industry supply and demand for these products, rather than solely changes in the cost of raw materials, will determine the Company’s ability to increase prices. Consequently, the Company may be unable to pass on increases in its operating costs to its customers. Any sustained increase in chemical or energy prices without any corresponding increase in product pricing would reduce the Company’s operating margins and may have a material adverse effect on ourits business and results of operations.

The Company depends on third parties for transportation services.

The Company relies primarily on third parties for transportation of the products it manufactures and/or distributes, as well as delivery of its raw materials. In particular, a significant portion of the goods it manufactures and raw materials it uses are transported by railroad or trucks, which are highly regulated. If any of its third-party transportation providers were to fail to deliver the goods the Company manufactures or distributes in a timely manner, the Company may be unable to sell those products at full value, or at all. Similarly, if any of

these providers were to fail to deliver raw materials to the Company in a timely manner, it may be unable to manufacture its products in response to customer demand. In addition, if any of these third parties were to cease operations or cease doing business with the Company, it may be unable to replace them at reasonable cost. Any failure of a third-party transportation provider to deliver raw materials or finished products in a timely manner could harm the Company’s reputation, negatively impact its customer relationships and have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and operating results.

The Company could experience disruptions in operations and/or increased labor costs due to labor disputes or restructuring activities.

Employees at 3823 of the Company’s facilities, representing a majority of the Company’s 11,0008,700 employees, are represented by unions through collective bargaining agreements generally on a facility-by-facility basis, whichfacility basis. Certain of these agreements expired in 2011 and others will expire between 20092012 and 2013.2015. Currently, eight12 collective bargaining agreements representing 2,280 employees are up for renegotiation of which only six, representing 1,205 employees, are currently under negotiation. The Company may not be able to negotiate acceptable new collective bargaining agreements, which could result in strikes or work stoppages or other labor disputes by affected workers. Renewal of collective bargaining agreements could also result in higher wages or benefits paid to union members. In addition, labor organizing activities could occur at any of the Company’s facilities. Therefore, the Company could experience a disruption of its operations or higher ongoing labor costs, which could have a material adverse effect on its business and financial condition.

In connection with the Company’s restructuring efforts, the Company has suspended operations at, or closed or announced its intention to close, various facilities and may incur liability with respect to affected employees, which could have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition. In addition, the Company continues to evaluate potential adjustments to its production capacity, which may include additional closures of machines or entire mills, and the Company could recognize significant cash and/or non-cash charges relating to any such closures in the future.

In the early part of 2006, Weyerhaeuser closed its pulp and paper mill in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, which the Company acquired in the Transaction, which remains closed. Certain unionized parties filed a grievance against Weyerhaeuser following the shut down, alleging that certain post-closure actions taken by

Weyerhaeuser violated their collective bargaining agreement. In particular, the union disputed Weyerhaeuser’s post-closure contracting with a third-party vendor to oversee on-site security at Prince Albert. In connection with the Transaction, the Company has assumed any liability with respect to this grievance. The grievance proceeded to an arbitration hearing and was dismissed by the arbitrator. On application for judicial review, the arbitrator’s decision was upheld by the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench and, on February 9, 2009, by the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. The Company has not determined whether this facility will be reopened, sold or closed. In a separate grievance related to the closure of the Prince Albert facility, which could result in liability in excess of $20 million, the union is claiming that it is entitled to the accumulated pension benefits during the actual layoff period because, according to the union, a majority of employees retained still had recall rights during the layoff. The Company is currently evaluating its position with respect to these grievances and cannot be certain that it will not incur liability, which could be material, with respect to these grievances.

The Company relies heavily on a small number of significant customers, including one customer that represented approximately 8%10% of the Company’s sales in 2008.2011. A loss of any of these significant customers could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

The Company heavily relies on a small number of significant customers. The Company’s largest customer, Staples, represented approximately 8%10% of the Company’s sales in 2008.2011. A significant reduction in sales to any of the Company’s key customers, which could be due to factors outside its control, such as purchasing diversification or financial difficulties experienced by these customers, could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

A material disruption at one or more of the Company’s manufacturing facilities could prevent it from meeting customer demand, reduce its sales and/or negatively impact its net income.

Any of the Company’s pulp or paper manufacturing facilities, or any of its machines within an otherwise operational facility, could cease operations unexpectedly due to a number of events, including:

 

unscheduled maintenance outages;

 

prolonged power failures;

 

equipment failure;

 

chemical spill or release;

 

explosion of a boiler;

 

the effect of a drought or reduced rainfall on its water supply;

labor difficulties;

 

labor difficulties;government regulations;

 

disruptions in the transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, railroad tracks and tunnels;

 

adverse weather, fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes or other catastrophes;

 

terrorism or threats of terrorism; or

 

other operational problems, including those resulting from the risks described in this section.

Events such as those listed above have resulted in operating losses in the past. Future events may cause shutdowns, which may result in additional downtime and/or cause additional damage to the Company’s facilities. Any such downtime or facility damage could prevent the Company from meeting customer demand for its products and/or require it to make unplanned capital expenditures. If one or more of these machines or facilities were to incur significant downtime, it may have a material adverse effect on the Company financial results and financial position.

The Company’s substantial indebtedness, which is approximately $2.2billion as of December 31, 2008, could adversely affect its financial condition and impair its ability to operate its business.

As of December 31, 2008, the Company had approximately $2.2 billion of outstanding indebtedness, including $672 million of indebtedness under its senior secured credit facilities, $28 million of capital leases and $1.4 billion of unsecured long-term notes.

The Company’s substantial degree of indebtedness could have important consequences to the Company’s financial condition, operating results and business, including the following:

it may limit the Company’s ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes;

a substantial portion of the Company’s cash flows from operations will be dedicated to payments on its indebtedness and will not be available for other purposes, including operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;

the debt service requirements of the Company’s indebtedness could make it more difficult for the Company to satisfy its other obligations;

the Company’s borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities are at variable rates of interest, exposing the Company to increased debt service obligations in the event of increased interest rates;

it may limit the Company’s ability to adjust to changing market conditions and place it at a competitive disadvantage compared to its competitors that have less debt; and

it may increase the Company’s vulnerability to a downturn in general economic conditions or in its business, and may make the Company unable to carry out capital spending that is important to its growth.

In addition, we are subject to agreements that require us to meet and maintain certain financial ratios and tests. A significant or prolonged downturn in general business and economic conditions may affect our ability to comply with these covenants or meet those financial ratios and tests and could require us to take action to reduce our debt or to act in a manner contrary to our current business objectives.

A breach of any of our Credit Agreement or indenture covenants or failure to maintain a required ratio or meet a required test may result in an event of default under those agreements. This may allow the counterparties to those agreements to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. If this occurs, we may not be able to refinance the indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all, or repay the accelerated indebtedness.

The Company’s operations require substantial capital, and it may not have adequate capital resources to provide for all of its capital requirements.

The Company’s businesses are capital intensive and require that it regularly incur capital expenditures in order to maintain its equipment, increase its operating efficiency and comply with environmental laws. In 2008,2011, the Company’s total capital expenditures were $163$144 million including $82(2010—$153 million). In addition, $83 million for maintenance capitalwas spent under the Pulp and $4 million for environmental expenditures. The Company’s total capital expenditures in 2007 were $116 million, including $64 million for maintenance capital and $11 million for environmental expenditures.Paper Green Transformation Program (2010—$51 million), which is reimbursed by the Government of Canada.

If the Company’s available cash resources and cash generated from operations are not sufficient to fund its operating needs and capital expenditures, the Company would have to obtain additional funds from borrowings or other available sources or reduce or delay its capital expenditures. The Company may not be able to obtain additional funds on favorable terms, or at all, particularly as a result of the current contraction and disruption in

the credit and equity markets.all. In addition, the Company’s debt service obligations will reduce its available cash flows. If the Company cannot maintain or upgrade its equipment as it requires or allocate funds to ensure environmental compliance, it could be required to curtail or cease some of its manufacturing operations, or it may become unable to manufacture products that compete effectively in one or more of its product lines.

Despite current indebtedness levels, theThe Company and its subsidiaries may incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate theincrease risks associated with its substantial leverage.

The Company and its subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Although the senior securedrevolving credit facilitiesfacility contains restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. For example, asAs of December 31, 2008,2011, the Company had $60no borrowings and had outstanding letters of credit amounting to $29 million drawn under its senior secured revolving credit facility, as well as $13 million in bank overdraft and $43 million of letters of credit outstanding, resulting in $634$571 million of availability for future drawings under this credit facility. Also, the Company can use securitization of certain receivables to provide additional liquidity to fund its operations. At December 31, 2011 the Company had no borrowings and $28 million of letters of credit outstanding under the securitization program (2010—nil and nil), resulting in $122 million of availability for future drawings under this program. Other new borrowings could also be incurred by Domtar Corporation or its subsidiaries. Among other things, the Company could determine to incur additional debt in connection with a strategic acquisition. If the Company incurs additional debt, the risks associated with its substantial leverage would increase.

The Company’s ability to generate the significant amount of cash needed to pay interest and principal on the Domtar CorporationCompany’s unsecured long-term notes and service its other debt and financial obligations and its ability to refinance all or a portion of ourits indebtedness or obtain additional financing depends on many factors beyond the Company’s control.

TheAs of December 31, 2011, the Company has considerablehad approximately $74 million of annual interest payments and its aggregate debt service obligations.obligations are approximately $70 million each year from 2012 through 2015, $50 million in 2016 and $20 million in 2017. The Company’s ability to make payments on and refinance its debt, including the Domtar Corporation debt securitiesCompany’s unsecured long-term notes and amounts borrowed under its senior securedrevolving credit facilitiesfacility, if any, and other financial obligations and to fund its operations will depend on its ability to generate substantial operating cash flow. The Company’s cash flow generation will depend on its future performance, which will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond its control.

The CompanyCompany’s business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations and future borrowings may not be available to the Company under its senior securedrevolving credit facilitiesfacility or otherwise in amounts sufficient to enable the Company to service its indebtedness, including the Domtar CorporationCompany’s unsecured long-term notes, and borrowings, if any, under its senior securedrevolving credit facilitiesfacility or to fund its other liquidity needs. If the Company cannot service its debt, the Company will have to take actions such as reducing or delaying capital investments, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing its debt or seeking additional equity capital. Any of these remedies may not be effected on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, and may impede the implementation of its business strategy. Further,Furthermore, the senior securedrevolving credit facilitiesfacility may restrict the Company from adopting any of these alternatives. Because of these and other factors that may be beyond its control, the Company may be unable to service its indebtedness. See “Risks related to the Transaction—The Company may be affected by significant restrictions following the Transaction in order to avoid significant tax-related liabilities.”

The Company is affected by changes in currency exchange rates.

The Company manufactures all of its wood products and a significant portion of pulp and paper in Canada. Sales of these products by the Company’s Canadian operations will be invoiced in U.S. dollars or in Canadian dollars linked to U.S. pricing but most of the costs relating to these products will be incurred in Canadian dollars. As a result, any decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar will reduce the Company’s profitability.

Exchange rate fluctuations are beyond the Company’s control. From 20032007 to 2007,2011, the Canadian dollar had appreciated almost 60%over 15% relative to the U.S. dollar. In 2008,2011, when compared to 2010, the Canadian dollar decreased in value by approximately 19%2% relative to the U.S. dollar. The level of the Canadian dollar can have a material adverse effect on the sales and profitability of the Canadian operations.

The Company has liabilities with respect to its pension plans and the actual cost of its pension plan obligations could exceed current provisions. As of December 31, 2008,2011, the Company’s defined benefit plans had a surplus of $19$53 million on certain plans and a deficit of $94$143 million on others on an ongoing basis.

The Company’s future funding obligations for the defined benefit pension plans depend upon changes to the level of benefits provided by the plans, the future performance of assets set aside in trusts for these plans, the level of interest rates used to determine minimum funding levels, actuarial data and experience, and any changes in government laws and regulations. As of December 31, 2008,2011, the Company’s Canadian defined benefit pension plans held assets with a fair value of $927$1,445 million (CDN$1,135(CDN $1,470 million), including $318a fair value of $205 million (CDN $389$208 million) nominal (book) value of asset backed commercial paper (“ABCP”) that have been restructured under. Most of the ABCP investments were subject to restructuring (under the court order governing the “Montreal Accord” and $39 million (CDN $48 million) nominal value of ABCPMontreal Accord that was completed in otherJanuary 2009) while the remainder is in conduits restructured outside the Montreal Accord for a total nominal value of $357 million (CDN $437 million).or subject to litigation between the sponsor and the credit counterparty.

At December 31, 2008,2011, the Company determined that the fair value of these ABCP investments should be reduced to $198was $205 million (CDN $242$208 million). The $159 (2010—$214 million (CDN $195$213 million) or 45% valuation adjustment reflected difficult market conditions and). Possible changes that could have a material effect on the lack of liquidity for these notes. At December 30, 2007, a $58 million (CDN $57 million) or 13% valuation adjustment to the nominal (book) value was taken and reflected in the fairfuture value of the plan assets.ABCP include (1) changes in the value of the underlying assets and the related derivative transactions, (2) developments related to the liquidity of the ABCP market, and (3) a severe and prolonged economic slowdown in North America and the bankruptcy of referenced corporate credits.

The Company does not expect any potential short-term liquidity issues to affect the pension funds since pension fund obligations are primarily long-term in nature. Losses in the pension fund investments, if any, would result in future increased contributions by the Company or its Canadian subsidiaries. Additional contributions to these pension funds would be required to be paid over 5 year or 10 year periods, depending upon the applicable provincial jurisdiction and its requirementsrequirement for amortization.funding solvency deficits. Losses, if any, would also impact operating results over a longer period of time and immediately increase liabilities and reduce equity.

The Company may be required to pay significant lumber export taxes and/or countervailing and antidumping duties.

The Company may experience reduced revenues and margins on its softwood lumber business as a result of lumber export taxes and/or countervailing and antidumping duty applications. In April 2001, the Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports (“Coalition”) filed two petitions with the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Department”) and the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) claiming that production of softwood lumber in Canada was being subsidized by Canada and that imports from Canada were being “dumped” into the U.S. market (sold at less than fair value). The Coalition asked that countervailing duty (“CVD”) and antidumping (“AD”) tariffs be imposed on softwood lumber imported from Canada.

In 2006, the Canadian and U.S. governments reached a final settlement to this long-standing dispute. The provisions of the settlement included repayment of approximately 81% of the deposits, imposition of export measures in Canada, and measures to address long-term policy reform. It is possible that the CVD and AD tariffs or tariffs similar to the CVD and AD tariffs may again be imposed on the Company, in the future.

Under the settlement agreement, Canadian softwood lumber exporters pay an export tax when the price of lumber is at or below a threshold price. Under present market conditions, the Company’s softwood lumber exports are subject to a 5% export charge plus a market restriction on access managed by a quota system.

The Company experienced and may continue to experience reduced revenues and margins in the softwood lumber business as a result of the application of the settlement agreement. The settlement agreement could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial results and financial condition, including, but not limited to, facility closures or impairment of assets.

The Company could incur substantial costs as a result of compliance with, violations of or liabilities under applicable environmental laws and regulations. It could also incur costs as a result of asbestos-related personal injury litigation.

The Company is subject, in both the United States and Canada, to a wide range of general and industry-specific laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and natural resources, including those governing air emissions, greenhouse gases and climate change, wastewater discharges, harvesting, silvicultural activities, the storage, management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the cleanup of contaminated sites, landfill operation and closure obligations, forestry operations and endangered species habitat, and health and safety matters. In particular, the pulp and paper industry in the United States is subject to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) Cluster Rule and was until recently subject to the EPA’s Boiler MACT Rule (the Boiler MACT Rule has been vacated, however, alternative U.S. federal and state regulations are being discussed) that further regulate effluent and air emissions. These laws and regulations require the Company to obtain authorizations from and comply with the requirements of the appropriate governmental authorities, which have considerable discretion over the terms and timing of permits.“Cluster Rules.”

The Company has incurred, and expects that it will continue to incur, significant capital, operating and other expenditures complying with applicable environmental laws and regulations as a result of remedial obligations. The Company incurred approximately $81$62 million of operating expenses and $4$8 million of capital expenditures in connection with environmental compliance and remediation for 2008.in 2011. As of December 31, 2008,2011, the Company had a provision of $99$92 million for environmental expenditures, including certain asset retirement obligations (such as for land filllandfill capping and asbestos removal) ($119107 million as of December 30, 2007)31, 2010). In addition, in 2006, the Company closed its pulp and paper mill in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and the Big River Sawmill in Saskatchewan. The Company has not determined whether either of these facilities will be reopened, sold or permanently closed. In the event the facilities are permanently closed, the Province of Saskatchewan may require active decommissioning and reclamation at one or both facilities, which would likely include investigation and remedial action for areas of significant environmental impacts. The Province of Saskatchewan has required certain facilities located in the Province to submit preliminary decommissioning and reclamation plans and to include in such plans estimates of costs associated with decommissioning and reclamation activities. Weyerhaeuser submitted such a plan for its pulp and paper facility in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. In its preliminary decommissioning and reclamation plan, Weyerhaeuser included a preliminary, generalized estimate of costs ranging from CDN$20 to CDN$25 million ($16 to $20 million). Weyerhaeuser advised the Province of Saskatchewan that it was not providing a detailed delineation of costs at this time because such costs will depend on site specific factors, the professional judgments of environmental specialists and experts, further detailed environmental site assessments, and most fundamentally, a decision about the future use or closure of the site. The estimate referred to above does not take into account the equipment resale value or scrap material value, nor does it include the cost of completing a phase II environmental site assessment (which could involve sampling and analysis of building materials and environmental media), or the cost of any remediation required based on such assessment. The Company has not undertaken an in depth review of Weyerhaeuser’s estimate and the net decommissioning and reclamation costs could exceed Weyerhaeuser’s estimate.

The Company also could incur substantial costs, such as civil or criminal fines, sanctions and enforcement actions (including orders limiting its operations or requiring corrective measures, installation of pollution control equipment or other remedial actions), cleanup and closure costs, and third-party claims for property damage and personal injury as a result of violations of, or liabilities under, environmental laws and regulations. The Company’s ongoing efforts to identify potential environmental concerns that may be associated with its past and present properties will lead to future environmental investigations. Those efforts will likely result in the determination of additional environmental costs and liabilities which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

As the owner and operator of real estate, the Company may be liable under environmental laws for cleanup, closure and other damages resulting from the presence and release of hazardous substances, including asbestos,

on or from its properties or operations. The amount and timing of environmental expenditures is difficult to predict, and, in some cases, the Company’s liability may be imposed without regard to contribution or to whether it knew of, or caused, the release of hazardous substances and may exceed forecasted amounts or the value of the property itself. The discovery of additional contamination or the imposition of additional cleanup obligations at the Company’s or third-party sites may result in significant additional costs. Any material liability the Company incurs could adversely impact its financial condition or preclude it from making capital expenditures that would otherwise benefit its business.

In addition, the Company may be subject to asbestos-related personal injury litigation arising out of exposure to asbestos on or from its properties or operations, and may incur substantial costs as a result of any defense, settlement, or adverse judgment in such litigation. The Company may not have access to insurance proceeds to cover costs associated with asbestos-related personal injury litigation.

Enactment of new environmental laws or regulations or changes in existing laws or regulations, or interpretation thereof, might require significant expenditures. For example, changes in climate change regulation—See Part I, Item 3, Legal Proceedings, under the caption “Climate change regulation,” and see Part II, Item 8, Note 22 “Commitments and Contingencies” “Industrial Boiler Maximum Achievable Controlled Technology Standard (“MACT”).”

The Company may be unable to generate funds or other sources of liquidity and capital to fund environmental liabilities or expenditures.

The Company dependsFailure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could have a material adverse affect on third parties for transportation services.our business, financial results or condition.

The Company relies primarily on third parties for transportationIn addition to environmental laws, our business and operations are subject to a broad range of other laws and regulations in the products it manufactures and/or distributes,United States and Canada as well as deliveryother jurisdictions in which we operate, including antitrust and competition laws, occupational health and safety laws and employment laws. Many of its raw materials. In particular, a significant portion of the goods it manufacturesthese laws and raw materials it usesregulations are transported by railroad or trucks, which are highly regulated.complex and subject to evolving and differing interpretation. If any of its third-party transportation providers were to fail to deliver the goods the Company manufacturesis determined to have violated any such laws or distributes in a timely manner, the Company may be unable to sell those products at full value,regulations, whether inadvertently or at all. Similarly, if any of these providers were to fail to deliver raw materials to the Company in a timely manner,willfully, it may be unablesubject to manufacture its products in response to customer demand. In addition, if any of thesecivil and criminal penalties, including substantial fines, or claims for damages by third parties were to cease operations or cease doing business with the Company, itwhich may be unable to replace them at reasonable cost. Any failure of a third-party transportation provider to deliver raw materials or finished products in a timely manner could harm the Company’s reputation, negatively impact its customer relationships and have a material adverse effect on itsthe Company’s financial condition and operating results.position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company’s intellectual property rights are valuable, and any inability to protect them could reduce the value of its products and its brands.

The Company relies on patent, trademark and other intellectual property laws of the United States and other countries to protect its intellectual property rights. However, the Company may be unable to prevent third parties from using its respective intellectual property without its authorization, which may reduce any competitive advantage it has developed. If the Company had to litigate to protect these rights, any proceedings could be costly, and it may not prevail. The Company cannot guarantee that any United States or foreign patents, issued or pending, will provide it with any competitive advantage or will not be challenged by third parties. Additionally, the Company has obtained and applied for United States and foreign trademark registrations, and will continue to evaluate the registration of additional service marks and trademarks, as appropriate. The Company cannot guarantee that any of its pending patent or trademark applications will be approved by the applicable governmental authorities and, even if the applications are approved, third parties may seek to oppose or otherwise challenge these registrations. The failure to secure any pending patent or trademark applications may limit the Company’s ability to protect the intellectual property rights that these applications were intended to cover.

RISKS RELATED TO THE TRANSACTIONIf the Company is unable to successfully retain and develop executive leadership and other key personnel, it may be unable to fully realize critical organizational strategies, goals and objectives.

The historical financial informationsuccess of the Predecessor may not be representativeCompany is substantially dependent on the efforts and abilities of its results ifkey personnel, including its executive management team, to develop and implement its business strategies and manage its operations. The failure to retain key personnel or to develop successors with appropriate skills and experience for key positions in the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business had been operated independentlyCompany could adversely affect the development and achievement of Weyerhaeusercritical organizational strategies, goals and as a result, may notobjectives. There can be a reliable indicator of its future results.

Prior to the Closing Date, the Predecessor was a fully integrated business unit of Weyerhaeuser. Consequently, the financial information of the Predecessor included in this document has been derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Weyerhaeuser and reflects assumptions and allocations made by Weyerhaeuser. The financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Predecessor presented may be different from those that would have resulted had the Predecessor been operated independently. For example, in preparing the Predecessor financial statements, Weyerhaeuser has made an allocation of costs and expenses that are attributable to the Predecessor. However, these costs and expenses reflect the costs and expenses attributable to the Predecessor operated as part of a larger organization and do not reflect costs and expenses that would be incurred by this business had it been operated independently. As a result, the historical financial information of the Predecessor may not be a reliable indicator of future results.

Aboriginal interests may delay or result in challenges to the transfer of certain forest licenses and forest management agreements.

Under applicable forestry legislation in Saskatchewan, Weyerhaeuser must obtain consent from the Government of Saskatchewan in order to complete the transfer of certain timber rights in Saskatchewan to the Company. Pursuant to the agreements governing the Transaction, the transfer of these timber rights were delayed until the appropriate approvals are received. Recent Supreme Court of Canada decisions have confirmedno assurance that the federalCompany will be able to retain or develop the key personnel it needs and provincial governments in Canada have a dutythe failure to consult with, and in certain circumstances, seek to accommodate aboriginal groups whenever there is a reasonable prospect that a government’s decisiondo so may adversely affect an aboriginal group’s interests in relevant landits financial condition and resources that are the subjectresults of the decision. The Company believes that the Government of Saskatchewan has consulted with relevant aboriginal groups in connection with these consent approvals. This consultation process could result in delays, constrain access to the timber or give rise to additional costs. In addition, if the Government of Saskatchewan does not adequately discharge its obligation this could result in litigation. It is not possible at present to predict the risks associated with such litigation.

If the distribution by Weyerhaeuser of its shares of Company common stock to the holders of Weyerhaeuser common shares and Weyerhaeuser exchangeable shares pursuant to an exchange offer (“Distribution”) did not constitute a tax-free transaction, either as a result of actions taken in connection with the distribution or as a result of subsequent acquisitions of shares of Company common stock, then the Company may be responsible for payment of substantial U.S. federal income taxes under its tax sharing agreement with Weyerhaeuser.

Weyerhaeuser received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on February 5, 2007 to the effect that, based on the facts, assumptions, representations and undertakings set forth in the ruling, the Contribution and Distribution qualified as tax-free to Weyerhaeuser and the holders of Weyerhaeuser common shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368 and related provisions of the Code.

The Distribution would become taxable to Weyerhaeuser pursuant to Section 355(e) of the Code if 50% or more (by vote or value) of equity securities of the Company were acquired, directly or indirectly, by persons other than Weyerhaeuser shareholders as part of a plan or series of related transactions that included the Distribution. Because Weyerhaeuser shareholders owned more than 50% of Company common stock following the Arrangement, the Arrangement, by itself, would not have caused the Distribution to be taxable to Weyerhaeuser under Section 355(e) of the Code. However, if the IRS were to determine that other acquisitions of Company equity securities, either before or after the Distribution and the Arrangement, were part of a plan or series of related transactions that included the Distribution such determination could result in the recognition of a

gain by Weyerhaeuser under Section 355(e) of the Code. In such case, the gain recognized by Weyerhaeuser likely would include the entire fair market value of the Company common stock distributed to Weyerhaeuser’s shareholders, and thus would be substantial.

Under the tax sharing agreement among Weyerhaeuser, the Company, and Domtar Inc., the Company generally would be required to indemnify Weyerhaeuser against tax-related losses to Weyerhaeuser and/or its shareholders that arise as a result of certain actions taken or omissions to act by the Company, its subsidiaries or certain affiliates of the Company (“Disqualifying Actions”) after the Transaction. See “Risks related to the transaction—The Company may be affected by significant restrictions following the Transaction in order to avoid significant tax-related liabilities.”

The Company may be affected by significant restrictions following the Transaction in order to avoid significant tax-related liabilities.

Even if the Distribution qualifies as a tax-free reorganization, it may not qualify as a transaction that is tax-free to Weyerhaeuser if 50% or more (by vote or value) of the equity securities of the Company are acquired by persons other than Weyerhaeuser shareholders as part of a “plan” that includes the Distribution pursuant to Section 355(e) of the Code.

The tax sharing agreement requires that the Company, its subsidiaries and certain affiliates of the Company, for a two-year period following the Closing Date, avoid taking certain actions that might cause the Distribution to be treated as part of a plan pursuant to which 50% or more of the Company’s equity securities are acquired. Certain of these Disqualifying Actions subject to restrictions include:

The redemption, recapitalization, repurchase or acquisition by the Company of its capital stock;

The issuance by the Company of capital stock or convertible debt;

The liquidation of the Company;

The discontinuance of the operations of the Predecessor;

The sale or disposition (other than in the ordinary course of business) of all or a substantial part of the Predecessor; or

The other actions, omissions to act or transactions that could jeopardize the tax-free status of the Distribution.

To the extent that the tax-free status of the Distribution is lost because of a Disqualifying Action after the date of consummation of the Transaction, the Company generally will be required to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Weyerhaeuser from and against any and all resulting tax-related losses incurred by Weyerhaeuser and/or Weyerhaeuser shareholders, without regard to whether Weyerhaeuser gave the Company prior written consent to the specific action taken by the Company.

Because of these restrictions, the Company may be limited in its ability to pursue strategic transactions or equity or convertible debt financing or engage in new business or other transactions that may maximize the value of its business.operations.

A third party has demanded an increase in consideration from Domtar Inc. under an existing contract in connection with the Transaction.contract.

In July 1998, Domtar Inc. (now a 100% owned subsidiary of Domtar Corporation) acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of E.B. Eddy Limited and E.B. Eddy Paper, Inc. (“E.B. Eddy”), an integrated producer of specialty paper and wood products. The purchase agreement relating to this acquisition includes a purchase price adjustment whereby, in

the event of the acquisition by a third-party of more than 50% of the shares of Domtar Inc. in specified circumstances, Domtar Inc. may be required to pay an

increase in consideration of up to a maximum of CDN$$118 million (CDN$120 million ($98 million). This, an amount gradually declinesdeclining over a 25-year period and atperiod. At March 7, 2007, the Closing Date, the maximum amount of the purchase price adjustment was CDN$approximately $108 million (CDN$110 million ($90 million). No provision was recorded for this potential purchase price adjustment.

On March 14, 2007, Domtar Inc.the Company received a letter from George Weston Limited (the previous owner of E.B. Eddy and a party to the purchase agreement) demanding payment of CDN$110$108 million ($90(CDN$110 million) as a result of the consummation of the Transaction.series of transactions whereby the Fine Paper Business of Weyerhaeuser Company was transferred to the Company and the Company acquired Domtar Inc. (the “Transaction”). On June 12, 2007, an action was commenced by George Weston Limited against Domtar Inc. in the Superior Court of Justice of the provinceProvince of Ontario, Canada, claiming that the consummation of the Transaction triggered the purchase price adjustment and seekingsought a purchase price adjustment of CDN$110$108 million ($90(CDN$110 million) as well as additional compensatory damages. The Company and Domtar Inc. dodoes not believe that the consummation of the Transaction triggers an obligation to pay an increase in consideration under the purchase price adjustment and it intends to defend itself vigorously against any claims with respect thereto. However, the Company may not be successful in its defense of such claims, and if itthe Company is ultimately required to pay an increase in consideration, such payment may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity,financial position, results of operations and financial condition.or cash flows. On March 31, 2011, George Weston Limited filed a motion for summary judgment which the Company expects to be resolved by the Court in due course. No provision is recorded for this potential purchase price adjustment.

 

ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2.PROPERTIES

A description of our mills and related properties is included in Part I, Item I, Business, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Production facilities

We own all of our production facilities with the exception of certain portions that are subject to leases with government agencies in connection with industrial development bond financings or fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements, and lease substantially all of our sales offices, regional replenishment centers and warehouse facilities. We believe our properties are in good operating condition and are suitable and adequate for the operations for which they are used. We own substantially all of the equipment used in our facilities.

Forestlands

We optimize 31optimized 16 million acres of forestland directly and indirectly licensed or owned in Canada and the United States and Canada through efficient management and the application of certified sustainable forest management practices such that a continuous supply of wood is available for future needs.

Listing of facilities and locations

 

Head Office

Montreal, Quebec

PapersPulp and Paper

Operation Center:

Fort Mill, South Carolina

Uncoated Freesheet:

Ashdown, Arkansas

Espanola, Ontario

Hawesville, Kentucky

Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania

Kingsport, Tennessee

Marlboro, South Carolina

Nekoosa, Wisconsin

Plymouth, North Carolina

Port Huron, Michigan

Rothschild, Wisconsin

Windsor, Quebec

Coated Groundwood:

Columbus, Mississippi

Pulp:

Dryden, Ontario

Kamloops, British Columbia

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

Woodland, MainePlymouth, North Carolina

Chip Mills:

Hawesville, Kentucky

Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania

Kingsport, Tennessee

Marlboro, South Carolina

Converting and Distribution—Onsite:

Ashdown, Arkansas

Plymouth, North Carolina

Rothschild, Wisconsin

Windsor, Quebec

Converting and Distribution—Offsite:

Addison, Illinois

Brownsville, Tennessee

Cerritos, California

Dallas, Texas

Dubois,DuBois, Pennsylvania

Griffin, Georgia

Indianapolis, Indiana

Mira Loma, California

Owensboro, Kentucky

Ridgefields, Tennessee

Tatum, South Carolina

Washington Court House, Ohio

Guangzhou, China

Forms Manufacturing:

Cerritos, California

Dallas, Texas

Indianapolis, Indiana

Langhorne, Pennsylvania

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Enterprise Group*—United States:

Birmingham, Alabama

Chandler,Phoenix, Arizona

Little Rock, Arkansas

Buena Park,San Lorenzo, California

Cerritos, California

Hayward, California

Sacramento,Riverside, California

Denver, Colorado

Jacksonville, Florida

Lakeland, Florida

Miami,Medley, Florida

Duluth, Georgia

Boise, Idaho

Addison, Illinois

East Peoria, Illinois

Evansville, Indiana

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Indianapolis, Indiana

Des Moines,Altoona, Iowa

Kansas City, Kansas

Lexington, Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky

Harahan,Kenner, Louisiana

Boston,Mansfield, Massachusetts

Livonia, Michigan

Wayland, Michigan

Fridley,Wayne, Michigan

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Jackson, Mississippi

St. Louis,Overland, Missouri

Omaha, Nebraska

Las Vegas, Nevada

Hoboken, New Jersey

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Buffalo, New York

Syracuse, New York

Charlotte, North Carolina

Brookpark, Ohio

Cincinnati, Ohio

Cleveland, Ohio

Columbus,Plain City, Ohio

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Langhorne, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee

Nashville,Antioch, Tennessee

El Paso, Texas

Garland, Texas

Houston, Texas

San Antonio, Texas

Salt Lake City, Utah

Richmond, Virginia

Kent, Washington

Vancouver, Washington

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Enterprise Group*—Canada:

Calgary, Alberta

Montreal,Dorval, Quebec

Toronto,Etobicoke, Ontario

Vancouver,Delta, British Columbia

Regional Replenishment Centers (RRC)—United States:

Charlotte, North Carolina

Chicago,Addison, Illinois

Dallas,Garland, Texas

Jacksonville, Florida

Langhorne, Pennsylvania

Los Angeles,Mira Loma, California

Plymouth, North Carolina

Vancouver,Kent, Washington

Regional Replenishment Centers (RRC)—Canada:

Toronto,Richmond, Quebec

Missisauga, Ontario

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Paper MerchantsRepresentative office—International

Hong Kong, China

Distribution

Head Office:

Covington, Kentucky

RIS Paper—Ariva—Eastern Region:

Albany, New York

Boston, Massachusetts

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Hartford, Connecticut


Lancaster, Pennsylvania

New York, New York

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Southport, Connecticut

Washington, DC / Baltimore, Maryland

RIS Paper - Ariva—MidWest Region:

Buffalo, New YorkCovington, Kentucky

Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati, Ohio (I.T.)

Cleveland, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio

Covington, Kentucky

Dayton, Ohio

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Indianapolis, Indiana

Buntin Reid – Ariva—Canada:

London, Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario

Toronto, Ontario

JBR / La Maison du Papier— Canada:

Montreal, Quebec

Quebec City, Quebec

The Paper House—Canada:

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Mount Pearl, Newfoundland

WoodPersonal Care

Big River, SaskatchewanAttends North America—Head Office, Manufacturing and Distribution:

Ear Falls, Ontario

Gogama, Ontario

Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Quebec

Nairn Centre, Ontario

Malartic, Quebec

Matagami, Quebec

Ste-Marie, Quebec

Sullivan, Quebec

Timmins, Ontario

Val d’Or, Quebec

White River, OntarioGreenville, North Carolina


 

* Enterprise Group is involved in the sale and distribution of Domtar papers, notably continuous forms, cut size business papers as well as digital papers, converting rolls and specialty products.

*Enterprise Group is involved in the sale and distribution of Domtar papers, notably continuous forms, cut size business papers as well as digital papers, converting rolls and specialty products.

 

ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Pursuant toIn the Contribution and Distribution Agreement and other agreements entered into in connection with the Transaction,normal course of operations, the Company assumed responsibility for certainbecomes involved in various legal actions mostly related to contract disputes, patent infringements, environmental and product warranty claims, and litigation matters arising outlabor issues. The Company periodically reviews the status of these proceedings and assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgments or relating to the Company’s businesses whether or not asserted prior to the Transaction. Currently, a small numberoutcomes of claims and litigation matters have arisen in the ordinary course of business.these legal proceedings, as well as analyzes probable losses. Although the final outcome of any legal proceeding is subject to a number of variables and cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty, management currently believes that the ultimate outcome of thesecurrent legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s long-term results of operations, cash flow or financial position.

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings relating to contracts, commercial disputes, taxes, environmental issues, labor and employment and other matters related to former and ongoing operations. The Company periodically reviews the status of these proceedings and assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes of these legal proceedings, as well as analyzes probable losses. While the Company believes that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, However, an adverse outcome in one or more of the following significant legal proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our results or cash flow in a given quarter or year.

In the early part of 2006, Weyerhaeuser closed itsPrince Albert facility

The pulp and paper mill in Prince Albert Saskatchewan, whichwas closed in the first quarter of 2006 and has not been operated since. In December 2009, the Company acquired in connection with the Transaction, and which remains closed. Certain unionized parties filed a grievance against Weyerhaeuser following the shut down, alleging that certain post-closure actions taken by Weyerhaeuser violated their collective bargaining agreement. In particular, the union disputed Weyerhaeuser’s post-closure contracting with a third-party vendordecided to oversee on-site security atdismantle the Prince Albert facility. In connection with the Transaction, the Company has assumed any liability with respect to this grievance. The grievance proceeded to an arbitration hearing and was dismissed by the arbitrator. On application for judicial review, the arbitrator’s decision was upheld by the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench and, on February 9, 2009, by the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. In a separate grievance relating to the closure of the Prince Albert facility, which could result in liability in excess of $20 million, the union is claimingclaimed that it iswas entitled to the accumulated pension benefits during the actual layoff period because, according to the union, a majority of employees retained still had recall rights during the layoff. TheArbitration in this matter was held in February 2010, and the arbitrator ruled in favor of the Company is currently evaluating its positions with respecton August 24, 2010. As a result of the sale of the Prince Albert facility to these grievances and cannot be certain that it will not incur liability, which could be material, with respect to these grievances.

On June 12, 2007, an action was commenced by George Weston LimitedPaper Excellence Canada Holdings Corporation (“Weston”Paper Excellence”) in May 2011, the Superior Courtunion agreed to release any claims for judicial review it may have against the Company in relation to the grievance.

Acquisition of Justice of the Province of Ontario againstE.B. Eddy Limited and E.B. Eddy Paper, Inc.

In July 1998, Domtar Inc. The claim alleges that the consummation of the Transaction triggered an obligation(now a 100% owned subsidiary of Domtar Inc. to pay an increase in consideration under the purchase price adjustment contained in the Share Purchase Agreement, dated June 16, 1998 (as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated July 31, 1998, the “Agreement”) between Weston, Weston Investments Inc., Domtar Inc. and Domtar Industries Inc. pursuant to which Domtar Inc.Corporation) acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of E.B. Eddy Limited and E.B. Eddy Paper, Inc. (“E.B. Eddy”), an integrated producer of specialty paper and wood products. The claim seekspurchase agreement included a paymentpurchase price adjustment whereby, in the event of CDN$110the acquisition by a third party of more than 50% of the shares of Domtar Inc. in specified circumstances, Domtar Inc. may be required to pay an increase in consideration of up to a maximum of $118 million ($90(CDN$120 million) under, an amount gradually declining over a 25-year period. At March 7, 2007, the maximum amount of the purchase price adjustment provisionwas approximately $108 million (CDN$110 million).

On March 14, 2007, the Company received a letter from George Weston Limited (the previous owner of E.B. Eddy and a party to the purchase agreement) demanding payment of $108 million (CDN$110 million) as a result of the Agreement and additional compensatory damages.consummation of the Transaction. On August 13,June 12, 2007, an action was commenced by George Weston Limited against Domtar Inc. served its statementin the Superior Court of defense in response to this claim. NeitherJustice of the Company nor Domtar Inc. believesProvince of Ontario, Canada, claiming that the consummation of the Transaction triggered the purchase price adjustment and sought a purchase price adjustment of $108 million (CDN$110 million) as well as additional compensatory damages. The Company does

not believe that the consummation of the Transaction triggers an obligation to pay an increase in consideration under the purchase price adjustment and Domtar Inc. intends to defend itself vigorously against any claims with respect thereto. However, Domtar Inc.the Company may not be successful in itsthe defense of such claims, and if itthe Company is ultimately required to pay an increase in consideration, such payment may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s and on Domtar Inc.’s liquidity,financial position, results of operations and financial condition.or cash flows. On March 31, 2011, George Weston Limited filed a motion for summary judgment which the Company expects to be resolved by the Court in due course. No provision is recorded for this potential purchase price adjustment.

Asbestos claims

Various asbestos-related personal injury claims have been filed in U.S. state and federal courts against Domtar Industries Inc. and certain other affiliates of the Company in connection with alleged exposure by people to products or premises containing asbestos. While the Company believes that the ultimate disposition of these matters, both individually and on an aggregate basis, will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur substantial costs as a result of any such claim. These claims have not yielded a significant exposure in the past. The Company has recorded a provision for these claims and any reasonable possible loss in excess of the provision is not considered to be material.

Environment

The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations enacted by federal, provincial, state and local authorities.

Domtar Inc. and the Company is or may be a “potentially responsible party” with respect to various hazardous waste sites that are being addressed pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“Superfund”) or similar laws. Domtar Inc. continues to take remedial action under its Care and Control Program, as such sites mostly relate to its former wood preserving operating sites, and a number of operating sites due to possible soil, sediment or groundwater contamination. The investigation and remediation process is lengthy and subject to the uncertainties of changes in legal requirements, technological developments and, if and when applicable, the allocation of liability among potentially responsible parties.

During the first quarter of 2006, the pulp and paper mill in Prince Albert was closed due to poor market conditions. The Company’s management determined that the Prince Albert facility was no longer a strategic fit for the Company and would not be reopened. On May 3, 2011, Domtar sold its Prince Albert facility to Paper Excellence Canada Holdings Corporation (“Paper Excellence”). Paper Excellence agreed to assume all past, present and future known and unknown environmental liabilities and as such, the Company removed its reserve for environmental liabilities for this site in the second quarter of 2011.

An action was commenced by Seaspan International Ltd. (“Seaspan”) in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, on March 31, 1999 against Domtar Inc. and others with respect to alleged contamination of Seaspan’s site bordering Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia, including contamination of sediments in Burrard Inlet, due to the presence of creosote. Ascreosote and heavy metals. On February 16, 2010, the government of July 3, 2002, the parties entered intoBritish Columbia issued a partial Settlement Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) which provided that while the agreement was performed in accordance with its terms, the action commenced by Seaspan would be held in abeyance. The Settlement Agreement focused on the sharing of costs betweenRemediation Order to Seaspan and Domtar Inc. for certain remediation of contamination referredin order to define and implement an action plan to address soil, sediment and groundwater issues. This Order was appealed to the Environmental Appeal Board (“Board”) on March 17, 2010 but there is no suspension in the plaintiff’s claim.execution of this Order unless the Board orders otherwise. The Settlement Agreement did not address allappeal hearing has been scheduled for October 2012. The relevant government authorities selected a remediation plan on July 15, 2011. In the interim, no stay of the plaintiff’s claims and such claims cannot be reasonably determined at this time. On June 3, 2008, Domtar was notified by Seaspan that it terminated the Settlement Agreement.execution has been granted or requested. The Company has recorded a provisionan environmental reserve to address potential exposure.

Domtar Inc. was issued a Request for Response Action (“RFRA”) byestimated exposure and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (“MPCA”) forreasonably possible loss in excess of the clean-up of tar seeps and soils at a former coal tar distillation plant located in Duluth, Minnesota. On March 27, 1996, the MPCA issued the RFRA to Domtar Inc., Interlake Corp., Allied-Signal, Inc. and Beazer East, Inc. requiring the investigation and potential remediation of a portion of an industrial site located in Duluth, Minnesota, believed to contain contaminated sediments originating from former coke and gas plants and coal tar distillation plants. Domtar Inc. formerly operated one coal tar distillation plant at this site. By final and binding arbitration award, including qualifications by the arbitrators, the remediation costs related to

Domtar Inc.reserve is now estimatednot considered to be between $3 million and $4 million, of which $1 million was paid in the fourth quarter of 2008. Discussion between all concerned parties to finalize the interpretation of the decision and the estimated future costs are ongoing. At December 31, 2008, the Company has a provision for the estimated remediation costs.material.

At December 31, 2008,2011, the Company had a provision of $99$92 million ($107 million at December 31, 2010) for environmental matters and other asset retirement obligations ($119 million in 2007).obligations. Certain of these amounts have been discounted

due to more certainty of the timing of expenditures. Additional costs, not known or identifiable, at this time, will likelycould be incurred for remediation efforts. Based on policies and procedures in place to monitor environmental exposure, management believes that such additional remediation costs would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, earningsresult of operations or cash flows.

Climate change regulation

Since 1997, when an international conference on global warming concluded an agreement known as the Kyoto Protocol, which called for reductions of certain emissions that may contribute to increases in atmospheric greenhouse gas (“GHG”) concentrations, various international, national and local laws have been proposed or implemented focusing on reducing GHG emissions. These actual or proposed laws do or may apply in the countries where the Company currently has, or may have in the future, manufacturing facilities or investments.

In the United States, Congress has considered legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs, although it appears unlikely that any Federal legislation will be actively considered again until after the 2012 elections. Several states already are regulating GHG emissions from public utilities and certain other significant emitters, primarily through regional GHG cap-and-trade programs. Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) is expected, in 2012, to propose GHG permitting requirements for some existing industrial facilities under the agency’s existing Clean Air Act authority. Passage of GHG legislation by Congress or individual states, or the adoption of regulations by the EPA or analogous state agencies, that restrict emissions of GHGs in areas in which the Company conducts business could have a variety of impacts upon the Company, including requiring it to implement GHG containment and reduction programs or to pay taxes or other fees with respect to any failure to achieve the mandated results. This, in turn, will increase the Company’s operating costs, which, to the extent passed through to customers, could reduce demand for the Company’s products. However, the Company does not expect to be disproportionately affected by these measures compared with other pulp and paper producers in the United States.

The province of Quebec initiated, as part of its commitment to the Western Climate Initiative (“WCI”), a GHG cap-and-trade system on January 1, 2012. Reduction targets for Quebec are expected to be promulgated later in 2012, to be effective January 1, 2013. There are presently no federal or provincial legislation on regulatory obligations to reduce GHGs for the Company’s pulp and paper operations elsewhere in Canada.

While it is likely that there will be increased regulation relating to GHG emissions in the future, at this stage it is not possible to estimate either a timetable for the promulgation or implementation of any new regulations or the Company’s cost of compliance to said regulations. The impact could, however, be material.

 

ITEM 4.SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERSMINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December  31, 2008.Not applicable.

PART II

 

ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

MARKET INFORMATION

Domtar Corporation’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “UFS.” PriceThe following table sets forth the price ranges of our common stock during 20082011 and 2007 on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange were:2010.

 

   New York Stock
Exchange ($)
  Toronto Stock Exchange
(CDN$)
   High  Low  Close  High  Low  Close

2008 Quarter

            

First

  8.23  5.94  6.83  8.32  5.98  7.03

Second

  7.45  5.02  5.45  7.59  5.08  5.52

Third

  6.53  4.34  4.60  6.94  4.34  4.99

Fourth

  4.77  1.01  1.67  5.05  1.30  2.07
                  

Year

  8.23  1.01  1.67  8.32  1.30  2.07

2007 Quarter

            

First(1)

  9.92  8.55  9.31  11.55  10.08  10.51

Second

  11.49  9.21  11.16  12.29  10.31  11.83

Third

  11.52  6.67  8.20  12.23  7.23  8.18

Fourth

  8.74  6.81  7.69  8.39  6.72  7.59
                  

Year

  11.52  6.67  7.69  12.23  6.72  7.59
                  

(1)The Company’s common stock was listed March 7, 2007, the date of the Transaction. Prior to the Transaction, the Company did not have publicly traded common stock. Refer to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on the Transaction.
   New York Stock
Exchange ($)
   Toronto Stock Exchange
(CDN$)
 
   High   Low   Close   High   Low   Close 

2011 Quarter

            

First

   93.88     75.49     91.78     92.71     75.43     89.00  

Second

   105.80     84.72     94.72     102.31     81.53     91.37  

Third

   99.65     64.58     68.17     95.44     63.88     71.36  

Fourth

   85.21     62.28     79.96     84.82     66.12     81.51  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year

   105.80     62.28     79.96     102.31     63.88     81.51  

2010 Quarter

            

First

   69.99     47.26     64.41     70.75     50.90     65.44  

Second

   78.93     48.33     49.15     79.36     50.75     52.02  

Third

   66.44     46.25     64.58     69.50     48.85     67.00  

Fourth

   84.96     62.86     75.92     86.28     64.36     75.69  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year

   84.96     46.25     75.92     86.28     48.85     75.69  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

HOLDERS

At December 31, 2008,2011, the number of shareholders of record (registered and non-registered) of Domtar Corporation common stock was approximately 9,40010,819 and the number of shareholders of record (registered and non-registered) of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. exchangeable shares was approximately 8,600.6,311.

DIVIDENDS AND STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

During 2008,In 2011, Domtar Corporation declared and paid four quarterly dividends. The first quarter dividend was $0.25 per share relating to 2010 and the remainder were $0.35 per share relating to 2011, to holders of the Company’s common stock, as well as holders of exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc., a subsidiary of Domtar Corporation. The total dividends of approximately $10 million, $15 million and $13 million were paid on April 15, July 15 and October 17, 2011, respectively, and the fourth quarter dividend of approximately $13 million was paid on January 17, 2012.

In 2010, Domtar Corporation declared three and paid two quarterly dividends of $0.25 per share to holders of the Company’s common stock, as well as holders of exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc., a subsidiary of Domtar Corporation. The total dividends of approximately $11 million and $10 million were paid on July 15 and October 15, 2010, respectively, and the third total dividend of approximately $11 million was paid on January 17, 2011.

On February 22, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share to be paid to holders of the Company’s common stock, as well as holders of exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. This dividend is to be paid on April 16, 2012 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2012.

In addition, on May 4, 2010 the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program (the “Program”) for up to $150 million of the Company’s common stock. On May 4, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase to the Program from $150 million to $600 million. On December 15, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved another increase to the Program from $600 million to $1 billion. Under the Program, the Company did not pay dividendsis authorized to repurchase from time to time shares of its outstanding common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in the United States. The timing and did not buy backamount of stock repurchases will depend on a variety of factors, including the market conditions as well as corporate and regulatory considerations. The Program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time and the Company has no obligation to repurchase any amount of its common stock under the Program. The Program has no set expiration date. The Company repurchases its common stock, from time to time, in part to reduce the dilutive effects of its stock options, awards, and employee stock purchase plan and to improve shareholders’ returns.

The Company makes open market purchases of its common stock using general corporate funds. Additionally, it may enter into structured stock repurchase agreements with large financial institutions using general corporate funds in order to lower the average cost to acquire shares. The agreements require the Company to make an up-front payment to the counterparty financial institution which results in either (i) the receipt of stock at the beginning of the term of the agreements followed by a share adjustment at the maturity of the agreements, or (ii) the receipt of either stock or cash at the maturity of the agreements depending upon the price of the stock.

During 2011, the Company repurchased 5,921,732 shares at an average price of $83.52 for a total cost of $494 million.

During 2010, the Company repurchased 738,047 shares at an average price of $59.96 for a total cost of $44 million. Also in 2010, the Company entered into structured stock repurchase agreements that did not result in the repurchase of shares but resulted in net gains of $2 million which are recorded as a component of Shareholders’ equity.

All shares repurchased are recorded as Treasury stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the par value method at $0.01 per share.

Share repurchase activity under our share repurchase program was as follows during the year ended December 31, 2011:

Period

  (a) Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   (b) Average Price Paid
per Share
   (c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
   (d) Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet be Purchased
under the Plans or
Programs
(in 000s)
 

January 1 through March 31, 2011

   789,957    $87.79     789,957    $36,396  

April 1 through June 30, 2011

   1,682,047    $98.27     1,682,047    $321,105  

July 1 through September 30, 2011

   2,515,791    $76.13     2,515,791    $129,575  

October 1 through December 31, 2011

   933,937    $73.23     933,937    $461,186  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   5,921,732    $83.52     5,921,732    $461,186  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

This graph compares the return on a $100 investment in the Company’s common stock on March 7, 2007 with a $100 investment in an equally-weighted portfolio of a peer group(1), a $100 investment in the S&P 500 Index and a $100 investment in the S&P 500 Materials400 Midcap Index. This graph assumes that returns are in local currencies and assumeassumes quarterly reinvestment of dividend.dividends. The measurement dates are the last trading day of the period as shown.

In May 2011, Domtar Corporation was added to the Standard and Poor’s MidCap 400 Index and will be using this Index going forward.

 

 

(1)On May 18, 2007, the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors established performance measures as part of the Performance Conditioned Restricted Stock Unit (“PCRSUs”) Agreement including the achievement of a total shareholder return compared to a peer group. In 2008, modifications were made to theThe 2011 peer group to include fine paper producers Boiseincludes Buckeye Technologies Inc., Clearwater Paper Corporation, RockTenn Company, Temple-Inland Inc, Kapstone Paper & Packaging Corporation, Schweitzer-Mauduit International Inc., and M-real Corp., as well as the new entity of AbitibiBowater Inc. Other companies in the peer group areSonoco Products Company, Glatfelter Corporation, International Paper Co., MeadWestvaco Corporation, Packaging Corp. of America, Sappi Ltd., Smurfit-Stone Stora Enso,Container Corp., UPM-Kymmene Corp., and Wausau Paper.Paper Corporation.

This graph assumes that returns are in local currencies and assumes quarterly reinvestment of dividends and special dividends.

ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following sets forth selected historical financial data of the Company for the periods and as of the dates indicated. The selected financial data as of December 25, 2005, December 31, 2006, December 30, 2007 and December 31, 2008 and for the fiscal years then ended December 26, 2004, December 25, 2005, December 31, 2006, December 30, 2007 and December 31, 2008 have been derived from the audited financial statements of Domtar Corporation for 2008 andCorporation. The 2007 and the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business for 2006, 2005 and 2004. The selected financial data as of December 26, 2004 has been derived from the financial statements for the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business, which have not been audited. The fiscal years of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007year ended on the last Sunday of the calendar year. Starting in 2008, the fiscal year iswas based on the calendar year and ends December 31. Fiscal year 2008 consisted of 52 weeks and three days, and all other fiscal years presented consisted of 52 weeks except for fiscal 2006, which consisted of 53 weeks. The additional three days in 2008 had no significant impact on our results of operation.

The Company acquired Domtar Inc. as of March 7, 2007. Accordingly, the results of operations for Domtar Inc. are reflected in the financial statements only as of and for the period after that date. Prior to March 7, 2007, the financial statements of the Company reflect only the results of operations of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business. See Item 1A, Risk Factors – “The historical financial information of the Predecessor may not be representative of its results if the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business had been operated independently of Weyerhaeuser and, as a result, may not be a reliable indicator of its future results.” The following table should be read in conjunction with ItemsPart II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

  Year ended   Year ended 

FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

  December 31,
2008
 December 30,
2007
  December 31,
2006
 December 25,
2005
 December 26,
2004
   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
   December 31,
2009
   December  31,
2008(1)
 December 30,
2007
 
  (In millions of dollars, except per share figures) 
(In millions of dollars, except per share figures)(In millions of dollars, except per share figures) 

Statement of Income Data:

                

Sales

  $6,394  $5,947  $3,306  $3,267  $3,026   $5,612    $5,850    $5,465    $6,394   $5,947  

Closure and restructuring costs and, impairment of goodwill, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

   751   110   764   538   17 

Closure and restructuring costs and, impairment and write-down of goodwill, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

   137     77     125     751    110  

Depreciation and amortization

   463   471   311   357   348    376     395     405     463    471  

Operating income (loss)

   (437)  270   (556)  (578)  (41)   592     603     615     (437  270  

Net earnings (loss)

   (573)  70   (609)  (478)  (17)   365     605     310     (573  70  

Net earnings (loss) per share—basic

  $(1.11) $0.15  $(2.14) $(1.68) $(0.06)  $9.15    $14.14    $7.21    ($13.33 $1.77  

Net earnings (loss) per share—diluted

  $(1.11) $0.15  $(2.14) $(1.68) $(0.06)  $9.08    $14.00    $7.18    ($13.33 $1.76  

Cash dividends declared per common and exchangeable share

  $1.30    $0.75     —       —      —    

Balance Sheet Data:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

  $16  $71  $1  $1  $2   $444    $530    $324    $16   $71  

Net property, plant and equipment

   4,301   5,362   3,065   3,270   3,923    3,459     3,767     4,129     4,301    5,362  

Total assets

   6,104   7,726   3,998   4,970   5,565    5,869     6,026     6,519     6,104    7,726  

Long-term debt

   2,110   2,213   32   24   27    837     825     1,701     2,110    2,213  

Total shareholders’ equity

   2,143   3,197   2,915   3,773   4,261    2,972     3,202     2,662     2,143    3,197  

(1)In 2008, the Company conducted an impairment test on its goodwill and concluded that goodwill was impaired and the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $321 million. Also in 2008, the Company conducted impairment tests on its Dryden and Columbus facilities and concluded the assets were impaired and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $360 million.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A&A”) should be read in conjunction with Domtar Corporation’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Part II, in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”),&A, unless otherwise specified, “Domtar Corporation,” “the Company,” “Domtar,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Domtar Corporation and its subsidiaries, as well as its investments. Domtar Corporation’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange. Except where otherwise indicated, all financial information reflected herein is determined on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).

In accordance with industry practice, in this report, the term “ton” or the symbol “ST” refers to a short ton, an imperial unit of measurement equal to 0.9072 metric tons. The term “tonne”“metric ton” or the symbol “ADMT” refers to an air dry metric ton and the term “MFBM” refers to million foot board measure. In this report, unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, and the term “dollars” and the symbol “$” refer to U.S. dollars. In the following discussion, unless otherwise noted, references to increases or decreases in income and expense items, prices, contribution to net earnings (loss), and shipment volume are based on the fifty-two weektwelve month periods ended December 31, 20082011, 2010 and December 30, 2007, as compared to the fifty-three week period ended December 31, 2006.2009. The fifty-two weektwelve month periods are also referred to as 20082011, 2010 and 2007, and the fifty-three week period is referred to as 2006. Starting in 2008, the fiscal year is based on calendar year and ends December 31.2009.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 2008,2011, we reported an operating lossincome of $437$592 million, a decrease of $707$11 million compared to operating income of $270$603 million in 2007. The2010. This decrease was mostlyis mainly attributable to an aggregate $708 million charge for theincreased asset impairment and write-down of goodwill, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to an aggregate $96 million charge in the fourth quarter of 2007 attributable to the impairment of goodwill and property, plant and equipment. Our 2008 results were also negatively impacted by the decrease in our papers business, which has experienced a 10% decrease in shipments in 2008 compared to 2007. The uncoated freesheet industry, and, as a result, Domtar’s uncoated freesheet business, have been contracting with an average compounded rate of decline in demand of 3.1% since the 1999 peak in uncoated freesheet demand in North America. More recently, the decline in demand has been over 6% in each of 2008 and 2007. Our strategy of maintaining our production levels in line with meeting our customer demand has resulted in Domtar permanently curtailing production in 2008 by 487,000 tons of paper, reducing our headcount by approximately 2,000 employees in 2008 and by taking market-related downtime and production slowbacks of 234,000 tons of paper and 100,000 tonnes of pulp, mostly in the fourth quarter of 2008. The permanent shut downs have resulted in closure costs in 2008 of $43 million as well as impairmentrestructuring charges discussed above.recorded in 2011, combined with an overall decrease in sales. Our overall sales decreased due to decreased demand in our Pulp and Paper and Distribution segments. The market-related downtimeoperating profit of 2010 included the net loss on the sale of our Wood business and production slowbacks also negatively impacted our earnings. Our Papers business has seen higher costsWoodland, Maine mill. In addition, we recorded $25 million of raw materials including wood fiber, chemicals and energy, and higher freight costs in 2008. Our average selling price for pulp was higher in 2008fuel tax credits, which had a positive impact on our results. Excluding those 2010 items, operating profit improved as compared to 2007. However, pulp prices have significantly decreased in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to the first three quarters of 2008 and these prices are expected to continue to decline in 2009. We had lower costs related to maintenance as well as lower costs related to synergies and integration in 2008. In 2008, we recorded a reversal of a provision for $23 million2010. This is due to the early termination by the counterpartyacquisition of an unfavorable contract and a gain of $6 million related to the sale of certain trademarks compared to 2007 during which we had a gain of $51 million related to lawsuit and insurance settlement claims and a gain of $18 million related to mark-to-market on financial instruments. The 2007 results include the earnings of DomtarAttends Healthcare Inc. from March 7, 2007 to December 30, 2007 (refer to “The Transaction” below).

In the midst of a recession, the high level of uncertainty makes it difficult to predict sales volumes as none of our markets are showing any signs of demand recovery. Nonetheless, prices remain stable for Domtar’s uncoated freesheet paper products. Depending on customer demand, we expect to continue to take lack-of-order downtime and machine slowdowns in papers and pulp, in the first halfthird quarter of 2009 while all efforts will be made to manage2011 and reduce costs.increased sales prices in paper.

These and other factors that affected the year-over-year comparison of financial results are discussed in the year-over-year and segment analysis.

Prices for pulp are still expected to continue to remain under pressure in certain geographies, while market dynamics in the Asian markets are stabilizing. In fine papers, North American demand is expected to decline at a rate of 2-4% in 2012, consistent with long-term forecasts. Any acceleration in employment growth may help mitigate the structural decline in paper demand. Inflation on input costs is expected to be moderate in 2012.

RestructuringClosure and restructuring activities

We regularly review our overall production capacity with the objective of adjustingaligning our production capacity with anticipated long-term demand. Based on

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we decided to withdraw from one of our analysis, we began reducing our capacity in July 2007. The decline in demand has accelerated beyond our original expectations asU.S. multiemployer pension plans and recorded an estimated withdrawal liability and a resultcharge to earnings of the dramatic decline$32 million. We also incurred in the economy. Accordingly, we have continuedfourth quarter of 2011, a $9 million loss from a pension curtailment associated with the conversion of certain of our U.S defined benefit pension plans to close facilities.defined contribution pension plans.

In December 2008, we announcedFollowing the permanent closure announced on December 18, 2008 of our Lebel-sur-Quévillon pulp mill.mill and sawmill, we recorded a $4 million loss related to pension curtailment in 2009. Operations at our Lebel-sur-Quévillonthe pulp mill had been indefinitely idled insince November 2005 due to unfavorable economic conditions. As of November 2005, ourconditions and the sawmill had

been indefinitely idled since 2006. At the time, the pulp mill and sawmill employed 425 and 140 employees, respectively. The Lebel-sur-Quévillon pulp mill had an annual production capacity of 300,000 metric tons. During 2011, we reversed $2 million of severance and termination provision and following the signing of a definitive agreement (see Item II, Part 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 27 “Subsequent events”), we recorded a $12 million write-down for the remaining fixed assets net book value, a component of Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment.

On March 29, 2011, we announced that on July 1, 2011, we would permanently shut down one paper machine at our Ashdown, Arkansas pulp and paper mill. We subsequently postponed the shut down of the paper machine until August 1, 2011. The closure resulted in an aggregate pre-tax charge to earnings of approximately 300,000 tonnes$75 million, which included $74 million in non-cash charges relating to the accelerated depreciation of the carrying amounts of manufacturing equipment and employedthe write-off of related spare parts and $1 million related to other costs. This closure reduced Domtar’s annual uncoated freesheet paper production capacity by approximately 425125,000 short tons and the mill’s workforce by approximately 110 employees. Operations ceased on August 1, 2011.

On February 1, 2011, we announced the closure of our Langhorne, Pennsylvania forms converting center. The closure resulted in a charge to earnings of $4 million for severance and termination costs. The closure affected 48 employees.

In addition,November 2010, we announced the start up of our new fluff pulp machine in Plymouth, North Carolina, which increased annual fluff pulp making capacity to approximately 444,000 metric tons. The conversion of our Plymouth pulp and paper mill in 2009 is discussed below.

In July 2010, we announced our decision to end all manufacturing activities at our forms converting plant in Cerritos, California. Operations ceased on July 16, 2010. Approximately 50 plant employees were impacted by this decision.

In March 2010, we announced the permanent closure of our Lebel-sur-Quévillon sawmill, which had been indefinitely idled since 2006, at which time it employed approximately 140 employees.

In November 2008, we announced and closed ourcoated groundwood paper machine and converting operations at our Dryden mill.mill in Columbus, Mississippi. Operations ceased in April 2010. This measure resulted in the permanent curtailment of approximately 151,000238,000 tons of papercoated groundwood production capacity per year as well as approximately 70,000 metric tons of thermo-mechanical pulp, and affected approximately 195 employees. Our Dryden pulp production and related forestland activities will remain in operation. Dryden has one pulp line with an annual production capacity of 319,000 tonnes.

In December 2007, we announced the reorganization of our Dryden facility as well as the closure of our Port Edwards mill, effective in the first and second quarters of 2008, respectively. These measures resulted in the curtailment of approximately 336,000 tons of paper capacity per year and affected approximately 625219 employees.

In July 2007, we announced the closure of two paper machines, one located at our WoodlandOur Prince Albert pulp and paper mill and another at our Port Edwards paper mill, as well as the closure of our paper mill in Gatineau and our converting center in Ottawa, effective October 2007. In total, these closures resulted in the curtailment of approximately 284,000 tons of paper capacity per year and affected approximately 430 employees. In 2005, we announced the indefinite closure of our Big River and 51% owned Wapawekka, Saskatchewan sawmills (effectivewas closed in the first quarter of 2006)2006 due to poor market conditions and the indefinite closure ofhad not been operated since. Our management determined that our Prince Albert facility was no longer a strategic fit, and would not be reopened. On May 3, 2011, we sold our Prince Albert pulp and paper mill to Paper Excellence, and one paper machine at our Dryden pulp and paper mill (effectiverecorded a loss on sale of $12 million in the second quarter of 2006).2011.

In February 2009, we announced the permanent shut down of a paper machine at our Plymouth pulp and paper mill, effective at the end of February 2009. This measure resulted in the permanent curtailment of approximately 293,000 tons of paper production capacity per year and affected approximately 185 employees. In October 2009, we announced that we would convert our Plymouth pulp and paper mill to 100% fluff pulp production at a cost of $74 million. Our annual fluff pulp making capacity has increased to 444,000 metric tons. The mill conversion also resulted in the permanent shut down of Plymouth’s remaining paper machine with an annual production capacity of 199,000 tons. The mill conversion helped preserve approximately 360 positions. In connection with this announcement, we recognized $13 million of accelerated depreciation in the fourth quarter of 2009, and a further $39 million of accelerated depreciation over the first nine months of 2010 was recorded in relation to the assets that ceased productive use in October 2010. The remaining assets of this facility were tested for impairment at the time of this 2009 announcement, and no additional impairment charge was required.

In April 2009, we announced that we would idle our Dryden pulp facility for approximately ten weeks, effective April 25, 2009. This decision was taken in response to continued weak global demand at that time for

pulp and the need to manage inventory levels. In addition, we also idled our former Ear Falls sawmill for approximately seven weeks, effective April 10, 2009, as this sawmill was a supplier of chips to our Dryden pulp mill. These temporary measures affected approximately 500 employees at the pulp mill, sawmill and related forestland operations. Our Dryden pulp mill has an annual softwood pulp production capacity of 319,000 metric tons. The former Ear Falls sawmill had an annual production capacity of 190 MFBM. Our Dryden pulp mill restarted its pulp production in July 2009. Our former Ear Falls sawmill restarted its operations in August 2009, but we decided to indefinitely idle the sawmill again, effective in the fourth quarter of 2009.

We continue to evaluate potential adjustments to our production capacity, which may include additional closures of machines or entire mills, and we could recognize significant cash and/or non-cash charges relating to any such closures in future periods.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTSSale of Woodland, Maine hardwood market pulp mill

On September 30, 2010, we sold our Woodland hardwood market pulp mill, hydro electric assets and related assets, located in Baileyville, Maine and New Brunswick, Canada. The purchase price was for an aggregate value of $60 million plus net working capital of $8 million. The sale resulted in a gain on disposal of the Woodland, Maine mill of $10 million net of related pension curtailments costs of $2 million.

The Woodland, Maine mill was our only non-integrated hardwood market pulp mill. It had an annual production capacity of 395,000 metric tons and employed approximately 300 people.

Permanent shut downSale of Wood business

On June 30, 2010, we sold our Wood business to EACOM Timber Corporation (“EACOM”), following the obtainment of various third party consents and customary closing conditions, which included approvals of transfers of cutting rights in Quebec and Ontario, for proceeds of $75 million (CDN$80 million) plus elements of working capital of approximately $42 million (CDN$45 million). We received 19% of the proceeds in shares of EACOM representing an approximate 12% ownership interest in EACOM. The sale resulted in a paper machineloss on disposal of the Wood business and related pension and other post retirement benefit plan curtailments and settlements of $50 million, which was recorded in the second quarter of 2010 in Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Our investment in EACOM was then accounted for under the equity method.

The transaction included the sale of five operating sawmills: Timmins, Nairn Centre and Gogama in Ontario, and Val-d’Or and Matagami in Quebec; as well as two non-operating sawmills: Ear Falls in Ontario and Ste-Marie in Quebec. The sawmills had approximately 3.5 million cubic meters of annual harvesting rights and a production capacity of close to 900 million board feet. Also included in the transaction was the Sullivan remanufacturing facility in Quebec and our interests in two investments: Anthony-Domtar Inc. and Elk Lake Planning Mill Limited.

In December 2010, in an unrelated transaction, we sold our remaining investment in EACOM Timber Corporation for CDN$0.51 per common share for net proceeds of $24 million (CDN$24 million) resulting in no further gain or loss. We have fiber supply agreements in place with our former wood division at our PlymouthEspanola facility. Since these continuing cash outflows are expected to be significant to the former Wood business, the sale of the Wood business did not qualify as a discontinued operation under ASC 205-20.

Dividend and Stock Repurchase Program

In 2011, we repurchased 5,921,732 shares at $83.52 for a total of $494 million and paid dividends of $49 million.

Cellulosic Biofuel Credit

In July 2010, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Office of Chief Counsel released an Advice Memorandum concluding that qualifying cellulose biofuel sold or used before January 1, 2010, is eligible for the cellulosic biofuel producer credit (“CBPC”) and would not be required to be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Each gallon of qualifying cellulose biofuel produced by any taxpayer operating a pulp and paper mill and used as a fuel in the taxpayer’s trade or business during calendar year 2009 would qualify for the $1.01 non-refundable CBPC. A taxpayer could be able to claim the credit on its federal income tax return for the 2009 tax year upon the receipt of a letter of registration from the IRS and any unused CBPC could be carried forward until 2015 to offset a portion of federal taxes otherwise payable.

We had approximately 207 million gallons of cellulose biofuel that qualified for this CBPC for which we had not previously claimed under the Alternative Fuel Mixture Credit (“AFMC”) that represented approximately $209 million of CBPC or approximately $127 million of after tax benefit to the Corporation. In July 2010, we submitted an application with the IRS to be registered for the CBPC and on September 28, 2010, we received our notification from the IRS that we were successfully registered. On October 15, 2010 the IRS Office of Chief Counsel issued an Advice Memorandum concluding that the AFMC and CBPC could be claimed in the same year for different volumes of biofuel. In November 2010, we filed an amended 2009 tax return with the IRS claiming a cellulosic biofuel producer credit of $209 million and recorded a net tax benefit of $127 million in Income tax expense (benefit) on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings for December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, approximately $25 million of this credit remains to offset future U.S. federal income tax liability.

Valuation Allowances

In February 2009,2011, we reachedrecorded a decisionvaluation allowance of $4 million related to state tax credits in U.S. that we expect to expire prior to utilization. This impacted the U.S. and announcedoverall consolidated effective tax rate for 2011.

In 2010, we released the permanent shut downvaluation allowance on our Canadian net deferred tax assets during the fourth quarter. The full $164 million valuation allowance balance that existed at January 1st, 2010 was either utilized during 2010 or reversed at the end of 2010 based on future projected income, which impacted the Canadian and overall consolidated effective tax rate.

Alternative Fuel Tax Credits

The U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) permitted a paper machine at our Plymouth pulp and paper mill, expected to be effective inrefundable excise tax credit, until the first quarter of 2009. We are shutting down this paper machine in order to continue to balance our production capacity with the demand from our customers in light of the continued softening demand for fine papers caused in part by adverse economic conditions. This measure will result in the curtailment of approximately 293,000 tons of paper capacity per year and will affect approximately 185 employees. Costs in connection with this closure are expected to be incurred in the first quarterend of 2009, and result in an aggregate pre-tax charge of approximately $51 million, of which an estimated $41 million represents non-cash charges relating tofor the write-off of the paper machine and a sheeter. Of the pre-tax cash charges, $9 million relates to severance and employee benefits and $1 million to other items. Our Plymouth pulp and paper mill will continue to operate two pulp lines, one pulp dryer as well as one paper machine, with an annual paper production capacity of 199,000 tons. As a result of the decision in the first quarter

of 2009 to change the nature and use of alternative bio fuel mixtures derived from biomass. We submitted an application with the facility,IRS to be registered as an alternative fuel mixer and received notification that our registration had been accepted in late March 2009. We began producing and consuming alternative fuel mixtures in February 2009 at our eligible mills. Although the carrying amountcredit ended at the end of 2009, in 2010, we recorded $25 million of such credits in Other operating (income) loss on the remaining assetsConsolidated Statement of the facility are currently being tested for impairment and may resultEarnings (Loss) compared to $498 million in a write-down in the first quarter of 2009. The remaining carrying amount of such assets was approximately $350$25 million represented an adjustment to amounts presented as deferred revenue at December 31, 2008.

THE TRANSACTION

Domtar Corporation2009 and was incorporated on August 16, 2006 forreleased to income following guidance issued by the sole purposeIRS in March 2010. We recorded an income tax expense of holding the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business and consummating the combination of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business with Domtar Inc. (the “Transaction”). The Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business was owned by Weyerhaeuser Company (“Weyerhaeuser”) prior$7 million in 2010 compared to the completion of the Transaction. The Transaction was consummated on March 7, 2007. Domtar Corporation had no operations prior to March 7, 2007 when, upon the completion of the Transaction, it became an independent public holding company that, directly or indirectly through its subsidiaries, owns the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business and Domtar Inc. We refer to Domtar Corporation, as of the consummation of the Transaction, as the “Successor.”

Although Weyerhaeuser does not have a continuing proprietary interest$162 million in Domtar Corporation, we have entered into several agreements with Weyerhaeuser and/or some of its subsidiaries in connection with the Transaction, including a tax sharing agreement, an intellectual property licensing agreement, a transition services agreement, fiber and pulp supply agreements and site services agreements. These agreements enabled us to continue to operate the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business efficiently following the completion of the Transaction. At the end of 2008, the majority of the transition services agreement have been completed.

The following MD&A of Domtar Corporation covers periods prior to the Transaction. For accounting and financial reporting purposes, the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business is considered to be the “Predecessor” to Domtar Corporation and as a result, its historical financial statements now constitute the historical financial statements of Domtar Corporation. Accordingly, the results reported for the fourth quarter of 2008 and 2007 as well as the year ended 2008 include results of the Successor for the entire period and those reported for 2007 include the results of operations of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business, on a carve-out basis, for the period from January 1, 2007 to March 6, 2007 and the results of operations of the Successor for the period from March 7, 2007 to December 30, 2007. The results of operations for the year ended 2006 are entirely the results of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business. These historical financial statements may not be indicative of our future performance. See Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, “The historical financial information of the Predecessor may not be representative of its results if the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business had been operated independently of Weyerhaeuser and, as a result, may not be a reliable indicator of its future results.”

ACCOUNTING FOR THE TRANSACTION

The Transaction was considered, for accounting purposes, as the acquisition of Domtar Inc. by Domtar Corporation and has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the purchase price was based upon the estimated fair value of Domtar Corporation common stock issued in addition to acquisition costs directly2009 related to the Transaction. Since no quoted market price existedalternative fuel mixture income. The amounts for the shares of Domtar Corporation’s common stock, the purchase price wasrefundable credits were based on the fair valuevolume of thealternative bio fuel mixtures produced and burned during that period.

In 2009, we received a $140 million cash refund and another $368 million cash refund, net assets acquired on August 23, 2006, the date on which the terms of the Transaction were agreed to and announced. The fair value of Domtar Inc. common shares of $6.63 per share usedfederal income tax offsets, in the calculation of the purchase price was based upon the average closing price of Domtar Inc. common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the five trading days beginning August 21, 2006 and ending August 25, 2006, converted at the average daily foreign exchange rate of the Bank of Canada. The number of outstanding Domtar Inc. common shares used2010. Additional information regarding unrecognized tax benefits is included in the calculation of the fair value was based on the same periods.

For more information on the accounting for the Transaction, refer to Note 3 ofPart II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on From 10-K.Form 10-K, under Note 10 “Income taxes.”

Although we do not expect a significant change in our unrecognized tax benefits associated with the alternative fuel tax credits from 2009 during the next 12 months, a favorable audit by the IRS or the issuance of authoritative guidance could result in the recognition of some or all of these previously unrecognized tax benefits. As of December 31, 2011, we have gross unrecognized tax benefits and interest of $192 million and related deferred tax assets of $15 million associated with the alternative fuel tax credits. The recognition of these benefits, $177 million net of deferred taxes, would impact the effective tax rate.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Acquisition of Attends Healthcare Limited

On January 26, 2012, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of privately-held Attends Healthcare Limited (“Attends Europe”), a manufacturer and supplier of adult incontinence care products in Europe, from Rutland Partners. The purchase price is estimated at $236 million (£180 million), including assumed debt. Attends Europe operates a manufacturing, research and development and distribution facility in Aneby, Sweden, and also operates distribution centers in Scotland and Germany. Attends Europe has approximately 413 employees. The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2012, subject to customary closing conditions. The acquired business will be presented under our new reporting segment, “Personal Care”.

Sale of Lebel-sur-Quévillon assets

On January 31, 2012, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement with Fortress Global Cellulose Ltd (“Fortress”), and with a subsidiary of the Government of Quebec, for the sale of our Lebel-sur-Quévillon assets. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012. All pulp and sawmilling assets including the buildings and equipment will be sold to Fortress for the nominal sum of $1 and all lands related to the facilities will be sold to a subsidiary of the Government of Quebec for the nominal sum of $1. The manufacturing operations at the pulp mill ceased in November 2005 due to unfavorable economic conditions while sawmilling operations at the facility ceased in 2006.

Tender offer for certain outstanding notes

On February 22, 2012, we announced the commencement of a cash tender offer for our outstanding 10.75% Notes due 2017 (the “First Priority Notes”), 9.5% Notes due 2016 (the “Second Priority Notes”), 7.125% Notes due 2015 (the “Third Priority Notes”) and 5.375% Notes due 2013 (the “Fourth Priority Notes”) such that the maximum aggregate consideration for Notes purchased in the tender offer, excluding accrued and unpaid interest, which will not exceed $250 million. The tender offer is scheduled to expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on March 20, 2012, unless extended or earlier terminated.

We may waive, increase or decrease the maximum payment amount at our sole discretion. Our obligation to consummate the tender offer is conditioned upon the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including obtaining approximately $250 million of proceeds from a debt financing, on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to us, at or before the expiration date of the tender.

OUR BUSINESS

Our reporting segments correspond toWe operate the following business activities: Papers,Pulp and Paper Merchants(previously named “Papers”), Distribution (previously named “Paper Merchants”) and Wood.Personal Care. A description of our business is included in Part I, Item 1, Business of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Pulp and Paper

We produce 4.3 million metric tons of hardwood, softwood and fluff pulp at 12 of our 13 mills. The majority of our pulp is consumed internally to manufacture paper and consumer products, with the balance being sold as market pulp. We also purchase papergrade pulp from third parties allowing us to optimize the logistics of our pulp capacity while reducing transportation costs.

Papers

We are the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity. In uncoated freesheet, weAmerica. We have 1110 pulp and paper mills in operation (nine(eight in the United States and two in Canada), with an annual paper production capacity of approximately 4.13.5 million tons of uncoated freesheet paper, after giving effect to the announced closure in February 2009 of one paper machine at our Plymouth facility. In addition, we have an annual production capacity of 238,000 tons of coated groundwood at our Columbus paper mill.paper. Our paper manufacturing operations are supported by 1615 converting and distribution operations including a network of 12 plants located offsite of our paper making operations. Also, we have forms manufacturing operations at three of theone offsite converting and distribution operations and two stand-alone forms manufacturing operations.

We design, manufacture, market and distribute a wide range of fine paper products for a variety of consumers, including merchants, retail outlets, stationers, printers, publishers, converters and end-users. Approximately 83%78% of our paper production capacity is domesticin the U.S., and the remaining 17%22% is located in Canada. We also manufacture and sellproduce market pulp in excess of our internal requirements at our three non-integrated pulp mills in Kamloops, Dryden, and we purchase papergrade pulp from third parties allowing us to optimize the logistics ofPlymouth as well as at our pulp capacity while reducing transportation costs.and paper mills in Espanola, Ashdown, Hawesville, Windsor, Marlboro and Nekoosa. We have the capacity to sell to third parties approximately 1.61.7 million metric tonnestons of pulp per year depending on market conditions. Approximately 42%43% of our trade pulp production capacity is domesticin the U.S., and the remaining 58%57% is located in Canada. We shipped approximately 1.1 million metric tonnes of pulp in excess of our internal requirements in 2008.

Paper MerchantsDistribution

Our Paper MerchantsDistribution business consists of an extensive network of strategically located paper distribution facilities, comprisinginvolves the purchasing, warehousing, sale and distribution of our various products and those of other manufacturers. These products include business, printing and printingpublishing papers and certain industrial products. These products are sold to a wide and diverse customer base, which includes small, medium and large commercial printers, publishers, quick copy firms, catalog and retail companies and institutional entities.

Our paper merchants operateDistribution business operates in the United States and Canada under a single banner and umbrella name, the Domtar Distribution Group. Ris Paper, part of the Domtar Distribution Group,Ariva. Ariva operates throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest areas from 1917 locations in the United States, including 1613 distribution centers. In Canada, Domtar Distribution Groupcenters serving customers across North America. The Canadian business operates as Buntin Reid in threetwo locations in Ontario; JBR/La Maison du Papier inOntario, two locations in Quebec; and The Paper House infrom two locations in Atlantic Canada.

Sales are executed by our sales force, based at branches strategically located in served markets. We distribute about 51% of our paper sales from our own warehouse distribution system and approximately 49% of our paper sales through mill-direct deliveries (i.e., deliveries directly from manufacturers, including ourselves, to our customers).

Personal Care

Our Personal Care business sells and markets a complete line of high quality and innovative adult incontinence products and distributes disposable washcloths marketed primarily under the Attends® brand name. We are one of the leading suppliers of adult incontinence products sold into North American hospitals (acute care) and nursing homes (long-term care) and we have a strong and growing presence in the domestic homecare and retail channels. We operate nine different production lines to manufacture our products, with all nine lines having the ability to produce multiples items within each category.

Wood

OurBefore the sale of our Wood business compriseson June 30, 2010, our Wood business comprised the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of lumber and wood-based value-added products, and the management of forest resources. We operateoperated seven sawmills with a production capacity of approximately 855900 million board feet of lumber and one remanufacturing facility. In addition, we own two sawmills that are currently not in operation but have an aggregate production capacity of approximately 360 million board feet of lumber. We also have investments in three companies, one of which is not in operation. We seek to optimize the 31 million acres of forestland we directly license or own in the United States and Canada through efficient management and the application of certified sustainable forest management practices to help ensure that a continuous supply of wood is available for future needs.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND SEGMENTSEGMENTS REVIEW

The following table includes the consolidated financial results of Domtar Corporation for the yearyears ended December 31, 20082011, 2010 and December 30, 2007. The year 2007 consists of the consolidated financial results of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business, on a carve-out basis, from January 1, 2007 to March 6, 2007 and of the Successor for the period from March 7, 2007 to December 30, 2007, and the consolidated financial results of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business, on a carve-out basis, for the year ended December 31, 2006.2009:

 

  Year ended
December 31, 2008
  Year ended
December 30, 2007
  Year ended
December 31, 2006
 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

     December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 December 31,
2009
 
  (In millions of dollars, unless otherwise noted) 
(In millions of dollars, unless otherwise noted)    

Sales

  $6,394  $5,947  $3,306   $5,612    $5,850   $5,465  

Operating income (loss)

��  (437)  270   (556)

Net earnings (loss)

   (573)  70   (609)

Net earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars) 1:

    

Operating income

   592     603    615  

Net earnings

   365     605    310  

Net earnings per common share (in dollars) 1:

     

Basic

   (1.11)  0.15   (2.14)   9.15     14.14    7.21  

Diluted

   (1.11)  0.15   (2.14)   9.08     14.00    7.18  

Operating income (loss) per segment:

         

Papers

  $(369) $321  $(608)

Paper Merchants

   8   13   —   

Pulp and Paper

  $581    $667   $650  

Distribution

   —       (3  7  

Personal Care

   7     —      —    

Wood

   (73)  (63)  52    —       (54  (42

Corporate

   (3)  (1)  —      4     (7  —    
            

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total

  $(437) $270  $(556)  $592    $603   $615  
  At December 31,
2008
 At December 30,
2007
 At December 31,
2006
   At December 31,
2011
   At December 31,
2010
 At December 31,
2009
 

Total assets

  $6,104  $7,726  $3,998   $5,869    $6,026   $6,519  

Total long-term debt, including current portion

  $2,128  $2,230  $44   $841    $827   $1,712  
  

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

1Refer to Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data on this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 6 of the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, for more information on the calculation of net earnings (loss)“Earnings per common share.Share”.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20082011 VERSUS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 30, 200731, 2010

 

 

Sales

Sales for 20082011 amounted to $6,394$5,612 million, an increasea decrease of $447$238 million, or 8%4%, from sales of $5,947$5,850 million in 20072010. The decrease in partsales is mainly attributable to the closure of our Columbus, Mississippi paper mill, the sale of our Woodland, Maine market pulp mill in 2010 ($150 million) and the sale of our Wood business in 2010 ($139 million). In addition, volumes for our pulp and paper decreased ($29 million) and our Distribution segment decreased ($118 million) as a result of the sale of a business unit in the first quarter of 2011 and from difficult market conditions. This decrease was slightly offset by the increase in sales due to the acquisition of DomtarAttends Healthcare Inc. on March 7, 2007. The increase was also attributable to, in 2011 ($71 million), and slightly higher average selling prices for pulp and paperin all our segments ($34683 million). These factors were partially offset by lower shipments for pulp and paper ($495 million), reflecting softer shipments for uncoated freesheet in our Papers business which declined approximately 10% when compared to the previous year, and the implementation of further restructuring activities in 2008 (refer to the section Restructuring activities, above) as well as lower shipments and lower average selling prices for our wood products ($36 million and $6 million, respectively).

Cost of Sales, excluding Depreciation and Amortization

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization, amounted to $5,225$4,171 million in 2008, an increase2011, a decrease of $468$246 million, or 10%6%, compared to cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization, of $4,757$4,417 million in 2007,2010. This decrease is mainly attributable to the impact of lower shipments in partour Pulp and Paper ($140 million) due to the sale of our Woodland, Maine market pulp mill and Distribution segment ($113 million) due to the sale of a business unit, and the sale of our Wood business ($131 million). In addition, there were decreased maintenance costs ($34 million), lower costs for energy and fiber ($33 million and $12 million, respectively). These factors were offset by the acquisition of DomtarAttends Healthcare Inc. on March 7, 2007. This increase was also attributable to higher costs related to the increase in lack-of-order downtime and machine slowbacks, ($6756 million), higherincreased costs for raw materials, including fiberchemicals and freight ($121 million), chemicals ($78 million)60 million and energy ($64 million),$33 million, respectively) and higher

freight costs ($46 million) as well as the negative impact on costs of a stronger Canadian dollar on our Canadian denominated expenses, net of our hedging program ($3337 million). These factors were partially offset by lower shipments for paper and pulp ($361 million), the reversal of a provision for $23 million due to the early termination by the counterparty of an unfavorable contract in the first quarter of 2008, lower costs for maintenance ($21 million) and the realization of savings stemming from restructuring activities.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization amounted to $463$376 million in 2008,2011, a decrease of $8$19 million, or 2%5%, compared to depreciation and amortization of $471$395 million in 2007.2010. This decrease is primarily due to the completionsale of our purchase price allocationWood business in the fourthsecond quarter of 2007 affecting2010, the valuationsale of property, plant and equipment acquiredour Woodland, Maine market pulp mill in the Transaction, which reduced our depreciation and amortization expense,third quarter of 2010 and the implementationclosure of further restructuring activitiesa paper machine at our Ashdown, Arkansas pulp and paper mill in 2008. These factors werethe third quarter of 2011, partially offset by the acquisition of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007.Attends of $4 million.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses amounted to $407$340 million in 2008, a decrease2011, an increase of $1$2 million, or 1%, compared to SG&A expenses of $408$338 million in 2007.2010. This decreaseincrease in SG&A is due to lower integration costs in 2008 when compared to 2007, lower fees paid to Weyerhaeuser for transition services and reduced variable employee compensation costs in 2008primarily due to a decreasepost-retirement curtailment gain of $10 million recorded in 2010, related to the harmonization of certain of our financial results when compared to 2007. These factors were mainly offset bypost-retirement benefit plans and the acquisition of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007.Attends in 2011 ($4 million). This is offset by a decrease of $12 million related to our short-term incentive plan.

Other Operating Income(Income) Loss

Other operating income amounted to $15$4 million in 2008, a decrease2011, an increase of $54$24 million compared to other operating incomeloss of $69$20 million in 2007. Other2010. This increase in other operating income in 2008 included a gain relatedis primarily due to net gains of $6 million from the sale of certain trademarks ($6 million), foreign exchange impact on working capital items ($5 million)property, plant and equipment and businesses compared to a $33 million net loss in 2010 which was driven by a gain on disposalsale of fixed assets ($3 million). Otherour Woodland, Maine market pulp mill of $10 million, offset by a loss on sale of our wood business of $50 million. Also, in 2010, other operating loss included a refundable excise tax credit for the production and use of alternative bio fuel mixtures of $25 million which did not recur in 2011.

Operating Income

Operating income in 2007 included a gain of $51 million related to lawsuit and insurance settlement claims and mark-to-market gains on financial instruments of $18 million.

Operating Income (Loss)

Operating loss in 20082011 amounted to $437$592 million, a decrease of $707$11 million compared to operating income in 2007 of $270 million, primarily due to a $325 million charge for the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $4$603 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, and a $383 million charge for the impairment and write-down on property, plant and equipment2010, in 2008, compared to $92 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. The decrease is also attributablepart due to the factors mentioned above, as well as higher impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment ($35 million), due to accelerated depreciation related to the announced closure of a paper machine at our Ashdown, Arkansas pulp and paper mill and the impairment of assets at our Lebel-sur-Quévillion, Quebec mill, and higher closure and restructuring costs ($2925 million) in 2008. The increase in closure and restructuring costs is2011 primarily due to the closure of the paper machine at our Dryden pulp and paper mill, the closurewithdrawal from one of our Lebel-sur-Quévillon pulp millU.S. multiemployer pension plans and sawmilla recorded loss from a pension curtailment associated with the conversion of certain of our U.S. defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution plans. Additional information about impairment and write-down charges is included under the dismantling costsection “Impairment of a paper machine in 2008. These factors were partially offset byLong-Lived assets,” under the acquisitioncaption “Critical Accounting Policies” of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007.this MD&A.

Interest Expense

We incurred $133$87 million of net interest expense in 2008,2011, a decrease of $38$68 million compared to interest expense of $171$155 million in 2007.2010. This decrease in interest expense is mainly due to lower long-term debtprimarily due to the repaymentrepurchase of our outstanding Canadian dollar debentures5.375%, 7.125% and a portion of7.875% Notes and our Tranche B term loan lower interest rates in 2008 compared to 2007 and a gain of $12 million on debt repurchased in the fourth quarter of 2008. These factors were partially offset by interest expense in2010, on which we incurred tender offer premiums of $35 million, and a net loss on the first quarterreversal of 2007 including only 26 daysa fair value decrement of interest resulting from both the Transaction financing and interest on Domtar Inc. debt.$12 million.

Income Taxes

For 2008,2011, our income tax expense amounted to $3$133 million compared to $29a tax benefit of $157 million for 2007.2010.

The following table providesDuring 2011, we have a significantly larger manufacturing deduction in the U.S. than in prior years since we utilized our remaining federal net operating loss carryforward in 2010. This deduction resulted in a tax benefit of $12 million which impacted the effective tax rate for 2011. We also recorded a $16 million tax benefit related to federal, state, and provincial credits and special deductions which reduced the effective tax rate for 2011. Additionally, we recognized a state tax benefit of $3 million due to the U.S. restructuring cost that impacted the 2011 effective tax rate by reducing state income tax expenseexpense.

During 2010, we recorded $25 million of income related to alternative fuel tax credits in Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The $25 million represented an adjustment to amounts presented as deferred revenue at December 31, 2009 and was released to income following guidance issued by jurisdictionthe IRS in March 2010. This income resulted in an income tax benefit of $9 million and an additional liability for 2008:

JURISDICTION

  U.S.  Canada  Total 
   

(In million of

dollars, unless

otherwise noted)

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $15  $(585) $(570)

Income tax (benefit) expense

   34   (31)  3 

Effective tax rate

   227%  5%  (1)%

During 2008,uncertain income tax positions of $7 million, both of which impacted the U.S. effective tax rate for 2010. Additionally, we recorded a non-tax deductible goodwill impairment chargenet tax benefit of $321$127 million and asfrom claiming a result, bothCBPC in 2010 ($209 million of CBPC net of tax expense of $82 million), which also impacted the U.S. effective tax rate. Finally, we released the valuation allowance on its Canadian net deferred tax assets during the fourth quarter of 2010. The full $164 million valuation allowance balance that existed at January 1, 2010 was either utilized during 2010 or reversed at the end of 2010 based on future projected income, which impacted the Canadian and U.S.overall consolidated effective tax rates were impacted. The Canadian effective tax rate was also impacted byrate.

Equity Earnings

We incurred a valuation allowance taken on the$7 million loss, net Canadian deferred tax assets in the amount of $52 million.taxes, with regards to our joint venture with Celluforce Inc.

Net Earnings

Net lossearnings amounted to $573$365 million ($1.119.08 per common share on a diluted basis) in 2008,2011, a decrease of $643$240 million compared to net earnings of $70$605 million ($0.1514.00 per common share on a diluted basis) in 20072010, mainly due to the charge for impairment of goodwill, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 as well as the other factors mentioned above.

FOURTH QUARTER OVERVIEW

 

 

For the fourth quarter of 2008,2011, we reported an operating lossincome of $719$99 million, a decrease of $726$56 million compared to operating income of $7$155 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. This decrease is mainly attributable2010. Overall, our core operating results for the fourth quarter of 2011 declined when compared to an aggregate $708 million chargethe fourth quarter of 2010, primarily due to our Pulp and Paper segment. Sales prices declined quarter over quarter for pulp. Volume for paper decreased in the fourth quarter and volumes for our Distribution segment decreased as a result of the sale of a business unit earlier in 2011. The overall cost of chemicals and fiber also increased. Other items significantly impacting our operating income comparability are increased impairment and write-down of goodwill, property, plant and equipment of $12 million due to the write-off of assets at our Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Quebec mill and intangible assets recordedincreased closure and restructuring costs of $37 million relating primarily to the restructuring of certain U.S. pension benefit plans. These factors were offset by lower costs for energy and maintenance and the positive impact of the weakening Canadian dollar.

Our effective tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2008 mostly associated with2011 of 14% was primarily the closureresult of the paper machine at our Dryden pulpadditional federal, state, and paper millprovincial credits and special deductions, state income tax benefits due to U.S. restructuring activity, and the goodwill impairmentmix of our Papers business comparedincome between U.S. and foreign jurisdictions being subject to an aggregate $96 million chargedifferent rates. All three of these items resulted in tax benefits which reduced the effective tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2007 for impairment of goodwill and property, plant and equipment associated with the reorganization of our Dryden paper mill and the goodwill impairment of our Wood business. Overall, the recent decline in economic condition has created difficult fourth quarter market conditions. As a result, our operations were impacted by lower shipments for paper and pulp including costs related to lack-of-order downtime, lower shipments for our wood products, higher costs for raw materials including fiber, chemical and energy, higher freight costs as well as closure and restructuring costs and lower average selling prices for our wood products. These factors were partially offset by higher average selling prices for paper and pulp, the favorable impact of a weaker Canadian dollar net of our hedging and lower costs of synergies and integrations. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2007, we had a gain of $51 million related to lawsuit and insurance settlement claims.quarter.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 30, 200731, 2010 VERSUS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20062009

 

 

Sales

Sales for 20072010 amounted to $5,947$5,850 million, an increase of $2,641$385 million, or 80%7%, from sales of $3,306$5,465 million in 2006 due to the acquisition of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007. Excluding2009. The increase in sales of $2,807 million attributable to Domtar Inc., sales for 2007 amounted to $3,140 million, a decrease of $166 million

compared to sales for 2006. The decrease was mainly attributable to lower shipments for paper and wood, partially resulting from the additional week of operations in 2006, as well as lower average selling prices for wood products. These factors were partially offset by higher average selling prices for pulp and paper ($375 million and $145 million, respectively) as well as higher shipments of pulp.

Domtar Inc.’s salesfor pulp ($68 million), reflecting stronger market demand for pulp for the forty-three weeks ended December 30, 2007 amounted to $2,807 million. Domtar Inc.’s salesfirst half of 2010. These factors were impactedpartially offset by lower shipments for paper ($151 million) reflecting a decrease of 4% when compared to 2009 mostly due to the closure of our Columbus, Mississippi paper mill and the conversion to 100% fluff pulp production of our Plymouth pulp and wood products and lower average selling prices for lumber,paper mill. The sale of our Wood business in the second quarter of 2010 also partially offset by higher average selling prices for paper and pulp.this increase in sales.

Cost of Sales, excluding Depreciation and Amortization

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization, amounted to $4,757$4,417 million an increasein 2010, a decrease of $2,081$55 million, or 78%1%, in 2007, compared to cost of sales, excluding deprecationdepreciation and amortization, of $4,472 million in 2006, primarily due to the acquisition of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007. Excluding cost of sales of $2,181 million attributable to Domtar Inc., cost of sales in 2007 amounted to $2,576 million, a decrease of $100 million compared to cost of sales in 2006.2009. This decrease was mainly attributable to lower production and shipments for paper ($151 million), lower chemical and wood products, partially resulting from the additional week of operations in 2006, lowerenergy costs for freight, lower costs for maintenance, lower costs($55 million and $25 million, respectively) as well as due to mill and sawmill closures mentioned above, and lower costs related to lack-of-order downtime.the sale of our Wood business ($73 million) in the second quarter of 2010. These factors were partially offset by higher shipments for pulp ($68 million), higher maintenance costs for($83 million), higher fiber costs ($23 million), higher freight costs ($34 million) and chemicals,the unfavorable impact of a stronger Canadian dollar on our Canadian denominated expenses, net of our hedging program ($46 million).

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization amounted to $395 million in 2010, a decrease of $10 million, or 2%, compared to depreciation and amortization of $405 million in 2009. This decrease was primarily due to the sale of our Wood business in the second quarter of 2010 and by the write-down of property, plant and equipment due

to the permanent closure of a paper machine and manufacturing equipment in the first and last quarters of 2009 at our Plymouth pulp and paper mill. These factors were partially offset by the negative impact of a stronger Canadian dollar severance costs relatedin 2010 when compared to the reorganization of our Dryden paper mill and a $9 million increase in environmental provisions recorded in 2007.

Domtar Inc.’s cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization, for the forty-three weeks ended December 30, 2007 amounted to $2,181 million, which were impacted by lower production and shipments for all of its major products except pulp, and lower costs for freight, partially offset by higher costs for fiber and chemicals and the negative impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.2009.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses amounted to $408$338 million in 2007, an increase2010, a decrease of $234$7 million, or 2%, compared to SG&A expenses of $174$345 million in 20062009. This decrease in SG&A was primarily due to a post-retirement curtailment gain of $10 million related to the acquisitionharmonization of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007. Excluding SG&Acertain of $218 million attributable to Domtar Inc., SG&A in 2007 amounted to $190 million, an increase of $16 million compared to SG&A in 2006. This increase in SG&A is mostly due to integration and optimization costs, fees paid to Weyerhaeuser for transition services, as well as stock-based compensation costs.our post-retirement benefit plans. These amountsfactors were partially offset by the eliminationnegative impact of the corporate charges from Weyerhaeuser.a stronger Canadian dollar in 2010 when compared to 2009.

Domtar Inc.’s SG&AOther Operating (Income) Loss

Other operating loss amounted to $218$20 million in 2010, a decrease in other operating income of $517 million compared to other operating income of $497 million in 2009. This decrease in other operating income was primarily due to a refundable excise tax credit for the forty-three weeks ended December 30, 2007,production and included transaction costsuse of alternative bio fuel mixtures of $25 million recognized in 2010 compared to $498 million recognized in 2009 as well as integration and optimization costs.due to a loss on sale of our Wood business of $50 million recorded in 2010, partially offset by a gain on sale of our Woodland, Maine market pulp mill of $10 million recorded in 2010.

Operating Income

Operating income in 20072010 amounted to $270$603 million, an increasea decrease of $826$12 million compared to an operating lossincome of $615 million in 2006 of $556 million mainly2009, in part due to a $749 million goodwill impairment charge recordedthe factors mentioned above, partially offset by lower closure and restructuring costs due to the closure of one paper machine at our Plymouth pulp and paper mill in the first quarter of 20062009 and the subsequent announcement in part duethe fourth quarter of 2009 of its conversion to the acquisition of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007. Excluding operating income of $168 million attributable to Domtar Inc., operating income in 2007 amounted to $102 million, an increase of $658 million compared to 2006.100% fluff pulp production. The improvementdecrease in operating income was mostly attributable to a $749 million goodwill impairment charge recorded in the first quarter of 2006 based on an evaluation of goodwill relating to the Papers segment, as well as the factors mentioned above. These factors werealso partially offset by an aggregate $96$50 million charge in 2010 for the impairment and write-down of goodwill and property, plant and equipment, recordedcompared to a $62 million charge in 2009. Additional information about impairment and write-down charges is included under the fourth quartersection “Impairment of 2007 associated withLong-Lived assets,” under the reorganizationcaption “Critical Accounting Policies” of our Dryden paper mill and the goodwill impairment of our Wood business as well as the non-recurring benefit of a $65 million duties refund recorded in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Domtar Inc.’s operating income for the forty-three weeks ended December 30, 2007 amounted to $168 million and was impacted by the factors mentioned above, as well as gains on a lawsuit settlement and an insurance claim settlement received in the fourth quarter of 2007 of $39 million and $12 million, respectively, and gains of $18 million on financial instruments.this MD&A.

Interest Expense

We incurred $171$155 million of interest expense for the year ended December 30, 2007 mainly relatingin 2010, an increase of $30 million compared to interest incurred after March 6, 2007 under our new Credit Agreement that we entered intoexpense of $125 million in connection with the Transaction, as well as interest on existing Domtar Inc. debt exchanged for Domtar Corporation debt2009. This increase in the fourth quarter of 2007. Our interest expense forwas primarily due to a charge of $47 million incurred on the year ended December 30, 2007 also includes costsrepurchase of the 5.375%, 7.125% and 7.875% Notes in 2010, which included tender premiums and fees of $35 million and a net loss on the reversal of a fair value decrement of $12 million, as compared to a gain of $15 million related to ourthe repurchase of the 7.875% Notes in 2009. This increase was partially offset by a lower long-term debt restructuringbalance outstanding in the amount of $25 million.2010 compared to 2009.

Income Taxes

For the year ended December 30, 2007,2010, our income tax expensebenefit amounted to $29$157 million compared to $53a tax expense of $180 million for 2009.

During 2010, we recorded $25 million of income related to alternative fuel tax credits in 2006.

Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The $25 million represented an adjustment to amounts presented as deferred revenue at December 31, 2009 and was released to income following table providesguidance issued by the IRS in March 2010. This income resulted in an income tax expense by jurisdictionbenefit of $9 million and an additional liability for 2007:

JURISDICTION

  U.S.  Canada  Total 
   

(In million of

dollars, unless

otherwise noted)

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $217  $(118) $99 

Income tax (benefit) expense

   72   (43)  29 

Effective tax rate

   33%  36%  29%

Theuncertain income tax positions of $7 million, both of which impacted the U.S. effective tax rate includes $4for 2010. Additionally, we recorded a net tax benefit of $127 million relatedfrom claiming a CBPC in 2010 ($209 million of CBPC net of tax expense of $82 million), which impacted the U.S. effective tax rate. Finally, we released the

valuation allowance on its Canadian net deferred tax assets during the fourth quarter of 2010. The full $164 million valuation allowance balance that existed at January 1st, 2010 was either utilized during 2010 or reversed at the end of 2010 based on future projected income, which impacted the Canadian and overall consolidated effective tax rate.

As of December 31, 2009, the Company had a valuation allowance of $164 million on its Canadian net deferred tax assets, which primarily consisted of net operating losses, scientific research and experimental development expenditures not previously deducted and un-depreciated tax basis of property, plant, and equipment. Evaluating the need for an amount of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets often requires significant judgment. All available evidence, both positive and negative, is considered when determining whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed. Specifically, we evaluated the following items:

Historical income / (losses)—particularly the most recent three-year period

Reversals of future taxable temporary differences

Projected future income / (losses)

Tax planning strategies

Divestitures

In our evaluation process, we give the most weight to historical income or losses. During the fourth quarter of 2010, after evaluating all available positive and negative evidence, although realization is not assured, we determined that it was more likely than not that the Canadian net deferred tax assets would be fully realized in the future prior to expiration. Key factors contributing to this conclusion that the positive evidence ultimately outweighed the existing negative evidence during the fourth quarter of 2010 included the fact that the Canadian operations, excluding the loss-generating Wood business (sold to a non-conventionalthird party on June 30, 2010) and elements of other comprehensive income, went from a three-year cumulative loss position to a three-year cumulative income position during the fourth quarter of 2010; we were able to demonstrate continual profitability throughout 2010 and were projected to continue to be profitable in the coming years.

During 2009, we recorded a net liability of $162 million for unrecognized income tax benefits associated with the alternative fuel mixture tax credit. The non-conventionalcredits income. If our income tax positions with respect to the alternative fuel mixture tax credits are subject to fluctuationssustained, either all or in part, then we would recognize a tax benefit in the pricefuture equal to the amount of oil. Under current U.S.the benefits sustained. Our tax law,treatment of the sale of biomass gas will no longer generate non-conventionalincome related to the alternative fuel mixture tax credits after 2007.resulted in the recognition of a tax benefit of $36 million which impacted the U.S. effective tax rate. This credit expired December 31, 2009. The Canadian effective tax rate forwas impacted by the year ended December 30, 2007 differs from the combined statutory rate due to an $11 million benefit related to changesadditional valuation allowance recorded against new Canadian deferred tax assets in the federal income tax rate, outamount of which $6$29 million is related to a previously reported out-of-period adjustment.during 2009.

Net Earnings

Net earnings amounted to $70$605 million ($0.1514.00 per common share on a diluted basis) in 2007,2010, an increase of $679$295 million compared to a net lossearnings of $609$310 million ($2.147.18 per common share on a diluted basis) in 20062009, mainly due to the impairment of goodwill recorded in the first quarter of 2006 and in part due to the acquisition of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007. Excluding net earnings of $86 million attributable to Domtar Inc., net loss in 2007 amounted to $16 million, a decrease in net loss of $593 million compared to the net loss of 2006. This improvement in net earnings was mainly attributable to the factors mentioned above.

PAPERSPULP AND PAPER

 

 

 

SELECTED INFORMATION

  Year ended
December 31, 2008
  Year ended
December 30, 2007
  Year ended
December 31, 2006
 
   (In millions of dollars, unless otherwise noted) 

Sales

    

Total sales

  $5,440  $5,116  $3,143 

Intersegment sales

   (276)  (235)  —   
             
  $5,164  $4,881  $3,143 

Operating income (loss)

   (369)  321   (608)

Shipments

    

Paper (in thousands of ST)

   4,406   4,501   3,024 

Pulp (in thousands of ADMT)

   1,372   1,329   798 

Benchmark prices 1:

    

Copy 20 lb sheets ($/ton)

  $1,065  $968  $902 

Offset 50 lb rolls ($/ton)

   914   818   823 

Coated publication, no.5, 40 lb Offset, rolls ($/ton)

   966   787   863 

Pulp NBSK—U.S. market ($/ADMT)

   858   824   722 

Pulp NBHK—Japan market 2($/ADMT)

   732   655   592 

1Source: Pulp & Paper Week. As such, these prices do not necessarily reflect our transaction prices.

2Based on Pulp and Paper Week’s Southern Bleached Hardwood Kraft pulp prices for Japan, increased by an average differential of $15/ADMT between Northern and Southern Bleached Hardwood Kraft pulp prices.

SELECTED INFORMATION

  Year ended
December 31, 2011
  Year ended
December 31, 2010
  Year ended
December  31, 2009
 
(In millions of dollars, unless otherwise noted)    

Sales

    

Total sales

  $4,953   $5,070   $4,632  

Intersegment sales

   (193  (229  (231
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $4,760   $4,841   $4,401  

Operating income

   581    667    650  

Shipments

    

Paper (in thousands of ST)

   3,534    3,597    3,757  

Pulp (in thousands of ADMT)

   1,497    1,662    1,539  

Sales and Operating Income

Sales

Sales in our Papers businessPulp and Paper segment amounted to $5,164$4,760 million in 2008, an increase2011, a decrease of $283$81 million, or 6%2%, compared to sales of $4,881$4,841 million in 2007.2010. The decrease in sales is mostly attributable to lower shipments in both pulp and paper, due to the closure of our Columbus, Mississippi mill and the sale of our Woodland, Maine market pulp mill, partially offset by increased selling prices in pulp and paper.

Sales in our Pulp and Paper segment amounted to $4,841 million in 2010, an increase of $440 million, or 10%, compared to sales of $4,401 million in 2009. The increase in sales is mostly attributable to the acquisition of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007, as well ashigher average selling prices for paper and higher average selling prices for pulp, and paper, reflecting the price increases implemented towards the end of 2007 as well as higher shipments for pulp of approximately 8%, reflecting stronger market demand for pulp in Februarythe first half of 2010. As a result of stronger market demand, we took lower lack-of-order downtime and July of 2008. Our pulp shipments increased by 3%machine slowdown in 20082010 when compared to 2007, primarily due to the acquisition of Domtar Inc. as well as the higher lack-of-order downtime in paper taken in 2008, resulting in the availability of more market pulp.2009. These factors were partially offset by lower shipments for paper of approximately 2%4%, reflecting softerdue to the exit from the coated groundwood market demand for uncoated freesheet paper which led to our restructuring activities, including the closure of the paper machine at our Woodland pulp and paper mill effective in the third quarter of 2007,with the closure of our OttawaColumbus, Mississippi paper mill effective in the fourth quarter of 2007, the reorganization of our Dryden paper mill at the end of 2007 and subsequently closed in November 2008, and the closure of our Port Edwards paper mill effective at the end of the second quarter of 2008.due to declining demand.

SalesOperating Income

Operating income in our Papers businessPulp and Paper segment amounted to $4,881$581 million in 2007, an increase of $1,738 million, or 55% compared to sales of $3,143 million in 2006 due to the acquisition of Domtar Inc. Excluding sales of $1,803 million attributable to Domtar Inc., sales in 2007 amounted to $3,078 million,2011, a decrease of $65 million compared to sales in 2006. The decrease is attributable to lower shipments for paper of approximately 8%, excluding shipments attributable to Domtar Inc., in part due to the additional week of operations in 2006, partially offset by an increase in average selling prices for pulp and paper and higher shipments of pulp of approximately 5%, excluding shipments attributable to Domtar Inc. Domtar Inc.’s sales for the forty-three week period ended December 30, 2007 amounted to $1,803 million and were impacted by higher average selling prices for paper and pulp, partially offset by lower shipments for paper and pulp.

Operating Income (Loss)

Operating loss in our Papers business amounted to $369 million in 2008, a decrease of $690$86 million, when compared to operating income of $321$667 million in 2007, mostly attributable2010. Overall, our operating results declined when compared to the aggregate $694 million charge for2010 primarily due to increased impairment and write-down of goodwill and property, plant and equipment recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to the $92 million charge for impairmentwrite-off of property, plant and equipment of $35 million resulting from the impairments at our Ashdown and Lebel-sur-Quévillon mills and increased closure and restructuring of $25 million mainly due to our withdrawal from a U.S. multi-employer plan, and from a pension curtailment loss associated with the conversion of certain of our U.S. defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution pension plans. Our operating results also declined due to the overall decrease in 2007. In addition, our operating loss was impacted bysales and shipments as a result of lower demand of 63,000 tons related to paper compared to 2010, higher costs for raw materials including fiber, energychemicals and chemicals, especially for starch, caustic soda, sulfuric acidfreight ($60 million and sodium chlorate, higher freight costs, lower shipments for paper as well as higher closure$33 million, respectively), and restructuring costs, and the absence of a gain of $39 million related to a lawsuit settlement in 2007. These factors were partially offset by the acquisition of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007, higher average selling prices for pulp and paper, higher shipments for pulp, lower maintenance costs, the realization of savings stemming from restructuring and synergy activities as well as lower depreciation and amortization expense.

Operating income in our Papers business amounted to $321 million in 2007, an increase of $929 million compared to an operating loss of $608 million in 2006 in part due to the acquisition of Domtar Inc. Excluding the operating income of $187 million attributable to Domtar Inc., operating income in 2007 amounted to $134 million, an increase of $742 million compared to an operating loss in 2006. The increase is mostly attributable to the absence in 2007 of a $749 million goodwill impairment expense recorded in the first quarter of 2006 as well as higher average selling prices for paper and pulp, lower costs for freight resulting from our freight optimization efforts, lower costs for energy and higher shipments for pulp. These factors were partially offset by a $92 million charge for the impairment of property, plant and equipment recorded in the fourth quarter of 2007 associated with the reorganization of our Dryden paper mill, as well as lower shipments for paper, mostly due to the additional week of operations in the fourth quarter of 2006. Additional factors include the negative impact of a stronger Canadian dollar higher costs for fiber, as well as higher costs for chemicals which were mostly due to the increase in the price of starch and sodium chlorate which are used in the production of paper and pulp, respectively. Domtar Inc.’s operating income totaled $187 million for the forty-three week period ended December 30, 2007. Domtar Inc.’s operating income was impacted by lower shipments for paper and pulp and higher costs for fiber and chemicals,($37 million), partially offset by gains totaling $51lower fiber costs and energy usage ($12 million receivedand $33 million, respectively).

Operating income in the fourth quarterour Pulp and Paper segment amounted to $667 million in 2010, an increase of 2007 related$17 million, when compared to a lawsuit settlement and an insurance claim settlement,operating income of $650 million in 2009. Overall, our operating results improved in 2010 when compared to 2009 primarily due to higher average selling prices for our pulp and paper products. Our strategy of maintaining our production levels in line with our customer demand resulted in taking lack-of-order downtime and machine slowdowns of 30,000 tons of paper and nil metric tons of pulp in 2010 compared to 467,000 tons of paper and 261,000 metric tons of pulp in 2009. We saw an improvement in our pulp

shipments, which experienced an 8% volume increase compared to 2009. In 2010, we also had lower chemicals and energy costs. These factors were partially offset by the $25 million in alternative fuel tax credits recorded in 2010, compared to the $498 million recorded in 2009 as well as by higher maintenance costs, higher fiber costs, higher freight costs.costs and a negative impact of a stronger Canadian dollar (net of our hedging program). Other items significantly impacting our operating income comparability included net gains on disposals of property, plant and equipment and sale of businesses of $17 million recorded in 2010 compared to net losses of $4 million in 2009 and an aggregate $26 million charge in 2010 attributable to closure and restructuring costs compared to an aggregate $52 million charge in 2009.

Pricing Environment

AverageOverall average sales prices in our Paperspaper business increasedexperienced a small increase in 20082011 when compared to 2007.2010. Our overall average paper sales prices for copy 20 lb sheets and offset 50 lb rolls were higher by $97/ton and $86/$17/ton, or 10% each2%, in 20082011 compared to 2007, reflecting price increases implemented towards the end of 2007 as well as price increases implemented in February and July 2008.2010.

Our average pulp sales prices for both Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (“NBSK”) pulp and Northern Bleached Hardwood Kraft (“NBHK”) pulpexperienced a small increase in 2011 compared to 2010. Our sales price increased by $13/tonne and $65/tonne,$15/metric ton, or 2% and 11%, respectively, in 20082011 compared to 2007, reflecting price increases implemented towards the end of 2007 as well as price increases implemented in February and July 2008, partially offset by a significant decrease in sales prices for both NBSK and NBHK in the fourth quarter of 2008. As a result, our2010.

Overall average sales prices for NBSK and NBHK pulp decreased by $137/tonne and $84/tonne, or 19% and 13%, respectively in the fourth quarter of 2008our paper business experienced a small increase in 2010 compared to the fourth quarter of 2007.2009. Our overall average paper sales prices were higher by $44/ton, or 4%, in 2010 compared to 2009.

Our average pulp sales prices experienced a large increase in 2010 compared to 2009. Our sales price increased by $224/metric ton, or 43%, in 2010 compared to 2009.

Operations

Shipments

Our paper shipments decreased by 95,00063,000 tons, or 2%, in 20082011 compared to 20072010, primarily due to higher lack-of-order downtime and paper machine slowbacks in 2008 as a result of softer market demand for uncoated freesheet paper, closure of our Port Edwards paper mill effective at the end of the second quarter of

2008, the reorganization of our Dryden paper mill announced in the fourth quarter of 2007 (which began in January 2008 and was permanently closed in November 2008) and the closure of our OttawaColumbus, Mississippi paper mill effectiveand the conversion of our Plymouth, North Carolina mill to 100% fluff pulp production.

Our pulp trade shipments decreased by 165,000metric tons, or 10%, in 2011 compared to 2010. The decrease is primarily due to the sale of our hardwood market pulp mill in Woodland, Maine in the fourththird quarter of 2007. These factors were partially offset2010. Excluding shipments from our Woodland, Maine mill, our pulp trade shipments increased by 146,000 metric tons or 11% compared to 2010, which resulted from an increase in market demand.

Our paper shipments decreased by 160,000tons, or 4%, in 2010 compared to 2009, primarily due to the acquisitionclosure of Domtar Inc.our Columbus, Mississippi paper mill.

Our pulp trade shipments increased by 43,000123,000 tonnes,metric tons, or 3%8%, in 20082010 compared to 2007 primarily due to the acquisition of Domtar Inc., as well as the reorganization of our Woodland pulp and paper mill in the third quarter of 2007 and the2009. The increase in the availability of market pulp in 2008 due to higher lack-of-order downtime in paper and were negatively impacted byshipments resulted mostly from an increase in planned maintenance shutdowns, lackmarket demand for the first half of availability2010.

Alternative Fuel Tax Credits

The U.S. Internal Revenue Code of ships1986, as amended (the “Code”) permitted a refundable excise tax credit, until the end of 2009, for the production and containers which impacteduse of alternative bio fuel mixtures derived from biomass. We submitted an application with the IRS to be registered as an alternative fuel mixer and received notification that our pulp exportsregistration had been accepted in late March 2009. We began producing and higher lack-of-order downtimeconsuming alternative fuel mixtures in February 2009 at our eligible mills. Although the credit ended at the end of 2009, in 2010, we recorded $25 million of such credits in Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings compared to $498 million in 2009. The $25 million represented an adjustment to amounts presented as deferred revenue at December 31, 2009 and machine slowbacks.was released to income following guidance issued by the IRS in March 2010. We recorded an income tax expense of $7 million in 2010 compared to $162 million in 2009 related to the

alternative fuel mixture income. The amounts for the refundable credits are based on the volume of alternative bio fuel mixtures produced and burned during that period.

In 2009, we received a $140 million cash refund and another $368 million cash refund, net of federal income tax offsets, in 2010. Additional information regarding unrecognized tax benefits is included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 10 “Income taxes.”

Although we do not expect a significant change in our unrecognized tax benefits associated with the alternative fuel tax credits from 2009 during the next 12 months, a favorable audit by the IRS or the issuance of authoritative guidance could result in the recognition of some or all of these previously unrecognized tax benefits. As of December 31, 2011, we have gross unrecognized tax benefits and interest of $192 million and related deferred tax assets of $15 million associated with the alternative fuel tax credits. The recognition of these benefits, $177 million net of deferred taxes, would impact the effective tax rate.

Labor

In 2008, a four-year collective agreement was signed for our Kamloops pulp mill affecting approximately 371 employees. We also signed a four year collective agreement for our Plymouth pulp and paper mill, affecting approximately 600 employees, as well as our Rothschild pulp and paper mill, affecting approximately 337 employees.

In May 2008, we signed a four yearA new umbrella agreement with the United Steelworkers Union (“USW”), expiring in 2015, and affecting approximately 4,0002,900 employees at oureight U.S. locations.mills and one converting operation, was ratified effective December 1, 2011. This agreement only covers certain economic elements, and all other contract issues will beare negotiated at each operating location, as the related collective bargaining agreements become subject to renewal. The parties have agreed not to strike or lock-out during the terms of the respective locations and renewallocal agreements. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement during the local negotiations, the related collective bargaining agreements are automatically renewed for another four years.

Negotiations for the renewal ofIn Canada, the collective agreement expired in 2010 at our Windsor facility in Quebec, Canada, with the Confederation of National Trade Unions (“CNTU”). A new agreement was ratified in mid-November 2011. At the Espanola Mill facility, agreements have been reached with the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (“CEP”), locals 74 and 156 and with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (“IBEW”). Agreements that expired in November 2007 for2009 at our Ashdown mill (affectingDryden facilities in Canada are being negotiated with the CEP and are on-going. These Canadian collective agreements are unrelated to the umbrella agreement with the USW covering our U.S. locations.

As of December 31, 2011, we have nine outstanding agreements; (including two agreements which are covered by the USW) affecting approximately 900 employees) began1,100 employees and twenty-eight ratified agreements affecting approximately 3,700 employees. The majority of employees are in October 2007the U.S. and remain ongoing.Canada.

Closure and Restructuring

In December 2008,2011, we incurred $136 million of closure and restructuring costs ($76 million in 2010), including the impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment of $85 million in 2011, compared to $50 million in 2010. For more details on the closure and restructuring costs, refer to Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 16 “Closure and restructuring costs and liability.”

Closure and restructuring costs are based on management’s best estimates. Although we do not anticipate significant changes, actual costs may differ from these estimates due to subsequent developments such as the results of environmental studies, the ability to find a buyer for assets set to be dismantled and demolished and other business developments. As such, additional costs and further write-downs may be required in future periods.

2011

On March 29, 2011, we announced that on July 1, 2011, we would permanently shut down one paper machine at our Ashdown, Arkansas pulp and paper mill. We subsequently postponed the shut down of the paper machine until August 1, 2011. The closure resulted in an aggregate pre-tax charge to earnings of approximately $75 million, which included $74 million in non-cash charges relating to the accelerated depreciation of the carrying amounts of manufacturing equipment and the write-off of related spare parts and $1 million related to other costs. This closure reduced Domtar’s annual uncoated freesheet paper production capacity by approximately 125,000 short tons and the mill’s workforce by approximately 110 employees. Operations ceased on August 1, 2011.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we decided to withdraw from one of our U.S. multiemployer pension plans and recorded an estimated withdrawal liability and a charge to earnings of $32 million. We also incurred, in the fourth quarter of 2011, a $9 million loss from a pension curtailment associated with the conversion of certain of our U.S. defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution pension plans.

Following the permanent closure announced on December 18, 2008 of our Lebel-sur-Quévillon pulp mill.mill and sawmill, we recorded a $4 million loss related to pension curtailment in 2009. Operations at our Lebel-sur-Quévillonthe pulp mill had been indefinitely idled insince November 2005 due to unfavorable economic conditions. As of November 2005, ourconditions and the sawmill had been indefinitely idled since 2006. At the time, the pulp mill and sawmill employed 425 and 140 employees, respectively. The Lebel-sur-Quévillon pulp mill had an annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 tonnesmetric tons. During 2011, we reversed $2 million of severance and employed approximately 425 employees.termination provision and following the signing of a definitive agreement (see Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 27 “Subsequent events”) we recorded a $12 million write-down for the remaining fixed assets net book value, a component of Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment.

In November 2008,On February 1, 2011, we announced the closure of our Langhorne, Pennsylvania forms converting center. The closure resulted in a charge to earnings of $4 million for severance and termination costs. The closure affected 48 employees.

Our Prince Albert pulp and paper mill was closed in the first quarter of 2006 due to poor market conditions and had not been operated since. Our management determined that our Prince Albert facility was no longer a strategic fit, and would not be reopened. On May 3, 2011, we sold our Prince Albert pulp and paper mill to Paper Excellence, and recorded a loss on sale of $12 million in the second quarter of 2011.

2010

In November 2010, we announced the start up of our new fluff pulp machine in Plymouth, North Carolina, which had increased production capacity to approximately 444,000 metric tons. The conversion of our Plymouth pulp and converting operationspaper mill in 2009 is discussed below.

In July 2010, we announced our decision to end all manufacturing activities at our Drydenforms converting plant in Cerritos, California. Operations ceased on July 16, 2010. Approximately 50 plant employees were impacted by this decision.

In March 2010, we announced the permanent closure of our coated groundwood paper mill effective in November 2008.Columbus, Mississippi. Operations ceased in April 2010. This measure resulted in the permanent curtailment of approximately 151,000238,000 tons of coated groundwood production capacity per year as well as approximately 70,000 metric tons of thermo-mechanical pulp, and affected approximately 219 employees.

2009

Our Prince Albert pulp and paper mill was closed in the first quarter of 2006 and has not been operated since. The dismantling of the paper machine and converting equipment was completed in 2008. In December 2009, we decided to dismantle the remaining facility. We removed machinery and equipment from the site and

continue to evaluate other options for the site. As a result of a review of options for the disposal of the assets of this facility in the fourth quarter of 2009, we revised the estimated net realizable values of the remaining assets and recorded a non-cash write-down of $14 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, related to fixed assets, mainly a turbine and a boiler. The write-down represented the difference between the new estimated liquidation or salvage value of the fixed assets and their carrying values.

In February 2009, we announced the permanent shut down of a paper machine at our Plymouth pulp and paper mill, effective at the end of February 2009. This measure resulted in the permanent curtailment of approximately 293,000 tons of paper production capacity per year and affected approximately 195185 employees. Our DrydenIn October 2009, we announced that we would convert our Plymouth pulp and paper mill to 100% fluff pulp production and related forestland activities will remainat a cost of $74 million. Our annual fluff pulp making capacity increased to 444,000 metric tons as a result. The mill conversion also resulted in operation. Dryden has one pulp linethe permanent shut down of Plymouth’s remaining paper machine with an annual production capacity of 319,000 tonnes.

199,000 tons. The mill conversion helped preserve approximately 360 positions. In December 2007,connection with this announcement, we announced the reorganizationrecognized $13 million of our Dryden facility as well as the closure of our Port Edwards mill, effectiveaccelerated depreciation in the fourth quarter of 2009, and a further $39 million of accelerated depreciation over the first nine months of 2010 was recorded in relation to the assets that ceased productive use in October 2010. The remaining assets of this facility were tested for impairment at the time of this 2009 announcement, and second quartersno additional impairment charge was required.

Our Woodland pulp mill, which was indefinitely idled in May 2009, was reopened effective June 26, 2009, and substantially all employees were called back to work in June for the restart of 2008, respectively. These measures resulted in the curtailmentpulp production. Our Woodland pulp mill has an annual hardwood production capacity of approximately 336,000398,000 metric tons, and approximately 300 employees were reinstated. The timely benefits from the refundable tax credits for the production and use of paper capacity per yearalternative bio fuel mixtures, and affected approximately 625 employees.

In July 2007, Domtar announcedother important conditions, such as stronger global demand, improving prices and favorable currency exchange rates made the closure of two paper machines, one atreopening possible. We sold our Woodland pulp mill on September 30, 2010 for $60 million plus net working capital of $8 million.

In April 2009, we announced that we would idle our Dryden pulp facility for approximately ten weeks, effective April 25, 2009. This decision was taken in response to continued weak global demand for pulp and paperthe need to manage inventory levels. Our Dryden pulp mill has an annual softwood pulp production capacity of 319,000 metric tons. Our Dryden pulp mill restarted its pulp production in July 2009.

Other

Natural Resources Canada Pulp and another at our Port EdwardsPaper Green Transformation Program

On June 17, 2009, the Government of Canada announced that it was developing a Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program (“the Green Transformation Program”) to help pulp and paper mill as well ascompanies make investments to improve the environmental performance of their Canadian facilities. The Green Transformation Program was capped at CDN$1 billion. The funding of capital investments at eligible mills must be completed no later than March 31, 2012 and all projects are subject to the approval of the Government of Canada.

Eligible projects must demonstrate an environmental benefit by either improving energy efficiency or increasing renewable energy production. Although amounts will not be received until qualifying capital expenditures have been made, we have been allocated $141 million (CDN$143 million) through this Green Transformation Program, of which all have been approved. The funds are to be spent on capital projects to improve energy efficiency and environmental performance in our Gatineau paper mill and our Ottawa converting center, effective in October 2007. In total, these closures resulted in the curtailment of approximately 284,000 tons of paper capacity per year and affected approximately 430 employees.

In 2006, we indefinitely closed our Prince AlbertCanadian pulp and paper millmills and one paper machineany amounts received will be accounted for as an offset to the applicable plant and equipment asset amount. As of December 31, 2011, we have received a total of $123 million (CDN$125 million) ($72 million in 2011 and $51 million in 2010), mostly related to eligible projects at our Kamloops, Dryden and Windsor pulp and paper mill (effective in the second quarter of 2006).mills.

In 2008, we incurred $732 million for closure and restructuring costs ($105 million in 2007 and $764 million in 2006), including impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment of $373 million, compared to $92 million in 2007 and nil in 2006 and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets of $321 million, compared to nil in 2007 and $749 million in 2006. For more details on the closure and restructuring cost, refer to Item 8, Financial Statements, Note 17, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

At December 30, 2007, $78 million of the Papers segment closure and restructuring cost liability related to operations and activities of Domtar Inc., which was acquired by Domtar Corporation on March 7, 2007, and were part of a plan that had begun to be assessed and formulated by management at that date. As a result, these costs represented assumed liabilities and costs incurred as of the acquisition date and were treated as part of the purchase price allocation in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 95-3, Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination. These closures also impacted the fair value of certain property, plant and equipment as part of the Domtar Inc. purchase price allocation.

Other

In 2005, we announced the indefinite closure of our Prince Albert pulp mill, effective in the second quarter of 2006. We have not determined whether this currently idled facility will be reopened, sold or closed.

On May 9, 2007, we concluded the sale of our Vancouver property for total proceeds of $20 million. No gain or loss was recorded on the sale.

Our air permit for our Kamloops pulp mill required that the facility reduce air emissions of particulate matter by December 31, 2007. Compliance with the permit requirements is likely to require approximately $35 million in capital expenditures over the next five years. The Province of British Columbia agreed to extend the deadline for compliance under specific conditions for a period of five years. We are currently evaluating our options. If we do not have sufficient resources to make the necessary capital expenditures or decide not to further invest in the facility, the facility may not be able to operate after the extension without significantly curtailing output, which could increase our production costs. In the event we do not have sufficient resources to make the necessary capital expenditures or we do not further invest in the facility, the assets will be tested for impairment. The carrying amount of these assets was approximately $205 million at December 31, 2008.

PAPER MERCHANTSDISTRIBUTION

 

 

 

SELECTED INFORMATION

  Year ended
December 31, 2008
  Year ended
December 30, 2007
  Year ended
December 31, 2006
  Year ended
December 31, 2011
   Year ended
December 31, 2010
 Year ended
December 31, 2009
 
  (In millions of dollars)
(In millions of dollars)    

Sales

  $990  $812  —    $781    $870   $873  

Operating income

   8   13  —  

Operating income (loss)

   —       (3  7  

Sales and operating incomeOperating Income

Sales

Sales in our Paper Merchants businessDistribution segment amounted to $990$781 million in 2008, an increase2011, a decrease of $178$89 million compared to sales of $812$870 million in 2007.2010. This increasedecrease in sales is mostly attributable to a decrease in deliveries of 14%, resulting from the sale of a business unit at the end of the first quarter of 2011 and from difficult market conditions.

Sales in our Distribution segment amounted to $870 million in 2010, a decrease of $3 million compared to sales of $873 million in 2009. This decrease in sales was mostly attributable to the acquisitiona decrease in shipments of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007, as well as higher selling prices. The Predecessor had no Paper Merchants operations and as a result, sales for the year ended December 30, 2007 represents only a forty-three week period of sales, from March 7, 2007 to December 30, 2007.approximately 2%.

Operating Income (Loss)

Operating income amounted to $8nil in 2011, an increase of $3 million when compared to operating loss of $3 million in 2008,2010. The increase in operating income is attributable to the gain on sale of a business unit of $3 million at the end of the first quarter of 2011.

Operating loss amounted to $3 million in 2010, a decrease in operating income of $5$10 million when compared to operating income of $13$7 million in 2007.2009. The decrease in operating income iswas attributable to an increase in costs, including an increase in the “last in first out” (LIFO) reserve and higher energy costs, an increase in the allowance for doubtful accountsmargins temporarily contracting due to supplier price increases, as well as depreciation and amortization in 2008. These factors were partially offset by the acquisition of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007, and an increase in selling prices. In addition, the third quarter of 2007 includedto a decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts of $2 million.

The Predecessor had no Paper Merchants operations and as a result, operating income for the year ended December 30, 2007 represents only a forty-three week period of operations, from March 7, 2007deliveries in 2010 when compared to December 30, 2007.2009.

Operations

Labor

We have collective agreements covering six locations in the U.S., of which twoone expired in 2008 and are currently in negotiation, two2011, one will expire in 20092012 and twofour will expire in 2010.2013. We have four collective agreements covering fivefour locations in Canada, of which one expired in 2008, and is currentlyone expired in negotiation,2009 and two will expire in 20092013.

PERSONAL CARE

SELECTED INFORMATION

  Year ended
December 31, 2011
 
(In millions of dollars)    

Sales

  $71  

Operating income

   7  

Sales and twoOperating Income

Sales

Sales in 2010.our Personal Care segment amounted to $71 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing only four months of operations, following the completion of the acquisition on September 1, 2011.

Operating Income

Operating income amounted to $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, representing only four months of operations, following the completion of the acquisition on September 1, 2011 and included the negative impact of purchase accounting fair value adjustments of $1 million.

Operations

Labor

We employ approximately 330 non-unionized employees, almost entirely in the United States.

For more details on the acquisition, refer to Part II, Item 8, Financial Statement and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 3 “ Acquisition of Business”.

WOOD

 

 

 

SELECTED INFORMATION

  Year ended
December 31, 2008
 Year ended
December 30, 2007
 Year ended
December 31, 2006
       Year ended    
    December 31, 2010    
     Year ended    
    December 31, 2009    
 
  (In millions of dollars, unless otherwise noted) 
(In millions of dollars, unless otherwise noted)    

Sales

  $268  $304  $234   $150   $211  

Intersegment sales

   (28)  (50)  (71)   (11  (20
            

 

  

 

 
   240   254   163    139    191  

Operating income (loss)

   (73)  (63)  52 

Operating loss

   (54  (42

Shipments (millions of FBM)

   677   684   223    351    574  

Benchmark prices1:

       

Lumber G.L. 2x4x8 stud ($/MFBM)

  $280  $321  $343   $348   $259  

Lumber G.L. 2x4 R/L no. 1 & no. 2 ($/MFBM)

   304   329   368    350    270  

 

1

Source: Random Lengths. As such, these prices do not necessarily reflect our sales prices.

SalesSale of Wood business

On June 30, 2010, we sold our Wood business to EACOM and Operating Lossexited the manufacturing and marketing of lumber and wood-based value-added products. We have fiber supply agreements in place with our former wood division at our Espanola facility. Since these continuing cash outflows are expected to be significant to the former Wood business, the sale of the Wood business did not qualify as a discontinued operation under ASC 205-20.

Sales

Sales in our Wood businesssegment amounted to $240$139 million in 2008,2010, a decrease of $14$52 million, or 6%27%, compared to sales of $254$191 million in 2007.2009. The decrease in sales iswas attributable to lowerthe sale of our Wood business at the end of the second quarter of 2010, partially offset by an increase in sales attributable to higher average selling prices and lower shipments for wood products due to the slowdown in the U.S. housing industry, as well as lower sales of wood chips, partially offset by the impact of the reopening of our Val d’Or and Matagami sawmills in June 2007 and January 2008, respectively, as well as the acquisition of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007.

Sales in our Wood business amounted to $254 million in 2007, an increase of $91 million, or 56%, compared to sales of $163 million in 2006 primarily due to the acquisition of Domtar Inc. Excluding sales of $192 million attributable to Domtar Inc., sales in 2007 amounted to $62 million, a decrease of $101 million compared to sales in 2006. The decrease is attributable to lower shipments, mostly due to the indefinite closure of our Big River and 51% owned Wapawekka, Saskatchewan sawmills during the first quarter of 2006, theproducts.

slowdown in the U.S. housing industry as well as the additional week of operations in the fourth quarter of 2006 and lower average selling prices. Domtar Inc.’s sales amounted to $192 million in the forty-three week period ended December 30, 2007 and were impacted by lower shipments and lower average selling prices.

Operating Loss

Operating loss in ourthe Wood businesssegment amounted to $73$54 million in 2008,2010, an increase in operating loss of $10$12 million compared to an operating loss of $63$42 million in 2007,2009, mostly attributable to the aggregate $14 million charge for impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets in 2008, compared to a $4 million impairment charge of goodwill in 2007, as well as the acquisition of Domtar Inc.loss on March 7, 2007. This increase in operating loss is also attributable to lower average selling prices and lower shipments of our wood products, higher closure and restructuring costs and higher costs for energy. These factors were partially offset by the reopening of our Matagami sawmill, lower costs and better productivity at several operations. Our second quarter of 2008 included a gain of approximately $1 million on the sale of our investment in Olav Haavaldsrud Timber Company Limited (“Haavaldsrud”).

Operating loss in our Wood business amounted to $63of $50  million in 2007, a decrease of $115 million compared to an operating income of $52 million in 2006 primarily due to the absence of a $65 million refund for antidumping and countervailing duties recorded in the fourth quarter of 2006 as well as the acquisition of Domtar Inc. Excluding an operating loss of $36 million attributable to Domtar Inc., the operating loss in 2007 amounted to $27 million, an increase in operating loss of $79 million compared to 2006. The increase in operating loss is attributable to the above mentioned $65 million duties refund recorded in the fourth quarter of 2006, lower shipments, mostly due to the indefinite closure of our Big River and 51% owned Wapawekka sawmills during the first quarter of 2006, as well as the additional week of operations in the fourth quarter of 2006, lower average selling prices and a $4 million charge for the goodwill impairment recorded in the fourth quarter of 2007, partially offset by lower costs resulting from the sawmill closures mentioned above. Domtar Inc.’s operating loss totaled $36 million for the forty-three week period ended December 30, 2007. Factors impacting Domtar Inc.’s operating loss includes lower average selling prices and lower shipments for lumber and chips, partially offset by lower energy costs and lower freight charges.

Pricing Environment

Our average sales price for Great Lakes 2x4 stud lumber decreased by $41/MFBM, or 15%, and our average sales price for Great Lakes 2x4 random length lumber decreased by $25/MFBM, or 9%, in 2008 compared to 2007.

Operations

Shipments

Our lumber and wood shipments in 2008 decreased by 7 MFBM, or 1%, compared to shipments in 2007, primarily due to the slowdown in the U.S. housing industry, partially offset by the acquisition of Domtar Inc. on March 7, 2007.

Labor

We currently have three collective agreements that are expired and under negotiation.

In September 2008, a five-year collective agreement, expiring in 2011, was ratified by the members at our Nairn Centre sawmill, affecting approximately 105 employees.

In July 2008, we signed a four-year collective agreement for our Sainte-Marie sawmill, affecting approximately 70 employees.

Fiber supply

The Province of Quebec adopted legislation, which became effective April 1, 2005, that reduced allowable wood-harvesting volumes by an average of 20% on public lands and 25% on territories covered by an agreement between the Government of Quebec and Cree First Nations. As a result, the amount of fiber, primarily softwood fiber, that we are permitted to harvest annually under our existing licenses from the Quebec government, was reduced by approximately 21%, to approximately 1.8 million cubic meters. In May 2008, we announced an agreement in principle with the Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife on the reallocation of forest harvesting rights in Northern Quebec. In November 2008, the Government of Quebec announced that they had implemented a consolidation plan affecting harvesting rights for Northern Quebec. This decision, which resulted in the permanent closure of our Lebel-sur-Quévillon sawmill announced in December 2008, provides for the reallocation of volume, for a period of five years, including the reallocation of 665,700 net annual cubic meters of wood for our Val d’Or sawmill (615,700 net annual cubic meters in addition to a temporary volume of 40,000 net annual cubic meters for the next four years) and 450,000 net annual cubic meters of wood for our Matagami sawmill. The consolidation plan had no allocation of harvesting rights to our Malartic sawmill.

Other

In December 2008, we announced the permanent closure of our Lebel-sur-Quévillon sawmill, which had been indefinitely idled since 2006 and at that time employed approximately 140 employees.

In July 2008, we completed a transaction, for total consideration of $12 million, to acquire full ownership of Gogama Forest Products Inc. (“Gogama”), located in Ostrom, Ontario. We had been operating the facility as a 50% owned investment since 2003. The facility currently employs approximately 45 employees and has an annual lumber production capacity of 65 MFBM. This transaction did not have a significant impact on our financial results.

In September 2007, we concluded the sale of our 45% investment in Nabakatuk Forest Products Inc. for total proceeds of approximately $4 million. No gain or loss was recorded on the sale.

In January 2007, due to difficult market conditions that have prevailed in the wood sector in recent months, including the slowdown of the U.S. housing industry and the softwood lumber agreement, we announced the indefinite closure of our White River sawmill which became effective prior to the end of the second quarter of 2007. The closure impacted approximately 140 permanent positions and reduced our production capacity2010, partially offset by 110 million board feet of lumber.

We intend to continue to seek opportunities to maximize the value of these assets as well as pursue initiatives to improve their operational efficiency.higher margins.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE

In February 2008,and September 2011, a number of new equity awards were granted, consisting of performance conditioned restricted stock units, restrictednon-qualified stock unitsoptions and non-qualifiedperformance stock options, which are subject to a variety of service performance and marketperformance conditions.

For the year ended December 31, 2008,2011, compensation expense recognized in our results of operations was approximately $16$23 million, for all of the outstanding awards, compared to $15$25 million in 2007.2010. Compensation costcosts not yet recognized amounted to approximately $11$16 million in 2008, compared to $29 million in 2007,2011 (2010—$22 million), and will be recognized over the remaining service period. Compensation costs for performance awards are based on management’s best estimate of the ultimatefinal performance measurement.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal cash requirements are for ongoing operating costs, including pension contributions, working capital and capital expenditures, as well as principal and interest payments on our debt. We expect to fund our liquidity needs primarily with internally generated funds from our operations and, to the extent necessary, through borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Under normal market conditions, we also have the ability to fund liquidity requirements through new financing, subject to satisfactory credit ratings. The credit markets, however, have been contracting and market access for non-investment grade companies such as Domtar has been limited or non-existent for more than twelve months. Our liquidity requirements can be satisfied by drawing upon our contractually committed revolving credit facility, of which $634$571 million is currently undrawn and available, but underavailable. Under extreme market conditions, there can be no assurance that this agreement would be available or sufficient. See “Capital Resources” below.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including debt we have incurredcould incur under the Credit Agreementcredit facility and outstanding Domtar Corporation notes, and for ongoing operating costs including pension contributions, working capital, and capital expenditures, as well as principal and interest payments on our debt, will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Our Credit Agreementcredit facility and debt indenture,indentures, as well as conditions interms of any future indebtedness, impose, or may impose, various restrictions and covenants on us that could limit our ability to respond to market conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital investments or to take advantage of business opportunities.

Operating Activities

Cash flows provided from operating activities totaled $197$883 million in 2008,2011, a $409$283 million decrease compared to cash flows provided from operating activities of $606$1,166 million in 2007.2010. This decrease in cash flows provided from operating activities reflects an increase in requirements for working capital. The increase in requirements for working capital in 2008 when compared to 2007, is primarily due to trade and other payables, primarily duerelated to the impact of our production curtailments$368 million cash received in the latter partsecond quarter of 2008, inventory (which was impacted in 2008 as a result of lower shipments as well as2010 with regards to the increase in the price of raw materials) and to higher pension and other post-retirement contributions made.alternative fuel tax credits.

Our operating cash flow requirements are primarily for salaries and benefits, the purchase of fiber, energy and raw materials and other expenses such as property taxes.

Investing Activities

Cash flows used for investing activities in 20082011 amounted to $140$395 million, a $625$453 million decrease compared to cash flows provided from investing activities of $485$58 million in 2007.2010. This decrease in cash flows provided from investing activities reflects acquired cash of $573 million in the first quarter of 2007, higher capital spending, in part dueis primarily related to the acquisition of DomtarAttends Healthcare, Inc. on March 7, 2007for $288 million. In addition, there were lower proceeds from the sale of businesses and investments of $175 million due to the prior year sale of our Wood business and the acquisitionsale of full ownershipour Woodland, Maine market pulp mill in 2011. This was partially offset by lower capital spending of Gogama Forest Products Inc.$9 million in the third quarter of 2008.2011.

We intend to limit our annual capital expenditures to below 50%approximately 60% of annual depreciation expense in 2009.2012.

Financing Activities

Cash flows used for financing activities totaled $109$574 million in 20082011 compared to cash flows used for financing activities of $1,025$1,018 million in 2007.2010. This $916$444 million decrease in cash flows used for financing activities is mainly attributable to the impactrepurchase of our 10.75% Notes for $15 million in 2011 versus the first quarterrepayment in full of 2007 of the distribution to Weyerhaeuser of $1,431 million upon the acquisition of Domtar Inc., partially offset by borrowings under our Credit Agreement of

$800 million (consisting of an $800 million tranche B term loan facility). In addition,for $336 million in 2008, we repaid $952010 and the repurchase of $560 million onof our long-term debt,5.375%, 7.125% and 7.875% Notes in 2010. These factors were partially offset by higher common stock repurchases of $494 million in 2011 when compared to a repayment of $311$44 million in 2007, and we had additional borrowings2010 as well as dividend payments of $10$49 million under our revolving credit facility in 2008,2011 compared to $50$21 million in 2007.2010.

Capital Resources

Net indebtedness, consisting of bank indebtedness and long-term debt, net of cash and cash equivalents, was $2,155$404 million at December 31, 2008,2011, compared to $2,222$320 million at December 30, 2007.31, 2010. The $67$84 million decreaseincrease in net indebtedness is primarily due to our repurchase of $60 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 7.875% Notes due 2011 in the fourth quarter of 2008, a repayment of $31 million of our tranche B term loan, capital lease repayments of $6 million in the second quarter of 2008 and lower bank indebtedness, offset by net borrowings of $10 million under our revolving bank credit facility and lower cash levels.level as a result of cash from operating activities net of cash used for investing and financing activities resulting in a reduction of cash and cash equivalents partially due to the purchase of Attends Healthcare, Inc., and increased activity under the common stock repurchase program.

OurOn June 23, 2011, we entered into a new $600 million Credit Agreement entered into in connection with the Transaction, consists of a senior secured tranche B term loan facility and a(the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement replaced our existing $750 million senior secured revolving credit facility. In connection with the closing of the Transaction, the Company borrowed $800 million under the tranche B term loan facility, which has subsequently been reduced to $612 million due to repayments. The revolving credit facility that was scheduled to mature March 7, 2012. We intend to use the new revolving Credit Agreement for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures and acquisitions.

The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility (including a letter of credit sub-facility and a swingline sub-facility) that matures on June 23, 2015. The initial maximum aggregate amount of availability under the revolving Credit Agreement is $600 million. Borrowings may be usedmade by the Company,us, by our U.S. subsidiary Domtar Paper Company, LLC, and, subject to a limit of $150 million, by our Canadian subsidiary Domtar Inc. for general corporate purposes and a portion is available for lettersWe may increase the maximum aggregate amount of credit. Borrowings by the Company and Domtar Paper Company, LLCavailability under the revolving Credit Agreement by up to $400 million, and the Borrowers may extend the final maturity of the Credit Agreement by one year, if, in each case, certain conditions are satisfied, including: (i) the absence of any event of default or default under the Credit Agreement, and (ii) the consent of the lenders participating in each such increase or extension, as applicable.

No amounts were borrowed at December 31, 2011 (December 31, 2010—nil). At December 31, 2011, we had outstanding letters of credit amounting to $29 million under this credit facility are available in U.S. dollars, and borrowings by Domtar Inc.(December 31, 2010—$50 million).

Borrowings under the revolving credit facility are available in U.S. dollars and/or Canadian dollars and are limited to $150 million (or the Canadian dollar equivalent thereof).

The tranche B term loan facility matures on March 7, 2014, and the revolving credit facility matures on March 7, 2012. The tranche B term loan facility amortizes in nominal quarterly installments (equal to one percent of the aggregate initial principal amount thereof per annum) with the balance due on the maturity date. In addition, under certain conditions and to the extent we generate cash flow in excess of cash flow used for operating and capital requirements and repayments of debt, excluding optional repayments of the term loan, we are obligated to apply a portion of such excess cash towards repayments of the term loan, including any repayments already made that were optional.

Amounts drawn under the tranche B term loan facilityCredit Agreement will bear annual interest at either a Eurodollar rate plus a margin of 1.375%, or an alternate base rate plus a margin of 0.375%. Amounts drawn under the revolving credit facility bear annual interest at either a Eurodollar rate plus a margin of between 1.25% and 2.25%, or an alternate base rate plus a margin of between 0.25% and 1.25%. Amounts drawn under the revolving credit facility by Domtar Inc. in U.S. dollars bear annual interest at either a Eurodollar rate plus a margin of between 1.25% and 2.25%, or a U.S. base rate plus a margin of between 0.25% and 1.25%. Amounts drawn under the revolving credit facility by Domtar Inc. in Canadian dollars bear annual interest at the Canadian prime rate plus a margin of between 0.25% and 1.25%. Domtar Inc. may also issue bankers’ acceptances denominated in Canadian dollars which are subject to an acceptance fee, payable on the date of acceptance, which is calculated at a rate per annum equaldependent on our credit ratings at the time of such borrowing and will be calculated at the Borrowers’ option according to between 1.25% and 2.25%. The interesta base rate, margins andprime rate, Eurocurrency rate or the Canadian bankers’ acceptance fee, in eachrate plus an applicable margin, as the case with respect to the revolvingmay be. In addition, we must pay facility fees quarterly at rates dependent on our credit facility, are subject to change based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio.ratings.

The Credit Agreement contains customary covenants for transactions of this type, including two financial covenants: (i) an interest coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) that must be maintained at a numberlevel of covenantsnot less than 3.0 to 1 and (ii) a leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) that among other things, limitmust be maintained at a level of not greater than 3.75 to 1. At December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with our covenants.

All borrowings under the abilityCredit Agreement are unsecured. Certain of our domestic subsidiaries will unconditionally guarantee any obligations from time to time arising under the CompanyCredit Agreement, and itscertain of our Canadian subsidiaries to make capital expenditures and place restrictions on other matters customarily restricted in senior secured credit facilities, including restrictions on indebtedness (includingwill unconditionally guarantee obligations)any obligations of Domtar Inc., liens (including sale and leasebacks), fundamental changes, sales or dispositionthe Canadian subsidiary borrower, under the Credit Agreement.

If there is a change of property or assets, investments (including loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions), transactions with affiliates, hedge agreements, dividends and other payments in respect of capital stock, changes in fiscal periods, environmental activity, optional payments and modifications of other material debt instruments, negative pledges and agreements restricting subsidiary distributions and changes in lines of business. As longcontrol, as the revolving credit commitments are outstanding, we are required to comply with a consolidated EBITDA (as defined under the Credit Agreement) to consolidated cash interest coverage ratio of greater than 2.5xAgreement, the Credit Agreement will be terminated and a consolidated debt to

consolidated EBITDA (as definedany outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement) ratio of less than 4.5x. The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, provided that non-compliance with the consolidated cash interest coverage ratio or consolidated leverage ratio will not constitute an event of default under the tranche B term loan facility unless it has not been waived by the revolving credit lenders within a period of 45 days after notice.automatically become immediately due and payable.

A significant or prolonged downturn in general business and economic conditions may affect our ability to comply with our covenants or meet those financial ratios and tests and could require us to take action to reduce our debt or to act in a manner contrary to our current business objectives.

A breach of any of our Credit Agreement or indenture covenants, orincluding failure to maintain a required ratio or meet a required test, may result in an event of default under those agreements.the Credit Agreement. This may allow the counterparties to those agreementsadministrative agent under the Credit Agreement to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. If this occurs, we may not be able to refinance the indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all, or repay the accelerated indebtedness.

Receivables Securitization

We use securitization of certain receivables to provide additional liquidity to fund our operations, particularly when it is cost effective to do so. The Company’s direct and indirect, existing and future, U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries serve as guarantorscosts under the program may vary based on changes in interest rates. Our securitization program consists of the sale of our domestic receivables to a bankruptcy remote consolidated subsidiary which, in turn, transfers a senior secured credit facilitiesbeneficial interest in them to a special purpose entity managed by a financial institution for any obligations thereundermultiple sellers of receivables. The program normally allows the daily sale of new receivables to replace those that have been collected. We retain a subordinated interest which is included in Receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be collected only after the senior beneficial interest has been settled. The book value of the Company and Domtar Paper Company, LLC, subjectretained subordinated interest approximates fair value. Fair value is determined on a discounted cash flow basis. We retain responsibility for servicing the receivables sold but do not record a servicing asset or liability as the fees received by us for this service approximate the fair value of the services rendered.

The program contains certain termination events, which include, but are not limited to, matters related to receivable performance, certain agreed exceptions. The Company and its subsidiaries serve as guarantors of Domtar Inc.’s obligations as a borrowerdefaults occurring under the senior secured credit facilities, subject to agreed exceptions. Domtar Inc. does not guarantee Domtar Corporation’s obligations under the Credit Agreement. In 2008, we amended the credit facility, and certain judgments being entered against us or our subsidiaries that remain outstanding for 60 consecutive days.

In November 2010, the agreement governing this receivables securitization program was amended and extended to mature in orderNovember 2013. The available proceeds that may be received under the program are limited to allow for the early repurchase$150 million. The agreement was subsequently amended in November 2011 to add a letter of the 7.875% Notes.credit sub-facility.

The obligations of the borrowers in respect to the senior secured credit facilities are secured by all of the equity interests of the Company’s direct and indirect U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the equity interests of the Company’s direct and indirect “first-tier” foreign subsidiaries, subject to agreed exceptions, and a perfected first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company’s and its direct and indirect U.S. subsidiaries’ tangible and intangible assets. The obligations of Domtar Inc., and the obligations of the non-U.S. guarantors, in respect of the senior secured credit facilities are secured by all of the equity interests of the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries, subject to agreed exceptions, and a perfected first priority security interest, lien and hypothec in the inventory of Domtar Inc., its immediate parent, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

As ofAt December 31, 2008, there were $602011 we had no borrowings and $28 million of borrowings under our revolving credit facility and $13 million of borrowings in the form of an overdraft. In addition, at December 31, 2008, we had outstanding letters of credit amounting to $43 millionoutstanding under the program (2010—nil and nil). Sales of receivables under this credit facility. We also have other outstanding lettersprogram are accounted for as secured borrowings. Before 2010, gains and losses on securitization of credit amounting to $2 million.

Credit Rating

RATING AGENCY

SECURITY

RATING

Moody’s Investors Services

Secured Credit FacilityBaa3
Unsecured debt obligationsBa3

Standard & Poor’s

Secured Credit FacilityBBB-
Unsecured debt obligationsBB-

The ratings by Moody’s Investors Services (“Moody’s”) arereceivables were calculated as the fourth and fifth best ratings in termsdifference between the carrying amount of quality within nine rating gradations, with the numerical modifier 3 indicating a ranking at the low end of a rating category. According to Moody’s, a rating of Baa has moderate credit risk with certain speculative characteristicsreceivables sold and the ratingsum of Ba has speculative elementsthe cash proceeds upon sale and is subject to substantial credit risk.the fair value of the retained subordinated interest in such receivables on the date of the transfer.

In 2011, a net charge of $1 million (2010—$2 million; 2009—$2 million) resulted from the programs described above and was included in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The ratings by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) arenet cash outflow in 2011, from the fourth and fifth best ratings in termsreduction of quality within ten rating gradations, withsenior beneficial interest under the “minus” indicating a ranking at the lower end of this category. According to S&P, ratings of BBB have adequate protection parameters and ratings of BB have significant speculative characteristics. Both Moody’s and S&P have a “stable” outlook with respect to their ratings.

A reduction in our credit ratings would have a negative impact on our access to and cost of capital and financial flexibility. The above ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the above rating agencies.program was nil (2010—$20 million).

Domtar Canada Paper Inc. Exchangeable Shares

Upon the consummation of the Transaction, Domtar Inc. shareholders had the option to receive either common stock of the Company or shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. that are exchangeable for common stock of the Company. As of December 31, 2008,2011, there were 20,896,301619,108 exchangeable shares issued and outstanding. The exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. are intended to be substantially the economicaleconomic equivalent to shares of the Company’s common stock. These shareholders may exchange the exchangeable shares for shares of Domtar Corporation common stock on a one-for-one basis at any time. The exchangeable shares may be

redeemed by Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. on a redemption date to be set by the Board of Directors, which cannot be prior to July 31, 2023, or upon the occurrence of certain specified events.events, including, upon at least 60 days prior written notice to the holders, in the event less than 416,667 exchangeable shares (excluding any exchangeable shares held directly or indirectly by us) are outstanding at any time.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

In the normal course of business, we finance certain of our activities off balance sheet through leases and securitization.

Receivables Securitization

We sell certain of our trade receivables through a securitization program, which expires in February 2011. We use securitization of our receivables as a source of financing by reducing our working capital requirements. This securitization program consists of the sale of receivables to a special purpose company which in turn transfers a senior beneficial interest in these receivables to a special purpose entity administered by a financial institution for multiple sellers of receivables. The agreement governing our receivables securitization program normally allows the daily sale of new receivables to replace those that have been collected. It also limits the cash that can be received from the sale of the senior beneficial interest to a maximum of $150 million. The subordinated interest we retain is included in “Receivables” on the consolidated balance sheet and will be collected only after the senior beneficial interest has been settled. The book value of the retained subordinated interest approximates fair value.

As of December 31, 2008, the senior beneficial interest in receivables held by third parties was $110 million. We expect to continue selling receivables on an ongoing basis. Should this program be discontinued either by management’s decision or due to termination of the program by the provider, although not anticipated at this time, our working capital and bank debt requirements will increase.operating leases.

GUARANTEES

Indemnifications

In the normal course of business, we offer indemnifications relating to the sale of our businesses and real estate. In general, these indemnifications may relate to claims from past business operations, the failure to abide by covenants and the breach of representations and warranties included in sales agreements. Typically, such representations and warranties relate to taxation, environmental, product and employee matters. The terms of these indemnification agreements are generally for an unlimited period of time. At December 31, 2008,2011, we are unable to estimate the potential maximum liabilities for these types of indemnification guarantees as the amounts are contingent upon the outcome of future events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accordingly, no provisions havehas been recorded. These indemnifications have not yielded significant expenses in the past.

Tax Sharing Agreement

In conjunction with the Transaction, we signed a Tax Sharing Agreement that governs both our and Weyerhaeuser’s rights and obligations after the Transaction with respect to taxes for both pre- and post-

Distribution periods in regards to ordinary course taxes, and also covers related administrative matters. The Distribution refers to the distribution of our common stock to Weyerhaeuser shareholders.

We will generally be required to indemnify Weyerhaeuser and its shareholders against any tax resulting from the Distribution if that tax results from an act or omission by us after the Distribution. However, if Weyerhaeuser should recognize a gain on the Distribution for reasons not related to an act or omission to act by us after the Distribution, Weyerhaeuser would be responsible for such taxes and would not be entitled to indemnification by us under the Tax Sharing Agreement. In addition, to preserve the Weyerhaeuser tax-free treatment of the Distribution, the following actions will be subject to restrictions for a two-year period following the date of the Distribution:

redemption, recapitalization, repurchase or acquisition of our own capital stock;

issuance of capital stock or convertible debt;

liquidation of Domtar Corporation;

discontinuance of the operations of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business;

sale or disposition (other than in the ordinary course of business) of all or a substantial part of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business; or

other actions, omissions to act or transactions that could jeopardize the tax-free status of the Distribution.

Pension Plans

We have indemnified and held harmless the trustees of our pension funds, and the respective officers, directors, employees and agents of such trustees, from any and all costs and expenses arising out of the performance of their obligations under the relevant trust agreements, including in respect of their reliance on authorized instructions from us or for failing to act in the absence of authorized instructions. These indemnifications survive the termination of such agreements. At December 31, 2008,2011, we had not recorded a liability associated with these indemnifications, as we do not expect to make any payments pertaining to these indemnifications.

E.B. Eddy Acquisition

On July 31, 1998, Domtar Inc. (now a 100% owned subsidiary of Domtar Corporation) acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of E.B. Eddy Limited and E.B. Eddy Paper, Inc. (E.B. Eddy)(“E.B. Eddy”), an integrated producer of specialty paper and wood products. The purchase agreement includes a purchase price adjustment whereby, in the event of the acquisition by a third partythird-party of more than 50% of the shares of Domtar Inc. in specified circumstances, Domtar Inc. may havebe required to pay an increase in consideration of up to a maximum of $98$118 million (CDN$120 million), an amount which is gradually declining over a 25-year period. At March 7, 2007, the closing date of the Transaction, the maximum amount of the purchase price adjustment was $90approximately $108 million (CDN$110 million). No provision was recorded for this potential purchase price adjustment.

On March 14, 2007, we received a letter from George Weston Limited (the previous owner of E.B. Eddy and a party to the purchase agreement) demanding payment of $90$108 million (CDN$110 million) as a result of the consummation of the Transaction. On June 12, 2007, an action was commenced by George Weston Limited against Domtar Inc. in the Superior Court of Justice of the Province of Ontario, Canada, claiming that the consummation of the Transaction triggered the purchase price adjustment and seekingsought a purchase price adjustment of $90$108 million (CDN$110 million) as well as additional compensatory damages. We do not believe that the consummation of the Transaction triggers an obligation to pay an increase in consideration under the purchase price adjustment and intend to defend ourselves vigorously against any claims with respect thereto. However, we may not be successful in our defense of such claims, and if we are ultimately required to pay an increase in consideration, such payment may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity,financial position, results of operations and financial condition.or

cash flows. On March 31, 2011, George Weston Limited filed a motion for summary judgement which we expect to be resolved by the Court in due course. No provision is recorded for this potential purchase price adjustment.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

In the normal course of business, we enter into certain contractual obligations and commercial commitments. The following tables provide our obligations and commitments at December 31, 2008:2011:

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

CONTRACT TYPE

  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  THEREAFTER  TOTAL  2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   THEREAFTER   TOTAL 
(in millions of dollars)                     

Debentures and notes

  $13  $8  $548  $68  $358  $1,096  $2,091
  (in million of dollars) 

Notes (excluding interest)

   —      $74     —      $213    $125    $385    $797  

Capital leases

   6   5   3   3   4   19   40   8     8     7     6     5     38     72  
                       

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Long-term debt

   19   13   551   71   362   1,115   2,131   8     82     7     219     130     423     869  

Operating leases

   30   20   12   8   5   11   86   27     22     18     11     7     5     90  

Liabilities related to uncertain tax benefits(1)

   —     —     —     —     —     —     45   —       —       —       —       —       —       253  
                       

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total obligations

  $49  $33  $563  $79  $367  $1,126   2,262  $35    $104    $25    $230    $137    $428    $1,212  
                       

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

COMMERCIAL OBLIGATIONS

 

COMMITMENT TYPE

  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  THEREAFTER  TOTAL  2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   THEREAFTER   TOTAL 
(in millions of dollars)                     
  (in million of dollars) 

Other commercial commitments(2)

  $100  $9  $7  $6  —    —    $122  $64    $4    $4    $3    $1    $3    $79  
                     

 

(1)We have recognized total liabilities related to uncertain tax benefits of $45$253 million as of December 31, 2008.2011. The timing of payments, if any, related to these obligations is uncertain; however, none of this amount is expected to be paid within the next year.

 

(2)Includes commitments to purchase property, plant and equipment, roundwood, wood chips, gas and certain chemicals. Purchase orders in the normal course of business are excluded.

In addition, we expect to contribute a minimum of $45$52 million to the pension plans in 2009.2012.

For 20092012 and the foreseeable future, we expect cash flows from operations and from our various sources of financing to be sufficient to meet our contractual obligations and commercial commitments.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Fair Value MeasurementsStock Compensation

In April 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update to Compensation—Stock Compensation, which addresses the classification of an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which the underlying security trades. This update clarifies that those employee share-based payment awards should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition and therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. We adopted the new requirement on January 1, 2011 with no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued changes to the presentation of comprehensive income. These changes give an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the

components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements; the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity was eliminated. The items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income were not changed. Additionally, no changes were made to the calculation and presentation of earnings per share. These changes become effective on January 1, 2012. We are currently evaluating these changes to determine which option will be chosen for the presentation of comprehensive income. Other than the change in presentation, we have determined these changes will not have an impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Compensation—Retirement Benefits

In September 2006,2011, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”),an update to Compensation—Retirement Benefits, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and for interim periods within those years. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expandsaddresses the disclosures about fair value measurements. Beginning in fiscal year 2008, we have elected to partially adopt SFAS No. 157 in accordance with FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2 (“FSP FAS No. 157-2”), which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis including those measured at fair value in goodwill impairment testing, asset retirement obligations initially measured at fair value, exit and disposal costs initially measured at fair value, and those initially measured at fair valuean employer’s participation in a business combination.multiemployer plan. The new accounting guidance requires employers participating in multiemployer plans to provide additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures to provide users with more detailed information regarding an employer’s involvement in multiemployer plans.

We adopted this standard on December 31, 2011, with no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The adoption expanded our consolidated financial statements’ footnote disclosures, see Part II, Item 8, Financial Statement and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 7 “Pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans”.

Intangibles—Goodwill and other

In February 2008,September 2011, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 157-1,an update to Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, which removes leasing transactions accountedsimplifies how entities test goodwill for under FAS 13 and related guidance from the scope of FAS No. 157. The FSP addresses implementation issued affecting leasing transactions, including those associated with the different definitions of fair value in

FAS Nos. 13 and 157 and the application ofimpairment by permitting an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value measurement objective under FAS No. 157of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to estimated residual valuesperform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The amendments also improve previous guidance by expanding upon the examples of leased properties. The FSP was effective upon initial adoptionevents and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of FAS No. 157 and we adopteda reporting unit is less than its provisions without significant impact.

In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 157-3, which clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157 in cases where the market for the asset is not active. FSP FAS No. 157-3 is effective upon issuance. We considered the guidance provided by this FSP in the preparation of the financial statements.carrying amount.

The implementationamended provisions are effective for reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this amendment as of SFAS No. 157 for financial assetsits publication date. This amendment impacts impairment testing steps only, and financial liabilities, effective December 31, 2007,therefore adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, and results of operations. We are currently assessing the impact of fully adopting SFAS No. 157 on our future disclosure for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities.

Fair Value Option

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Under SFAS No. 159, entities that elect the fair value option will report unrealized gains and losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with few exceptions, as long as it is applied to the instrument in its entirety. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. We have decided not to adopt the fair value option for any of our existing financial instruments.

Accounting Change Implemented

The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) providing entities with a framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. Prior to SFAS No. 162, the GAAP hierarchy was set forth in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement on Auditing Standards No. 69, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” and had been criticized for being complex. SFAS No. 162 identified different categories of accounting principles in descending order of authority as being: FASB Statements, FAS Technical Bulletins, AICPA Practice Bulletins and finally Implementation Guides. SFAS No. 162 further indicated that if the listed sources do not address the specific transaction at hand, other accounting literature might be consulted while considering their relevance, specificity, and the general recognition of the issuer as an authority. SFAS No. 162 was effective in November 2008 and we have adopted its provisions prospectively with no impact.

Financial Assets and Variable Interest Entities

In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)–8, “Disclosures by Public Entities (Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities.” The FSP amends FASB Statement No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”, to require public entities to provide additional disclosures about transfers of financial assets explaining, among others, their continuing involvement with the assets as well as the nature of any restrictions on assets reported on their statements of financial position that relate to transferred financial assets. The FSP also amends FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, to require public enterprises, including sponsors that have a variable interest in a variable interest entity, to provide additional disclosures about their involvement with variable interest entities. The FSP is effective for the first reporting period (interim or annual) ending after December 15, 2008. This FSP shall apply for each annual and interim reporting period thereafter. We adopted the disclosure requirements of this FSP in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Future Accounting Changes

Business Combinations

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141(R)). This Statement replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141(R) requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, including those arising from contingent considerations and contractual contingencies based on their fair values as measured on the acquisition date. In addition, SFAS No. 141(R) requires the acquirer to measure the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at fair value, which will result in recognizing the goodwill attributable to the noncontrolling interest in addition to the goodwill attributable to the acquirer. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Since Statement 141(R) will only be applicable to future business combinations, it will not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows prior to such acquisitions.

In tandem with SFAS 141(R), the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued Issue No. 08-6, “Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations” and Issue No. 08-7, “Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets” in November 2008. In Issue No. 08-6, the EITF addressed and reached a consensus on a number of matters concerning the effects of issuing SFAS 141(R) and 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” on an entity’s application of the equity method under Opinion 18. Some of such matters included the determination of the carrying value of an equity method investment, the use of the other-than-temporary impairment model of Opinion 18, and accounting for share issuances by the investee. To coincide with the effective dates of SFAS 141(R) and 160, the consensus is effective for transactions occurring in fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. In Issue No. 08-7, the EITF reached a consensus that, among others, an acquired defensive asset should be accounted for as a separate unit of accounting and that the useful life assigned to it should be based on the period during which the asset would diminish in value. The consensus is effective for defensive assets acquired in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and will not have an impact on us unless we acquire defensive assets.

Intangible Assets

In April 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (FSP FAS 142-3). This Staff Position amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extensions assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” This new guidance also provides additional disclosure requirements related to recognized intangible assets. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Early adoption is prohibited. We do not expect the adoption of this accounting guidance to materially impact our results of operations or financial position.

Noncontrolling Interests

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This Statement clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 changes the way the consolidated earnings (loss) statement is presented by requiring consolidated net earnings (loss) to be reported including the amounts attributable to both the parent interest and the noncontrolling interest. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal periods, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We are not expecting the initial adoption of SFAS No. 160 to have a significant effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as we have no significant non-controlling interests.

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 expands quarterly disclosure requirements in SFAS No. 133 about an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. We are currently assessing the impact of fully adopting SFAS No. 161 in our first quarter of fiscal year 2009.flows.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect our results of operations and financial position. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates, including those related to environmental matters and other asset retirement obligations, useful lives, impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill, pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans and income taxes based on currently available information. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

These criticalCritical accounting policies reflect matters that contain a significant level of management estimates about future events, reflect the most complex and subjective judgments, and are subject to a fair degree of measurement uncertainty.

Environmental Matters and Other Asset Retirement Obligations

Environmental expenditures for effluent treatment, air emission, landfill operation and closure, asbestos containment and removal, bark pile management, silvicultural activities and site remediation (together referred to as environmental matters) are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit. In the normal

course of business, we incur certain operating costs for environmental matters that are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for property, plant and equipment that prevent future environmental impacts are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 to 40 years. Provisions for environmental matters are not discounted, except for a portion which areis discounted due to more certainty with respect to timing of expenditures, and areis recorded when remediation efforts are probable and can be reasonably estimated.

We recognize asset retirement obligations, at fair value, in the period in which we incur a legal obligation associated with the retirement of an asset. Our asset retirement obligations are principally linked to landfill capping obligations, asbestos removal obligations and demolition of certain abandoned buildings. Conditional asset retirement obligations are recognized, at fair value, when the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated or on a probability weighted discounted cash flow estimate. The associated costs are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the related asset and depreciated over its remaining useful life. The liability is accreted using the credit adjusted risk-free interest rate used to discount the cash flow.

The estimate of fair value is based on the results of the expected future cash flow approach, in which multiple cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes are considered. We have established cash flow scenarios for each individual asset retirement obligation. Probabilities are applied to each of the cash flow scenarios to arrive at an expected future cash flow. There is no supplemental risk adjustment made to the expected cash flows. The expected cash flow for each of the asset retirement obligations are discounted using the credit adjusted risk-free interest rate for the corresponding period until the settlement date. The rates used vary, based on the prevailing rate at the moment of recognition of the liability and on its settlement period. The rates used vary between 6.5%5.5% and 12.0%.

Cash flow estimates incorporate either assumptions that marketplace participants would use in their estimates of fair value, whenever that information is available without undue cost and effort, or assumptions developed by internal experts.

During the first quarter of 2006, we closed our pulp and paper mill in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and the Big River sawmill in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan due to poor market conditions. We have not determined at this time whether the facilities will be reopened, sold or permanently closed. In the event the facilities are permanently closed, the Province of Saskatchewan may require active decommissioning and reclamation at one or both facilities. In the event decommissioning and reclamation is required at either facility, the work is likely to include investigation and remedial action for areas of significant environmental impacts.

In 2008,2011, our operating expenses for environmental matters amounted to $81 million.$62 million ($62 million in 2010, $71 million in 2009).

We made capital expenditures for environmental matters of $4$8 million in 20082011 ($3 million in 2010, $2 million in 2009), excluding the $83 million spent under the Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program, which was reimbursed by the Government of Canada, ($51 million in 2010, nil in 2009) for the improvement of air emissions and energy efficiency, effluent treatment and remedial actions to address environmental compliance. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate

On December 23, 2011, the additional capital expenditures that may be required. However, management expects any additional required expenditure would not haveEPA proposed a material adverse effect onnew set of standards related to emissions from boilers and process heaters included in the Company’s financial position, earnings or cash flows.manufacturing processes. These standards are generally referred to as Boiler MACT. These proposed rules are open for comment and final versions of these Rules are expected in mid-2012. It is anticipated compliance will be required by in the fall of 2015. We expect that the capital cost required to comply with the Boiler MACT rules, as they were published in December 2011, is between $34 million to $52 million. We are currently assessing the associated increase in operating costs as well as alternate compliance strategies.

We are also a party to various proceedings relating to the cleanup of hazardous waste sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, commonly known as “Superfund,” and similar state laws. The EPA and/or various state agencies have notified us that we may be a potentially responsible party with respect to other hazardous waste sites as to which no proceedings have been instituted against us. We continue to take remedial action under our Care and Control Program, atas such sites mostly relate to our former wood preserving operating sites, and a number of former operating sites especially in the wood preserving sector, due to possible soil, sediment or groundwater contamination. The investigation and remediation process is lengthy and subject to the uncertainties of changes in legal requirements, technological developments and, if and when applicable, the allocation of liability among potentially responsible parties.

An action was commenced by Seaspan International Ltd. (“Seaspan”) in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, on March 31, 1999 against Domtar Inc. and others with respect to alleged contamination of Seaspan’s site bordering Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia, including contamination of sediments in Burrard Inlet, due to the presence of creosote. Ascreosote and heavy metals. On February 16, 2010, the government of July 3, 2002, the parties entered intoBritish Columbia issued a partial Settlement Agreement which provided that while the agreement is performed in accordance with its terms, the action commenced by Seaspan will be held in abeyance. The Settlement Agreement focused on the sharing of costs betweenRemediation Order to Seaspan and Domtar Inc. for certain remediation of contamination referredin order to define and implement an action plan to address soil, sediment and groundwater issues. This Order was appealed to the Environmental Appeal Board (“Board”) on March 17, 2010 but there is no suspension in the plaintiff’s claim.execution of this Order unless the Board orders otherwise. The Settlement Agreement did not address allappeal hearing has been scheduled for October 2012. The relevant government authorities selected a remediation plan on July 15, 2011. In the interim, no stay of the plaintiff’s claims and such claims cannot be reasonably determined at this time. On June 3, 2008, Domtar was notified by Seaspan that it terminated the Settlement Agreement. The Companyexecution has been granted or requested. We have recorded a provisionan environmental reserve to address potential exposure.our estimated exposure in this matter.

While we believe that we have determined the costs for environmental matters likely to be incurred, based on known information, our ongoing efforts to identify potential environmental concerns that may be associated with the properties may lead to future environmental investigations. These efforts may result in the determination of additional environmental costs and liabilities, which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

Domtar Inc. was issued a Request for Response Action (“RFRA”) by For example, changes in climate change regulation – See Part I, Item 3, Legal Proceedings, under the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (“MPCA”) for the clean-up of tar seeps and soils at a former coal tar distillation plant located in Duluth, Minnesota. On March 27, 1996, the MPCA issued a RFRA to Domtar Inc., Interlake Corp., Allied-Signal, Inc. and Beazer East, Inc. requiring the investigation and potential remediation of a portion of an industrial site located in Duluth, Minnesota, believed to contain contaminated sediments originating from former coke and gas plants and coal tar distillation plants. Domtar Inc. formerly operated one coal tar distillation plant at this site. By final and binding arbitration award, including qualifications by the arbitrators, the remediation cost related to Domtar Inc. is now estimated to be between $3 million and $4 million, of which $1 million was paid in the fourth quarter of 2008. Discussion between all concerned parties to finalize the interpretation of the decision and the estimated future costs are on going. At December 31, 2008, we had a provision for the estimated remediation costs.caption “Climate change regulation.”

At December 31, 2008,2011, we had a provision of $99$92 million ($107 million at December 31, 2010) for environmental matters and other asset retirement obligations. Certain of these amounts have been discounted due to more certainty of the timing of expenditures. Additional costs, not known or identifiable, could be incurred for remediation efforts. Based on policies and procedures in place to monitor environmental exposure, we believe that such additional remediation costs would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, earningsresults of operations or cash flows.

At December 31, 2008,2011, anticipated undiscounted payments in each of the next five years are as follows:

 

   2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  THEREAFTER  TOTAL
(in millions of dollars)                     

Environmental provision and other asset retirement obligations

  $22  $22  $11  $6  $13  $25  $99
   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   THEREAFTER   TOTAL 
   (in millions of dollars) 

Environmental provision and other asset retirement obligations

  $24    $26    $8    $3    $2    $77    $140  

Useful Lives

Our property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, including asset impairment write-downs. Interest costs are capitalized for significant capital projects. For timber limits and timberlands, amortization is calculated using the unit of production method. For deferred financing fees, amortization is calculated using the effective interest rate method. For all other assets, amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

We acquired intangible assets as part of the Transaction. Our intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization, including any applicable intangible asset impairment write-down. Water rights, customer relationships, certain trade names and a supplier agreement are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 40 years, 20 to 40 years, 7 years and 5 years, respectively. Natural gas contracts and powerPower purchase agreements are each amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective contract. The weighted-average amortization period is 4 years for natural gas contracts and 25 years for power purchase agreements. Cutting rights are amortized using the units of production method.One trade name is considered to have an indefinite useful life and is therefore not amortized.

On a regular basis, we review the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment as well as our intangible assets. Assessing the reasonableness of the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets requires judgment and is based on currently available information. During 2007, we reviewed the useful lives of the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets acquired from Domtar Inc. using information obtained from the preliminary fair value and purchase price allocation. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we completed the valuation of all assets acquired as well as their useful lives which did not change from our initial estimates. In the process of completing such allocation, in 2007 we revised the amounts allocated to certain assets from those previously reported. The principal significant elements for which such amounts were modified included property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. Changes in circumstances such as technological advances, changes to our business strategy, changes to our capital strategy or changes in regulation can result in the actual useful lives differing from our estimates. Revisions to the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets constitute a change in accounting estimate and are dealt with prospectively by amending depreciation and amortization rates.

A change in the remaining estimated useful life of a group of assets, or their estimated net salvage value, will affect the depreciation or amortization rate used to depreciate or amortize the group of assets and thus affect depreciation or amortization expense as reported in our results of operations. A change of one year in the composite estimated useful life of our fixed asset base would impact annual depreciation and amortization expense by approximately $25 million. In 2008,2011, we recorded depreciation and amortization expense of $463$376 million compared to $471$395 million in 2007.2010. At December 31, 2008,2011, we had property, plant and equipment with a net book value of $4,301$3,459 million ($5,3623,767 million in 2007)2010) and intangible assets, net of amortization of $81$204 million ($11156 million in 2007)2010).

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances indicating that, at the lowest level of determinable cash flows, the carrying value of the long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Step I of the impairment test assesses if the carrying value of the long-lived assets exceeds their estimated undiscounted future cash flows in order to assess if the assets are impaired. In the event the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are lower than the net book value of the assets, a Step II impairment test must be carried out to determine the impairment charge. In Step II, long-lived assets are written down to their estimated fair values. Given that there is generally no readily available quoted value for our long-lived assets, we determine fair value of our long-lived assets using the estimated discounted future cash flow (“DCF”) expected from their use and eventual disposition, and by using the liquidation or salvage value in the case of idled assets. The DCF in Step II is based on the undiscounted cash flows in Step I.

DrydenAshdown, Arkansas pulp and paper mill—Closure of a paper machine

As a result of the decision to permanently shut down one of four paper machines on March 29, 2011, we recognized $73 million of accelerated depreciation, under Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment, in 2011 and a charge of $1 million related to the write off of inventory. Given the substantial decline in the production capacity, at our Ashdown Facility, we conducted a quantitative Step I impairment test in the first quarter of 2011 and concluded that the recognition of an impairment loss for our Ashdown mill’s remaining long-lived assets was not required.

Lebel-sur-Quévillon Pulp Mill and Paper MillSawmill—Impairment of assets

In the fourth quarter of 2008, aswe decided to permanently shut down our Lebel-sur-Quévillon pulp mill and sawmills. In 2011, following the signing of a definitive agreement (see Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 27 “Subsequent events”), we recorded a $12 million impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment relating to the remaining assets net book value.

Plymouth Pulp and Paper Mill—Conversion to Fluff Pulp

As a result of the decision to permanently shut down the remaining paper machine and converting centerconvert our Plymouth facility to 100% fluff pulp production in the fourth quarter of the Dryden mill,2009, we wrote-off $11recognized, under Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment, $39 million of accelerated depreciation in 2010 in addition to $13 million in the net book value to bring these assets to their estimated net recoverable amount. fourth quarter of 2009 and a $1 million write-down for the related paper machine in 2010.

Given the substantial change in use of the pulp and paper mill, we conducted a Step I impairment test onin the remaining Dryden pulp mill operations fixed assets. Estimatesfourth quarter of undiscounted future cash flows used to test the recoverability of the fixed assets included key assumptions related to trend prices, inflation-adjusted cost projections, the forecasted exchange rate for the U.S. dollar2009 and the estimated useful life of the fixed assets. The main sources of such assumptions and related benchmarks were largely the same as those listed under “Impairment of Goodwill” below.

Step I of the impairment test demonstratedconcluded that the carrying valuesrecognition of an impairment loss for our Plymouth mill’s remaining long-lived assets was not required as the fixed assets exceeded theiraggregate estimated undiscounted future cash flows indicating that impairment exists. A Step II test was undertaken to determineexceeded the fairthen carrying value of the remaining assets and we recordedasset group of $336 million by a non-cash impairment charge of $265 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 to reduce the assets to their estimated fair value.significant amount.

Columbus Paper Mill

During the fourth quarter of 2008, we were informed that beginning in early 2009, our Columbus mill would cease to benefit from a favorable power purchase agreement. This change in circumstances impacted the profitability outlook for the foreseeable future and triggered the need for a Step I impairment test of the fixed assets. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows used to test the recoverability of the fixed assets included key assumptions related to trend prices, inflation-adjusted cost projections, and the estimated useful life of the fixed assets. The main sources

Plymouth Pulp and Paper Mill—Closure of such assumptionsPaper Machine

In the first quarter of 2009, we announced that we would permanently reduce our paper manufacturing at our Plymouth pulp and paper mill, by closing one of the two paper machines comprising the mill’s paper production unit. As a result, at the end of February 2009, there was a curtailment of 293,000 tons of the mill’s paper production capacity and the closure affected approximately 185 employees. Also, $13 million of accelerated depreciation in the fourth quarter of 2009, and a further $39 million of accelerated depreciation over the first nine months of 2010, were recorded for the related benchmarks were largelyplant and equipment. Given the same as those listed under “Impairmentclosure of Goodwill” below.

the paper machine, we conducted a Step I of the impairment test demonstratedon our Plymouth mill operation’s fixed assets and concluded that the carrying values ofundiscounted estimated future cash flows associated with the fixedremaining long-lived assets exceeded their carrying value and, as such, no additional impairment charge was required.

Columbus Paper Mill

On March 16, 2010, we announced that we would permanently close our coated groundwood paper mill in Columbus, Mississippi. This measure resulted in the permanent curtailment of 238,000 tons of coated groundwood and 70,000 metric tons of thermo-mechanical pulp, as well as affected 219 employees. We recorded a $9 million write-down for the related fixed assets under Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment and $16 million of other charges under Closure and restructuring costs, refer to Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 16 “Closure and restructuring costs and liability.” Operations ceased in April 2010.

Cerritos

During the second quarter of 2010, we decided to close our Cerritos, California forms converting plant, and recorded a $1 million write-down for the related assets under Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment and $1 million in severance and termination costs under Closure and restructuring costs, refer to Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 16 “Closure and restructuring costs and liability.” Operations ceased on July 16, 2010.

Prince Albert Pulp Mill

As a result of a review of available options for the disposal of the assets of this facility in the fourth quarter of 2009, we revised the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, indicating that impairment exists. A Step II test was undertaken to determine the fair valuenet realizable values of the remaining assets and we recorded a non-cash impairment chargewrite-down of $95$14 million, inrelated to fixed assets, primarily a turbine and a boiler. The write-down represented the fourth quarterdifference between the new estimated liquidation or salvage value of 2008 to reduce the assets to their estimated fair value.

Wood Segment

In the fourth quarter of 2008, we conducted an impairment test on the fixed assets and intangible assets (“the Asset Group”) of the Wood reportable segment. The need for such test was triggered by operating losses sustained by the segment in 2007 and 2008 as well as short-term forecasted operating losses. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows used to test the recoverability of the Asset Group included key assumptions related to trend prices, inflation-adjusted cost projections, the forecasted exchange rate for the U.S. dollar and the estimated useful life of the Asset Group. We believe such assumptions to be reasonable and to reflect forecasted market conditions at the valuation date. They involve a high degree of judgment and complexity and reflect our

best estimates with the information available at the time our forecasts were developed. To this end, we evaluate the appropriateness of our assumptions as well as our overall forecasts by comparing projected results of upcoming years with actual results of preceding years and validating that differences therein are reasonable. Key assumptions were related to trend prices (based on data from Resource Information Systems Inc. or “RISI,” an authoritative independent source in the global forest products industry), material and energy costs and foreign exchange rates (based on a number of economic forecasts including those of Consensus Economics, Inc. reports). A number of benchmarks from independent industry and other economic publications were used in order to develop projections for the forecast period.

The following table summarizes the approximate impact that a change in certain key assumptions would have on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, while holding all other assumptions constant:

Key Assumptions

  Increase of  Approximate impact
on the undiscounted
cash flows
 
   (In millions of dollars, except
otherwise noted)
 

Foreign exchange rates

  5% $(156)

Lumber pricing

  5%  215 

Lumber shipments

  5%  82 

We completed the Step I impairment test with the conclusion that the recognition of an impairment loss for the Wood reportable segment’s long-lived assets was not required as the aggregate estimated undiscounted future cash flows exceeded thetheir carrying value of the Asset Group of $177 million by a significant amount.values.

Changes in our assumptions and estimates may affect our forecasts and may lead to an outcome where impairment charges would be required. In addition, actual results may vary from our forecasts, and such variations may be material and unfavorable, thereby triggering the need for future impairment tests where our conclusions may differ in reflection of prevailing market conditions.

Lebel-sur-Quévillon Pulp Mill and Sawmill

Pursuant to the decision in the fourth quarter of 2008 to permanently shut down the Lebel-sur-Quévillon pulp mill and sawmill of the Papers and Wood reportable segments, respectively, we have recorded a non-cash write-off of $4 million related to fixed assets at both locations consisting mainly of a turbine, a recovery system and saw lines. The write-off represents the difference between the estimated liquidation or salvage value of the fixed assets and their carrying values.

White River Sawmill

In the fourth quarter of 2008, the net assets of the White River sawmill of the Wood reportable segment were held for sale and measured at the lower of its carrying value or estimated fair value less cost to sell. The fair value was determined by analyzing values assigned to it in a current potential sale transaction together with conditions prevailing in the markets where the sawmill operates. Pursuant to such analysis, non-cash write-offs amounting to $8 million related to fixed assets and $4 million related to intangible assets were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 to reflect the difference between their respective estimated fair values less cost to sell and their carrying values. We are currently in the process of examining a potential transaction for the disposal of the sawmill. We expect to reach an agreement in the first quarter of 2009 and to complete the disposal of the sawmill during 2009.

Impairment of Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized and ismay be subject to an annual goodwill impairment test. This test is carried outin the fourth quarter of every year or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwillit might be impaired. A “Step I”For purposes of determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the Step I of the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The Step I goodwill impairment test determines whether the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the net carrying amount of that reporting unit, including goodwill, as of the assessment date in order to assess if goodwill is impaired. If the fair

value is greater than the net carrying amount, no impairment is necessary. In the event that the net carrying

amount exceeds the fair value, a “Step II”the Step II goodwill impairment test must be performed in order to determine the amount of the impairment charge. The implied fair value of goodwill in this test is estimated in the same way as goodwill was determined at the date of the acquisition in a business combination. That is, the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the reporting unit represents the implied value of goodwill. To accomplish this Step II test, the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill must be estimated and compared to its carrying value. The excess of the carrying value over the fair value is taken as an impairment charge in the period.

For purposes of impairment testing, goodwill must be assigned to one or more of our reporting units. We test goodwill at the reporting unit level. All goodwill as of December 30, 2007,31, 2011 resided in our Personal Care segment. The goodwill in the Papers segment.Personal Care segment originates from the acquisition of Attends in September 2011.

Step I Impairment Test

We determinedIn the fourth quarter of 2011, we assessed qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances led to a determination that it was more likely than not that the discounted cash flow method (“DCF”) was the most appropriate approach to determine fair value of the reporting unit. We have developed our projection of estimated future cash flows for the period from 2009 to 2013 (the “Forecast Period”) to serve as the basis of the DCF as well as a terminal value. In doing so, we have used a number of key assumptions and benchmarks that are discussed under “Key Assumptions” below. Our discounted future cash flow analysis resulted in a fair value of the reporting unit belowwas less than its carrying amount. After assessing the carryingtotality of events and circumstances, we determined it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units net assets.

In order to evaluateunit was less than its carrying amount. Thus, performing the appropriateness of the conclusions of our Step Itwo-step impairment test the estimated fair value of the Company as a whole was reconciled to its market capitalizationunnecessary and compared to selected transactions involving the sale of comparable companies.

Step II Impairment Test

In Step II of the impairment test, the estimated fair value of the Papers reporting unit, determined in Step I, was allocated to its tangible and identified intangible assets, based on their relative fair values, in order to arrive at the fair value of goodwill. To this end, different valuation techniques were used to determine the fair values of individual tangible and intangible assets. A depreciated replacement cost method was mainly used to determine the fair value of fixed assets to the extent such values did not have economic obsolescence. Economic obsolescence was based on cash flow projections. For idled mills of the Papers reporting unit, liquidation or salvage values were largely used as an indication of the fair values of their assets. The fair value of identified intangible assets, mainly consisting of marketing, customer and contract-related assets, were determined using an income approach.

The impairment test concluded that goodwill was impaired and we recorded a non-cashno impairment charge of $321 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 to reflect the complete write-off of thewas recorded for goodwill.

Key Assumptions

The various valuation techniques used in Steps I and II incorporate a number of assumptions that we believe to be reasonable and to reflect forecasted market conditions at the valuation date. Assumptions in estimating future cash flows are subject to a high degree of judgement. We make all efforts to forecast future cash flows as accurately as possible with the information available at the time a forecast is made. To this end, we evaluate the appropriateness of our assumptions as well as our overall forecasts by comparing projected results of upcoming years with actual results of preceding years and validating that differences therein are reasonable. Key assumptions relate to: prices trends, material and energy costs, the discount rate, rate of decline of demand, the terminal growth rate, and foreign exchange rates. A number of benchmarks from independent industry and other economic publications were used in order to develop projections for the forecast period. Examples of such benchmarks and other assumptions include:

Revenues—the evolution of pulp and paper pricing over the forecast period was based on data from Resource Information Systems Inc. (“RISI”), an authoritative independent source in the global forest products industry.

Direct costs mainly consisted of fiber, wood, chemical and energy costs. The evolution of these direct costs over the forecast period was based on data from a number of benchmarks related to: selling prices of pulp, oil prices, housing starts, US producer price index, mixed chemical index, corn, natural gas, coal and electricity.

Foreign exchange rate estimates were based on a number of economic forecasts including those of Consensus Economics, Inc. reports.

Discount rate—The discount rate used to determine the present value of the Papers reporting unit’s forecasted cash flows represented our weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). Our WACC was determined to be between 10.5% and 11%.

Rate of decline of demand and terminal growth rate—we assumed that a number of business and commercial papers would see demand declines in line with industry expectations. This was reflected in our assumptions in the rate of decline in demand over the forecast period as well as in our assumption of the terminal growth rate.

Fair Value Measurement

SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement. SFAS No. 157 establishes and prioritizes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3—Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The following table presents information about the our financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008, in accordance with SFAS No. 157 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of our valuation techniques to determine such fair value.

Fair value measurement at reporting date using:

   December 31,
2008
  Quoted prices in
active markets
for identical assets

(Level 1)
  Significant
observable inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
unobservable
inputs

(Level 3)
  

Balance sheet
classification

   (In millions of dollars)

Assets

         

Derivative financial instruments

   13(a) —    $13  —    Prepaid expenses
                

Total

   13  —     13  —    
                

Liabilities

         

Derivative financial instruments

  $57(a) —    $57  —    Trade and other payables

Derivative financial instruments

   6(a) —     6  —    Other liabilities and deferred credits
                

Total

   63  —     63  —    
                

(a)See Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 25. Derivative financial instruments include foreign exchange options and natural gas swap contracts. Fair value measurements for the Company’s derivatives are classified under Level 2 because such measurements are determined using published market prices or estimated based on observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, spot and future exchange rates.

Pension Plans and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans

As part of the acquisition of Domtar Inc., we nowWe have several additional defined contribution plans and multi-employermultiemployer plans. The pension expense under these plans is equal to the Company’sour contribution. PensionDefined contribution pension expense was $21$24 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.2011 ($25 million in 2010 and $24 million in 2009).

As part of the acquisition of Domtar Inc., the Company now hasWe have several additional defined benefit pension plans covering substantially alla majority of employees. In the United States, this includes pension plans that are qualified under the Internal Revenue Code (“qualified”) as well as a plan that provides benefits in addition to those provided under the qualified plans for a select group of employees, which is not qualified under the Internal Revenue Code (“unqualified’unqualified”). In Canada, plans are registered under the Income Tax Act and under their respective provincial pension acts (“registered”), or plans may provide additional benefits to a select group of employees, and not be registered under the Income Tax Act or provincial pension acts (“non-registered”). The defined benefit plans are generally contributory in Canada and non-contributory in the United States. The CompanyWe also providesprovide post-retirement plans to eligible Canadian and U.S. employees; the plans are unfunded and include life insurance programs, medical and dental benefits and short-term and long-term disability programs. TheWe also provide supplemental unfunded benefit plans to certain senior management employees. Related pension and other post-retirement expenseplan expenses and the relatedcorresponding obligations are actuarially determined using management’s most probable assumptions.

We have several defined benefit pension plans covering a majority of employees. The defined benefit pension plans are generally contributory in Canada and non-contributory in the United States. Non-unionized employees in Canada joining our Company after June 1, 2000 participate in defined contribution pension plans. Salaried employees in the U.S. joining our Company after January 1, 2008 participate in a defined contribution pension plan. Also, starting on January 1, 2013, all unionized employees covered under the agreement with the United Steel Workers not grandfathered under the existing defined benefit pension plans will transition to a defined contribution pension plan for future service. We also provide other post-retirement plans to eligible Canadian and U.S. employees; the plans are unfunded and include life insurance programs, medical and dental benefits. We also provide supplemental unfunded defined benefit pension plans to certain senior management employees.

We account for pensions and other post-retirement benefits in accordance with FASB No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-retirement Plans—an AmendmentCompensation-Retirement Benefits Topic of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)” (SFAS 158)ASC which requires employers to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit pension plans as an asset or liability in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Pension and other post-retirement benefit assumptions include the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the rate of compensation increase, health care cost trend rates, mortality rates, employee early retirements and

terminations or disabilities. Changes in these assumptions result in actuarial gains or losses which we have elected to amortizeamortized over the expected average remaining service life of the active employee group covered by the plans only to the extent that the unrecognized net actuarial gains and losses are in excess of 10% of the greater of the accrued benefit obligation and the market-related value of plan assets at the beginning of the year.

An expected rate of return on plan assets of 6.3% was considered appropriate by our management for the determination of pension expense for 2008.2011. Effective January 1, 2009,2012, we will use 6.85%6.0% as the expected return on plan assets, which reflects the current view of long-term investment returns. The overall expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption is based on an analysismanagement’s best estimate of the targetlong-term returns of the major asset classes (cash and cash equivalents, equities and bonds) weighted by the actual allocation and expected return by asset class.of assets at the measurement date, net of expenses. This rate is adjusted forincludes an equity risk premium over government bond returns for equity investments and by 0.7%a value-added premium for the contribution to take into consideration thereturns from active investment management portion of the plan assets.management.

We set our discount rate assumption annually to reflect the rates available on high-quality, fixed income debt instruments, with a duration that is expected to match the timing and amount of expected benefit payments. High-quality debt instruments are corporate bonds with a rating of AA or better. The discount rates at December 31, 20082011 for pension plans were estimated at 7.3%4.9% for the accrued benefit obligation and 5.3% for the net periodic benefit cost for 2011 and for post-retirement benefit plans were estimated at 5.0% for the accrued benefit obligation and 5.5% for the net periodic benefit cost for 2008 and for post-retirement benefit plans were estimated at 6.9% for the accrued benefit obligation and 5.6% for the net periodic benefit cost for 2008.2011.

The rate of compensation increase is another significant assumption in the actuarial model for pension (set at 3.0%2.7% for the accrued benefit obligation and 2.9% for the net periodic benefit cost) and for post-retirement benefits (set at 3.0%2.8% for the accrued benefit obligation and 3.0%2.8% for the net periodic benefit cost) and is determined based upon our long-term plans for such increases.

For measurement purposes, a 6.9%5.8% weighted-average annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2009.2012. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.4%4.1% by 20162032 and remain at that level thereafter.

The following table provides a sensitivity analysis of the key weighted average economic assumptions used in measuring the accrued pension benefit obligation, the accrued other post-retirement benefit obligation and related net periodic benefit cost for 2008.2011. The sensitivity analysis should be used with caution as it is hypothetical and changes in each key assumption may not be linear. The sensitivities in each key variable have been calculated independently of each other.

Sensitivity Analysis

    PENSION  OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT 

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT
BENEFIT PLANS

  ACCRUED
BENEFIT
OBLIGATION
  NET PERIODIC
BENEFIT COST
  ACCRUED
BENEFIT
OBLIGATION
  NET PERIODIC
BENEFIT COST
 
   (In millions of dollars) 

Expected rate of return on assets

     

Impact of:

     

1% increase

   N/A   ($15  N/A    N/A  

1% decrease

   N/A    15    N/A    N/A  

Discount rate

     

Impact of:

     

1% increase

  ($173  (13 ($12  —    

1% decrease

   201    17    15    1  

Assumed overall health care cost trend

     

Impact of:

     

1% increase

   N/A    N/A    9    1  

1% decrease

   N/A    N/A    (8  (1

The assets of the pension plans are held by a number of independent trustees and are accounted for separately in our pension funds. Our investment strategy for the assets in the pension plans is to maintain a diversified portfolio of assets, invested in a prudent manner to maintain the security of funds while maximizing returns within the guidelines provided in the investment policy. The Company’s pension funds are not permitted to own any of the Company’s shares or debt instruments. The target asset allocation is based on the expected duration of the benefit obligation.

The following table shows the allocation of the plan assets, based on the fair value of the assets held and the target allocation for 2011:

ALLOCATION OF PLAN ASSETSat December 31

  TARGET
ALLOCATION
   PERCENTAGE PLAN
ASSETS AT
DECEMBER 31, 2011
  PERCENTAGE PLAN
ASSETS AT
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
   (in %) 

Fixed income

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   0% –10%     5  3

Bonds

   53% – 63%     58  58

Equity

     

Canadian equity

   7% –15%     10  11

U.S. equity

   7% –16%     12  14

International equity

   13% – 22%     15  14
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total(1)

     100  100
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Approximately 87% of the pension plan assets relate to Canadian plans and 13% relate to U.S. plans.

Our pension plan funding policy is to contribute annually the amount required to provide for benefits earned in the year, and to fund both solvency deficiencies and past service obligations over periods not exceeding those permitted by the applicable regulatory authorities. Past service obligations primarily arise from improvements to plan benefits. The other post-retirement benefit plans are not funded and contributions are made annually to cover benefit payments. We expect to contribute a minimum total amount of $52 million in 2012 compared to $95 million in 2011 (2010—$161 million) to the pension plans. The payments made in 2011 to the other post-retirement benefit plans amounted to $8 million (2010—$8 million).

The estimated future benefit payments from the plans for the next ten years at December 31, 2011 are as follows:

ESTIMATED FUTURE BENEFIT PAYMENTS FROM THE PLANS

  PENSION PLANS   OTHER POST-
RETIREMENT
BENEFIT PLANS
 
   (in millions of dollars) 

2012

  $206    $7  

2013

   134     7  

2014

   99     7  

2015

   101     7  

2016

   105     6  

2017 – 2021

   576     34  

Asset Backed Commercial Paper

At December 31, 2011, our Canadian defined benefit pension funds held asset backed commercial paper investments (“ABCP”) valued at $205 million (CDN$208 million) representing 12% of the total fair value of assets held in the pension funds. At December 31, 2010, the plans held ABCP valued at $214 million (CDN$213 million). During 2011, the total value of the ABCP benefited from an increase in market value of

$3 million (CDN$3 million). A decrease in value of the Canadian dollar resulted in a decrease in the value of the ABCP of $4 million. Repayments in 2011 totalled $8 million (CDN$8 million).

Most of these ABCP (valued at $178 million (2010 – $193 million; 2009  –  $186 million) were subject to restructuring under the court order governing the Montreal Accord that was completed in January 2009, while the remaining ABCP valued at $27 million (2010  –  $21 million; 2009  –  $19 million) were restructured separately.

While there is a market for the ABCP held by our pension plans, this market is not considered sufficiently liquid to use for valuation purposes. Accordingly, the value of the ABCP is mainly based on a financial model incorporating uncertainties regarding return, credit spreads, the nature and credit risk of underlying assets, and the amounts and timing of cash inflows.

The largest conduit owned by the pension plans in the Montreal Accord, representing 75% of the total value, consists mainly of investments that serve as collateral to back credit default derivatives that protect counterparties against credit defaults above a specified threshold on different portfolios of corporate credits. The valuation methodology was based upon determining an appropriate credit spread for each class of notes based upon the implied protection level provided by each class against potential credit defaults. This was done by comparison to spreads for an investment grade credit default index and the comparable tranches within the index for equivalent credit protection. In addition, a liquidity premium of 1.75% was added to this spread. The resulting spread was used to calculate the present value of all such notes, based upon the anticipated maturity date. An additional discount of 2.5% was applied to the value to reflect uncertainty over collateral values held to support the derivative transactions. The resulting interest rate was used to calculate the present value of this class of ABCP, based upon the anticipated maturity date in early 2017. An increase in the discount rate of 1% would reduce the value by $7 million (CDN$7 million) for these ABCP.

The value of the remaining ABCP that were subject to the Montreal Accord were sourced either from the asset manager of the ABCP, or from trading values for similar securities of similar credit quality. The remaining ABCP that were not subject to the Montreal Accord, which also provide protection to counterparties against credit defaults through derivatives, were valued based upon the value of the investment held in the conduit that serve as collateral for the derivative counterparties, net of the market value of the credit derivatives as provided by the sponsor of the conduit, with an additional discount (equivalent to 1.75% per annum) applied for illiquidity.

Possible changes that could materially impact the future value of the ABCP include (1) changes in the value of the underlying assets and the related derivative transactions, (2) developments related to the liquidity of the ABCP market, (3) a severe and prolonged economic slowdown in North America and the bankruptcy of referenced corporate credits, and (4) the passage of time, as most of the notes will mature in early 2017.

Multiemployer Plans

We contribute to nine multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective agreements that cover certain Canadian union-represented employees (Canadian multiemployer plans) and U.S. union-represented employees (U.S. multiemployer plans). The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:

a)assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers,

b)for the U.S. multiemployer plans, if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers, and

c)for the U.S. multiemployer plans, if we choose to stop participating in some of our multiemployer plans, we may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

Our participation in these plans for the annual periods ended December 31 is outlined in the table below. The plan’s 2011 and 2010 actuarial status certification was completed as of January 1, 2011 and January 1, 2010 respectively, and is based on the plan’s actuarial valuation as of January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2009 respectively. This represents the most recent Pension Protection Act (“PPA”) zone status available. The zone status is based on information that we received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Our significant plan is in the red zone, which means it is less than 65 percent funded.

    Pension
Protection Act
Zone Status
    Contributions
from Domtar to
Multiemployer (b)
      

Pension Fund

 EIN / Pension
Plan Number
 2011 2010 FIP / RP Status Pending /
Implemented
  2011  2010  2009  Surcharge
imposed?
 Expiration CBA 

U.S. Multiemployer Plans

     $    $    $     

PACE Industry Union-

         

Management Pension Fund

 11-6166763-001 Red Red  Yes - Implemented    3    3    3   Yes  November 1, 2011  

Canadian Multiemployer Plans

         

Pulp and Paper Industry

         

Pension Plan (a)

 N/A N/A N/A  N/A    3    2    2   N/A  April 30, 2012  
     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   
     Total    6    5    5    

Total contributions made to all plans that are not individually significant

   

  1    1    1    
     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total contributions made to all plans

  

  7    6    6    
     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

(a)In the event that the Canadian multiemployer plans are underfunded, the monthly benefit amount can be reduced by the trustees of the plan. Moreover, we are not responsible for the underfunded status of the plan because the Canadian multiemployer plans do not require participating employers to pay a withdrawal liability or penalty upon withdrawal.
(b)For each of the three years presented, our contributions to each multiemployer plan do not represent more than five percent of total contributions to each plan as indicated in the plan’s most recently available annual report.

We will withdraw from participation in one of the multiemployer plans in 2012. The expected withdrawal liability, recorded in December 2011 (see Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 16 “Closure and restructuring costs and liability”) is $32 million. We are reviewing our participation in the remaining multiemployer pension plans.

Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined according to differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of the assets and liabilities. The change in the net deferred tax asset or liability is included in earnings. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws expected to apply in the years in which assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. For these years, a projection of taxable income and an assumption of the ultimate recovery or settlement period for temporary differences are required. The projection of future taxable income is based on management’s best estimate and may vary from actual taxable income.

On a quarterly basis, we assess the need to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and, if it is deemed more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will not be realized based on these taxable income

projections, a valuation allowance is recorded. In general, “realization” refers to the incremental benefit achieved through the reduction in future taxes payable or an increase in future taxes refundable from the deferred tax assets. Evaluating the need for an amount of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets often requires significant judgment. All available evidence, both positive and negative, should be considered to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed.

In our evaluation process, we give the most weight to historical income or losses. After evaluating all available positive and negative evidence, although realization is not assured, we determined that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets, with the exception of certain state credits for which a valuation allowance of $4 million has been recorded in 2011.

Our short-term deferred tax assets are mainly composed of temporary differences related to various accruals, accounting provisions, as well as a portion of our net operating loss carry forwards and available tax credits. The majority of these items are expected to be utilized or paid out over the next year. Our long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities are mainly composed of temporary differences pertaining to plant, equipment, pension and post-retirement liabilities, the remaining portion of net operating loss carry forwards and other tax attributes, and other items. Estimating the ultimate settlement period requires judgment and our best estimates. The reversal of timing differences is expected at enacted tax rates, which could change due to changes in income tax laws or the introduction of tax changes through the presentation of annual budgets by different governments. As a result, a change in the timing and the income tax rate at which the components will reverse could materially affect deferred tax expense in our future results of operations.

In addition, U.S. and foreign tax rules and regulations are subject to interpretation and require judgment that may be challenged by taxation authorities. To the best of our knowledge, we have adequately provided for our future tax consequences based upon current facts and circumstances and current tax law. In accordance with Income Taxes Topic of FASB ASC 740, we evaluate new tax positions that result in a tax benefit to us and determine the amount of tax benefits that can be recognized. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits are evaluated on a quarterly basis to determine if changes in recognition or classification are necessary. Significant changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits expected within the next 12 months are disclosed quarterly. Future recognition of unrecognized tax benefits would impact the effective tax rate in the period the benefits are recognized. At December 31, 2011, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $253 million. If our income tax positions with respect to the alternative fuel mixture tax credits are sustained, either all or in part, then we would recognize a tax benefit in the future equal to the amount of the benefits sustained. Our tax treatment of the income related to the alternative fuel mixture tax credits resulted in the recognition of a tax benefit of $2 million in 2010, which impacted the effective tax rate. This credit expired December 31, 2009. Refer to Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 10 “Income taxes” for details on the unrecognized tax benefits.

Alternative Fuel Tax Credits

The U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) permitted a refundable excise tax credit, until the end of 2009, for the production and use of alternative bio fuel mixtures derived from biomass. We submitted an application with the IRS to be registered as an alternative fuel mixer and received notification that our registration had been accepted in late March 2009. We began producing and consuming alternative fuel mixtures in February 2009 at our eligible mills. Although the credit ended at the end of 2009, in 2010, we recorded $25 million of such credits in Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) compared to $498 million in 2009. The $25 million represented an adjustment to amounts presented as deferred revenue at December 31, 2009 and was released to income following guidance issued by the IRS in March 2010. We recorded an income tax expense of $7 million in 2010 compared to $162 million in 2009 related to the alternative fuel mixture income. The amounts for the refundable credits are based on the volume of alternative bio fuel mixtures produced and burned during that period.

In 2009, we received a $140 million cash refund and another $368 million cash refund, net of federal income tax offsets, in 2010. Additional information regarding unrecognized tax benefits is included in Part II,

Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Note 10 “Income taxes.”

Although we do not expect a significant change in our unrecognized tax benefits associated with the alternative fuel tax credits from 2009 during the next 12 months, a favorable audit by the IRS or the issuance of authoritative guidance could result in the recognition of some or all of these previously unrecognized tax benefits. As of December 31, 2011, we have gross unrecognized tax benefits and interest of $192 million and related deferred tax assets of $15 million associated with the alternative fuel tax credits. The recognition of these benefits, $177 million net of deferred taxes, would impact the effective tax rate.

Cellulosic Biofuel Credit

In July 2010, the IRS Office of Chief Counsel released an Advice Memorandum concluding that qualifying cellulosic biofuel sold or used before January 1, 2010, is eligible for the cellulosic biofuel producer credit (“CBPC”) and would not be required to be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Each gallon of qualifying cellulose biofuel produced by any taxpayer operating a pulp and paper mill and used as a fuel in the taxpayer’s trade or business during calendar year 2009 would qualify for the $1.01 non-refundable CBPC. A taxpayer could be able to claim the credit on its federal income tax return for the 2009 tax year upon the receipt of a letter of registration from the IRS and any unused CBPC may be carried forward until 2015 to offset a portion of federal taxes otherwise payable.

We had approximately 207 million gallons of cellulose biofuel that qualifies for this CBPC for which we had not previously claimed under the Alternative Fuel Mixture Credit (“AFMC”) that represents approximately $209 million of CBPC or approximately $127 million of after tax benefit to the Corporation. In July 2010, we submitted an application with the IRS to be registered for the CBPC and on September 28, 2010, we received our notification from the IRS that we were successfully registered. On October 15, 2010 the IRS Office of Chief Counsel issued an Advice Memorandum concluding that the AFMC and CBPC could be claimed in the same year for different volumes of biofuel. In November 2010, we filed an amended 2009 tax return with the IRS claiming a cellulosic biofuel producer credit of $209 million and recorded a net tax benefit of $127 million in Income tax expense (benefit) on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings for December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, approximately $25 million of this credit remains to offset future U.S. federal income tax liability.

Closure and Restructuring Costs

Closure and restructuring costs are recognized as liabilities in the period when they are incurred and are measured at their fair value. For such recognition to occur, management, with the appropriate level of authority, must have approved and committed to a firm plan and appropriate communication to those affected must have occurred. These provisions may require an estimation of costs such as severance and termination benefits, pension and related curtailments, environmental remediation, and may also include expenses related to demolition, training and outplacement. Actions taken may also require an evaluation of any remaining assets to determine the required write-downs, if any, and a review of estimated remaining useful lives which may lead to accelerated depreciation expense.

Estimates of cash flows and fair value relating to closures and restructurings require judgment. Closure and restructuring costs are based on management’s best estimates of future events at December 31, 2011. Although we do not anticipate significant changes, the actual costs may differ from these estimates due to subsequent developments such as the results of environmental studies, the ability to find a buyer for assets set to be dismantled and demolished and other business developments. As such, additional costs and further working capital write-downs may be required in future periods.

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our income can be impacted by the following sensitivities:

SENSITIVITY ANALYSISClosure and Restructuring Costs

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT
BENEFIT PLANS

  PENSION  OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT 
  ACCRUED
BENEFIT
OBLIGATION
  NET PERIODIC
BENEFIT COST
  ACCRUED
BENEFIT
OBLIGATION
  NET PERIODIC
BENEFIT COST
 
   (In millions of dollars) 

Expected rate of return on assets
Impact of:

     

1% increase

   N/A  ($13) N/A  N/A 

1% decrease

   N/A  13  N/A  N/A 

Discount rate
Impact of:

     

1% increase

  ($124) (6) ($12) ($1)

1% decrease

   132  12  14  —   

Assumed overall health care cost trend Impact of:

     

1% increase

   N/A  N/A  10  2 

1% decrease

   N/A  N/A  (9) (1)

The assets ofClosure and restructuring costs are recognized as liabilities in the pension plansperiod when they are held by a number of independent trusteesincurred and are accounted for separately in ourmeasured at their fair value. For such recognition to occur, management, with the appropriate level of authority, must have approved and committed to a firm plan and appropriate communication to those affected must have occurred. These provisions may require an estimation of costs such as severance and termination benefits, pension funds. Our investment strategy forand related curtailments, environmental remediation, and may also include expenses related to demolition, training and outplacement. Actions taken may also require an evaluation of any remaining assets to determine the assets in the pension plans isrequired write-downs, if any, and a review of estimated remaining useful lives which may lead to maintain a diversified portfolioaccelerated depreciation expense.

Estimates of assets, invested in a prudent manner to maintain the security of funds while maximizing returns within the guidelines provided in the investment policy. The Company’s pension funds are not permitted to own any of the Company’s shares or debt instruments. The target asset allocation is based on the expected duration of the benefit obligation.

The following table shows the allocation of the plan assets, based on thecash flows and fair value of the assets held at December 31, 2008relating to closures and the target allocation for 2008:

ALLOCATION OF PLAN ASSETS at December 31

  TARGET ALLOCATION  PERCENTAGE PLAN ASSETS AT
DECEMBER 31, 2008
 
   (in %) 

Fixed income securities

  53% – 63% 59%

Equity securities

  37% – 47% 41%

Total

   100%

Our funding policy is to contribute annually the amount required to provide for benefits earned in the year, to fund solvency deficienciesrestructurings require judgment. Closure and to fund past service obligations over periods not exceeding those permitted by the applicable regulatory authorities. Past service obligations primarily arise from improvements to plan benefits. We expect to contribute a minimum total amount of $45 million in 2009 compared to $194 million in 2008 to the pension plans. The contributions made in 2008 to the post-retirement benefit plans amounted to $6 million.

The estimated future benefit payments from the plans for the next ten years at December 30, 2008restructuring costs are as follows:

ESTIMATED FUTURE BENEFIT PAYMENTS FROM THE PLANS

  PENSION PLANS  OTHER POST-
RETIREMENT
BENEFIT PLANS
   (in millions of dollars)

2009

  $110  $5

2010

   78   6

2011

   79   6

2012

   81   6

2013

   110   6

2014 – 2018

   462   32

At December 31, 2008, Domtar Corporation’s Canadian pension funds had $318 million (CDN $389 million) nominal (book) value of asset backed commercial paper (“ABCP”) that have been restructured under the court order governing the “Montreal Accord” and $39 million (CDN $48 million) nominal (book) value of ABCP in other conduits outside the Montreal Accord, for a total nominal value of $357 million (CDN $437 million). At December 31, 2008, we determined that the estimated fair value of these ABCP investments should be reduced to $198 million (CDN $242 million). The $159 million (CDN $195 million) or 45% valuation adjustment reflected difficult market conditions and the lack of liquidity for these notes. At December 30, 2007, a $58 million (CDN $57 million) or 13% valuation adjustment to the nominal (book) value was taken and reflected in the fair value of plan assets.

There is no active, liquid quoted market for the ABCP held by the Company’s pension plans. Determining the fair value of ABCP is complex and involves an extensive process that includes the use of quantitative modeling and the selection of relevant assumptions to discount future cash flows at an appropriate rate. The discount rate was determined based on an approach that compared the assets of the various trusts to the most comparable quoted index with a comparable credit rating. Given that the index was not actively traded we added a liquidity risk premium to the quoted index. Possible changes that could have a material effect on the future value of the ABCP include (1) changes in the value of the underlying assets, (2) developments related to the liquidity of the ABCP market, and (3) a severe and prolonged economic slowdown in North America.

The largest conduit owned by the pension plans contains mainly synthetic leveraged assets. The valuation methodology relied upon the Dominion Bond Rating Services (“DBRS”) rating of A for the most senior notes in this conduit. According to the DBRS toolbox, this implied a minimum level of seniority for the Noteholders, which in turn implied a discount rate, based upon prevailing market spreads for a senior tranche (with similar seniority) of an investment grade corporate credit default swap index with similar term to maturity. A liquidity premium of 1.75% was added to this spread as well as an increasing spread for the junior notes in this conduit to

reflect the risk attached to each series of notes before calculating the present value of all the notes. An increase in the discount rate of 1% would reduce the value by $8 million (CDN $10 million) for these notes. The values of the siloed ineligible and traditional conduits were sourced mainly from the Information for Noteholders document provided in March 2008 with additional discounts provided for certain of the conduits.

For conduits outside the Montreal Accord that had mainly synthetic assets, a similar methodology was used, taking into account the particularities of each conduit.

We do not expect liquidity issues to affect the pension funds since pension fund obligations are primarily long-term in nature. Losses in the pension fund investments, if any, would result in future increased contributions by us or our Canadian subsidiaries. Additional contributions to these pension funds would be required to be paid over five-year or ten-year periods depending upon applicable provincial jurisdiction and its requirements for amortization. Losses, if any, would also impact operating earnings over a longer period of time and immediately increase liabilities and reduce equity.

Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined according to differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of the assets and liabilities. The change in the net deferred tax asset or liability is included in earnings. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws expected to apply in the years in which assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. For these years, a projection of taxable income and an assumption of the ultimate recovery or settlement period for temporary differences are required. The projection of future taxable income is based on management’s best estimateestimates of future events at December 31, 2011. Although we do not anticipate significant changes, the actual costs may differ from these estimates due to subsequent developments such as the results of environmental studies, the ability to find a buyer for assets set to be dismantled and demolished and other business developments. As such, additional costs and further working capital write-downs may vary from actual taxable income.

On a quarterly basis, we assess the need to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and, if it is deemed more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will not be realized based on these taxable income projections, a valuation allowance is recorded. In general, “realization” refers to the incremental benefit achieved through the reductionrequired in future taxes payable or an increase in future taxes refundable fromperiods.

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our income can be impacted by the deferred tax assets. Evaluating the need for an amount of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets often requires significant judgment. All available evidence, both positive and negative, should be considered to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed.following sensitivities:

Our short-term deferred tax assets are mainly composed of temporary differences related to various accruals, accounting provisions for restructuring, as well as a portion of our net operating loss carry forwards. The majority of these items are expected to be utilized or paid out over the next year. Our long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities are mainly composed of temporary differences pertaining to plant, equipment, pension and post-retirement liabilities, the remaining portion of net operating loss carry forwards and others items, net of valuation allowance on a portion of our Canadian deferred tax assets. Estimating the ultimate settlement period, requires judgment and our best estimates. The reversal of timing differences is expected at enacted tax rates, which could change due to changes in income tax laws or the introduction of tax changes through the presentation of annual budgets by different governments. As a result, a change in the timing and the income tax rate at which the components will reverse could materially affect deferred tax expense as recorded in our results of operations.

In addition, American and Canadian tax rules and regulations are subject to interpretation and require judgment that may be challenged by taxation authorities. To the best of our knowledge, we have adequately provided for our future tax consequences based upon current facts and circumstances and current tax law. On January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” The adoption of FIN 48 had no impact on our consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2008, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $45 million. Refer to Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 10, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for detail on the unrecognized tax benefits.

Closure and Restructuring Costs

Closure and restructuring costs are recognized as liabilities in the period when they are incurred and are measured at their fair value. For such recognition to occur, management, with the appropriate level of authority, must have approved and committed to a firm plan and appropriate communication to those affected must have occurred. These provisions may require an estimation of costs such as severance and termination benefits, pension and related curtailments, and environmental remediation, and may also include expenses related to demolition, training and outplacement. Actions taken may also require an evaluation of the fair value of the working capital and property, plant and equipment is requiredany remaining assets to determine the required write-offs,write-downs, if any. The closureany, and restructuring expense also includes costs relatinga review of estimated remaining useful lives which may lead to demolition, training and outplacement.accelerated depreciation expense.

Estimates of cash flows and fair value relating to closures and restructurings require judgment. Closure and restructuring costs are based on management’s best estimates of future events at December 31, 2008. Closure costs and restructuring estimates are dependent on future events.2011. Although we do not anticipate significant changes, the actual costs may differ from these estimates due to subsequent developments such as the results of environmental studies, the ability to find a buyer for assets set to be dismantled and demolished and other business developments. As such, additional costs and further working capital and property, plant and equipment write-downs may be required in future periods.

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our income can be impacted by the following sensitivities:

 

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

       
(In millions of dollars, unless otherwise noted)       

Each $10/unit change in the selling price of the following products: 1

    

Papers

    

20-lb repro bond, 92 bright (copy)

  $15  $11  

50-lb offset, rolls

   5   1  

Coated publication No.5, 40-lb offset, rolls

   2

Other

   25   22  

Pulp—net position

   15   15  

Wood (lumber)2

   10

Interest rate(1% change in interest rate on our floating rate debt)

   8

Foreign exchange, excluding depreciation and amortization(US $0.01 change in relative value to the Canadian dollar before hedging)

   13   9  

Energy 3

  

Energy 2

  

Natural gas: $0.25/MMBtu change in price before hedging

   4   4  

Crude oil: $10/barrel change in price before hedging

   3   12  

 

1Based on estimated 20092012 capacity (ST ADMT or MFBM)ADMT).

2Based on estimated 2009 capacity for operating sawmills only.
3Based on estimated 20092012 consumption levels. The allocation between energy sources may vary during the year in order to take advantage of market conditions.

Note that Domtarwe may, from time to time, hedge part of itsour foreign exchange, pulp, interest rate and energy positions, which may therefore impact the above sensitivities.

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to certain financial risks. We do not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes; although all derivative instruments purchased to minimize risk may not qualify for hedge accounting.

INTEREST RATE RISK

We are exposed to interest rate risk arising from fluctuations in interest rates on our cash and cash equivalents, bank indebtedness, bank credit facility and long-term debt. We may manage this interest rate exposure bythrough the use of derivative instruments such as interest rate swap contracts.

CREDIT RISK

We are exposed to credit risk on the accounts receivablesreceivable from our customers. In order to reduce this risk, we review new customers’ credit historieshistory before granting credit and conduct regular reviews of existing customers’ credit performance. In addition,As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we aim to not rely heavily on a small number of significant customers, and we dodid not have a customer in 2008any customers that representrepresented more than 10% of our total sales. We buy credit insurance to mitigate part of our exposure to credit risk. As at December 31, 2008, one of our Papers segment customers located in the United States represented 11% ($54 million) (December 30, 2007—6% ($31 million)) of our receivables balance, prior to the effect of the receivables securitization.receivables.

We are also exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties to our financial instruments. We minimize this exposure by entering into contracts with counterparties that we believe areto be of high credit quality. Collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to credit risk is usually not obtained. We regularly monitor the credit standing of counterparties. Additionally, we are exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by our insurers. We minimize our exposure by doing business only with large reputable insurance companies.

COST RISK

Cash flow hedges

We purchase natural gas and oil at the prevailing market price at the time of delivery. In order to manage the cash flow risk associated with purchases of natural gas and oil, we may utilize derivative financial instruments or

physical purchases to fix the price of forecasted natural gas and oil purchases. We formally document the hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions, and the methodologies used to assess effectiveness and measure ineffectiveness. Current contracts are used to hedge forecasted purchases over the next three years. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges is recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss within Shareholders’ equity, and is recognized in Cost of sales in the period in which the hedged transaction occurs.

The following table presents the volumes under derivative financial instruments for natural gas contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2011 to hedge forecasted purchases:

Commodity

  Notional contractual
quantity under derivative
contracts
  Notional contractual value
under derivative contracts
(in millions of dollars)
   Percentage of forecasted
purchases under
derivative contracts for
 
              2012  2013  2014 

Natural gas

   7,920,000     MMBTU (1)  $39     31  20  3

(1)MMBTU: Millions of British thermal units

The natural gas derivative contracts were fully effective for accounting purposes as of December 31, 2011. The critical terms of the hedging instruments and the hedged items match. As a result, there were no amounts reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2011 resulting from hedge ineffectiveness (2010 and 2009—nil).

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK

Cash flow hedges

We have manufacturing operations in the United States and Canada. As a result, we are exposed to movements in the foreign currency exchange rate in Canada. Approximately 17% of our uncoated freesheet paper production capacity and 58% of our trade pulp production capacity as well as our Wood business are located in Canada, with manufacturing costs primarily denominated in Canadian dollars. Also, certain assets and liabilities are denominated in Canadian dollars and are exposed to foreign currency movements. As a result, our earnings are affected by increases or decreases in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. See Item 1A, Risk Factors—“The Company is affected by changes in currency exchange rates.” We may use derivative instruments (currency options and forward foreign exchange contracts) to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. See the “Derivative instruments and hedging activities” section below for more information on our derivative instruments.

COST RISK

We purchase natural gas at the prevailing market price at the time of delivery and, as such, are subject to fluctuations in market prices. In order to manage the cash flow risk associated with purchases of natural gas, we use natural gas swaps to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in natural gas prices for our forecasted natural gas purchases for periods of up to three years as part of our hedging program. See the “Derivative instruments and hedging activities” section below for more information on our derivative instruments.

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities

We may use derivative instruments (currency options and forward foreign exchange contracts) to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Our risk management policy allows us to hedge a significant portion of our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for periods up to three years. ForwardWe may use derivative instruments (currency options and foreign exchange forward contracts) to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign exchange forward contracts are contracts whereby we have the obligation to buy Canadian dollars at a specific rate. Currency options purchased are contracts whereby we have the right, but not the obligation, to buy Canadian dollars at the strike rate if the Canadian dollar trades above that rate. Currency options sold are contracts whereby we have the obligation to buy Canadian dollars at the strike rate if the Canadian dollar trades below that rate. Our policy is to hedge a significant portion of forecasted purchases in Canadian dollars. Our risk

management policy allows us to hedge a significant portion of our forecasted natural gas purchases for periods of up to three years. The swaps are contracts whereby we pay a fixed price per MMBtu and receive a floating price for the same quantity.

We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The derivative financial instruments are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value and are included in prepaid expenses, trade and other payables and other liabilities and deferred credits. The effective portion of the change in the fair value of derivative contracts as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity, and are recognized in cost of sales in the period in which the hedged transaction occurs. These contracts are entered into with large, reputable financial institutions, which we monitor for counterparty risk.

Fair value measurements for our derivatives are classified under Level 2 (see Note 24 of Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) because such measurements are determined using published market prices or are estimated based on observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, spot and future exchange rates. The forward foreign exchange contracts are valued using the interest rate parity principle and broker quotations taken on Reuters 3000. The currency option contracts are valued using the Garman Kohlhagen Model and broker quotations taken on Reuters 3000. The natural gas swap contracts are valued using the present value of the amount of the contract volume multiplied by the difference between the future prices quoted on NYMEX and the contract price. The quotations used in these models were based on the rates in effect at December 31, 2008.

We formally document the relationshipsrelationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as theour risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions. Foreign exchange forward contracts and currency optionoptions contracts used to hedge forecasted purchases in Canadian dollars are designated as cash flow hedges. Current contracts are used to hedge forecasted purchases over the next 12 months.

During The effective portion of changes in the year ended December 31, 2008, we entered into natural gas swap and oilfair value of derivative contracts to hedge certain future identifiable natural gas and oil purchases. We formally document the relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions. Natural gas swap contracts used to hedge forecasted natural gas purchases are designated as cash flow hedges. These contracts are used to hedge forecasted purchases over the next two years.

During the year ended December 31, 2008, wehedges is recorded an after tax lossas a component of $52 million in accumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss) concerning these foreign currencyloss within Shareholders’ equity, and natural gas derivatives, which will beis recognized in costCost of sales upon maturity ofin the derivatives duringperiod in which the next three years athedged transaction occurs.

The following table presents the then currentcurrency values which may be different from the December 31, 2008 values. At December 31, 2008, the fair value of theseunder contracts were reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at $13 million in prepaid expenses, $57 million in trade and other payables and $6 million in other liabilities and deferred credits.

The natural gas swap contracts were fully effectivepursuant to currency options outstanding as of December 31, 2008.2011 to hedge forecasted purchases:

           Percentage of CDN denominated
forecasted expenses, net of
revenues, under contracts  for
 

Contract

      Notional contractual value   2012 

Currency options purchased

   CDN    $400     50

Currency options sold

   CDN    $400     50

The currency options are fully effective as at December 31, 2011. The critical terms of the hedging instruments (currency options and foreign exchange forward contracts) and the hedged items match. As a result, there waswere no material amounts reflected in theour Consolidated StatementStatements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 20082011 resulting from hedge ineffectiveness.

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the loss recorded in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings related to the change in the fair value of foreign exchange forward contractsineffectiveness (2010 and currency options contracts designated as cash flow hedges that matured during the period was $25 million.

In 2007, we had derivative instruments that were recorded at fair value in the purchase price allocation. As such, hedge accounting was not permitted and these instruments were recorded at fair value with the resulting gains or losses reflected in earnings. For the year ended December 30, 2007, we recorded nil in earnings. At December 30, 2007, we had no derivative instruments outstanding.2009—nil).

PART II

ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Management’s Reports to Shareholders of Domtar Corporation

Management’s Report on Financial Statements and Practices

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of Domtar Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) were prepared by management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity.management. The statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include amounts that are based on management’s best judgments and estimates. Management is responsible for the completeness, accuracy and objectivity of the financial statements. The other financial information included in the annual report is consistent with that in the financial statements.

Management has established and maintains a system of internal accounting and other controls for the Company and its subsidiaries. This system and its established accounting procedures and related controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded, that the books and records properly reflect all transactions, that policies and procedures are implemented by qualified personnel, and that published financial statements are properly prepared and fairly presented. The Company’s system of internal control is supported by written policies and procedures, contains self-monitoring mechanisms, and is audited by the internal audit function. Appropriate actions are taken by management to correct deficiencies as they are identified.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, management has conducted an assessment, including testing, using the criteria established inInternal Control—Control – Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Based on the assessment, management has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008,2011, based on criteria inInternal Control—Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20082011 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Domtar Corporation:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of earnings, (loss), shareholders’ equity comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Domtar Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 20082011 and December 30, 2007,31, 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years thenin the period ended December 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule information for the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 30, 2007 listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008,2011, based on criteria established inInternal Control—Control – Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits (which was an integrated audit in 2008).audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management has excluded Attends, Inc. from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 because the entity was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during the year ended December 31, 2011. We have also excluded Attends, Inc. from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Attends, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary whose total assets and total revenues represent 8% and 1%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

February 27, 200924, 2012

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmDOMTAR CORPORATION

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Domtar Corporation:

We have audited the combined statements of operations, Business Unit equity, and cash flows of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business (a Business Unit of Weyerhaeuser Company) for the year then ended December 31, 2006. In connection with our audit of the combined statements, we have also audited financial statement Schedule II. These combined financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business (a Business Unit of Weyerhaeuser Company) for the year ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic combined financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Seattle, Washington

March 29, 2007, except as to Notes 6 and 27,

which are as of June 19, 2007, and Note 28,

which is as of September 24, 2007

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

  Year ended
December 31,
2008
 Year ended
December 30,
2007
 Year ended
December 31,
2006
   Year ended
December 31,
2011
 Year ended
December 31,
2010
 Year ended
December 31,
2009
 
  $ $ $   $ $ $ 

Sales

  6,394  5,947  3,306    5,612    5,850    5,465  

Operating expenses

        

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

  5,225  4,757  2,676    4,171    4,417    4,472  

Depreciation and amortization

  463  471  311    376    395    405  

Selling, general and administrative

  407  408  174    340    338    345  

Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment (NOTE 4)

  383  92  —      85    50    62  

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (NOTE 4)

  325  4  749 

Closure and restructuring costs (NOTE 17)

  43  14  15 

Other operating income (NOTE 8)

  (15) (69) (63)

Closure and restructuring costs (NOTE 16)

   52    27    63  

Other operating (income) loss, net (NOTE 8)

   (4  20    (497
            

 

  

 

  

 

 
  6,831  5,677  3,862    5,020    5,247    4,850  
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operating income (loss)

  (437) 270  (556)

Interest expense (NOTE 9)

  133  171  —   

Operating income

   592    603    615  

Interest expense, net (NOTE 9)

   87    155    125  
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

  (570) 99  (556)

Income tax expense (NOTE 10)

  3  29  53 

Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings

   505    448    490  

Income tax expense (benefit) (NOTE 10)

   133    (157  180  

Equity loss, net of taxes

   7    —      —    
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

  (573) 70  (609)

Net earnings

   365    605    310  
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

Per common share (in dollars) (NOTE 6)

        

Net earnings (loss)

    

Net earnings

    

Basic

  (1.11) 0.15  (2.14)   9.15    14.14    7.21  

Diluted

  (1.11) 0.15  (2.14)   9.08    14.00    7.18  

Weighted average number of common and exchangeable shares outstanding (millions)

        

Basic

  515.5  474.1  284.1    39.9    42.8    43.0  

Diluted

  515.5  475.9  284.1    40.2    43.2    43.2  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

  December 31,
2008
 December 30,
2007
   December 31,
2011
 December 31,
2010
 
  $ $   $ $ 

Assets

      

Current assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  16  71    444    530  

Receivables, less allowances of $11 and $9 (NOTE 11)

  477  504 

Inventories (NOTE 12)

  963  936 

Receivables, less allowances of $5 and $7

   644    601  

Inventories (NOTE 11)

   652    648  

Prepaid expenses

  27  14    22    28  

Income and other taxes receivable

  56  69    47    78  

Deferred income taxes (NOTE 10)

  116  182    125    115  
         

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

  1,655  1,776    1,934    2,000  

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

  8,963  9,685    8,448    9,255  

Accumulated depreciation

  (4,662) (4,323)   (4,989  (5,488
         

 

  

 

 

Net property, plant and equipment (NOTE 14)

  4,301  5,362 

Goodwill (NOTE 13)

  —    372 

Intangible assets, net of amortization (NOTE 15)

  81  111 

Other assets (NOTE 16)

  67  105 

Net property, plant and equipment (NOTE 13)

   3,459    3,767  

Goodwill (NOTE 12)

   163    —    

Intangible assets, net of amortization (NOTE 14)

   204    56  

Other assets (NOTE 15)

   109    203  
         

 

  

 

 

Total assets

  6,104  7,726    5,869    6,026  
         

 

  

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

      

Current liabilities

      

Bank indebtedness

  43  63    7    23  

Trade and other payables (NOTE 19)

  646  765 

Trade and other payables (NOTE 18)

   688    678  

Income and other taxes payable

  36  28    17    22  

Long-term debt due within one year (NOTE 20)

  18  17 

Long-term debt due within one year (NOTE 19)

   4    2  
         

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

  743  873    716    725  

Long-term debt (NOTE 20)

  2,110  2,213 

Long-term debt (NOTE 19)

   837    825  

Deferred income taxes and other (NOTE 10)

  824  1,003    927    924  

Other liabilities and deferred credits (NOTE 21)

  284  440 

Other liabilities and deferred credits (NOTE 20)

   417    350  

Commitments and contingencies (NOTE 23)

   

Commitments and contingencies (NOTE 22)

   

Shareholders’ equity

      

Common stock (NOTE 22)
$0.01 par value; authorized 2,000,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 494,636,726 and 471,169,959 shares

  5  5 

Exchangeable shares (NOTE 22)
No par value; unlimited shares authorized; issued and held by nonaffiliates: 20,896,301 and 44,252,831 shares

  138  293 

Common stock (NOTE 21) $0.01 par value; authorized 2,000,000,000 shares; issued: 42,506,732 and 42,300,031 shares

   —      —    

Treasury stock (NOTE 21) $0.01 par value; 6,375,532 and 664,857 shares

   —      —    

Exchangeable shares (NOTE 21) No par value; unlimited shares authorized; issued and held by nonaffiliates: 619,108 and 812,694 shares

   49    64  

Additional paid-in capital

  2,743  2,573    2,326    2,791  

(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings

  (526) 47 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

  (217) 279 

Retained earnings

   671    357  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (74  (10
         

 

  

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

  2,143  3,197    2,972    3,202  
         

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  6,104  7,726    5,869    6,026  
         

 

  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

  Issued and
outstanding
common and
exchangeable
shares
(millions of
shares)
  Common
stock,

at par
  Exchangeable
shares
  Additional
paid-in
capital
  Retained
earnings
(Accumulated
deficit)
  Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
  Total
shareholders’
equity
 
     $  $  $  $  $  $ 

Balance at December 31, 2008

  515.5    5    138    2,743    (526  (217  2,143  

Conversion of exchangeable shares

  —      —      (60  60    —      —      —    

Reverse stock split (12:1)

  (472.5  (5  —      5    —      —      —    

Stock-based compensation

  —      —      —      8    —      —      8  

Net earnings

  —      —      —      —      310    —      310  

Net derivative gains on cash flow hedges:

       

Net gain arising during the period, net of tax of $2

  —      —      —      —      —      51    51  

Less: Reclassification adjustments for losses included in net earnings, net of tax of $1

  —      —      —      —      —      18    18  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —      —      —      —      —      206    206  

Change in unrecognized losses and prior service cost related to pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax of $(6)

  —      —      —      —      —      (74  (74
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

  43.0    —      78    2,816    (216  (16  2,662  

Conversion of exchangeable shares

  —      —      (14  14    —      —      —    

Stock-based compensation

  0.1    —      —      5    —      —      5  

Net earnings

  —      —      —      —      605    —      605  

Net derivative losses on cash flow hedges:

       

Net loss arising during the period, net of tax of $3

  —      —      —      —      —      (4  (4

Less: Reclassification adjustments for gains included in net earnings, net of tax of $(1)

  —      —      —      —      —      (2  (2

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —      —      —      —      —      66    66  

Change in unrecognized losses and prior service cost related to pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax of $19

  —      —      —      —      —      (54  (54

Stock repurchase

  (0.7  —      —      (42  —      —      (42

Cash dividends

  —      —      —      —      (32  —      (32

Other

  —      —      —      (2  —      —      (2
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

  42.4    —      64    2,791    357    (10  3,202  

Conversion of exchangeable shares

  —      —      (15  15    —      —      —    

Stock-based compensation

  0.3    —      —      14    —      —      14  

Net earnings

  —      —      —      —      365    —      365  

Net derivative losses on cash flow hedges:

       

Net loss arising during the period, net of tax of $7

  —      —      —      —      —      (13  (13

Less: Reclassification adjustments for gains included in net earnings, net of tax of $(2)

  —      —      —      —      —      (1  (1

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —      —      —      —      —      (25  (25

Change in unrecognized losses and prior service cost related to pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax of $15

  —      —      —      —      —      (25  (25

Stock repurchase

  (5.9  —      —      (494  —      —      (494

Cash dividends

  —      —      —      —      (51  —      (51
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

  36.8    —      49    2,326    671    (74  2,972  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)

   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  December 31,
2009
 
   $  $  $ 

Operating activities

    

Net earnings

   365    605    310  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from operating activities

    

Depreciation and amortization

   376    395    405  

Deferred income taxes and tax uncertainties (NOTE 10)

   40    (174  157  

Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment (NOTE 4)

   85    50    62  

Loss (gain) on repurchase of long-term debt

   4    47    (12

Net losses (gains) on disposals of property, plant and equipment and sale of businesses and trademarks

   (6  33    (7

Stock-based compensation expense

   3    5    8  

Equity loss, net

   7    —      —    

Other

   —      (2  16  

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisition and sale of businesses

    

Receivables

   (12  (73  (55

Inventories

   2    39    261  

Prepaid expenses

   2    6    (3

Trade and other payables

   (17  (11  38  

Income and other taxes

   33    344    (357

Difference between employer pension and other post-retirement contributions and pension and other post-retirement expense

   (18  (120  (61

Other assets and other liabilities

   19    22    30  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows provided from operating activities

   883    1,166    792  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investing activities

    

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   (144  (153  (106

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment and sale of trademarks

   34    26    21  

Proceeds from sale of businesses and investments

   10    185    —    

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

   (288  —      —    

Other

   (7  —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows (used for) provided from investing activities

   (395  58    (85
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financing activities

    

Dividend payments

   (49  (21  —    

Net change in bank indebtedness

   (16  (19  —    

Change of revolving bank credit facility

   —      —      (60

Issuance of long-term debt

   —      —      385  

Repayment of long-term debt

   (18  (898  (725

Premium paid on debt repurchases and tender offer costs

   (7  (35  (14

Stock repurchase

   (494  (44  —    

Prepaid on structured stock repurchase, net

   —      2    —    

Other

   10    (3  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows used for financing activities

   (574  (1,018  (414
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   (86  206    293  

Translation adjustments related to cash and cash equivalents

   —      —      15  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   530    324    16  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   444    530    324  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information

    

Net cash payments for:

    

Interest

   74    107    125  

Income taxes paid (refund)

   60    28    (20
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 Issued and
outstanding
common and
exchangeable stock
(millions of shares)
 Common
stock, at par
 Exchangeable
shares
  Business Unit
equity
  Additional
paid-in
capital
 (Accumulated
deficit)
retained
earnings
  Accumulated
other
comprehensive
(loss) income
  Total
shareholders’
equity
 
    $ $  $  $ $  $  $ 

Balance at December 25, 2005

 —   —   —    3,707  —   —    66  3,773 

Net loss

 —   —   —    (609) —   —    —    (609)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 —   —   —    —    —   —    19  19 

Additional minimum pension liability adjustments, net of tax

 —   —   —    —    —   —    6  6 

Adjustment to initially adopt SFAS 158

 —   —   —    —    —   —    (12) (12)

Distribution to Weyerhaeuser Co

 —   —   —    (246) —   —    —    (246)

Cash flow hedge fair value adjustment, net of tax

 —   —   —    —    —   —    (16) (16)
                     

Balance at December 31, 2006

 —   —   —    2,852  —   —    63  2,915 
                     

Contribution of Weyerhaeuser fine paper business to Domtar Corporation

 284.1 3 —    —    —   —    —    3 

Net earnings to March 6, 2007

 —   —   —    23  —   —    —    23 

Distribution to Weyerhaeuser Co prior to March 7, 2007

 —   —   —    (1,431) —   —    —    (1,431)

Acquisition of Domtar Inc. (NOTE 3)

 231.0 2 500  —    1,032 —    —    1,534 

Post closing adjustments (NOTE 1)

 —   —   —    (112) —   —    5  (107)

Transfer of business unit equity

 —   —   —    (1,332) 1,332 —    —    —   

Conversion of exchangeable shares

 —   —   (207) —    207 —    —    —   

Issuance of common shares

 0.3 —   —    —    2 —    —    2 

Net earnings from March 7 to December 30, 2007 (NOTE 1)

 —   —   —    —    —   47  —    47 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

 —   —   —    —    —   —    250  250 

Change in unrecognized losses and prior service cost related to pension and post retirement benefit plans, net of tax

 —   —   —    —    —   —    (39) (39)
                     

Balance at December 30, 2007

 515.4 5 293  —    2,573 47  279  3,197 
                     

Conversion of exchangeable shares

 —   —   (155) —    155 —    —    —   

Issuance of common shares

 0.1 —   —    —    1 —    —    1 

Stock-based compensation

 —   —   —    —    14 —    —    14 

Net loss

 —   —   —    —    —   (573) —    (573)

Net derivative losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax

 —   —   —    —    —   —    (52) (52)

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

 —   —   —    —    —   —    (392) (392)

Change in unrecognized losses and prior service cost related to pension and post retirement benefit plans, net of tax

 —   —   —    —    —   —    (53) (53)

Amortization of prior service costs

 —   —   —    —    —   —    1  1 
                     

Balance at December 31, 2008

 515.5 5 138  —    2,743 (526) (217) 2,143 
                     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)

  Year ended
December 31,
2008
  Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
 
  $  $  $ 

Operating activities

   

Net earnings (loss)

 (573) 70  (609)

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to cash flows from operating activities

   

Depreciation and amortization

 463  471  311 

Deferred income taxes (NOTE 10)

 (42) (73) (52)

Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment (NOTE 4)

 383  92  —   

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (NOTE 4)

 325  4  749 

Gain on repurchase of long-term debt and debt restructuring costs

 (11) 25  —   

Net gains on disposals of property, plant and equipment and sale of trademarks

 (9) —    —   

Stock-based compensation expense

 16  12  —   

Other

 12  (2) 19 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition

   

Receivables

 7  (39) (19)

Inventories

 (85) 38  43 

Prepaid expenses

 (19) 6  (2)

Trade and other payables

 (117) 68  (79)

Income and other taxes

 13  13  —   

Difference between employer pension and other post-retirement contributions and pension and other post-retirement expense

 (141) (69) —   

Other assets and other liabilities

 (25) (10) (4)
         

Cash flows provided from operating activities

 197  606  357 
         

Investing activities

   

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 (163) (116) (64)

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment and sale of trademarks

 35  29  1 

Business acquisition—cash acquired

 —    573  —   

Business acquisition—joint venture

 (12) —    —   

Other

 —    (1) —   
         

Cash flows provided from (used for) investing activities

 (140) 485  (63)
         

Financing activities

   

Net change in bank indebtedness

 (24) (21) —   

Change of revolving bank credit facility

 10  50  —   

Issuance of short-term debt

 —    1,350  —   

Issuance of long-term debt

 —    800  —   

Repayment of short-term debt

 —    (1,350) —   

Repayment of long-term debt

 (95) (311) (7)

Debt issue costs

 —    (39) —   

Premium on redemption of long-term debt

 —    (40) —   

Repurchase of minority interest

 —    (28) —   

Distribution to Weyerhaeuser prior to March 7, 2007

 —    (1,431) (287)

Other

 —    (5) —   
         

Cash flows used for financing activities

 (109) (1,025) (294)
         

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 (52) 66  —   

Translation adjustments related to cash and cash equivalents

 (3) 4  —   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 71  1  1 
         

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 16  71  1 
         

Supplemental cash flow information

   

Net cash payments for:

   

Interest

 120  155  —   

Income taxes

 49  112  —   
         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INDEX FOR NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1

  

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  8481

NOTE 2

  

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

  9188

NOTE 3

BUSINESS COMBINATION

  94ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS89

NOTE 4

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS

  96IMPAIRMENT AND WRITE-DOWN OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT90

NOTE 5

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

  100STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION92

NOTE 6

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

  105EARNINGS PER SHARE97

NOTE 7

  

PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

  10698

NOTE 8

OTHER OPERATING INCOME

  112OTHER OPERATING (INCOME) LOSS, NET110

NOTE 9

INTEREST EXPENSE

  113INTEREST EXPENSE, NET110

NOTE 10

INCOME TAXES

  113INCOME TAXES111

NOTE 11

RECEIVABLES

  117INVENTORIES116

NOTE 12

INVENTORIES

  118GOODWILL116

NOTE 13

GOODWILL

  119PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT117

NOTE 14

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

  119INTANGIBLE ASSETS118

NOTE 15

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

  120OTHER ASSETS119

NOTE 16

OTHER ASSETS

  120CLOSURE AND RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND LIABILITY119

NOTE 17

CLOSURE AND RESTRUCTURING COSTS

  121CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME123

NOTE 18

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES123

NOTE 19

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

  123LONG-TERM DEBT124

NOTE 20

LONG-TERM DEBT

  124OTHER LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS127

NOTE 21

OTHER LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS

  126SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY128

NOTE 22

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  127COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES131

NOTE 23

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

  129DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT135

NOTE 24

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

  132SEGMENT DISCLOSURES141

NOTE 25

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

  133SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION144

NOTE 26

RELATED PARTY

  135SALE OF WOOD BUSINESS AND WOODLAND MILL152

NOTE 27

SEGMENT DISCLOSURES

  136SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

NOTE 28

  

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

152  139

NOTE 29

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

146

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 1.

 

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BACKGROUNDNATURE OF OPERATIONS

Domtar Corporation (“designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide variety of fiber-based products including communications papers, specialty and packaging papers and adult incontinence products. Domtar is the Company” or “Domtar”) was incorporated on August 16, 2006 for the sole purpose of holding the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business (the “Business Unit”)largest integrated marketer and consummating the combination of the Business Unit with Domtar Inc. (the “Transaction”). The Business Unit was operated by Weyerhaeuser Company (“Weyerhaeuser”) prior to the completion of the Transaction.

On August 22, 2006, Weyerhaeuser and certain wholly owned subsidiaries entered into an agreement with Domtar Inc. providing for:

A series of transfers and other transactions resulting in the Business Unit becoming wholly owned by the Company (the “Contribution”);

The distribution of shares of the Company to Weyerhaeuser shareholders (the “Distribution”); and

The combination of Domtar Inc., treated as a purchase for accounting purposes, with the Company.

The Transaction was consummated on March 7, 2007. Domtar Corporation had no operations prior to March 7, 2007 when, upon the completion of the Transaction, it became an independent public holding company that, directly or indirectly through its subsidiaries, owns the Business Unit and Domtar Inc. As of the date of consummation of the Transaction, Domtar Corporation is referred to as the “Successor.”

For accounting and financial reporting purposes, the Business Unit is considered to be the “Predecessor” to Domtar and as a result, its historical financial statements now constitute the historical financial statements of Domtar. Accordingly, the results reported for 2008 include results of the Successor for the entire period and those reported for 2007 include the results of operations of the Business Unit, on a carve-out basis, for the period from January 1, 2007 to March 6, 2007 and the results of operations of the Successor for the period from March 7, 2007 to December 30, 2007.

Domtar Inc. is an integrated manufacturer of uncoated free sheetfreesheet paper in North America. Domtar is also a marketer and manufacturer of adult incontinence products and distributes washcloths marketed primarily under the Attends® brand name. Domtar owns and operates ArivaTM, an extensive network of strategically located paper distribution facilities. The foundation of its business is the efficient operation of pulp mills, converting fiber into papergrade, fluff and specialty pulp. The majority of this pulp production is consumed internally to make communication and specialty paper with pulp, paper and converting facilities in the United States and Canada. Domtar Inc.’s paper business was its most significant segment. In addition to the paper business, Domtar Inc. manufactures and marketsbalance being sold as a market pulp. The Company also produced lumber and wood-based value-addedother speciality and industrial wood products and engages inup until the paper merchants business, which involves the purchasing, warehousing, sale and distribution of various paper products made by Domtar Inc. and by other manufacturers.

The Business Unit consists of pulp and paper mills, converting operations, sawmills, forest management licenses and related assets. These facilities are principally engaged in the harvesting of timber and the manufacture, distribution and sale of paper, pulp, and forest products, including softwood lumber.

Although Weyerhaeuser Company does not have a continuing proprietary interest in Domtar Corporation, the Company entered into several agreements with Weyerhaeuser Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries in connection with the Transaction, including a tax sharing agreement, an intellectual property licensing agreement, a transition services agreement, fiber and pulp supply agreements and site services agreements. These agreements enabled the Company to continue to operate the Business Unit efficiently following the completion of the Transaction. At the end of 2008, the majority of the transition services agreement is complete.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSWood business on June 30, 2010.

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

BASIS OF PRESENTATIONACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

The Contribution constituted a transfer of net assets between entities under common control, and as a result, the Company reports the accounts of the Business Unit at their historical cost or carry over basis as of the date of the Contribution. The agreements giving effect to the spin-off of the Business Unit, provide for various post-closing transaction adjustments and the resolution of matters, which the unresolved matters are immaterial at December 31, 2008. The post-closing adjustments made through December 30, 2007 are as follows: $38 million increase in long-term liabilities and decrease in Business Unit equity related to the recognition of other post-retirement benefit obligations (including $3 million for post-employment benefit obligations) that were assumed as part of the Transaction but were not reflected in the historical carve out financial statements of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business; $21 million increase in deferred tax liabilities and decrease in Business Unit equity related to the contribution of Canadian assets with a tax basis that was different Post-Transaction than was assumed in the carve out financial statements; $44 million decrease in property, plant and equipment related to differences in the carve out basis of shared assets versus the basis of assets actually transferred in the transaction; $4 million increase in trade and other payables.

The combination of Domtar Inc. with the Company constituted, for accounting purposes, the acquisition of Domtar Inc. by Domtar Corporation and, as a result, the Company reports the results of Domtar Inc. starting on March 7, 2007.

For accounting and financial reporting purposes, the Business Unit is considered to be the surviving entity following the Transaction. As a result, the Company is required to present historical financial statements as though it owned only the Business Unit prior to the Transaction. Further, as the Company had no operations and substantially no assets prior to the Contribution, the “Predecessor” financial statements are those of the Business Unit. Accordingly, the results reported for the year ended December 31, 2006 include only the results of operations of the Predecessor and the results reported for the year ended December 30, 2007 include the results of operations of the Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2007 to March 6, 2007 and the results of operations of the Successor for the period from March 7, 2007 to December 30, 2007.

PREDECESSOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR PERIODS PRIOR TO MARCH 7, 2007

The combined financial statements of the Business UnitCompany’s Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for the purpose of presenting the Business Unit’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The combined financial statements have been derived from historical accounting records of Weyerhaeuser. The historical operating results and cash flows of the Business Unit may not be indicative of what they would have been had the Business Unit been a stand-alone entity, nor are they necessarily indicative of what the Business Unit’s operating results and cash flows may be in the future.

The combined statements of earnings (loss) for the Business Unit include allocations of certain costs from Weyerhaeuser directly related to the operations of the Business Unit, including an apportionment of certain centralized general and administrative costs for accounting, human resources, purchasing, information systems, transaction services, payroll processing costs, legal fees and other overhead costs. These centralized costs were allocated to the Business Unit using a three-part apportionment factor based on relative headcount, assets and certain revenue. Weyerhaeuser pension and other post-retirement benefits expense was allocated based on relative salaried headcount, with the exception of pension expense of four Canadian pension plans related solely to the Business Unit which are directly included in the combined statements of operations. Management believes the methodology applied for the allocation of these costs is reasonable. Except for an immaterial amount of interest on capital leases and debt that was assumed by the Company, interest expense has not been allocated to the Business Unit.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

Certain of the Business Unit’s working capital assets and liabilities were common assets and liabilities shared with Weyerhaeuser facilities not part of the Business Unit. Allocations were performed in order to reflect the appropriate portion of each asset and liability in the accounts of the Business Unit. The allocations were based on third party sales percentages, headcount percentages or a three-part apportionment factor based on relative headcount, assets and certain revenue. Goodwill is allocated based on relative fair value. Management believes the methodology used for the asset and liability allocations is reasonable.

Significant differences in the funding and operation of the Business Unit may have existed if it operated as an independent, stand-alone entity, including the need for debt and the incurrence of interest expense, which could have had a significant impact on the financial position and results of operations.

For purposes of comparability between periods as well as ease of readability, the Predecessor financial statements included herein have been renamed to conform to the conventions used for the 2007 and 2008 annual financial statements including the reference to “consolidated financial statements.”

. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Domtar Corporation and its controlled subsidiaries. The accounting policies appliedSignificant intercompany transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

Investment in an affiliated company where the Company has significant influence over their operations, is accounted for by the Successor areequity method. The Company’s share of equity earnings totaled a loss, net of taxes, of $7 million, the same ascarrying value of the ones applied by the Predecessor. Startinginvestment in 2008, the fiscal year is based on calendar year and endsCelluforce Inc. being nil, at December 31. Fiscal year 2008 consisted of 52 weeks and three days and all other fiscal years presented consisted of 52 weeks, except for fiscal year 2006, which consisted of 53 weeks. The additional three days in 2008 had no significant impact on the Company’s results of operations. 31, 2011.

To conform with the basis of presentation adopted in the current period, certain figures previously reported in Note 24 and Note 25, have been reclassified.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, which requirerequires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management reviews the estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to those related to environmental matters, useful lives, impairment of long-lived assets, and goodwill, pension and other employee future benefit plans, income taxes, closure and restructuring costs, commitments and contingencies and asset retirement obligations, based on currently available information. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES

The local currency is considered the functional currency for the Company’s operations outside the United States. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate in effect at the

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

balance sheet date and revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the year. All gains and losses arising from the translation of the financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are included in the “AccumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive (loss) income” account under “Shareholders’loss, a component of Shareholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gain and losses are included in operations in the period they occur.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Domtar Corporation recognizes revenues when the customer takes title, and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership.ownership and when collection is reasonably assured. Revenue is recorded at the time of shipment for terms designated f.o.b (freefree on board)board (“f.o.b.”) shipping point. For sales transactions designated f.o.b. destination, revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site, when the title and risk of loss are transferred.

SHIPPING AND HANDLING COSTS

The Company classifies shipping and handling costs as a component of Cost of sales in the consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of earnings (loss).

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

Earnings.

CLOSURE AND RESTRUCTURING COSTS

Closure and restructuring costs are recognized as liabilities in the period when they are incurred and are measured at their fair value. For such recognition to occur, management, with the appropriate level of authority, must have approved and committed to a firm plan and appropriate communication to those affected must have occurred. These provisions may require an estimation of costs such as severance and termination benefits, pension and related curtailments, and environmental remediation and an evaluation of the fair value of the working capital and property, plant and equipment is required to determine the required write-offs, if any. The closure and restructuring expensemay also includes costs relatinginclude expenses related to demolition, training and outplacement. Actions taken may also require an evaluation of any remaining assets to determine required write-downs, if any, and a review of estimated remaining useful lives which may lead to accelerated depreciation expense.

Estimates of cash flows and fair value relating to closures and restructurings require judgment. Closure and restructuring costsliabilities are based on management’s best estimates of future events at December 31, 2008.2011. Closure costs and restructuring cost estimates are dependent on future events. Although we dothe Company does not anticipate significant changes, the actual costs may differ from these estimates due to subsequent developments such as the results of environmental studies, the ability to find a buyer for assets set to be dismantled and demolished and other business developments. As such, additional costs and further working capital and property, plant and equipment write-downsadjustments may be required in future periods.

INCOME TAXES

Domtar Corporation uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined according to differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of the assets and liabilities. The change in the net deferred tax asset or liability is included in Net earnings and accumulatedin the Consolidated Statements of Earnings or Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws expected to

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

apply in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. Uncertain tax positions are recorded based upon the Company’s evaluation of whether it is “more likely than not” (a probability level of more than 50 percent) that, based upon its technical merits, the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. The Company establishes a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not (a probability level of more than 50 percent) that they will not be realized. In general, “realization” refers to the incremental benefit achieved through the reduction in future taxes payable or an increase in future taxes refundable from the deferred tax assets.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of Income tax expense (benefit) in the consolidated statementConsolidated Statements of earnings (loss).Earnings.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term investments with original maturities of less than three months and are presented at cost which approximates fair value.

RECEIVABLES

Receivables are recorded at cost net of a provision for doubtful accounts that is based on expected collectibility.collectability. The securitization of receivables is accounted for as secured borrowings. Gains or losses on securitization of receivables are calculated as the difference between the carrying amount of the receivables sold and the sum of the cash proceeds onupon sale and the fair value of the retained subordinate interest in such receivables on the date of transfer. Fair value is determined on a discounted cash flow basis. Gains or losses related to the salessecuritization of receivables are recognized in earnings as a component of Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the period when the sale occurs.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost includes labor, materials and production overhead. The last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method is used to cost certain domesticU.S. raw materials, in process and finished goods inventories. LIFO inventories were $426$267 million and $400$296 million at December 31, 20082011 and December 30, 2007,2010, respectively. The balance of domesticU.S. raw material inventories, all materials and supplies inventories and all foreign inventories are costed at either the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods. Had the inventories for which the LIFO method is used been valued under the FIFO method, the amounts at which product inventories are stated would have been $97$56 million and $42$52 million greater at December 31, 20082011 and December 30, 2007,2010, respectively.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation including asset impairment write-downs. Interest costs are capitalized for significant capital projects. For timber limits and timberlands, amortization is calculated using the units of production method. For all other assets, amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings and improvements are amortized over periods of 10 to 40 years and machinery and equipment over periods of 3 to 20 years. No depreciation is recorded on assets under construction.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable, as measured by comparing their net book value to their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. Impaired assets are recorded at estimated fair value, determined principally by using discounted future cash flows expected from their use and eventual disposition.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill is not amortized and ismay be subject to an impairment test annuallyin the fourth quarter of every year or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. For purposes of testing fordetermining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test, the balanceCompany may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of goodwillevents or circumstances leads to a determination that it is assigned to one or more oflikely than not that the Company’s reporting units that are expected to benefit from the synergiesfair value of the Transaction. A reporting unit to which goodwill must be assigned is determined to be an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, referred to as a component. A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviewsCompany concludes otherwise, then it performs Step I of the operating results of that component. Two or more components of an operating segment shall be aggregated and deemed a single reporting unit if the components have similar economic characteristics.two-step impairment test.

A Step I impairment test of goodwill of one or more reporting units is accomplished mainly by determining whether the fair value of a reporting unit, based upon discounted estimated cash flows, exceeds the net carrying amount of that reporting unit as of the assessment date. If the fair value is greater than the net carrying amount, no impairment is necessary. In the event that the net carrying amount exceeds the sum of the discounted estimated cash flows, a Step II test must be performed whereby the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill must be estimated to determine if it is less than its net carrying amount. Fair value of goodwill in the Step II impairment test is estimated in the same way as goodwill was determined at the date of the acquisition in a business combination, that is, the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the reporting unit.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBERAll goodwill as of December 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

2011 resides in the Personal Care segment, and originates from the acquisition of Attends on September 1, 2011. Please refer to Note 3 “Acquisition of business” for additional information regarding the acquisition.

Intangible assets were acquired as part of the Transaction. Waterinclude water rights, customer relationships, trade names and supplier agreements which are being amortized on ausing the straight-line basismethod over their estimated useful lives of 40 years, 20 years, 7 years and 5 years, respectively. Natural gas contracts and powerlives. Power purchase agreements are each amortized on ausing the straight-line basismethod over the term of the respective contract. The weighted-average amortization period is 4 years for natural gas contracts and 25 years for power purchase agreements. Cutting rights arewere amortized using the units of production method.method and were sold June 30, 2010 as part of the sale of the Wood business (see Note 26). Any potential impairment for definitive lived intangible assets will be calculated in the same manner as that disclosed under impairment of long-lived assets.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Amortization is based mainly on the following useful lives:

Useful life

Water rights

40 years

Customer relationships

20 to 40 years

Trade names

7 years

Supplier agreements

5 years

Power purchase agreements

25 years

One trade name is considered to have an indefinite useful life and is therefore not amortized. The Company evaluates the intangible assets that are not being amortized each reportable period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support indefinite useful lives. Intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually, in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired.

OTHER ASSETS

Other assets are recorded at cost. Direct financing costs related to the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and amortized using the effective interest rate method.

ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS

Environmental expenditures for effluent treatment, air emission, landfill operation and closure, asbestos containment and removal, bark pile management, silvicultural activities and site remediation (together referred to as environmental matters) are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit. In the normal course of business, Domtar Corporation incurs certain operating costs for environmental matters that are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for property, plant and equipment that prevent future environmental impacts are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 to 40 years. Provisions for environmental matters are not discounted, except for a portion which areis discounted due to more certainty with respect to timing of expenditures, and are recorded when remediation efforts are probable and can be reasonably estimated.

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

Asset retirement obligations are recognized, at fair value, in the period in which Domtar Corporation incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of an asset. Conditional asset retirement obligations are recognized, at fair value, when the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated or on a probability-weighted discounted cash flow estimate. The associated costs are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the related asset and depreciated over its remaining useful life. The liability is accreted using the credit adjusted risk-free interest rate used to discount the cash flow.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND OTHER STOCK-BASED PAYMENTS

Domtar Corporation usesrecognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments, based on the grant date fair value of those awards over the requisite service period for award

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

accounted for as equity award and based on the fair value of each reporting period for awards accounted for as liability awards. The Company awards are accounted for as compensation expense and presented in Additional paid-in-capital on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Equity type awards and presented in Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Liability type awards.

The Company’s awards may be subject to market condition, performance and/or time based approach of accounting for stock-based payments to directors and employees and for stock options granted to the employees.vesting. Any consideration paid by plan participants on the exercise of stock options or the purchase of shares is credited to Additional paid-in capital.paid-in-capital on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The par value included in the Additional paid-in-capital component of stock-based compensation is transferred to Common shares upon the issuance of shares of common stock.

Unless otherwise determined at the time of the grant, time-based awards vest in approximately equal installments over fourthree years beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date and performance-based awards vest based on achievement of pre-determined performance goals over performance periods of three years. Awards may be subject to bothThe majority of non-qualified stock options and performance and time-based vesting. The contributed surplus componentstock options expire at various dates no later than seven years from the date of the stock-based compensation is transferred to common shares upon the issuance of shares of common stock.

grant. Deferred Share Units vest immediately at the grant date and are remeasured at each reporting period, until settlement, using the quoted market value. The cost

Under the 2007 Omnibus Plan, a maximum of the common stock acquired by the Company under the Restricted Stock Plan is amortized over the restricted period. Deferred Share Units and common stock acquired under the Restricted Stock Plan1,307,366 shares are accountedreserved for issuance in compensation expense and in “Other liabilities and deferred credits.”

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

connection with awards granted or to be granted.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Derivative instruments are contracts that require or provide an option to exchange cash flows or payments determined by applying certain rates, indices or changes therein to notional contract amounts. Derivative instruments are utilized by Domtar Corporation inas part of the management ofoverall strategy to manage exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency risk and price risk on certain purchases.

DERIVATIVES DESIGNATED FOR HEDGE ACCOUNTING

In order As a matter of policy, derivatives are not used for a derivative to qualify for hedge accounting, the hedge relationship must be designated and formally documentedtrading or speculative purposes. All derivatives are recorded at its inception, outlining the particular risk, management objective and strategy, the specific asset, liability or cash flow being hedged, as well as how effectiveness is assessed. The derivative must be effective in accomplishing the objective of offsetting either changes in the fair value either as assets or cash flow attributable to the risk being hedged both at inception and over the term of the hedging relationship.

liabilities. When derivative instruments have been designated within a hedge relationship and are highly effective in offsetting the identified risk characteristics of specific financial assets and liabilities or group of financial assets and liabilities, hedge accounting is applied to these derivative instruments.applied.

In a fair value hedge, hedging instruments are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value of derivatives are recognized in the consolidated statementConsolidated Statements of earnings (loss).Earnings. The changeschange in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk is also recorded in the consolidated statementConsolidated Statements of earnings (loss)Earnings by way of a corresponding adjustment of the carrying amount of the hedged itemsitem recognized in the consolidated balance sheet.

Consolidated Balance Sheets. In a cash flow hedge, the changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments are recorded in otherOther comprehensive income (loss).income. These amounts are reclassified in the consolidated statementConsolidated Statements of earnings (loss)Earnings in the periods in which results are affected by the cash flows of the hedged item within the same line item. Hedges of net investments in self-sustaining operations are treated in a manner similar to cash flow hedges. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recorded in the consolidated statementConsolidated Statements of earnings (loss)Earnings when incurred.

DERIVATIVES NOT DESIGNATED FOR HEDGE ACCOUNTINGDOMTAR CORPORATION

In conjunction with the Transaction, the various financial instruments of Domtar Inc. were recorded at fair value and, as such, did not meet the requirements for hedge accounting. As a result, Domtar Corporation accounts for these contracts at their fair value with resulting gains and losses being included as a component of Other operating income.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

PENSION PLANS

Domtar Corporation’s plans include funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution plans. Domtar Corporation recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit pension plans as an asset or liability in the consolidated balance sheets.Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net periodic benefit cost includes the following:

 

The cost of pension benefits provided in exchange for employees’ services rendered during the period,

 

The interest cost of pension obligations,

 

The expected long-term return on pension fund assets based on a market value of pension fund assets,

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

Gains or losses on settlements and curtailments,

 

The straight-line amortization of past service costs and plan amendments over the average remaining service period of approximately 1411 years of the active employee group covered by the plans and

 

The amortization of cumulative net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the accrued benefit obligation or market value of plan assets at the beginning of the year over the average remaining service period of approximately 1411 years of the active employee group covered by the plans.

The defined benefit plan obligations are determined in accordance with the projected benefit method prorated on services.unit credit actuarial cost method.

OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Domtar Corporation recognizes the underfundedunfunded status of other post-retirement benefit plans (other than multiemployer plans) as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets.Consolidated Balance Sheets. These benefits, which are funded by Domtar Corporation as they become due, include life insurance programs, medical and dental benefits and short-term and long-term disability programs. Domtar Corporation amortizes the cumulative net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the accrued benefit obligation at the beginning of the year over the average remaining service period of approximately 1413 years of the active employee group covered by the plans.

GUARANTEES

A guarantee is a contract or an indemnification agreement that contingently requires Domtar Corporation to make payments to the other party of the contract or agreement, based on changes in an underlying item that is related to an asset, a liability or an equity security of the other party or on a third party’s failure to perform under an obligating agreement. It could also be an indirect guarantee of the indebtedness of another party, even though the payment to the other party may not be based on changes in an underlying item that is related to an asset, a liability or an equity security of the other party. Guarantees, when applicable, are accounted for at fair value.

ALTERNATIVE FUEL MIXTURE TAX CREDITS

The U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) permitted a refundable excise tax credit, until the end of 2009, for the production and use of alternative fuel mixtures derived from biomass. The Company submitted an application with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to be registered as an

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

alternative fuel mixer and received notification that its registration had been accepted in March 2009. The Company began producing and consuming alternative fuel mixtures in February 2009 at its eligible mills.

The Company recorded nil for such credits in 2011 (2010 – $25 million; 2009 – $498 million) in Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings based on the volume of alternative mixtures produced and burned during 2009. The $25 million recorded in 2010 represented an adjustment to amounts presented as deferred revenue at December 31, 2009. The $25 million was released to income following guidance issued by the IRS in March 2010. The Company did not record any income tax expense in 2011 (2010 – $7 million; 2009 – $162 million) related to the alternative fuel mixture income. According to the Code, the tax credit expires at the end of 2009. Please refer to Note 10 “Income Taxes,” for additional information regarding unrecognized tax benefits. In 2010, the Company also received a $368 million refund (2009  –  $140 million refund), net of federal income tax offsets.

NOTE 2.

 

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTSSTOCK COMPENSATION

In September 2006,April 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update to Compensation – Stock Compensation, which addresses the classification of an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which the underlying security trades. This update clarifies that those employee share-based payment awards should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition and therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. The Company adopted the new requirement on January 1, 2011 with no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

In June 2011, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157),changes to the presentation of comprehensive income. These changes give an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements; the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity was eliminated. The items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income were not changed. Additionally, no changes were made to the calculation and presentation of earnings per share. These changes become effective on January 1, 2012. The Company is currently evaluating these changes to determine which is effectiveoption will be chosen for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and for interim periods within those years. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Beginningthe presentation of comprehensive income. Other than the change in fiscal year 2008,presentation, the Company has elected to partially adopt SFAS No. 157 in accordance with FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, which delaysdetermined these changes will not have an impact on the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis including those measured at fair value in goodwill impairment testing, asset retirement obligations initially measured at fair value, exit and disposal costs initially measured at fair value, and those initially measured at fair value in a business combination.

Consolidated Financial Statements.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

The major categories of the remaining assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, for which the Company has not yet applied the provision of SFAS 157 are as follows: impaired long-lived assets (including Property plant and equipment and Intangible assets, Goodwill, asset retirement obligations, and exit and disposal costs).NOTE 2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (CONTINUED)

COMPENSATION—RETIREMENT BENEFITS

In February 2008,September 2011, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-1,an update to Compensation – Retirement Benefits, which removes leasing transactions accountedaddresses the disclosures about an employer’s participation in a multiemployer plan. The new accounting guidance requires employers participating in multiemployer plans to provide additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures to provide users with more detailed information regarding an employer’s involvement in multiemployer plans.

The Company adopted this standard on December 31, 2011 with no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The adoption expanded the Company’s consolidated financial statements’ footnote disclosures (see Note 7).

INTANGIBLES—GOODWILL AND OTHER

In September 2011, the FASB issued an update to Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, which simplifies how entities test goodwill for under FAS 13 and related guidance from the scope of FAS 157. The FSP addresses implementation issued affecting leasing transactions, including those associated with the different definitions of fair value in FAS 13 and 157 and the application ofimpairment by permitting an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value measurement objective under FAS 157of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to estimated residual valuesperform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The amendments also improve previous guidance by expanding upon the examples of leased properties. events and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.

The FSP wasamended provisions are effective upon initialfor reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 with early adoption of FAS 157 and its provisions were adopted by the Company without significant impact.

In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-3, which clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157 in cases where the market for the asset is not active. FSP FAS 157-3 is effective upon issuance.permitted. The Company considered the guidance provided byadopted this FSP in the preparationamendment as of the accompanying financial statements.

The implementation of SFAS No. 157 for financial assetsits publication date. This amendment impacts impairment testing steps only, and financial liabilities, effective December 31, 2007,therefore adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, and results of operations (see Note 24). The Company is currently assessing the impact of fully adopting SFAS No. 157 on its future disclosures for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, effective January 1, 2009.

FAIR VALUE OPTION

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS No.159). SFAS No.159 permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Under SFAS No.159, entities that elect the fair value option will report unrealized gains and losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with few exceptions, as long as it is applied to the instrument in its entirety. SFAS No.159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company has decided not to adopt the fair value option for any of its existing financial instruments.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141(R)). This Statement replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141(R) requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, including those arising from contingent considerations and contractual contingencies based on their fair values as measured on the acquisition date. In addition, SFAS No. 141(R) requires the acquirer to measure the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at fair value, which will result in recognizing the goodwill attributable to the noncontrolling interest in addition to the goodwill attributable to the acquirer. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Since Statement 141(R) will only be applicable to future business combinations, it will not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows prior to such acquisitions.

In tandem with SFAS 141(R), the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued Issue No. 08-6, “Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations” and Issue No. 08-7, “Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets” in November 2008. In Issue No. 08-6, the EITF addressed and reached a consensus on a number of

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

matters concerning the effects of issuing SFAS 141(R) and 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” on an entity’s application of the equity method under Opinion 18. Some of such matters included the determination of the carrying value of an equity method investment, the use of the other-than-temporary impairment model of Opinion 18, and accounting for share issuances by the investee. To coincide with the effective dates of SFAS 141(R) and 160, the consensus is effective for transactions occurring in fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. In Issue No. 08-7, the EITF reached a consensus that, among others, an acquired defensive asset should be accounted for as a separate unit of accounting and that the useful life assigned to it should be based on the period during which the asset would diminish in value. The consensus is effective for defensive assets acquired in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and will not impact the Company unless the Company acquires defensive assets.

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This Statement clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 changes the way the consolidated earnings (loss) statement is presented by requiring consolidated net earnings (loss) to be reported including the amounts attributable to both the parent interest and the noncontrolling interest. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal periods, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the initial adoption of SFAS 160 to have a significant effect on the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as the Company has no significant non-controlling interests.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS No. 161). SFAS No. 161 expands quarterly disclosure requirements in SFAS No. 133 about an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently assessing the impact of fully adopting SFAS No. 161 in its first quarter of fiscal year 2009.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

In April 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (FSP FAS 142-3). This Staff Position amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extensions assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” This new guidance also provides additional disclosure requirements related to recognized intangible assets. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company does not expect the adoption of this accounting guidance to materially impact our results of operations or financial position.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

THE HIERARCHY OF GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) providing entities with a framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. Prior to SFAS 162, the GAAP hierarchy was set forth in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement on Auditing Standards No. 69, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” and had been criticized for being complex. SFAS 162 identified different categories of accounting principles in descending order of authority as being: FASB Statements, FAS Technical Bulletins, AICPA Practice Bulletins and finally Implementation Guides. SFAS 162 further indicated that if the listed sources do not address the specific transaction at hand, other accounting litterature might be consulted while considering their relevance, specificity, and the general recognition of the issuer as an authority. SFAS 162 was effective in November 2008 and the Company adopted its provisions prospectively with no impact.

FINANCIAL ASSETS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)–8, “Disclosures by Public Entities (Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities”. The FSP amends FASB Statement No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”, to require public entities to provide additional disclosures about transfers of financial assets explaining, among others, their continuing involvement with the assets as well as the nature of any restrictions on assets reported on their statements of financial position that relate to transferred financial assets. The FSP also amends FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, to require public enterprises, including sponsors that have a variable interest in a variable interest entity, to provide additional disclosures about their involvement with variable interest entities. The FSP is effective for the first reporting period (interim or annual) ending after December 15, 2008. This FSP shall apply for each annual and interim reporting period thereafter. The Company adopted the disclosure requirements of this FSP in the fourth quarter of 2008.flows.

NOTE 3.

 

 

ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS COMBINATION

As discussed in NoteOn September 1, on March 7, 2007,2011, Domtar Corporation completed the Transaction to combineacquisition of 100% of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business with Domtar Inc. Under the Transaction, Domtar Corporation issued 155,947,307outstanding shares of common stockAttends Healthcare Inc. (“Attends”). Attends sells and Domtar Canada Paper Inc.,markets a wholly owned subsidiarycomplete line of Domtar Corporation, issued 75,004,303 exchangeable shares to acquire Domtar Inc. This Transactionadult incontinence care products and distributes washcloths marketed primarily under the Attends® brand name. The company has a wide product offering and it serves a diversified customer base in multiple channels throughout the United States and Canada. Attends has approximately 330 employees and the production facility is located in Greenville, North Carolina. The results of Attends’ operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since September 1, 2011, and are presented in the Personal Care reportable segment. The purchase price was considered,$288 million in cash, including working capital, net of acquired cash of $12 million. The acquisition was accounted for accounting purposes, as a business combination under the acquisition method of Domtar Inc. by Domtar Corporation and has been accounted for usingaccounting, in accordance with the purchase method. Accordingly, the purchase price is based upon the estimated fair valueBusiness Combinations Topic of Domtar Corporation common stock issued plus acquisition costs directly related to the Transaction. Since no quoted market price existed for the shares of the Company’s common stock, the purchase price is based on the fair value of the net assets acquired on August 23, 2006, the date on which the terms of the Transaction were agreed to and announced. The fair value of Domtar Inc. common shares of $6.63 per share used in the calculation of the purchase price is based upon the average closing price of Domtar Inc. common shares on the Toronto Stock

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”).

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

Exchange for the five trading days beginning August 21, 2006 and ended August 25, 2006, converted at the average daily foreign exchange rate of the Bank of Canada. The number of outstanding Domtar Inc. common shares used in the calculation of the fair value is based on the same periods.

The following table summarizes the components of the total purchase price :

231,436,850 common shares of Domtar Inc. outstanding at an average closing price of $6.63 per share

$ 1,534

Direct acquisition costs

28

Estimated total purchase price, net of assumed debt

1,562

The total purchase price is allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the Company’s estimates of their fair value, which are based on information currently available. During the fourth quarter of 2007,2011, the Company completed the valuationevaluation of all assets and liabilities.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 3. ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS (CONTINUED)

The table below illustrates the purchase price allocation:

 

Fair value of net assets acquired at the date of acquisition

  

Cash and cash equivalents

  $573

Receivables

   166

Inventories

   448

Prepaid expenses

   12

Income and other taxes receivable

   10

Deferred income taxes—current

   63

Property, plant and equipment

   2,469

Intangible assets (NOTE 15)

   98

Deferred income taxes—non current

   34

Goodwill (NOTE 13)

   300

Other assets

   39
    

Total assets

   4,212

Less: Liabilities

  

Bank indebtedness

   67

Trade and other payables

   410

Income and other taxes payable

   15

Long-term debt due within one year

   1

Long-term debt

   1,660

Deferred income tax liability—non-current

   141

Other liabilities and deferred credits

   328

Minority interests

   28
    

Total liabilities

   2,650
    

Fair value of net assets acquired at the date of acquisition

   1,562

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

Fair value of net assets acquired at the date of acquisition

    

Receivables

    $12  

Inventory

     17  

Property, plant and equipment

     54  

Intangible assets (Note 14)

    

Trade names (1)

   61    

Customer relationships (2)

   93    
     154  

Goodwill (Note 12)

     163  

Other assets

     4  
    

 

 

 

Total assets

     404  

Less: Liabilities

    

Trade and other payables

     15  

Income and other taxes payable

     2  

Capital lease obligation

     31  

Deferred income tax liabilities and unrecognized tax benefits

     66  

Other liabilities

     2  
    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     116  

Fair value of net assets acquired at the date of acquisition

     288  

 

(1)Indefinite useful life.
(2)The useful life of the Customer relationships acquired is 40 years.

Goodwill represents the future economic benefit arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. The following unaudited pro-forma information forgoodwill is attributable to the years ended December 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, presents a summary of consolidated results of operationsgeneral reputation of the Company as ifbusiness, the combination had occurred atassembled workforce, and the beginningexpected future cash flows of the respective fiscal periods. These unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only.

   Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
 
   

(In millions of dollars,

unless otherwise noted)

 
    

Sales

  $ 6,520  $ 6,750 

Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization and impairment of goodwill and property, plant and equipment

   5,646   5,794 

Depreciation and amortization

   506   458 

Impairment of goodwill and property, plant and equipment

   96   749 
         

Operating income (loss)

   272   (251)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

   70   (448)

Net earnings (loss) applicable to common shares

   47   (550)
         

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   0.10   (1.94)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   0.10   (1.94)

Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (millions)

   474.1   284.1 

Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (millions)

   475.9   284.1 

The above includes a charge of $749 million for the impairment ofbusiness. Disclosed goodwill in the year ended December 31, 2006,is not deductible for tax purposes,purposes. Pro forma results have not been provided, as well as a charge of $29 million for transaction related costs of Domtar Inc. incurred in the year ended December 30, 2007.acquisition had no material impact on the Company.

NOTE 4.

 

 

IMPAIRMENT AND WRITE-DOWN OF GOODWILLPROPERTY, PLANT AND LONG-LIVED ASSETSEQUIPMENT

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL

Goodwill is not amortized and is subject to an annual goodwill impairment test. This test is carried out more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. A “Step I” goodwill impairment test determines whether the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the net carrying amount of that reporting unit, including goodwill, as of the assessment date in order to assess if goodwill is impaired. If the fair value is greater than the net carrying amount, no impairment is necessary. In the event that the net carrying amount exceeds the fair value, a “Step II” goodwill impairment test must be performed in order to determine the amount of the impairment charge. The implied fair value of goodwill in this test is estimated in the same way as goodwill was determined at the date of the acquisition in a business combination. That is, the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the reporting unit represents the implied value of goodwill. To accomplish this Step II test, the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill must be estimated and compared to its carrying value. The excess of the carrying value over the fair value is taken as an impairment charge in the period.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

For purposes of impairment testing, goodwill must be assigned to one or more of our reporting units. The Company tests goodwill at the reporting unit level. All goodwill as of December 30, 2007 resided in the Papers segment.

Step I Impairment Test

The Company determined that the discounted cash flow method (“DCF”) was the most appropriate approach to determine fair value of the reporting unit. The Company has developed our projection of estimated future cash flows for the period from 2009 to 2013 (the “Forecast Period”) to serve as the basis of the DCF as well as a terminal value. In doing so, the Company has used a number of key assumptions and benchmarks that are discussed under “Key Assumptions” below. Our discounted future cash flow analysis resulted in a fair value of the reporting unit below the carrying value of the reporting units net assets.

In order to evaluate the appropriateness of the conclusions of our Step I impairment test, the estimated fair value of the Company as a whole was reconciled to its market capitalization and compared to selected transactions involving the sale of comparable companies.

Step II Impairment Test

In Step II of the impairment test, the estimated fair value of the Papers reporting unit, determined in Step I, was allocated to its tangible and identified intangible assets, based on their relative fair values, in order to arrive at the fair value of goodwill. To this end, different valuation techniques were used to determine the fair values of individual tangible and intangible assets. A depreciated replacement cost method was mainly used to determine the fair value of fixed assets to the extent such values did not have economic obsolescence. Economic obsolescence was based on cash flow projections. For idled mills of the Papers reporting unit, liquidation or salvage values were largely used as an indication of the fair values of their assets. The fair value of identified intangible assets, mainly consisting of marketing, customer and contract-related assets, were determined using an income approach.

The impairment test concluded that goodwill was impaired and the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $321 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 to reflect the complete write-off of goodwill.

Key Assumptions

The various valuation techniques used in Steps I and II have incorporated a number of assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable and to reflect forecasted market conditions at the valuation date. Assumptions in estimating future cash flows are subject to a high degree of judgement. The Company makes all efforts to forecast future cash flows as accurately as possible with the information available at the time a forecast is made. To this end, the Company evaluates the appropriateness of our assumptions as well as our overall forecasts by comparing projected results of upcoming years with actual results of preceding years and validating that differences therein are reasonable. Key assumptions relate to: price trends, material and energy costs, the discount rate, rate of decline of demand, the terminal growth, and foreign exchange rates. A number of benchmarks from independent industry and other economic publications were used in order to develop projections for the forecast period. Examples of such benchmarks and other assumptions include:

Revenues—the evolution of pulp and paper pricing over the forecast period was based on data from Resource Information Systems Inc. (“RISI”), an authoritative independent source in the global forest products industry.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

Direct costs mainly consisted of fiber, wood, chemical and energy costs. The evolution of these direct costs over the forecast period was based on data from a number of benchmarks related to: selling prices of pulp, oil prices, housing starts, US producer price index, mixed chemical index, corn, natural gas, coal and electricity.

Foreign exchange rate estimates were based on a number of economic forecasts including those of Consensus Economics, Inc. reports.

Discount rate—The discount rate used to determine the present value of the Papers reporting unit’s forecasted cash flows represented our weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). Our WACC was determined to be between 10.5% and 11%.

Rate of decline of demand & terminal growth rate—the Company assumed that a number of business and commercial papers would see demand declines in line with industry expectations. This was reflected in our assumptions in the rate of decline in demand over the forecast period as well as in our assumption of the terminal growth rate.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances indicating that, at the lowest level of determinable cash flows, the carrying value of the long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Step I of the impairment test assesses if the carrying value of the long-lived assets exceeds their

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 4. IMPAIRMENT AND WRITE-DOWN OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)

estimated undiscounted future cash flows in order to assess if the assets are impaired. In the event the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are lower than the net book value of the assets, a Step II impairment test must be carried out to determine the impairment charge. In Step II, long-lived assets are written down to their estimated fair values. Given that there is generally no readily available quoted value for ourthe Company’s long-lived assets, the Company determines fair value of its long-lived assets using the estimated discounted future cash flow (“DCF”) expected from their use and eventual disposition, and by using the liquidation or salvage value in the case of idled assets. The DCF in stepStep II is based on the undiscounted cash flows in Step I.

DrydenAshdown, Arkansas pulp and paper mill—Closure of a paper machine

As a result of the decision to permanently shut down one of four paper machines on March 29, 2011, the Company recognized $73 million of accelerated depreciation, under Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment, in 2011. Given the substantial decline in the production capacity, at its Ashdown facility, the Company conducted a quantitative Step I impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2011 and concluded that the recognition of an impairment loss for the Ashdown mill’s remaining long-lived assets was not required.

Lebel-sur-Quévillon Pulp Mill and Paper MillSawmill—Impairment of assets

In the fourth quarter of 2008, asthe Company decided to permanently shut down the Lebel-sur-Quévillon pulp mill and sawmills. In 2011, following the signing of a definitive agreement (see Note 27), the Company recorded a $12 million impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment relating to the remaining assets net book value.

Plymouth Pulp and Paper Mill—Conversion to Fluff Pulp

As a result of the decision to permanently shut down the remaining paper machine and converting centerconvert the Plymouth facility to 100% fluff pulp production in the fourth quarter of the Dryden mill,2009, the Company wrote-offrecognized, under Impairment and write-down of $11property, plant and equipment, $39 million of accelerated depreciation in 2010 in addition to $13 million in the net book value to bring these assets to their estimated net recoverable amount. fourth quarter of 2009 and a $1 million write-down for the related paper machine in 2010.

Given the substantial change in use of the pulp and paper mill, the Company conducted a Step I impairment test onin the remaining Dryden pulp mill operations fixed assets. Estimatesfourth quarter of undiscounted future cash flows used to test2009 and concluded that the recoverabilityrecognition of the fixed assets included key assumptions related to trend prices, inflation-adjusted cost projections, the forecasted exchange ratean impairment loss for the U.S. dollar andPlymouth mill’s remaining long-lived assets was not required as the estimated useful life of the fixed assets. The main sources of such assumptions and related benchmarks were largely the same as those listed under “Impairment of Goodwill” above.

Step I of the impairment test demonstrated that the carrying values of the fixed assets exceeded theiraggregate estimated undiscounted future cash flows indicating that impairment exists. A step II test was undertaken to determineexceeded the fairthen carrying value of the remaining assets and the Company recordedasset group of $336 million by a non-cash impairment charge of $265 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, to reduce the assets to their estimated fair value.significant amount.

Columbus Paper Mill

During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company was informed that beginning in early 2009 our Columbus mill would cease to benefit from a favorable power purchase agreement. This change in circumstances impacted the profitability outlook for the foreseeable future and trigger the need for a Step I impairment test of the fixed

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

assets. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows used to test the recoverability of the fixed assets included key assumptions related to trend prices, inflation-adjusted cost projections, and the estimated useful life of the fixed assets. The main sources

Plymouth Pulp and Paper Mill—Closure of such assumptionsPaper Machine

In the first quarter of 2009, the Company announced that it would permanently reduce its paper manufacturing at its Plymouth pulp and paper mill, by closing one of the two paper machines comprising the mill’s paper production unit. As a result, at the end of February 2009, there was a curtailment of 293,000 tons of the mill’s paper production capacity and the closure affected approximately 185 employees. Also, $13 million of

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 4. IMPAIRMENT AND WRITE-DOWN OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)

accelerated depreciation in the fourth quarter of 2009, and a further $39 million of accelerated depreciation over the first nine months of 2010, were recorded for the related benchmarks were largelyplant and equipment. Given the same as those listed under “Impairmentclosure of Goodwill” above.

the paper machine, the Company conducted a Step I of the impairment test demonstratedon the Plymouth mill operation’s fixed assets and concluded that the carrying values ofundiscounted estimated future cash flows associated with the fixedremaining long-lived assets exceeded their carrying value and, as such, no additional impairment charge was required.

Columbus Paper Mill

On March 16, 2010, the Company announced that it would permanently close its coated groundwood paper mill in Columbus, Mississippi. This measure resulted in the permanent curtailment of 238,000 tons of coated groundwood and 70,000 metric tons of thermo-mechanical pulp, as well as affected 219 employees. The Company recorded a $9 million write-down for the related fixed assets under Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment and $16 million of other charges under Closure and restructuring costs (see Note 16). Operations ceased in April 2010.

Cerritos

During the second quarter of 2010, the Company decided to close the Cerritos, California forms converting plant, and recorded a $1 million write-down for the related assets under Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment and $1 million in severance and termination costs under Closure and restructuring costs (see Note 16). Operations ceased on July 16, 2010.

Prince Albert Pulp Mill

As a result of a review of available options for the disposal of the assets of this facility in the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company revised the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, indicating that impairment exists. A step II test was undertaken to determine the fair valuenet realizable values of the remaining assets and recorded a non-cash write-down of $14 million, related to fixed assets, primarily a turbine and a boiler. The write-down represented the Company recorded an impairment chargedifference between the new estimated liquidation or salvage value of $95 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, to reduce the assets to their estimated fair value.

Wood Segment

In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company conducted an impairment test on the fixed assets and intangible assets (“the Asset Group”) of the Wood reportable segment. The need for such test was triggered by operating losses sustained by the segment in 2007 and 2008 as well as short-term forecasted operating losses. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows used to test the recoverability of the Asset Group included key assumptions related to trend prices, inflation-adjusted cost projections, the forecasted exchange rate for the U.S. dollar and the estimated useful life of the Asset Group. The Company believes such assumptions to be reasonable and to reflect forecasted market conditions at the valuation date. They involve a high degree of judgment and complexity and reflect our best estimates with the information available at the time our forecasts were developed. To this end, the Company evaluates the appropriateness of our assumptions as well as our overall forecasts by comparing projected results of upcoming years with actual results of preceding years and validating that differences therein are reasonable. Key assumptions were related to trend prices (based on data from Resource Information Systems Inc., (or “RISI”) an authoritative independent source in the global forest products industry) material and energy costs and foreign exchange rates (based on a number of economic forecasts including those of Consensus Economics, Inc. reports). A number of benchmarks from independent industry and other economic publications were used in order to develop projections for the forecast period.

The following table summarizes the approximate impact that a change in certain key assumptions would have on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, while holding all other assumptions constant:

Key Assumptions

  Increase
of
  Approximate
impact on
the
undiscounted
cash flows
 
   (In millions of dollars) 

Foreign exchange rates

  5% (156)

Lumber pricing

  5% 215 

Lumber shipments

  5% 82 

The Company completed the Step I impairment test with the conclusion that the recognition of an impairment loss for the Wood reportable segment in long-lived assets was not required as the aggregate estimated undiscounted future cash flows exceeded thetheir carrying value of the Asset Group of $177 million by a significant amount.values.

Changes in ourthe assumptions and estimates may affect ourthe Company’s forecasts and may lead to an outcome where impairment charges would be required. In addition, actual results may vary from ourthe Company’s forecasts, and such variations may be material and unfavorable, thereby triggering the need for future impairment tests where ourthe Company’s conclusions may differ in reflection of prevailing market conditions.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

Lebel-sur-Quévillon Pulp Mill and Sawmill

Pursuant to the decision in the fourth quarter of 2008 to permanently shut down the Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Quebec pulp mill and sawmill of the Papers and Wood reportable segments, respectively, the Company has recorded a non-cash write-off of $4 million related to fixed assets at both locations consisting mainly of a turbine, a recovery system and saw lines. The write-off represents the difference between the estimated liquidation or salvage values of the fixed assets and their carrying values.

White River Sawmill

In the fourth quarter of 2008, the net assets of the White River sawmill of the Wood reportable segment were held for sale and measured at the lower of the sawmill’s carrying value or estimated fair value less cost to sell. The fair value was determined by analyzing values assigned to it in a current potential sale transaction together with conditions prevailing in the markets where the sawmill operates. Pursuant to such analysis, non-cash write-offs amounting to $8 million related to fixed assets and $4 million related to intangible assets were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 to reflect the difference between their respective estimated fair values less cost to sell and their carrying values. The Company is currently in the process of examining a potential transaction for the disposal of the sawmill, on which the Company expects to be able to reach an agreement in the first quarter of 2009 and complete the full disposal in the remainder of the year.

NOTE 5.

 

 

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

2007 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

Under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”), the Company may award to executives and other key employees non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance conditioned restricted stock units, performance shares, deferred share units and other stock-based awards. A total of 20,000,000 common shares are reserved for issuance in connection with awards granted under the Omnibus Plan. Awards may be subject to both performance and time-based vesting.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)

The exercise price of options and stock appreciation rights is equal to the closing price per share of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant.

On February 20, 2008, a second grantPerformance Conditioned Restricted Stock Units (“PCRSUs”) AND PERFORMANCE STOCK UNITS (“PSUs”)

The PSU’s granted in 2011 were to management and non-management committee members. Management committee members will be settled in shares based on certain performance and market conditions and non-management committee members will be settled in cash, based on certain performance and market conditions.

In 2011, the Company granted 88,528 PSUs (2010 and 2009—nil) under the Omnibus Incentive Plan was provided to executivesPlan. As a result of previously granted PSUs and other key employees as follows:

PERFORMANCE CONDITIONED RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (“PCRSUS”)

On February 20, 2008,PCRSUs having achieved their target, the Company granted 766,570 (2007–1,381,100) PCRSUs having aissued 9,150 PSUs in 2011 (2010—22,645 PCRSUs; 2009—86,555 PCRSUs). The overall weighted average grant date fair value of $6.71 (2007-$10.44) and a weighted average remaining contractual life of approximately 24 months (2007–24 months).PSUs granted in 2011 is $89.02. Each PCRSU is equivalent in value to one common share and is subject to a service condition as well as a performance or market condition. These awards have an additional feature where the ultimate number of units that vest will be determined by the Company’s performance results or shareholder return in relation to a predetermined target over the period to vesting. No awards vest when the

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

minimum thresholds are not achieved. The performance measurement date will vary depending on the specific award. Upon vesting, the participants will receive common shares of the Company or in certain instances cash of an equivalent value.

On December 31, 2010, the 2008 grant cliff vested and as such these portions of the PCRSU grant as well as a portion issued in 2010 representing 67,848 units (2010—79,421; 2009—15,890), were settled in February 2011.

At December 31, 2008,2009, one market condition for the first measurement period, related to the 2008 grant, was achieved. As such, this portion of the 2008 PCRSU grant, representing 47,816 units, will cliff vest on December 31, 2010.

At December 30, 2007,and one marketperformance condition for the firstvarious measurement periodperiods (2008—nil), related to the 2007 grant, waswere achieved. As such, this portionthese portions of the PCRSU grant as well as a portion issued in 2009 representing 76,66551,642 units will(2008—nil), cliff vestvested on December 31, 2009. On March 31, 2009, PCRSUs granted in 2007 as well as a portion issued in 2009 representing 88,082 units, vested based on the attainment of a variety of business integration and synergy achievement goals.

No other market or performance condition was met related to the 2008 or 2007 PCRSU grants asAs at December 31, 2008.2011, out of the total outstanding PSU’s, 77,332 will be settled in shares and 63,167 will be settled in cash.

RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (“RSUs”)

The RSU’s granted are to management and non-management committee members. Upon completing service conditions, management committee members will be settled in shares and non-management committee members will be settled in cash.

On February 20, 2008,22, 2011, the Company granted 590,380 (2007–818,250)40,978 RSUs (2010—110,965; 2009—436,575) having a weighted average grant date fair value of $6.71 (2007-$86.19 (2010—$10.64)66.81; 2009—$12.60) and a weighted average remaining contractual life of approximately 26 months (2007–23(2010—28 months; 2009—27 months). The Company

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)

will deliver one share of common stock in settlement of each outstanding RSU that has vested in accordance with the stipulated service conditions. The awards cliff vest at various dates up to February 20,22, 2014 (2010—May 10, 2013; 2009—April 8, 2012). As a result of quarterly dividends, on January 17, April 15, July 15 and October 17, 2011, (2007–the Company granted a total of 9,039 RSUs (2010—5,372) to participants of the Omnibus Plan. Additionally, as part of the long-term incentive plan, the Company also granted 57,284 RSUs (2010—76,850) on February 28, 2010).22, 2011.

On September 22, 2011, the Company granted 15,446 RSUs having a weighted average grant date fair value of $71.84 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of approximately 24 months. The Company will settle each unit in cash. The awards cliff vest on December 31, 2013.

As at December 31, 2011, out of the total outstanding RSU’s, 116,546 will be settled in shares and 509,003 will be settled in cash.

DEFERRED STOCK UNITS (“DSUs”)

In 2011 and 2010 the Company did not issue any new DSU plan to its employees under the Omnibus Plan. As a result of quarterly dividends, on January 17, April 15, July 15 and October 17, 2011, the Company granted a total of 389 DSUs (2010—231) to participants of the Omnibus Plan. On April 8, 2009, the Company granted 26,667 DSUs having a weighted average grant date fair value of $12.60 that vested in three equal annual installments on April 8, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

The Company delivers, on a quarterly basis, DSUs to its Directors that vest immediately on the grant date. The Company will deliver at the option of the holder either one share of common stock or the cash equivalent of the fair market value on settlement of each outstanding DSU (including dividend equivalents accumulated) upon termination of service. In 2008,2011, the Company granted 286,176 DSU’s (2007–103,132).15,760 DSUs (2010—15,365; 2009—47,156) to its Directors.

NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS

On February 20, 2008,In 2011, the Company granted 340,500 (2007 – 615,900)did not grant any non-qualified stock options having an exercise price of $6.71 (2007—$10.64) and grant date fair value of $2.03 (2007—$2.88)(2010—2,100; 2009 – 120,646). The stock options vest at various dates up to February 20,May 10, 2013 subject to service conditions. Upon exercise, the option holders may elect to proceed with a cashless exercise and receive common shares net of the deduction for cashless exercise. The options expire at various dates no later than seven years from the date of grant.

PERFORMANCE STOCK OPTIONS

In 2011, the Company did not grant any performance stock options (2010—46,780; 2009—151,831). The stock options vest at various dates up to May 10, 2013 if certain market conditions are met in addition to a service period. Upon exercise, the option holders may elect to proceed with a cashless exercise and receive common shares net of the deduction for cashless exercise. The options expire at various dates no later than seven years from the date of grant.

GENERAL TERMS OF AWARDS UNDER THE OMNIBUS PLANDOMTAR CORPORATION

TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

Upon a termination due to death, time-based awards vest in full, performance-based awards vest at target levels, and options and stock appreciation rights remain exercisable for one year. Upon a termination due to disability, time-based awards vest in full, performance-based awards continue to vest in accordance with the original vesting schedule, and options and stock appreciation rights remain exercisable for one year. Upon retirement, a pro-rated portion of time-based awards vest and a pro-rated portion of performance-based awards continue to vest based on actual performance during the applicable performance period, and all awards remain outstanding for five years. Upon a termination for cause or a voluntary termination by a plan participant, all awards, including vested but unexercised awards, are forfeited without payment. Upon an involuntary termination for any reason other than cause, vested awards remain outstanding for 90 days and unvested awards are forfeited.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

CHANGE IN CONTROLNOTE 5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)

Upon a change in control, unless otherwise determined by the Company, a participant’s awards will be replaced with awards of the acquiring company having the same or better terms. If there is a change in control and a participant’s employment is terminated for business reasons in the three months prior to or twenty-four months after the change in control, his or her time-based awards will fully vest and performance-based awards will vest to the extent the applicable performance goals have been achieved as of the date of the change in control or the end of the fiscal quarter immediately prior to the date of termination, whichever is greater.

If replacement awards are not available, unless the Company determines otherwise, all time-based awards fully vest and performance-based awards vest to the extent the performance goals related to the award have been achieved as of the date of the change in control. Alternatively, the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors may determine that vested awards will be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment (or other form of change in control consideration) based on the value of the change in control payment and that unvested awards will be forfeited. The Company’s Board of Directors may also accelerate the vesting of any or all awards upon a change in control.

CLAWBACK FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING MISCONDUCT

If a participant in the Omnibus Plan knowingly or grossly negligently engages in financial reporting misconduct, then all awards and gains from the exercise of options or stock appreciation rights in the 12 months prior to the date the misleading financial statements were issued as well as any awards that vested based on the misleading financial statements will be disgorged to the Company.

REPLACEMENT PLANS FOR AWARDS TO FORMER EMPLOYEES OF WEYERHAEUSER

Prior to the consummation of the Transaction, employees of Weyerhaeuser who were being transferred to the Company were given the opportunity to exchange their outstanding Weyerhaeuser equity awards for awards of the Company having the same terms and conditions as their prior Weyerhaeuser awards. The Company has adopted three plans to provide for the grant of the Company’s equity awards in exchange for the prior plan awards. The Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”), Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) and Stock Options mirror the three Weyerhaeuser plans under which the prior plan awards were initially granted.

Awards were made under these plans in connection with the consummation of the Transaction only to those employees who elected to exchange their prior plan awards for the Company’s equity awards.

REPLACEMENT PLANS FOR FORMER DOMTAR INC. AWARDS

Options granted to Domtar Inc. employees, whether vested or unvested, were exchanged on the same terms and conditions for an option to purchase a number of shares of common stock of Domtar Corporation equal to the number of the Company’s common shares or of equivalent value determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, depending if the exercise price was higher, equal or less than the market value at the time of the exchange.

Each outstanding award of restricted Domtar Inc. common shares was exchanged on a one-for-one basis, and on the same terms and conditions as applied to Domtar Inc. restricted share awards, for awards of restricted shares of the Company’s common shares (“RSAs”). On March 7, 2007, 654,935 common shares were acquired and are held in trust in exchange for the former Domtar Inc. restricted awards.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

Each outstanding grant of DSUs with respect to Domtar Inc. common shares were exchanged on a one-for-one basis, on the same terms and conditions as applied to the Domtar Inc. DSUs, for DSUs with respect to shares of the Company’s common stock. On March 7, 2007, 351,718 DSUs and 54,815 DSUs were issued to outside directors and executives, respectively, in exchange for Domtar Inc. DSUs. DSUs granted after March 7, 2007 are granted under the Omnibus Incentive plan.

No new awards have been or will be made under any of the replacement plans.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, compensation expense recognized in the Company’s results of operations was approximately $16 million (2007—$15 million) for all of the outstanding awards. Compensation cost not yet recognized amounts to approximately $11 million (2007 - $29 million) and will be recognized over the remaining service period. Compensation costs for performance awards are based on management’s best estimate of the final performance measurement.

SUMMARY OF OUTSTANDING AWARDS

Details regarding Domtar Corporation outstanding awards are presented in the following tables:

 

NUMBER OF AWARDS

  PCRSU  RSU/RSA  DSU 

Outstanding at January 1, 2007

  —    —    —   

Exchanged pursuant to the Transaction

  —    875,733  406,533 

Granted

  1,381,100  818,250  103,132 

Forfeited/expired

  —    (1,179) —   

Exercised/settled

  —    —    (131,573)
          

Total outstanding at December 30, 2007

  1,381,100  1,692,804  378,092 

Granted

  766,570  590,380  286,176 

Forfeited/expired

  (54,030) (82,794) —   

Exercised/settled

  —    (310,171) (56,053)
          

Total outstanding at December 31, 2008

  2,093,640  1,890,219  608,215 
          

NUMBER OF AWARDS

  PCRSU/PSU  RSU/RSA  DSU 

Total outstanding at December 31, 2010

   131,038    618,382    140,104  

Granted/issued

   97,678    122,747    16,149  

Forfeited/expired

   (14,452  (33,895  —    

Exercised/settled

   (73,765  (81,685  (18,688
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total outstanding at December 31, 2011

   140,499    625,549    137,565  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

OPTIONS

  Number of
options
  Weighted
average
exercise
price
  Weighted
average
remaining life

(in years)
  Aggregate
intrinsic
value

(in millions)
      $     $

Outstanding at January 1, 2007

  —    —      

Exchanged pursuant to the Transaction

  4,869,502  7.33    

Granted

  615,900  10.64    

Exercised

  (295,416) 7.82    

Forfeited/expired

  (69,114) 8.20    
          

Outstanding at December 30, 2007

  5,120,872  7.69  5.4  2.5
            

Options exercisable at December 30, 2007

  2,040,578  7.84  4.2  0.8
            

OPTIONS (including Performance options)

  Number of
options
  Weighted
average
exercise
price
   Weighted
average
remaining life
(in years)
   Aggregate
intrinsic
value
(in millions)
 
      $       $ 

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

   432,164    91.08     4.7     —    

Granted

   272,477    12.60     2.3     11.0  

Forfeited/expired

   (46,058  97.67     —       —    
  

 

 

      

Outstanding at December 31, 2009

   658,583    58.15     3.3     —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options exercisable at December 31, 2009

   325,736    92.64     3.1     —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2009

   658,583    58.15     3.3     —    

Granted

   48,880    66.81     6.4     0.4  

Exercised

   (86,573  20.37     —       —    

Forfeited/expired

   (29,574  62.36     —       —    
  

 

 

      

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

   591,316    64.19     4.0     12.1  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options exercisable at December 31, 2010

   272,799    81.78     2.9     0.9  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

   591,316    64.19     4.0     12.1  

Exercised

   (182,480  45.63     —       —    

Forfeited/expired

   (55,175  95.36     —       —    
  

 

 

      

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

   353,661    68.90     3.1     7.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options exercisable at December 31, 2011

   160,590    80.79     2.4     0.7  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

OPTIONS

  Number of
options
  Weighted
average
exercise
price
  Weighted
average
remaining life

(in years)
  Aggregate
intrinsic

value
(in millions)
      $     $

Outstanding at December 30, 2007

  5,120,872  7.69  5.4  2.5

Granted

  340,500  6.71  6.1  —  

Exercised

  (11,139) 6.54  —    —  

Forfeited/expired

  (264,267) 8.38  —    —  
          

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

  5,185,966  7.59  4.6  —  
            

Options exercisable at December 31, 2008

  2,851,571  6.32  4.1  —  
            

NOTE 5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)

 

SARs

  Number of
SARs
  Weighted
average
exercise
price
  Weighted
average
remaining
life

(in years)
  Aggregate
intrinsic
value

(in millions)
      $     $

Outstanding at January 1, 2007

  —    —      

Exchanged pursuant to the Transaction

  195,395  6.58    
          

Outstanding at December 30, 2007

  195,395  6.58  7.5  0.2
            

SARs exercisable at December 30, 2007

  14,644  6.27  6.8  —  
            

In addition to the above noted outstanding options, the Company has 3,738 outstanding and exercisable stock appreciation rights at December 31, 2011 with a weighted average exercise price of $79.95.

Due to conditions implicit in the performance stock units granted in 2011, the fair value was estimated at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation methodology. The Monte Carlo simulation creates artificial futures by generating numerous sample paths of potential outcomes. The following assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of the units granted.

 

SARs

  Number of
SARs
  Weighted
average
exercise
price
  Weighted
average
remaining life

(in years)
  Aggregate
intrinsic
value

(in millions)
      $     $

Outstanding at December 30, 2007

  195,395  6.58  7.5  0.2

Forfeited

  (6,818) 6.29    
            

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

  188,577  6.05  5.8  —  
            

SARs exercisable at December 31, 2008

  99,633  6.25  6.1  —  
            
2011

Dividend yield

0.870

Expected volatility 1 year

36

Expected volatility 3 years

86

Risk-free interest rate December 31, 2011

0.411

Risk-free interest rate December 31, 2012

0.869

Risk-free interest rate December 31, 2013

1.388

The fair value of the stock options granted in 20082010 and 2009 was estimated at the grant date of grant using a Black-Scholes based option pricing model or an option pricing model that incorporated the market conditions when applicable. The following assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of the options granted.

 

  2008  2007  2010 2009 

Dividend yield

  0%  0%   0  0

Expected volatility

  39%  30% – 35%   75  77

Risk-free interest rate

  3%  4% – 5%   3  3

Expected life

  4 years  4 to 6 years   7 years    7 years  
  

 

  

 

 

The weighted average grant date fair valueFor the year ended December 31, 2011, compensation expense recognized in the Company’s results of operations was approximately $23 million (2010—$25 million; 2009—$27 million) for all of the optionsoutstanding awards. Compensation costs not yet recognized amount to approximately $16 million (2010—$22 million; 2009—$21 million) and stock appreciationwill be recognized over the remaining service period. Compensation costs for performance awards exchanged pursuant toare based on management’s best estimate of the transaction was $3.27.

final performance measurement.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

NOTE 6.

 

 

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

The following table provides the reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

  Year ended
December 31,
2008
 Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
   Year ended
December 31,
2011
   Year ended
December 31,
2010
   Year ended
December 31,
2009
 

Net earnings (loss)

  $(573) $70  $(609)

Net earnings

  $365    $605    $310  
            

 

   

 

   

 

 

Weighted average number of common and exchangeable shares outstanding (millions)

   515.5   474.1   284.1    39.9     42.8     43.0  

Effect of dilutive securities (millions)

   —     1.8   —      0.3     0.4     0.2  
            

 

   

 

   

 

 

Weighted average number of diluted common and exchangeable shares outstanding (millions)

   515.5   475.9   284.1    40.2     43.2     43.2  
            

 

   

 

   

 

 

Basic net earnings (loss) per share (in dollars)

  $(1.11) $0.15  $(2.14)

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share (in dollars)

  $(1.11) $0.15  $(2.14)

Basic net earnings per share (in dollars)

  $9.15    $14.14    $7.21  

Diluted net earnings per share (in dollars)

  $9.08    $14.00    $7.18  
  

 

   

 

   

 

 

The following table provides the securities that could potentially dilute basic earnings (loss) per share in the future, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive:

 

  December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
  December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
   December 31,
2009
 

Restricted stock units

  702,604  —     —       —       6,586  

Options

  5,185,966  —     168,692     380,214     386,106  

Performance-based awards

  1,242,601  2,924,668   —       —       33,764  

The calculation of basic earnings per common share for the year ended December 31, 20082011 is based on the weighted average number of Domtar common stockshares outstanding during the year. The calculation for diluted earnings per common share recognizes the effect of all potential dilutive common stock. StockA portion of the stock options to purchase common shares areis excluded in the computation of diluted net earnings (loss) per share in periods because to do so would have been anti-dilutive.

Prior to the Transaction, Domtar Corporation did not have publicly traded common stock or stock options outstanding. The weighted average number of shares of common stock of Domtar Corporation outstanding for the year ended December 30, 2007 assumes that all such common stock outstanding immediately after the Contribution but before the acquisition of Domtar Inc. were outstanding since January 1, 2007. The effect of dilutive securities for the year ended December 30, 2007 assumes that all replacement stock options of Domtar Corporation were outstanding immediately after the Contribution on March 5, 2007.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

The weighted average number of shares of Domtar Corporation common stock outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2006 assumes that all such common stock outstanding immediately after the contribution of the Business Unit but before the acquisition of Domtar Inc. was outstanding since December 31, 2005.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

NOTE 7.

 

 

PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS

The Company has several defined contribution plans and multi-employermultiemployer plans. The pension expense under these plans is equal to the Company’s contribution. For the year ended December 31, 2008,2011, the related pension expense was $21$24 million (2007—(2010—$1625 million; 2006—2009—$724 million).

DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has several defined benefit pension plans covering substantially alla majority of employees. The defined benefit pension plans are generally contributory in Canada and non-contributory in the United States. Non-unionized employees in Canada joining the Company after June 1, 2000 participate in defined contribution pension plans. TheSalaried employees in the U.S. joining the Company after January 1, 2008 participate in a defined contribution pension plan. Also, starting on January 1, 2013, all unionized employees covered under the agreement with the United Steel Workers not grandfathered under the existing defined benefit pension plans are generally contributory in Canada and non-contributory in the United States.will transition to a defined contribution pension plan for future service. The Company also provides other post-retirement plans to eligible Canadian and USU.S. employees; the plans are unfunded and include life insurance programs, medical and dental benefits and short-term and long-term disability programs. At March 7, 2007, the funded status acquired by thebenefits. The Company was a net liability of $152 million for thealso provides supplemental unfunded defined benefit pension plans to certain senior management employees.

Related pension and $71 million for other post-retirement benefit plans. Other post-retirement benefits were accounted for in the Predecessor financial statements using a multi-employer approach. As a result, an additional net liability of $35 million was recorded in 2007. Certain other pension liabilities, other than the ones related to the four Canadian pension plans, were retained by Weyerhaeuser.

The pension expenseplan expenses and the obligation related to the defined benefit planscorresponding obligations are actuarially determined using management’s most probable assumptions.

Components of net periodic benefit cost for pension plans

  Year ended
December 31,
2008
  Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
 
   $  $  $ 

Service cost for the year

  36  40  7 

Interest expense

  78  74  15 

Expected return on plan assets

  (80) (86) (26)

Curtailment loss (gain)

  4  (1) —   

Settlement loss

  7  7  —   

Amortization of prior year service costs

  1  1  1 

Special termination benefits

  6  —    —   
          

Net periodic benefit cost

  52  35  (3)
          

The components of net periodic benefit cost for pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2006, as disclosed in the table above, include the components for the Canadian Plans only.

Components of net periodic benefit cost for

other post-retirement benefit plans

  Year ended
December 31,
2008
  Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
   $  $  $

Service cost for the year

  $3  $5  $11

Interest expense

   6   5   —  

Curtailment gain

   (2)  (3)  —  
            

Net periodic benefit cost

   7   7   11
            

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

The Company’s pension plan funding policy is to contribute annually the amount required to provide for benefits earned in the year, to fund solvency deficiency and to fund both solvency deficiencies and past service obligations over periods not exceeding those permitted by the applicable regulatory authorities. Past service obligations primarily arise from improvements to plan benefits. The other post-retirement benefit plans are not funded and contributions are made annually to cover benefits payments.

The Company expects to contribute a minimum total amount of $45$52 million in 20092012 compared to $194$95 million in 2008 (2007—2011 (2010—$106161 million; 2009—$130 million) to the pension plans. The contributionspayments made in 20082011 to the other post-retirement benefit plans amounted to $6$8 million (2007—(2010—$58 million; 2009—$8 million).

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 7. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

CHANGE IN ACCRUED BENEFIT OBLIGATION

The following table represents the change in the accrued benefit obligation as of December 31, 20082011 and December 30, 2007,31, 2010, the measurement date for each year:

 

   December 31, 2008  December 30, 2007 
   Pension
plans
  Other post-
retirement
benefit plans
  Pension
plans
  Other post-
retirement
benefit plans
 
   $  $  $  $ 

Accrued benefit obligation at beginning of year

  1,735  115  318  —   

Post-closing adjustment (Note 1)

  —    —    —    35 

Service cost for the year

  36  3  40  5 

Interest expense

  78  6  74  5 

Plan participants’ contributions

  7  —    7  —   

Actuarial gain

  (274) (6) (24) (5)

Plan amendments

  32  —    3  —   

Benefits paid

  (94) (6) (89) (5)

Settlement

  (137) —    (92) —   

Curtailment

  (6) (2) (15) (2)

Acquisition of Domtar Inc. (Note 3)

  —    —    1,254  71 

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate change

  (262) (15) 259  11 

Special termination benefits

  6  —    —    —   
             

Accrued benefit obligation at end of year

  1,121  95  1,735  115 
             

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 
   Pension
plans
  Other
post-retirement
benefit plans
  Pension
plans
  Other
post-retirement
benefit plans
 
   $  $  $  $ 

Accrued benefit obligation at beginning of year

   1,636    114    1,442    122  

Service cost for the year

   35    3    32    3  

Interest expense

   87    6    87    7  

Plan participants’ contributions

   7    —      7    —    

Actuarial loss

   99    3    152    12  

Plan amendments

   17    (3  1    —    

Benefits paid

   (98  (1  (96  —    

Direct benefit payments

   (4  (7  (4  (8

Settlement

   (4  —      (64  —    

Curtailment

   13    —      9    (27

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate change

   (33  (2  70    5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accrued benefit obligation at end of year

   1,755    113    1,636    114  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS

The following table represents the change in the fair value of assets reflecting the actual return on plan assets, the contributions and the benefits paid during the year:

 

  December 31, 2008 December 30, 2007 
  Pension
plans
 Other post-
retirement
benefit plans
 Pension
plans
 Other post-
retirement
benefit plans
   December 31,
2011
Pension plans
 December 31,
2010
Pension plans
 
  $ $ $ $   $ $ 

Fair value of assets at beginning of year

  1,588  —    333  —      1,572    1,362  

Actual return on plan assets

  (267) —    (19) —      130    143  

Employer contributions

  194  6  106  5    95    161  

Plan participants’ contributions

  7  —    7  —      7    7  

Benefits paid

  (94) (6) (89) (5)   (102  (100

Settlement

  (137) —    (92) —      (4  (64

Acquisition of Domtar Inc. (Note 3)

  —    —    1,102  —   

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate change

  (246) —    240  —      (33  63  
               

 

  

 

 

Fair value of assets at end of year

  1,045  —    1,588  —      1,665    1,572  
               

 

  

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF ASSETSINVESTMENT POLICIES AND STRATEGIES OF THE PENSION PLANSPLAN ASSETS

The assets of the pension plans are held by a number of independent trustees and are accounted for separately in the Company’s pension funds. The investment strategy for the assets in the pension plans is to

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 7. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

maintain a diversified portfolio of assets, invested in a prudent manner to maintain the security of funds while maximizing returns within the guidelines provided in the investment policy. Diversification of the pension plans’ holdings is maintained in order to reduce the pension plans’ annual return variability, reduce market exposure and credit exposure to any single issuer and to any single component of the capital markets, to reduce exposure to unexpected inflation, to enhance the long-term risk-adjusted return potential of the pension plans and to reduce funding risk.

In the long run, the performance of the pension plans is primarily determined by the long-term asset mix decisions. To manage the long-term risk of not having sufficient funds to match the obligations of the pension plans, the Company conducts asset/liability studies. These studies lead to the recommendation and adoption of a long-term asset mix target that sets the expected rate of return and reduces the risk of adverse consequences to the plan from increases in liabilities and decreases in assets. In identifying the asset mix target that would best meet the investment objectives, consideration is given to various factors, including (a) each plan’s characteristics, (b) the duration of each plan’s liabilities, (c) the solvency and going concern financial position of each plan and their sensitivity to changes in interest rates and inflation, and (d) the long-term return and risk expectations for key asset classes.

The investments of each plan can be done directly through cash investments in equities or bonds or indirectly through derivatives or pooled funds. The use of derivatives must be in accordance with an approved mandate and cannot be used for speculative purposes.

The Company’s pension funds are not permitted to own any of the Company’s shares or debt instruments. The target asset allocation is based on the expected duration of the benefit obligation.

The following table shows the allocation of the plan assets, based on the fair value of the assets held and the target allocation for 2008:2011:

 

   Target
allocation
  Percentage plan
assets as at
December 31,
2008
  Percentage plan
assets as at
December 30,
2007

Fixed income securities

  53% – 63%  59%  62%

Equity securities

  37% – 47%  41%  38%
        

Total

    100%  100%
        
   Target
allocation
   Percentage of plan
assets at
December 31, 2011
  Percentage of plan
assets at
December 31, 2010
 

Fixed income

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   0% - 10%     5  3

Bonds

   53% - 63%     58  58
     

Equity

     

Canadian Equity

   7% - 15%     10  11

US Equity

   7% - 16%     12  14

International Equity

   13% - 22%     15  14
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total (1)

     100  100
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Approximately 87% of the pension plan assets relate to Canadian plans and 13% relate to U.S. plans.

ASSET BACKED COMMERCIAL PAPERDOMTAR CORPORATION

At December 31, 2008, Domtar Corporation’s Canadian pension funds had $318 million (CDN $389 million) nominal (book) value of asset backed commercial paper (“ABCP”) that have been restructured under the court order governing the “Montreal Accord” and $39 million (CDN $48 million) nominal value of ABCP in other conduits outside the Montreal Accord, for a total nominal value of $357 million (CDN $437 million).

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

At December 31, 2008, the Company determined that the fair value of these ABCP investments should be reduced to $198 million (CDN $242 million). The $159 million (CDN $195 million) or 45% valuation adjustment reflected difficult market conditions and the lack of liquidity for these notes. At December 30, 2007, a $58 million (CDN $57 million) or 13% valuation adjustment to the nominal (book) value was taken, and reflected in the fair value of plan assets.NOTE 7. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

There is no active, liquid quoted market for the ABCP held by the Company’s pension plan. Determining the fair value of ABCP is complex and involves an extensive process that includes the use of quantitative modeling and the selection of relevant assumptions to discount future cash flows at an appropriate rate. The discount rate was determined based on an approach that compared the assets of the various trusts to the most comparable quoted index with a comparable credit rating. Given that the index was not actively traded, we added a liquidity risk premium to the quoted index. Possible changes that could have a material effect on the future value of the ABCP include (1) changes in the value of the underlying assets, (2) developments related to the liquidity of the ABCP market, and (3) a severe and prolonged economic slowdown in North America.

The largest conduit owned by the pension plans contains mainly synthetic leveraged assets. The valuation methodology relied upon the Dominion Bond Rating Services (“DBRS”) rating of A for the most senior notes in this conduit. According to the DBRS toolbox, this implied a minimum level of seniority for the noteholders, which in turn implied a discount rate, based upon prevailing market spreads for a senior tranche (with similar seniority) of an investment grade corporate credit default swap index with similar term to maturity. A liquidity premium of 1.75% was added to this spread as well as an increasing spread for the junior notes in this conduit to reflect the risk attached to each series of notes before calculating the present value of all the notes. An increase in the discount rate of 1% would reduce the value by $8 million (CDN $10 million) for these notes. The values of the siloed ineligible and traditional conduits were sourced mainly from the Information for Noteholders document provided in March 2008 with additional discounts provided for certain of the conduits.

For conduits outside the Montreal Accord that had mainly synthetic assets, a similar methodology was used, taking into account the particularities of each conduit.

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDED STATUS TO AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSHEETS

The following table presents the difference between the fair value of assets and the actuarially determined accrued benefit obligation. This difference is also referred to as either the deficit or surplus, as the case may be, or the funded status of the plans. The table further reconciles the amount of the surplus or deficit (funded status) to the net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet.Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

   December 31, 2008  December 30, 2007 
   Pension
plans
  Other post-
retirement
benefit plans
  Pension
plans
  Other post-
retirement
benefit plans
 
   $  $  $  $ 

Accrued benefit obligation at end of year

  (1,121) (95) (1,735) (115)

Fair value of assets at end of year

  1,045  —    1,588  —   
             

Funded status

  (76) (95) (147) (115)
             

   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 
   Pension
plans
  Other
post-retirement
benefit plans
  Pension
plans
  Other
post-retirement
benefit plans
 
   $  $  $  $ 

Accrued benefit obligation at end of year

   (1,755  (113  (1,636  (114

Fair value of assets at end of year

   1,665    —      1,572    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Funded status

   (90  (113  (64  (114
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBERThe funded status includes $47 million of accrued benefit obligation ($46 million at December 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)2010) related to supplemental unfunded benefit plans.

 

   December 31, 2008  December 30, 2007 
   Pension
plans
  Other post-
retirement
benefit plans
  Pension
plans
  Other post-
retirement
benefit plans
 
   $  $  $  $ 

Trade and other payables (Note 19)

  —    (4) (3) (5)

Other liabilities and deferred credits (Note 21)

  (93) (91) (182) (110)

Other assets (Note 16)

  17  —    38  —   
             

Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet

  (76) (95) (147) (115)
             

    December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 
    Pension
plans
  Other
post-retirement
benefit plans
  Pension
plans
  Other
post-retirement
benefit plans
 
   $  $  $  $ 

Trade and other payables (Note 18)

   —      (2  —      (4

Other liabilities and deferred credits (Note 20)

   (143  (111  (100  (110

Other assets (Note 15)

   53    —      36    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net amount recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

   (90  (113  (64  (114
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The following table presents the amount not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive income.loss.

 

   December 31, 2008  December 30, 2007
   Pension
plans
  Other post-
retirement
benefit plans
  Pension
plans
  Other post-
retirement
benefit plans
   $  $  $  $

Prior year service cost

  (35) —    (11) —  

Accumulated gain (loss)

  (119) 9  (79) 10
            

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

  (154) 9  (90) 10
            
   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 
   Pension
plans
  Other
post-retirement
benefit plans
  Pension
plans
  Other
post-retirement
benefit plans
 
   $  $  $  $ 

Prior year service cost

   (28  11    (22  9  

Accumulated loss

   (298  (11  (264  (9
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (326  —      (286  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 7. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

The following table presents the pre-tax amounts included in other comprehensive income.

 

  Year ended
December 31, 2008
  Year ended
December 30, 2007
 Year ended
December 31, 2011
 Year ended
December 31, 2010
 Year ended
December 31, 2009
 
  Pension
plans
 Other post-
retirement
benefit plans
  Pension
plans
 Other post-
retirement
benefit plans
 Pension
plans
 Other
post-retirement
benefit plans
 Pension
plans
 Other
post-retirement
benefit plans
 Pension
plans
 Other
post-retirement
benefit plans
 
  $ $  $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 

Prior year service cost

  (30) —    (4) —    (17  3    (1  —      —      10  

Amortization of prior year service cost

  4  —    2  —    11    (1  4    (1  10    —    

Net gain (loss)

  (68) 6  (75) 10  (48  (2  (100  1    (79  (19

Amortization of net actuarial loss

  9  —    7  —    14    —      24    —      10    —    
             

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net amount recognized in other comprehensive income (pre-tax)

  (85) 6  (70) 10

Net amount recognized in other comprehensive income (pre-tax) (Note 17)

  (40  —      (73  —      (59  (9
             

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

An estimated amount of $6$21 million for pension plans and $1 million for other post-retirement benefit plans will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into net periodic benefit cost in 2009.2012.

At December 31, 2008,2011, the accrued benefit obligation and the fair value of defined benefit plan assets with an accrued benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets were $854$1,160 million and $760$1,020 million, respectively (2007—(2010—$1,3441,020 million and $1,158$921 million, respectively).

Components of net periodic benefit cost for pension plans

  Year ended
December 31,
2011
  Year ended
December 31,
2010
  Year ended
December 31,
2009
 
   $  $  $ 

Service cost for the year

   35    32    35  

Interest expense

   87    87    84  

Expected return on plan assets

   (103  (92  (74

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   14    10    4  

Curtailment loss (a)

   22    12    6  

Settlement loss (b)

   23    16    6  

Amortization of prior year service costs

   2    3    3  

Special termination benefits

   —      —      1  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

   80    68    65  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost for other post-retirement benefit plans

  Year ended
December 31,
2011
  Year ended
December 31,
2010
  Year ended
December 31,
2009
 
   $  $  $ 

Service cost for the year

   3    3    4  

Interest expense

   6    7    7  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   —      1    —    

Curtailment gain (c)

   —      (13  —    

Amortization of prior year service costs

   (1  (1  —    

Settlement gain

   —      (1  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

   8    (4  11  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(a)

The curtailment loss for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $22 million in the pension plans represents $13 million related to the sale of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan facility recorded in Other operating (income)

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

ESTIMATED FUTURENOTE 7. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PAYMENTS FROM THE PLANS (CONTINUED)

Estimated future benefit payments from the plans for the next 10 years at December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

   Pension plans  Other post-retirement
benefit plans
   $  $

2009

  110  5

2010

  78  6

2011

  79  6

2012

  81  6

2013

  110  6

2014 – 2018

  462  32
loss on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and $9 million related to certain U.S. plans being converted from defined benefit to defined contribution plans during the fourth quarter of 2011, recorded in Closure and restructuring costs on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The curtailment loss for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $12 million in the pension plans represents $10 million related to the sale of the Wood business and $2 million related to the sale of the Woodland, Maine mill, both recorded in Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

(b)The settlement loss for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $23 million in the pension plans is related to the sale of assets of Prince Albert, recorded in Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The settlement loss for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $16 million in the pension plans is related to the sale of the Wood business, recorded in Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

(c)The curtailment gain for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $13 million in the other post-retirement benefit plans, represents $3 million related to the sale of the Wood business, recorded in Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and $10 million related to the harmonization of the Company’s post-retirement benefit plans, recorded in Selling, general and administrative on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

WEIGHTED-AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS

The Company used the following key assumptions to measure the accrued benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost. These assumptions are long-term, which is consistent with the nature of employee future benefits.

 

Pension plans

  December 31,
2008
 December 30,
2007
 December 31,
2006
   December 31,
2011
 December 31,
2010
 December 31,
2009
 

Accrued benefit obligation

        

Discount rate

  7.3% 5.5% 5.2%   4.9  5.5  6.4

Rate of compensation increase

  3.0% 2.7% 3.3%   2.7  2.7  2.7

Net periodic benefit cost

        

Discount rate

  5.5% 5.2% 5.2%   5.3  6.3  6.8

Rate of compensation increase

  2.9% 2.8% 3.3%   2.9  2.9  2.8

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

  6.3% 6.2% 9.5%   6.3  7.0  6.8

Discount rate for Canadian plans: 7.5%5.0% based on a model whereby cash flows are projected for hypothetical plans and are discounted using a spot rate yield curve developed from bond yield data for AA corporate bonds provided by PC Bond Analytics with an adjustment to the yields to disregard yields provided for 25-year and 30-year maturities, a constant spot rate was assumed from 20 years (25 years at end of October) onward.

Discount rate for USU.S. plans: 6.0%4.6% based on Domtar’s expected cash flows in the Mercer Yield Curve which is based on bonds rated AA or better by Moody’s, excluding callable bonds, bonds of less than a minimum issue size, and certain other bondsbonds.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

Other post-retirement benefit plans

  December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
  December 31,
2006

Accrued benefit obligation

    

Discount rate

  6.9% 5.6% N/A

Rate of compensation increase

  3.0% 2.9% N/A

Net periodic benefit cost

    

Discount rate

  5.6% 5.3% N/A

Rate of compensation increase

  3.0% 3.0% N/A

NOTE 7. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

Other post-retirement benefit plans

  December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  December 31,
2009
 

Accrued benefit obligation

    

Discount rate

   5.0  5.5  6.3

Rate of compensation increase

   2.8  2.8  2.8

Net periodic benefit cost

    

Discount rate

   5.5  6.4  6.0

Rate of compensation increase

   2.8  2.8  3.0

Effective January 1, 2009,2012, the Company will use 6.85%6.0% (2011—6.3%; 2010—7.0%) as the expected return on plan assets, which reflects the current view of long-term investment returns.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

The 2008overall expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption wasis based on an analysismanagement’s best estimate of the targetlong-term returns of the major asset classes (cash and cash equivalents, equities, and bonds) weighted by the actual allocation and expected return by asset class.of assets at the measurement date, net of expenses. This rate is adjusted forincludes an equity risk premium over government bond returns for equity investments and a value-added premium for the contribution to returns from active management. The sources used to determine management’s best estimate of long-term returns are numerous and include country specific bond yields, which may be derived from the market using local bond indices or by 0.7% to take into consideration the active investment management portionanalysis of the plan assets.local bond market, and country-specific inflation and investment market expectations derived from market data and analysts’ or governments’ expectations as applicable.

For measurement purposes, a 6.9%5.8% weighted-average annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2009.2012. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.4%4.1% by 20162032 and remain at that level thereafter. An increase or decrease of 1% of this rate would have the following impact:

 

  Increase of 1%  Decrease of 1%   Increase of 1%   Decrease of 1% 
  $  $   $   $ 

Impact on net periodic benefit cost for other post-retirement benefit plans

  2  (1)   1     (1

Impact on accrued benefit obligation

  10  (9)   9     (8

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of FASB ASC establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement. Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of FASB ASC establishes and prioritizes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1— Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3—Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 7. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

The following table presents the fair value of the plan assets at December 31, 2011, by asset category:

       Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2011
 

Asset Category

  Total   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
   $   $   $   $ 

Cash and short-term investments

   89     89     —       —    

ABCP(1)

   205     —       —       205  

Canadian government bonds

   383     378     5     —    

Canadian and U.S. corporate debt securities

   96     73     23     —    

Bond index funds(2 & 3)

   265     —       265     —    

Canadian equities(4)

   172     172     —       —    

U.S. equities(5)

   28     28     —       —    

International equities(6)

   216     216     —       —    

U.S. stock index funds(3 & 7)

   205     —       205     —    

Asset backed securities (3)

   2     —       2     —    

Derivative contracts (8)

   4     —       4     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,665     956     504     205  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)This category is described in the section “Asset Backed Commercial Paper.”

(2)This category represents a Canadian bond index fund not actively managed that tracks the DEX Long-term bond index and a U.S. actively managed bond fund that is benchmarked to the Barclays Capital Long-term Government/Credit index.

(3)The fair value of these plan assets are classified as Level 2 (inputs that are observable; directly or indirectly) as they are measured based on quoted prices in active markets and can be redeemed at the measurement date or in the near term.

(4)This category represents active segregated, large capitalization Canadian equity portfolios with the ability to purchase small and medium capitalized companies and $2 million of Canadian equities held within an active segregated global equity portfolio.

(5)This category represents U.S. equities held within an active segregated global equity portfolio.

(6)This category represents an active segregated non-North American multi-capitalization equity portfolio and the non-North American portion of an active segregated global equity portfolio.

(7)This category represents equity index funds, not actively managed, that track the S&P 500.

(8)The fair value of the derivative contracts are classified as Level 2 (inputs that are observable, directly or indirectly) as they are measured using long-term bond indices.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 7. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

The following table presents the fair value of the plan assets at December 31, 2010, by asset category:

   Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2010
 

Asset Category

  Total   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
   $   $   $   $ 

Cash and short-term investments

   75     75     —       —    

ABCP(1)

   214     —       —       214  

Canadian government bonds

   430     429     1     —    

Canadian and U.S. corporate debt securities

   77     72     5     —    

Bond index funds(2 & 3)

   181     —       181     —    

Canadian equities(4)

   168     168     —       —    

U.S. equities(5)

   18     18     —       —    

International equities(6)

   194     194     —       —    

U.S. stock index funds(3 & 7)

   210     —       210     —    

Asset backed securities (3)

   3     —       3     —    

Derivative contracts (8)

   2     —       2     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,572     956     402     214  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)This category is described in the section “Asset Backed Commercial Paper.”

(2)This category represents a Canadian bond index fund not actively managed that tracks the DEX Long-term bonds, a U.S. bond index fund not actively managed that tracks the Barclays Capital Government/Credit index and a U.S. actively managed bond fund that is benchmarked to the Barclays Capital Long-term Government/Credit index.

(3)The fair value of these plan assets are classified as Level 2 (inputs that are observable; directly or indirectly) as they are measured based on quoted prices in active markets and can be redeemed at the measurement date or in the near term.

(4)This category represents active segregated, large capitalization Canadian equity portfolios with the ability to purchase small and medium capitalized companies.

(5)This category represents U.S. equities held within an active segregated global equity portfolio.

(6)This category represents an active segregated non-North American multi-capitalization equity portfolio and the non-North American portion of an active segregated global equity portfolio.

(7)This category represents equity index funds, not actively managed, that track the S&P 500.

(8)The fair value of the derivative contracts are classified as Level 2 (inputs that are observable, directly or indirectly) as they are measured using long-term bond indices.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 7. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

ASSET BACKED COMMERCIAL PAPER

At December 31, 2011, Domtar Corporation’s Canadian defined benefit pension funds held asset backed commercial paper investments (“ABCP”) valued at $205 million (CDN$208 million). At December 31, 2010, the plans held ABCP valued at $214 million (CDN$213 million). During 2011, the total value of the ABCP benefited from an increase in market value of $3 million (CDN$3 million). For the same period, the total value of the ABCP was reduced by 1) repayments totalling $8 million (CDN$8 million), and 2) a decrease in the value of the Canadian dollar of $4 million.

Most of these ABCP valued at $178 million (2010  –  $193 million; 2009  –  $186 million) were subject to restructuring under the court order governing the Montreal Accord that was completed in January 2009, while the remaining ABCP valued at $27 million (2010  –  $21 million; 2009  –  $19 million) were mainly restructured separately.

While there is a market for the ABCP held by the Company’s pension plans, this market is not considered sufficiently liquid to use for valuation purposes. Accordingly, the value of the ABCP is mainly based on a financial model incorporating uncertainties regarding return, credit spreads, the nature and credit risk of underlying assets, and the amounts and timing of cash inflows.

The largest conduit owned by the pension plans in the Montreal Accord, representing 75% of the total value, consists mainly of investments that serve as collateral to back credit default derivatives that protect counterparties against credit defaults above a specified threshold on different portfolios of corporate credits. The valuation methodology was based upon determining an appropriate credit spread for each class of notes based upon the implied protection level provided by each class against potential credit defaults. This was done by comparison to spreads for an investment grade credit default index and the comparable tranches within the index for equivalent credit protection. In addition, a liquidity premium of 1.75% was added to this spread. The resulting spread was used to calculate the present value of all such notes, based upon the anticipated maturity date. An additional discount of 2.5% was applied to the value to reflect uncertainty over collateral values held to support the derivative transactions. The resulting interest rate was used to calculate the present value of this class of ABCP, based upon the anticipated maturity date in early 2017. An increase in the discount rate of 1% would reduce the value by $7 million (CDN$7 million) for these ABCP.

The value of the remaining ABCP that were subject to the Montreal Accord were sourced either from the asset manager of the ABCP, or from trading values for similar securities of similar credit quality. The remaining ABCP that were not subject to the Montreal Accord, which also provide protection to counterparties against credit defaults through derivatives, were valued based upon the value of the investment held in the conduit that serve as collateral for the derivative counterparties, net of the market value of the credit derivatives as provided by the sponsor of the conduit, with an additional discount (equivalent to 1.75% per annum) applied for illiquidity.

Possible changes that could materially impact the future value of the ABCP include (1) changes in the value of the underlying assets and the related derivative transactions, (2) developments related to the liquidity of the ABCP market, (3) a severe and prolonged economic slowdown in North America and the bankruptcy of referenced corporate credits, and (4) the passage of time, as most of the notes will mature in early 2017.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 7. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

The following table presents changes during the period for Level 3 fair value measurements of plan assets:

   Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
   ABCP
Montreal
Accord
  ABCP
Outside
Montreal
Accord
   Restricted
Bond
Index
Fund
  Total 
   $  $   $  $ 

Balance at December 31, 2009

   186    19     27    232  

Settlements

   (20  —       (29  (49

Return on plan assets

   20    —       2    22  

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate change

   7    2     —      9  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

   193    21     —      214  

Settlements

   (8  —       —      (8

Return on plan assets

   (3  6     —      3  

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate change

   (4  —       —      (4
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

   178    27     —      205  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

ESTIMATED FUTURE BENEFIT PAYMENTS FROM THE PLANS

Estimated future benefit payments from the plans for the next 10 years at December 31, 2011 are as follows:

   Pension
plans
   Other
post-retirement
benefit plans
 
   $   $ 

2012

   206     7  

2013

   134     7  

2014

   99     7  

2015

   101     7  

2016

   105     6  

2017—2021

   576     34  

MULTIEMPLOYER PLANS

Domtar contributes to nine multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective agreements that cover certain Canadian union-represented employees (Canadian multiemployer plans) and certain U.S. union-represented employees (U.S. multiemployer plans). The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:

(a)assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers,

(b)for the U.S. multiemployer plans, if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers, and

(c)for the U.S. multiemployer plans, if Domtar chooses to stop participating in some of its multiemployer plans, Domtar may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 7. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

Domtar’s participation in these plans for the annual periods ended December 31 is outlined in the table below. The plan’s 2011 and 2010 actuarial status certification was completed as of January 1, 2011 and January 1, 2010 respectively, and is based on the plan’s actuarial valuation as of January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2009 respectively. This represents the most recent Pension Protection Act (“PPA”) zone status available. The zone status is based on information received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. The Company’s significant plan is in the red zone, which means it is less than 65 percent funded.

  EIN / Pension
Plan Number
 

Pension
Protection Act
Zone Status

 

FIP / RP
Status Pending /
Implemented

 Contributions
from Domtar to
Multiemployer (b)
  

Surcharge
imposed?

 Expiration CBA

Pension Fund

  

2011

 

2010

  2011  2010  2009   
          $  $  $     

U.S. Multiemployer Plans

         

PACE Industry Union- Management Pension Fund

 11-6166763-001 Red Red Yes - Implemented    3      3      3   Yes November 1, 2011

Canadian Multiemployer plans

         

Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan (a)

 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.  3    2    2   n.a. April 30, 2012
     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   
    Total  6    5    5    
 

Total contributions made to all plans that are not individually significant

  1    1    1    
     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   
 

Total contributions made to all plans

  7    6    6    
     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

(a)In the event that the Canadian multiemployer plan is underfunded, the monthly benefit amount can be reduced by the trustees of the plan. Moreover, Domtar is not responsible for the underfunded status of the plan because the Canadian multiemployer plans do not require participating employers to pay a withdrawal liability or penalty upon withdrawal.

(b)For each of the three years presented, Domtar’s contributions to each multiemployer plan do not represent more than five percent of total contributions to each plan as indicated in the plan’s most recently available annual report.

The Company will withdraw from participation in one of its multiemployer plans in 2012. The expected withdrawal liability, recorded in December 2011 (see Note 16) is $32 million. The Company is reviewing its participation in the remaining multiemployer pension plans.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 8.

 

 

OTHER OPERATING INCOME(INCOME) LOSS, NET

Other operating expenses (income) areloss is an aggregate of both recurring and occasional expenses (income)loss or income items and, as a result, can fluctuate from year to year. The Company’s other operating expenses (income) includeloss includes the following:

 

   Year ended
December 31,
2008
  Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
 
   $  $  $ 

Gain on lawsuit settlement

  —    (39) —   

Gain on insurance claim

  —    (12) —   

Gain on financial instruments

  —    (18) —   

Gain on sale of trademarks

  (6)  

Foreign exchange gain

  (5) (5) —   

Antidumping and countervailing duties refund

  —    —    (65)

Other

  (4) 5  2 
          

Other operating income

  (15) (69) (63)
          

On November 23, 2007, the Company won a judgement by the Supreme Court of Canada in a claim against ABB Inc. and Alstom Canada Inc. In a unanimous decision rendered on November 22, 2007 the Court ordered ABB Inc. and Alstom Canada Inc. to pay Domtar approximately $39 million in damages and interest relative to a 1989 lawsuit on matters regarding manufacturers liability, latent defects and disclosure responsibility involving the installation of a recovery boiler at the Windsor, Quebec facility.

In 2007, the Company won a settlement of approximately $12 million for past insurance claims relative to the recovery of past legal expenses incurred related to Phenolic foam insulation warranty claims.

In conjunction with the Transaction, the various financial instruments of Domtar Inc. were recorded at fair value and, as such, did not meet the requirements for hedge accounting. As a result, Domtar Corporation accounted for these contracts at their fair value with resulting gains and losses included as a component of Other operating income.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

The U.S. and Canada reached a final settlement in 2006 to a long-standing trade dispute over Canadian exports of softwood lumber into the U.S. Under the settlement agreement, a Canadian export tax was instituted that replaced countervailing and antidumping duties imposed by the U.S., and Canadian softwood lumber exporters received refunds of approximately 81% of countervailing and antidumping duties paid between 2002 and 2006. The Company recorded a refund of countervailing and antidumping duties of $65 million in the year ended December 31, 2006.

   Year ended
December 31,
2011
  Year ended
December 31,
2010
  Year ended
December 31,
2009
 
   $  $  $ 

Loss on sale of Prince Albert mill

   12    —      —    

Gain on sale of Columbus mill

   (2  —      —    

Gain on sale of Distribution business unit

   (3  —      —    

Alternative fuel tax credits (Note 10)

   —      (25  (498

Loss on sale of Wood business (Note 26)

   —      50    —    

Gain on sale of Woodland mill (Note 26)

   —      (10  —    

Gain on sale of trademarks

   —      —      (1

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

   (13  (7  (6

Environmental provision

   7    4    4  

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

   (3  6    6  

Other

   (2  2    (2
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other operating (income) loss, net

   (4  20    (497
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NOTE 9.

 

 

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

The following table presents the components of interest expense:

 

   Year ended
December 31,
2008
  Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
   $  $  $

Interest on long-term debt

  132  142  —  

Premium and fees on debt-for-debt exchange

  1  50  —  

Gain on repurchase of long-term debt

  (11) —    —  

Reversal of fair value increment on Canadian debentures

  —    (25) —  

Receivables securitization (Note 11)

  5  5  —  

Amortization of debt issue costs and other

  6  4  —  
         
  133  176  —  

Less: Income from short-term investments

  —    5  —  
         
  133  171  —  
         
   Year ended
December 31,
2011
   Year ended
December 31,
2010
   Year ended
December 31,
2009
 
   $   $   $ 

Interest on long-term debt (1)

   76     97     121  

Loss on repurchase of long-term debt

   4     35     3  

Reversal of fair value decrement (increment) on debentures

   —       12     (12

Receivables securitization

   1     2     2  

Amortization of debt issue costs and other

   7     10     11  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   88     156     125  

Less: Interest income

   1     1     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   87     155     125  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)The Company did not capitalize interest expense in 2011. The Company capitalized $4 million in 2010 and $1 million in 2009 related to the borrowing costs associated with various construction projects at its facilities.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 10.

 

 

INCOME TAXES

The Componentscomponents of Domtar Corporation’s earnings (loss) before income taxes by taxing jurisdiction were:

 

   Year ended
December 31,
2008
  Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
 
   $  $  $ 

U.S. earnings (loss)

  15  217  (541)

Foreign losses

  (585) (118) (15)
          

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

  (570) 99  (556)
          

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

   Year ended
December 31,
2011
   Year ended
December 31,
2010
   Year ended
December 31,
2009
 
   $   $   $ 

U.S. earnings

   220     177     560  

Foreign earnings (loss)

   285     271     (70
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

   505     448     490  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provisions for income taxes include the following:

 

  Year ended
December 31,
2008
 Year ended
December 30,
2007
 Year ended
December 31,
2006
   Year ended
December 31,
2011
 Year ended
December 31,
2010
 Year ended
December 31,
2009
 
  $ $ $   $ $ $ 

U.S. Federal and State:

        

Current

  45  102  105    93    17    101  

Deferred

  (11) (30) (55)   (19  (74  79  

Foreign:

        

Current

  —    —    —   

Deferred

  (31) (43) 3    59    (100  —    
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income tax expense

  3  29  53 

Income tax expense (benefit)

   133    (157  180  
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

The provisionsprovision for income taxes of Domtar Corporation differdiffers from the amounts computed by applying the statutory income tax rate of 35% to earnings (loss) before income taxes due to the following:

 

  Year ended
December 31,
2008
 Year ended
December 30,
2007
 Year ended
December 31,
2006
   Year ended
December 31,
2011
 Year ended
December 31,
2010
 Year ended
December 31,
2009
 
  $ $ $   $ $ $ 

U.S. federal statutory income tax

  (199) 35  (195)   177    157    172  

Reconciling items:

    

State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

  4  10  7    5    15    4  

Foreign income tax rate differential

  25  5  (2)   (20  (14  6  

Tax credits

  (6) (6) (12)

Goodwill impairment

  113  1  262 

Tax credits and special deductions

   (16  (148  (13

Alternative fuel tax credit income

   —      (9  (176

Tax rate changes

  1  (15) (3)   —      —      (2

Uncertain tax positions

  8  4  —      5    15    168  

U.S. manufacturing deduction

  (2) (5) (3)   (12  (2  (2

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

  52  —    —      —      (164  29  

Other

  7  —    (1)   (6  (7  (6
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income tax expense

  3  29  53 

Income tax expense (benefit)

   133    (157  180  
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

For 2011, the Company has a significantly larger manufacturing deduction in the U.S. than in prior years since the Company utilized its remaining federal net operating loss carryforward in 2010. This deduction resulted in a tax benefit of $12 million which impacted the effective tax rate for 2011. The Company also recorded a $16 million tax benefit related to federal, state, and provincial credits and special deductions which reduced the effective tax rate for 2011. Additionally, the Company recognized a state tax benefit of $3 million due to U.S. restructuring that impacted the 2011 effective tax rate by reducing state income tax expense.

During 2008,2010, the Company recognized $25 million of income related to alternative fuel mixture tax credits in Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The $25 million represented an adjustment to amounts presented as deferred revenue at December 31, 2009 and was released to income following guidance issued by the IRS in March 2010. This income resulted in an income tax benefit of $9 million and an additional liability for uncertain income tax positions of $7 million, both of which impacted the U.S. effective tax rate for 2010. Additionally, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $321 million with nonet tax benefit and bothof $127 million from claiming a Cellulosic Biofuel Producer Credit (“CBPC”) in 2010 ($209 million of CBPC net of tax expense of $82 million), which also impacted the U.S. effective tax rate. Finally, the Company released the valuation allowance on the Canadian net deferred tax assets during the fourth quarter of 2010. The full $164 million valuation allowance balance that existed at January 1st, 2010 was either utilized during the 2010 or reversed at the end of 2010 based on future projected income, which impacted the Canadian and consolidated effective tax rate.

During 2009, the Company recognized $503 million of income, before $5 million of related costs, from alternative fuel tax credits with no related tax expense, resulting in a benefit of $176 million and an additional liability for uncertain income tax positions of $162 million, with both items impacting the U.S. effective tax rates being impacted asrate. If the Company’s income tax positions with respect to the alternative fuel mixture tax credits are sustained, either all or in part, the Company would recognize a result. Thetax benefit in the future equal to the amount of the benefits sustained. In the event the Company’s tax position is not sustained, this would result in a cash tax outflow of approximately $200 million. Additionally, the Canadian effective tax rate was also impacted by the additional valuation allowance taken on netrecorded against new Canadian deferred tax assets in the amount of $52$29 million.

In July 2010, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Office of Chief Counsel released an Advice Memorandum concluding that qualifying cellulosic biofuel sold or used before January 1, 2010, is eligible for the cellulosic biofuel producer credit (“CBPC”) and would not be required to be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Each gallon of qualifying cellulose biofuel produced by any taxpayer operating a pulp and paper mill and used as a fuel in the taxpayer’s trade or business during calendar year 2009 would qualify for the $1.01 non-refundable CBPC. A taxpayer will be able to claim the credit on its federal income tax return for the 2009 tax year upon receipt of a letter of registration from the IRS and any unused CBPC may be carried forward until 2015 to offset a portion of federal taxes otherwise payable.

The Company had approximately 207 million gallons of cellulose biofuel that qualified for this CBPC which had not previously been claimed under the Alternative Fuel Mixture Credit (“AFMC”) that represented approximately $209 million of CBPC or approximately $127 million of after tax benefit to the Corporation. In July 2010, the Company submitted an application with the IRS to be registered for the CBPC and on September 28, 2010, a notification was received from the IRS that the Company was successfully registered. On October 15, 2010 the IRS Office of Chief Counsel issued an Advice Memorandum concluding that the AFMC and CBPC could be claimed in the same year for different volumes of biofuel. In November 2010, the Company

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

filed an amended 2009 tax return with the IRS claiming a cellulosic biofuel producer credit of $209 million and recorded a net tax benefit of $127 million in Income tax expense (benefit) on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, approximately $25 million of this credit remains to offset future U.S. federal income tax liability.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are based on tax rates that are expected to be in effect in future periods when deferred items reverse. Change in tax rates or tax laws affect the expected future benefit or expense. The effect of such changes that occurred during each of the last three fiscal years is reflected asincluded in “Tax rate changes” indisclosed under the table above. During the first quarter of 2007, theeffective income tax expense included an out-of-period adjustment which decreased the expense by approximately $6 million. This out-of-period adjustment is the result of an omission to account for a change in Canadian federal tax rate which occurred in the second quarter of 2006. Also, Domtar Corporation recognized an additional deferred tax benefit of $5 million resulting from a change in the federal rate in Canada, $3 million in South Carolina and $1 million in Texas. During 2006, Domtar Corporation recognized a deferred tax benefit of $3 million resulting from a change in the Texas state tax rate.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

In addition, the Company recognized accrued interest of approximately $1 million (2007 – nil) on uncertain tax liabilities during 2008 as a component of tax expense which is reflected as “Uncertain tax positions” in the tablereconciliation shown above.

DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 20082011 and December 30, 200731, 2010 are comprised of the following:

 

  December 31,
2008
 December 30,
2007
   December 31,
2011
 December 31,
2010
 
  $ $   $ $ 

Accounting provisions

  82  90    82    91  

Net operating loss carryforwards and other deductions

  298  306    104    114  

Pension and other employee future benefit plans

  52  90    76    52  

Inventory

  9  34    1    1  

Tax credits

   101    234  

Other

  10  23    33    32  
         

 

  

 

 

Gross deferred tax assets

  451  543    397    524  

Valuation allowance

  (111) (72)   (4  —    
         

 

  

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

  340  471    393    524  
         

 

  

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

  (960) (1,157)   (801  (820

Deferred income

   (19  (83

Impact of foreign exchange on long-term debt and investments

  (29) (71)   (13  (30

Intangible assets

   (73  (20
         

 

  

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

  (989) (1,228)   (906  (953
         

 

  

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

   (513  (429
  

 

  

 

 

Included in:

      

Deferred income tax assets

  116  182    125    115  

Other assets (Note 16)

  22  27 

Other assets (Note 15)

   36    140  

Income and other taxes payable

  (8)     —      (2

Deferred income taxes and other

  (779) (966)   (674  (682
         

 

  

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

  (649) (757)

Total

   (513  (429
         

 

  

 

 

At March 7, 2007,On September 1, 2011, the Company assumed federalcompleted its acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of Attends. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

accounting with the Business Combinations Topic of FASB ASC. As a result, Attends and the Company recorded additional net operating loss carry forwardsdeferred tax liabilities of $62 million during 2011, primarily related to fixed assets and scientific research and experimental development expenditures not previously deductedintangible assets. The balances of approximately $773 million ($213 million in Canada and $560 millionthese recorded net deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2011 are included in the U.S).table above.

At December 31, 2008,2010, Domtar Corporation had utilized all of its remaining U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards and had no carryforward into future years. With the acquisition of $432 million which expire between 2017 and 2021. TheAttends on September 1, 2011, the Company acquired additional federal net operating loss carryforwards of $2 million. These U.S. federal net operating losses are subject to annual limitations under Section 382 and SRLY (separate return limitation year) provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), that can vary from year to year. At December 31, 2011, the Company had $2 million of federal net operating loss carryforward remaining which expires in 2028. Canadian federal losses and scientific research and experimental development expenditures not previously deducted represent an amount of $302$327 million (CDN$369(CDN $329 million), out of which losses in the amount of $158$72 million (CDN$193(CDN $73 million) will begin to expire in 2027. However, a valuation allowance has been applied against these Canadian deferred tax assets to reduce them to zero.2029.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during periods in which temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Management believes that it is more likely

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the net deferred tax assets in the U.S., notwithstanding that they are subject to annual limitations under Section 382 and SRLY provisionswith the exception of the Code.certain state credits for which a valuation allowance of $4 million has been recorded in 2011.

The Company has establishedevaluates the realizeability of deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis. During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company determined based on analysis of both positive and negative evidence that the realizeability of all such assets was “more likely than not” based on current and projected future taxable income and other accumulated positive evidence. Accordingly, the Company removed the valuation allowance from its deferred tax assets resulting in a benefit to deferred tax expense along with current utilization of $164 million in its statements of operations for 2010.

The Company evaluates the realization of deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis. Evaluating the need for an amount of a valuation allowance againstfor deferred tax assets often requires significant judgment. All available evidence, both positive and negative, are considered when determining whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed. Specifically, the Company evaluated the following items:

Historical income / (losses)—particularly the most recent three-year period

Reversals of future taxable temporary differences

Projected future income / (losses)

Tax planning strategies

Divestitures

In its evaluation process, the Company gives the most weight to historical income or losses. During the fourth quarter of 2010, after evaluating all available positive and negative evidence, although realization is not

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

assured, the Company determined that it is more likely than not that the Canadian net deferred tax assets will be fully realized in the future prior to expiration. Key factors contributing to this conclusion that the positive evidence ultimately outweighed existing negative evidence during the fourth quarter of 2010 included the fact that the Canadian subsidiariesoperations, excluding the loss-generating Wood business (sold to a third party on June 30, 2010) and elements of other comprehensive income, went from a three-year cumulative loss position to a three-year cumulative income position during the fourth quarter of 2010; they have been able to demonstrate continual profitability throughout 2010 and 2011; and are projected to continue to be profitable in the coming years. Accordingly, the Company released the valuation allowance from its deferred tax assets resulting in a valuation allowance of $111 million at December 31, 2008. Domtar Corporation Canadian subsidiaries incurred substantial book losses over 2007 and 2008 (including the impairment and closure costs related to our Dryden facility). Forecasted results for the Canadian operations did not provide sufficient positive evidence to overcome the existing negative evidence related to the accumulated book losses. Consequently, the Company recorded a charge in the amount of $52 million to establish a valuation allowance against all of our remaining net Canadian deferred tax assets that arose during 2008 and prior. The valuation allowance primarily relates to deferred tax assets arising from the Canadian net operating loss, scientific research and experimental development expenditures not previously deducted and tax depreciable assets for which utilizationbenefit of $164 million in the foreseeable future is uncertain. Consequently, any income tax benefit recorded on future operating losses generatedits Consolidated Statements of Earnings in these Canadian operations may be offset by additional increases to the valuation allowance. This may have a negative impact on our overall effective income tax rate in future periods.2010.

The Company does not provide for a U.S. income tax liability on undistributed earnings of our Canadianits foreign subsidiaries. The earnings of the Canadianforeign subsidiaries, which reflect full provision for Canadian income taxes, are currently indefinitely reinvested in Canadian operations or willforeign operations. No provision is made for income taxes that would be remitted substantially freepayable upon the distribution of additional tax to Domtar Corporation. Temporary differences related to our investment in our Canadianearnings from foreign subsidiaries doas computation of these amounts is not result in any unrecognized deferred tax liability.practicable.

ACCOUNTING FOR UNCERTAINTY IN INCOME TAXES

On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” The adoption of FIN 48 had no impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company. At December 31, 2008,2011, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $45$253 million (2007—$40 million)($242 million and $226 million for 2010 and 2009 respectively). If recognized in 2009,2012, these tax benefits would impact the effective tax rate, except the amounts related to the Canadian subsidiaries for which a valuation allowance is recorded on the net deferred tax assets.rate. These amounts represent the gross amount of exposure in individual jurisdictions and doesdo not reflect any additional benefits expected to be realized if such positions were sustained, such as a federal deduction that could be realized if an unrecognized state deduction was not sustained.

 

  December 31,
2008
 December 30,
2007
   December 31,
2011
 December 31,
2010
 December 31,
2009
 
  $ $   $ $ $ 

Balance at beginning of year

  40  —      242    226    45  

Domtar Inc. March 7, 2007 opening balances (Note 3)

  —    35 

Additions based on tax positions related to current year

  7  4    4    14    179  

Additions for tax positions of prior years

  6  —      4    —      —    

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

  (6) —      (1  —      —    

Expiration of statutes of limitations

   (4  (5  —    

Interest

  1  —      9    6    —    

Foreign exchange impact

  (3) 2    (1  1    2  

Federal rate changes

  —    (1)
         

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at end of year

  45  40    253    242    226  
         

 

  

 

  

 

 

As a result of the acquisition of Attends, the Company recorded unrecognized tax benefits during 2011 which are shown as additions for tax positions of prior years in the table above.

The Company recognized approximately $1recorded $9 million forof accrued interest accrual associated with unrecognized tax benefits duringfor the year endedperiod ending December 31, 2008 (2007 – nil)2011 ($6 million and nil for 2010 and 2009 respectively).

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense.

The Company and its subsidiaries will file one consolidated U.S. federal income tax return for 20082011 as well as separatereturns in Canada, Hong Kong, China, Belgium and combined State returnsvarious states and in Canada.provinces. At December 31, 2008,2011, the

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

Company’s subsidiaries are subject to U.S. and Canadianforeign federal income tax as well as various state or provincial income tax examinations for the tax years 20042006 through 2007,2010, with federal years prior to 20032008 being closed from a cash tax liability standpoint in the U.S., but the loss carryforwards can be adjusted in any open year where the loss has been utilized or is still a carryforward until utilized. The Company does not anticipate that adjustments stemming from these audits would result in a significant change to the results of its operations and financial condition. The Company does not expect a significant change to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months. However, audit outcomes and the timing of audit settlement are subject to significant uncertainty.

TAX SHARING AGREEMENT

In conjunction with the Transaction, the Company signed a Tax Sharing Agreement that governs both Weyerhaeuser and the Company’s rights and obligations after the Transaction with respect to taxes for both pre and post-Distribution periods in regards to ordinary course taxes, and also covers related administrative matters. The Distribution refers to the distribution of shares of the Company to Weyerhaeuser shareholders. The Company will generally be required to indemnify Weyerhaeuser and Weyerhaeuser shareholders against any tax resulting from the Distribution if that tax results from an act or omission to act by the Company after the Distribution. If Weyerhaeuser, however, should recognize a gain on the Distribution for reasons not related to an act or omission to act by the Company after the Distribution, Weyerhaeuser would be responsible for such taxes and would not be entitled to indemnification by the Company under the Tax Sharing Agreement. In addition, to preserve the tax-free treatment of the Distribution to Weyerhaeuser, the following actions will be subject to restrictions for a two-year period following the date of the Distribution:

the redemption, recapitalization, repurchase or acquisition by the Company of the capital stock;

the issuance by the Company of capital stock or convertible debt;

the liquidation of the Company;

the discontinuance of the operations of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business;

the sale or disposition (other than in the ordinary course of business) of all or a substantial part of the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business; or

other actions, omissions to act or transactions that could jeopardize the tax-free status of the Distribution.

NOTE 11.

RECEIVABLES

The following table presents the components of receivables:

   December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
 
   $  $ 

Trade receivables

  340  329 

Subordinate interest in securitized receivables

  101  130 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  (11) (9)

Other receivables

  47  54 
       

Receivables

  477  504 
       

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

RECEIVABLES SECURITIZATION

The Company uses securitization of the receivables as a source of financing by reducing its working capital requirements. The Company’s securitization program consists of the sale of receivables, or the sale of a senior beneficial interest in them, to a special purpose trust managed by a financial institution for multiple sellers of receivables. The agreement governing the Company’s receivables securitization program normally allows the daily sale of new receivables to replace those that have been collected. The agreement also limits the cash that can be received from the sale of the senior beneficial interest. The subordinated interest retained by the Company is included in “Receivables” on the Consolidated balance sheet and will be collected only after the senior beneficial interest has been settled. The book value of the retained subordinated interest approximates fair value.

The Company retains responsibility for servicing the receivables sold but does not record a servicing asset or liability as the fees received by the Company for this service approximate the fair value of the services rendered.

In 2008, a net charge of $5 million (2007—$5 million; 2006—nil) resulted from the programs described above and was included in “Interest expense.”

The Company has a two-year agreement maturing in 2011, including both U.S. and Canadian receivables. The maximum cash consideration that can be received from the sale of receivables under this combined agreement is $150 million.

The following balances were outstanding under this program:

   December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
 
   $  $ 

Securitized receivables

  211  260 

Senior beneficial interest held by third parties

  (110) (130)
       

Subordinate interest in securitized receivables retained by Domtar

  101  130 
       

In 2008, the net cash outflow from the sale of senior beneficial interests in the U.S. and Canadian receivables was $20 million (2007—nil).

NOTE 12.

 

 

INVENTORIES

The following table presents the components of inventories:

 

   December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
   $  $

Work in process and finished goods

  584  586

Raw materials

  170  136

Operating and maintenance supplies

  209  214
      
  963  936
      

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 
   $   $ 

Work in process and finished goods

   363     361  

Raw materials

   105     105  

Operating and maintenance supplies

   184     182  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   652     648  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 13.12.

 

 

GOODWILL

The carrying value of goodwill and any changes in the carrying value of goodwill are as follows:

 

   December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
 
   $  $ 

Balance at beginning of year

  372  14 

Impairment of goodwill (Note 4)

  (321) (4)

Acquisition of Domtar Inc. (Note 3)

  —    300 

Other

  9  —   

Impact of foreign exchange

  (60) 62 
       

Balance at end of year

  —    372 
       
December 31,
2011
December 31,
2010
$$

Balance at beginning of year

—  —  

Acquisition of Attends Healthcare Inc.

163—  

Balance at end of year

163—  

GoodwillThe goodwill at December 31, 2008,2011 is assignedentirely related to the Papers Personal Care segment. (See Note 3 “Acquisition of Business” for further information).

In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company assessed qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances lead to a determination that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 12. GOODWILL (CONTINUED)

reporting unit (December 30, 2007—$372was less than its carrying amount. After assessing the totality of events and circumstances, the Company determined it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was greater than its carrying amount. Thus, performing the two-step impairment test was unnecessary and no impairment charge was recorded for goodwill.

At December 31, 2011, the accumulated impairment loss amounted to $321 million is related to Papers)(2010  –  $321 million).

NOTE 14.13.

 

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

The following table presents the components of property, plant and equipment:

 

  Range of
useful lives
  December 31,
2008
 December 30,
2007
   Range of
useful lives
   December 31,
2011
 December 31,
2010
 
     $ $       $ $ 

Machinery and equipment

  3-20  7,519  7,897    3-20     7,164    7,808  

Buildings and improvements

  10-40  1,091  1,318    10-40     934    1,122  

Timber limits and land

    260  334      264    284  

Assets under construction

    93  77      86    41  

Other

  3  —    59 
             

 

  

 

 
    8,963  9,685      8,448    9,255  

Less allowance for depreciation and amortization

    (4,662) (4,323)

Less: Allowance for depreciation and amortization

     (4,989  (5,488
             

 

  

 

 
    4,301  5,362      3,459    3,767  
             

 

  

 

 

At December 31, 2008, a net carrying amount of $5 million (2007—$6 million) included in Buildings is held under capital leases ($5 million for cost (2007—$8 million) and nil for accumulated amortization (2007—$2 million)), a net carrying amount of $19 million (2007—$27 million) included in Machinery and equipment ($47 million for cost (2007—$60 million) and $28 million for accumulated amortization (2007—$33 million)) and a net carrying amount of $1 million (2007—$4 million) included in Land is held under capital leases.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

NOTE 15.14.

 

 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table presents the components of intangible assets:

 

  Weighted average useful lives  December 31,
2008
 December 30,
2007
   

Weighted average useful lives

  December 31,
2011
 December 31,
2010
 
     $ $      $ $ 

Intangible assets subject to amortization

          

Water rights

  40  14  15   40   8    8  

Power purchase agreements

  25  27  33   25   32    33  

Customer relationships(1)

  20  9  9   20-40   104    11  

Trade names

  7  6  7   7   7    7  

Supplier agreements

  5  5  6 

Natural gas contracts

  4  14  17 

Cutting rights (Note 4)

  Units of production method  19  29 

Supplier agreement

  5   6    6  
             

 

  

 

 
    94  116      157    65  

Allowance for amortization

    (13) (5)

Accumulated amortization

     (14  (9
    

 

  

 

 
     143    56  

Intangible assets not subject to amortization

     

Trade names (1)

     61    —    
             

 

  

 

 

Total intangible assets

    81  111      204    56  
             

 

  

 

 

The aggregate amortizationAmortization expense related to intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2008 amounted to $102011 was $5 million (2007—(2010—$54 million; 2009—$8 million).

Amortization expense for the next five years related to intangible assets is expected to be as follows:

 

   2009  2010  2011  2012  2013
   $  $  $  $  $

Amortization expense related to intangible assets

  7  4  4  4  3
               
   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016 
   $   $   $   $   $ 

Amortization expense related to intangible assets

   7     5     5     4     4  

(1)Increase relates to the acquisition of Attends Healthcare, Inc. in September 2011.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 16.15.

 

 

OTHER ASSETS

The following table presents the components of other assets:

 

   December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
   $  $

Pension asset—defined benefit pension plans (Note 7)

  17  38

Unamortized debt issue costs

  19  23

Deferred income tax assets

  22  27

Investments and advances

  8  15

Other

  1  2
      
  67  105
      

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 
   $   $ 

Pension asset—defined benefit pension plans (Note 7)

   53     36  

Unamortized debt issue costs

   11     13  

Deferred income tax assets (Note 10)

   36     140  

Investments and advances

   5     7  

Other

   4     7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   109     203  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 17.16.

 

 

CLOSURE AND RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND LIABILITY

The Company regularly reviews its overall production capacity with the objective of adjusting its production capacity with anticipated long-term demand. Based on its analysis,

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company began reducingdecided to withdraw from one of its capacitymultiemployer pension plans and recorded a withdrawal liability and a charge to earnings of $32 million. The Company also incurred, in July 2007.the fourth quarter of 2011, a $9 million loss from an estimated pension curtailment associated with the conversion of certain of its U.S. defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution pension plans recorded as a component of closure and restructuring costs.

OnLebel-sur-Quévillon pulp mill and sawmill

Following the permanent closure announced on December 18, 2008 Domtar Corporation announced that it will permanently closeof its Lebel-sur-Quévillon Quebec pulp mill and sawmill.sawmill, the Company recorded a $4 million pension curtailment loss in 2009. Operations at the pulp mill havehad been indefinitely idled in November 2005 due to unfavorable economic conditions and the sawmill hashad been indefinitely idled since 2006. At the time, the pulp mill and sawmill employed 425 and 140 employees, respectively. The Lebel-sur-Quévillon pulp mill had an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnesmetric tons. During 2011, the Company reversed $2 million of softwood kraft pulp.severance and termination costs and following the signing of a definitive agreement (see Note 27), the Company recorded a $12 million write-down for the remaining fixed assets net book value, a component of Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment.

Ashdown pulp and paper mill

On March 29, 2011, the Company announced that it would permanently shut down one of four paper machines at its Ashdown, Arkansas pulp and paper mill. This measure reduced the Company’s annual uncoated

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 16. CLOSURE AND RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND LIABILITY (CONTINUED)

freesheet paper production capacity by approximately 125,000 short tons. The mill’s workforce was reduced by approximately 110 employees. The Company recorded $1 million of inventory obsolescence and $1 million of severance and termination costs as well as $73 million of accelerated depreciation, a component of Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment. Operations ceased on August 1, 2011.

Plymouth pulp and paper mill

On February 5, 2009, the Company announced a permanent shut down of a paper machine at its Plymouth pulp and paper mill effective at the end of February 2009. This measure resulted in the permanent curtailment of 293,000 tons of paper production capacity and the shut down affected approximately 185 employees. The Company recorded a $35 million accelerated depreciation charge for the related write-down for plant and equipment, $7 million of severance and termination costs and $5 million of inventory obsolescence. Given the closure of the paper machine, the Company conducted a Step I impairment test on the remaining Plymouth mill operation’s fixed assets and concluded that the undiscounted estimated future cash flows associated with the long-lived assets exceeded their carrying value and, as such, no additional impairment charge was required. During 2011, the Company reversed $2 million of severance and termination costs.

On October 20, 2009, the Company announced that it would convert its Plymouth mill to 100% fluff pulp production. The aggregate pre-tax earnings charge in connection with this conversion was $26 million which included $13 million in non-cash charges relating to accelerated depreciation of the carrying amounts of the manufacturing equipment as well as $3 million in write-down of related spare parts and $10 million in severance and termination costs.

On November 4, 2008, Domtar Corporation17, 2010, the Company announced the start up of its new fluff pulp machine which has an annual production capacity of approximately 444,000 metric tons. The mill exclusively produces fluff pulp and operates two fiber lines and one fluff pulp machine. During 2010, the Company recorded $39 million of accelerated depreciation and $1 million of inventory obsolescence related to the reconfiguration of the Plymouth, North Carolina mill to 100% fluff pulp production, announced on October 20, 2009. The Company recorded a $1 million write-down for the related paper machine in 2010.

Langhorne forms plant

On February 1, 2011, the Company announced the closure of its forms plant in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and recorded $4 million in severance and termination costs.

Cerritos forms converting plant

During the second quarter of 2010, the Company decided to close the Cerritos, California forms converting plant, and recorded a $1 million write-down for the related assets and $1 million in severance and termination costs. Operations ceased on July 16, 2010.

Columbus paper mill

On March 16, 2010, the Company announced that it willwould permanently close its coated groundwood paper mill in Columbus, Mississippi. This measure resulted in the permanent curtailment of 238,000 tons of coated groundwood and 70,000 metric tons of thermo-mechanical pulp, as well as affected 219 employees. The Company recorded a $9 million write-down for the related fixed assets, $8 million of severance and termination costs and $8 million of inventory obsolescence. Operations ceased in April 2010.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 16. CLOSURE AND RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND LIABILITY (CONTINUED)

Prince Albert pulp and paper mill

On December 21, 2009, the Company decided to dismantle the Prince Albert facility. The Prince Albert pulp and paper mill was closed in the first quarter of 2006 and has not been operated since. The Company recorded a $14 million impairment charge for the related machinery and equipment, $2 million of inventory obsolescence, $4 million of environmental costs and $1 million of other costs.

Dryden paper mill

Following the permanent shut down of the paper machine and the converting operations at the Dryden mill announced on November 4, 2008, the Company recorded $3 million of its Dryden, Ontario mill.severance and termination costs and $5 million of inventory obsolescence in 2009. These measures will resultresulted in the permanent curtailment of Domtar’s annual paper production capacity by approximately 151,000 short tons of uncoated freesheet paper and will affectaffected approximately 195 employees.

On December 13, 2007, Domtar Corporation announced that it will close its Port Edwards, Wisconsin mill as well as reorganize production at its Dryden, Ontario facility. These measures will resultOther costs

During 2011, other costs related to previous closures include $4 million in a permanentseverance and termination costs, $1 million of inventory obsolescence and $4 million in other costs.

During 2010, other costs related to previous closures include $3 million in severance and termination costs and $6 million of other costs.

During 2009, other costs related to previous closures include $5 million of severance and termination costs, $4 million loss of pension curtailment and $10 million of Domtar’s annual paper production capacity by approximately 336,000 tons. Approximately 625 employees at these facilities were affected by these decisions.other costs.

On July 31, 2007, Domtar Corporation announced that it will permanently close two paper machines, one atThe following tables provide the Woodland, Maine pulpcomponents of closure and paper mill and another at the Port Edwards, Wisconsin pulp and paper mill as well as the Gatineau, Quebec paper mill and the converting center in Ottawa, Ontario. In total, these closures resulted in the permanent curtailment of approximately 284,000 tons of paper capacity per year and affected approximately 430 employees.

In 2006, the Company recognized restructuring costs which included Fine Paper facilities and restructuring activities at the Dryden, Ontario and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan facilities.by segment:

 

Closure and restructuring costs

  Year ended
December 31,
2008
  Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
   $  $  $

Termination benefits

  23  5  —  

Inventory obsolescence

  1  6  

Loss on curtailment of pension benefits

  8  —    2

Dismantling expenses

  10  —    —  

Other closure costs

  1  3  13
         

Total closure and restructuring costs

  43  14  15
         
   Year ended December 31, 2011 
   Pulp and Paper   Distribution   Total 
   $   $   $ 

Severance and termination costs

   4     1     5  

Inventory obsolescence(1)

   2     —       2  

Loss on curtailment of pension benefits and pension withdrawal liability

   41     —       41  

Other

   4     —       4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closure and restructuring costs

   51     1     52  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Year ended December 31, 2010 
   Pulp and Paper   Distribution   Total 
   $   $   $ 

Severance and termination costs

   11     1     12  

Inventory obsolescence(1)

   9     —       9  

Other

   6     —       6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closure and restructuring costs

   26     1     27  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

At December 30, 2007, $78 millionNOTE 16. CLOSURE AND RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND LIABILITY (CONTINUED)

   Year ended December 31, 2009 
   Pulp and Paper   Distribution   Wood   Total 
   $   $   $   $ 

Severance and termination costs

   20     2     3     25  

Inventory obsolescence(1)

   15     —       —       15  

Loss on curtailment of pension benefits

   4     —       4     8  

Environmental provision

   4     —       —       4  

Other

   9     —       2     11  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closure and restructuring costs

   52     2     9     63  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Inventory obsolescence primarily relates to the write-down of operating and maintenance supplies classified as Inventories on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table provides the paper segmentactivity in the closure and restructuring cost liability, identified below, relates to operations and activities of Domtar Inc., which was acquired by Domtar Corporation on March 7, 2007, and was part of a plan that had begun to be assessed and formulated by management at that date. As a result, these costs represent assumed liabilities and costs incurred as of the acquisition date and were treated as part of the purchase price allocation in accordance with EITF 95-3, Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination. These closures also impacted the fair value of certain property, plant and equipment as part of the Domtar Inc. purchase price allocation as described in Note 3.liability:

 

   December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
 
   $  $ 

Balance at beginning of year

  83  2 

Additions

  24  80 

Severance payments

  (29) (25)

Reversals of provision to earnings(a)

  (24) (2)

Acquisition of Domtar Inc. (Note 3)

  —    23 

Other

  (4) —   

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate change

  (3) 5 
       

Balance at end of year

  47  83 
       

(a)Includes $23 million of a reversal of a provision for a contract assumed in the Transaction as a result of its termination by the counterparty in the first quarter of 2008.
   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 
   $  $ 

Balance at beginning of year

   17    24  

Additions

   7    13  

Severance payments

   (10  (18

Changes in estimates

   (8  (2

Other

   —      (1

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate change

   —      1  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   6    17  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other costs related to the above 20082011 closures expected to be incurred over 20092012 include approximately $11 million for pension settlement and approximately $8 million for training. These costs will be expensed as incurred and are all included in the Papers segment.

Other costs related to the above 2007 closures expected to be incurred over 2009 include $1 million for demolition, training, relocation, outplacementsecurity and security$2 million of other costs. These costs will be expensed as incurred and are all included inrelated as follows: $1 million for security and $1 million of other costs related to the PapersPulp and Paper segment and $1 million of other costs related to the Distribution segment.

Closure and restructuring costs are based on management’s best estimates at December 31, 2008.2011. Although the Company does not anticipate significant changes, the actual costs may differ from these estimates due to subsequent developments such as the results of environmental studies, the ability to find a buyer for assets set to be dismantled and demolished and other business developments. As such, additional costs and further write-downs may be required in future periods.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

NOTE 18.17.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

  Year ended
December 31,
2008
  Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
 
   $  $  $ 

Net earnings (loss)

  (573) 70  (609)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    

Net derivative losses on cash flow hedges:

   —    (16)

Net loss arising during the period (net of tax of $3)

  (77)  

Less: Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net earnings (net of tax of nil)

  25   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (392) 250  19 

Change in unrecognized losses and prior service cost related to pension and post retirement benefit plans, net of tax of $26

  (53) (39) —   

Amortization of prior service costs

  1  —    —   

Additional minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax

  —    —    6 
          

Comprehensive income (loss)

  (1,069) 281  (600)
          

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

  Year ended
December 31,
2011
  Year ended
December 31,
2010
  Year ended
December 31,
2009
 
   $  $  $ 

Net earnings

   365    605    310  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    

Net derivative gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:

    

Net (loss) gain arising during the period, net of tax of $7 (2010—$3; 2009—$2)

   (13  (4  51  

Less: Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings, net of tax of $(2)
(2010—$(1); 2009—$1)

   (1  (2  18  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (25  66    206  

Change in unrecognized losses and prior service cost related to pension and post retirement benefit plans, net of tax of $15 (2010—$19; 2009—$(6))

   (25  (54  (74
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   301    611    511  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NOTE 19.18.

 

 

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

The following table presents the components of trade and other payables:

 

  December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
  December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 
  $  $  $   $ 

Trade payables

  350  460   383     373  

Payroll-related accruals

  126  172   168     168  

Accrued interest

  28  14   15     15  

Payables on capital projects

  5  11   11     3  

Pension liability—defined benefit pension plans (Note 7)

  —    3

Rebate accruals

   45     49  

Liability—other post-retirement benefit plans (Note 7)

  4  5   2     4  

Provision for environment and other asset retirement obligations (Note 23)

  22  21

Closure and restructuring costs liability (Note 17)

  35  50

Derivative financial instrument

  54  —  

Provision for environment and other asset retirement obligations (Note 22)

   24     28  

Closure and restructuring costs liability (Note 16)

   6     17  

Derivative financial instruments (Note 23)

   19     10  

Dividend payable (Note 21)

   13     11  

Other

  22  29   2     —    
        

 

   

 

 
  646  765   688     678  
        

 

   

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

NOTE 20.19.

 

 

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

   Maturity  Nominal
Amount
  Currency  December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
      $     $  $

Unsecured debentures and notes

          

10% Debentures

  2011  —    CDN  —    2

7.875% Notes

  2011  540  US  563  630

5.375% Notes

  2013  350  US  323  323

7.125% Notes

  2015  400  US  399  398

9.5% Notes

  2016  125  US  139  138

10.85% Debentures

  2017  —    CDN  —    1

Secured term loan facility

  2014    US  612  643

Secured revolving credit facility

  2012    US  60  50

Capital lease obligations

  2008 - 2028      28  39

Other

        4  6
            
        2,128  2,230

Less: Due within one year

        18  17
            
        2,110  2,213
            
   Maturity   Notional
Amount
   Currency   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 
       $       $   $ 

Unsecured notes

          

5.375% Notes

   2013     74     US     72     70  

7.125% Notes

   2015     213     US     213     213  

9.5% Notes

   2016     125     US     133     135  

10.75% Notes

   2017     385     US     375     388  

Capital lease obligations

   2012 – 2028         48     21  
        

 

 

   

 

 

 
         841     827  

Less: Due within one year

         4     2  
        

 

 

   

 

 

 
         837     825  
        

 

 

   

 

 

 

Principal long-term debt repayments, including capital lease obligations, in each of the next five years amountedwill amount to:

 

  Long-term debt  Capital leases   Long-term debt   Capital leases 
  $  $   $   $ 

2009

  13  6 

2010

  8  5 

2011

  548  3 

2012

  68  3    —       8  

2013

  358  4    74     8  

2014

   —       7  

2015

   213     6  

2016

   125     5  

Thereafter

  1,096  19    385     38  
         

 

   

 

 
  2,091  40    797     72  

Less: Amounts representing interest

  —    (12)   —       24  
         

 

   

 

 

Total payments, excluding fair value increment of $9 million

  2,091  28 

Total payments, excluding fair value increment of $6 million and debt discount of $10 million

   797     48  
         

 

   

 

 

UNSECURED DEBENTURES AND NOTES

In December 2008,During the third quarter of 2011, the Company repurchased $15 million of its 10.75% debt and recorded a portioncharge of $4 million on repurchase of this debt.

On October 19, 2010 the Company redeemed $135 million of the 7.875% Notes which haddue in 2011 and recorded a book valuecharge of $63$7 million atrelated to the repurchase of the notes.

As a result of the cash cost totalling $51 million. A gaintender offer during the second quarter of $122010, the Company repurchased $238 million wasof the 5.375% Notes due 2013 and $187 million of the 7.125% Notes due 2015. The Company recorded ina charge of $40 million related to the consolidated statementrepurchase of earnings.the notes.

In November 2007, certain of Domtar Inc.’s bondholders elected to exchange their Domtar Inc. bonds for Domtar Corporation bonds with the same maturity and interest rate pursuant to an exchange offer. The amounts

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

exchanged were 99.96%NOTE 19. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)

On June 9, 2009, the Company issued $400 million 10.75% Notes due 2017 (“Notes”) at an issue price of $385 million. The net proceeds from the offering of the outstanding principal amountNotes were used to fund the portion of the purchase price of the 7.875% Notes due 2011 99.55% oftendered and accepted by the outstanding principal amount of 5.375% Notes, 99.93% of the outstanding principal amount of 7.125% Notes, and 99.30% of the outstanding principal amount of 9.5% Notes.

CDN$80 million aggregate principal amount of the 10% Debentures, representing approximately 97.32% of the amount outstanding, and CDN$74 million aggregate principal amount of the 10.85% Debentures, representing approximately 99.33% of the amount outstanding, were repurchased by Domtar in December 2007 at a cash cost totalling CDN$194 millionCompany pursuant to a tender offer, including the payment of accrued interest and applicable early tender premiums, not funded with cash on hand. The Company recorded a gain of $15 million related to holders. This repurchase was not mandatory butthe fair value increment associated with the portion of the 7.875% Notes repurchased, and recorded an expense of $4 million for the premium paid, and $1 million for other costs. Issuance expenses for the Notes of $8 million were deferred and are being amortized over the duration of the Notes.

The Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the holders’ option.Company’s option at any time. In the event of a change in control, unless the Company has exercised the right to redeem all of the Notes, each holder will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest.

The Notes are general unsecured obligations and rank equally with existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis by direct and indirect, existing and future, U.S. 100% owned subsidiaries, which currently guarantee indebtedness under the Credit Agreement.

BANK FACILITY

On June 23, 2011, the Company entered into a new Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), among the Company and certain of its subsidiaries as borrowers (collectively, the “Borrowers”) and the lenders and agents party thereto. The Credit Agreement replaced the Company’s existing $750 million revolving credit facility that was scheduled to mature March 7, 2007,2012.

The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility (including a letter of credit sub-facility and a swingline sub-facility) with an initial maximum aggregate amount of availability of $600 million that matures on June 23, 2015. Borrowings may be made by the Company, by its U.S. subsidiary Domtar Paper Company, LLC, and, subject to a limit of $150 million, by its Canadian subsidiary Domtar Inc. entered into a credit agreement, which consistedThe Company may increase the maximum aggregate amount of a senior secured tranche B term loan facility and a $750 million senior secured revolving credit facility. Borrowings by the Company and Domtar Paper Company LLC (the U.S. borrowers) under the senior revolving credit facility are made available in U.S. dollars and borrowings by Domtar Inc. under the senior revolving credit facility will be made available in U.S. dollars and/or Canadian dollars and limited to $150 million (or the Canadian equivalent thereof). Upon the closing of the Transactions, the Company borrowed $800 million under the term loan B facility and $60 millionavailability under the revolving loan facility. The borrowing proceeds fromCredit Agreement by up to $400 million, and the new credit facility, combined with cash on hand that was advanced from Domtar Inc., served mainly to repay a temporary borrowing of $1.35 billion incurred byBorrowers may extend the Company as partfinal maturity of the Transaction.

Amounts drawnCredit Agreement by one year, if, in each case, certain conditions are satisfied, including: (i) the absence of any event of default or default under the tranche B term loan facility bear annual interest at either a eurodollar rate plus a marginCredit Agreement, and (ii) the consent of 1.375%,the lenders participating in each such increase or an alternate base rate plus a margin of 0.375%. Amounts drawnextension, as applicable.

Borrowings under the revolving credit facilityCredit Agreement will bear annual interest at either a eurodollar rate plus a margin of between 1.25% and 2.25%, or an alternate base rate plus a margin of between 0.25% and 1.25%. Amounts drawn under the revolving credit facility by Domtar Inc. in U.S. dollars bear annual interest at either a eurodollar rate plus a margin of between 1.25% and 2.25%, or a U.S. base rate plus a margin of between 0.25% and 1.25%. Amounts drawn under the revolving credit facility by Domtar Inc. in Canadian dollars bear annual interest at the Canadian prime rate plus a margin of between 0.25% and 1.25%. Domtar Inc. may also issue bankers’ acceptances denominated in Canadian dollars which are subject to an acceptance fee, payable on the date of acceptance, which is calculated at a rate per annum equal to between 1.25% and 2.25%. The interest rate margins and the acceptance fee, in each case, with respect to the revolving credit facility are subject to adjustments baseddependent on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio.

The tranche B term loancredit ratings at the time of such borrowing and will be calculated at the Borrowers’ option according to a base rate, prime rate, Eurodollar rate or the Canadian bankers’ acceptance rate plus an applicable margin, as the case may be. In addition, the Company must pay facility matures on March 7, 2014, and the revolving credit facility matures on March 7, 2012. The tranche B term loan facility amortizes in nominalfees quarterly installments (equal to one percent of the aggregate initial principal amount thereof per annum) with the balance dueat rates dependent on the maturity date.

At December 31, 2008, borrowings under the tranche B term loan facility had been reduced from the initial $800 million to $611 million (2007- $643 million). There was $60 million of borrowings under the revolvingCompany’s credit facility (2007- $50 million). In addition, at December 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding letters of credit pursuant to this bank credit agreement for an amount of $43 million (2007- $46 million). The Company also has other outstanding letters of credit for an amount of $2 million (2007 - $2 million).ratings.

The Credit Agreement contains customary covenants for transactions of this type, including the following financial covenants: (i) an interest coverage ratio (as defined under the Credit Agreement) that must be maintained at a numberlevel of covenantsnot less than 3.0 to 1 and (ii) a leverage ratio (as defined under the Credit Agreement) that among other things, limit the abilitymust be maintained at a level of not greater than 3.75 to 1. At December 31, 2011, the Company and its subsidiaries to make capital expenditures and place restrictions on other matters customarily restrictedwas in senior secured credit facilities, including restrictions on indebtedness (including guarantee

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

obligations), liens (including saleNOTE 19. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)

compliance with its covenants and leasebacks), fundamental changes, sales or disposition of property or assets, investments (including loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions), transactions with affiliates, hedge agreements, dividends and other payments in respect of capital stock, changes in fiscal periods, environmental activity, optional payments and modifications of other material debt instruments, negative pledges and agreements restricting subsidiary distributions, changes in lines of business, and the proposed amendments to the transaction documents to the extent that any such amendment would be materially adverse to the interests of the lenders. As long as the revolving credit commitments are outstanding,no amounts were borrowed (December 31, 2010—nil). At December 31, 2011, the Company is requiredhad outstanding letters of credit amounting to comply with a consolidated EBITDA (as defined) to consolidated cash interest coverage ratio of greater than 2.50x and a consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio of less 4.5x. The$29 million under this credit facility (December 31, 2010—$50 million).

All borrowings under the Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, provided that non-compliance with the consolidated cash interest coverage ratio or consolidated leverage ratio will not constitute an event of default under the tranche B term loan facility unless it has not been waived by the revolving credit lenders within a period of 45 days after notice.

The Company’s direct and indirect, existing and future, U.S. wholly-ownedare unsecured. Certain domestic subsidiaries serve as guarantors of the senior secured credit facilities for any obligations thereunder of the U.S. borrowers, subject to agreed exceptions. Domtar Inc.’s direct and indirect, existing and future, wholly-owned subsidiaries, as well as the Company and its subsidiaries, serve as guarantors of Domtar Inc.’s obligations as a borrower under the senior secured credit facilities, subject to agreed exceptions. Domtar Inc. does not guarantee Domtar Corporation’s obligation under the credit Agreement. In 2008, the Company amended the Credit facility in order to allow for the early repurchase of the 7.875% Notes.

The obligations of the Company in respectwill unconditionally guarantee any obligations from time to time arising under the Credit Agreement, and certain Canadian subsidiaries of the senior secured credit facilities are secured by all of the equity interests of the Company’s direct and indirect U.S. subsidiaries, other than 65% of the equity interests of the Company’s direct and indirect “first-tier” foreign subsidiaries, subject to agreed exceptions, and a perfected first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company’s and its direct and indirect U.S. subsidiaries’ tangible and intangible assets. TheCompany unconditionally guarantee any obligations of Domtar Inc., the Canadian subsidiary borrower, under the Credit Agreement.

During 2010, the Company repaid the outstanding amount on the secured term loan due in 2014 in the amount of $336 million.

RECEIVABLES SECURITIZATION

The Company uses securitization of certain receivables to provide additional liquidity to fund its operations, particularly when it is cost effective to do so. The costs under the program may vary based on changes in interest rates. The Company’s securitization program consists of the sale of its domestic receivables to a bankruptcy remote consolidated subsidiary which, in turn, transfers a senior beneficial interest in them to a special purpose entity managed by a financial institution for multiple sellers of receivables. The program normally allows the daily sale of new receivables to replace those that have been collected. The Company retains a subordinated interest which is included in Receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be collected only after the senior beneficial interest has been settled. The book value of the retained subordinated interest approximates fair value. Fair value is determined on a discounted cash flow basis. The Company retains responsibility for servicing the receivables sold but does not record a servicing asset or liability as the fees received by the Company for this service approximate the fair value of the services rendered.

The program contains certain termination events, which include, but are not limited to, matters related to receivable performance, certain defaults occurring under the credit facility, and certain judgments being entered against the Company or the Company’s subsidiaries that remain outstanding for 60 consecutive days.

In November 2010, the agreement governing this receivables securitization program was amended and extended to mature in November 2013. The available proceeds that may be received under the program are limited to $150 million. The agreement was subsequently amended in November 2011 to add a letter of credit sub-facility.

At December 31, 2011 the Company had no borrowings and $28 million of letters of credit outstanding under the program (2010 – nil and nil). Sales of receivables under this program are accounted for as secured borrowings. Before 2010, gains and losses on securitization of receivables were calculated as the difference between the carrying amount of the receivables sold and the obligationssum of the non-U.S. guarantors, in respectcash proceeds upon sale and the fair value of the senior secured credit facilities also are secured by allretained subordinated interest in such receivables on the date of the equity intereststransfer.

In 2011, a net charge of $1 million (2010—$2 million; 2009—$2 million) resulted from the Company’s directprogram described above and indirect subsidiaries, subject to agreed exceptions, and a perfected first priority security interest, lien and hypothecwas included in Interest expense in the inventoryConsolidated Statements of Domtar Inc., its immediate parent, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.Earnings. The net cash outflow in 2011, from the reduction of senior beneficial interest under the program was nil (2010—$20 million).

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 2120.

 

 

OTHER LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS

The following table presents the components of other liabilities and deferred credits:

 

   December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
   $  $

Liability—other post-retirement benefit plans (Note 7)

  91  110

Pension liability—defined benefit pension plans (Note 7)

  93  182

Provision for environment and other asset retirement obligations (Note 23)

  77  98

Provision for contracts assumed

  —    19

Worker’s compensation

  4  6

Other

  19  25
      
  284  440
      

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 
   $   $ 

Liability—other post-retirement benefit plans (Note 7)

   111     110  

Pension liability—defined benefit pension plans (Note 7)

   143     100  

Pension liability—multiemployer plan withdrawal (Note 7)

   32     —    

Provision for environmental and asset retirement obligations (Note 22)

   68     79  

Worker’s compensation

   2     3  

Stock-based compensation—liability awards

   49     38  

Other

   12     20  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   417     350  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

The asset retirement obligations are principally linked to landfill capping obligations, asbestos removal obligations and demolition of certain abandoned buildings. At December 31, 2008,2011, Domtar has estimated the net present value of its asset retirement obligations to be $34$32 million (2007 – $39(2010—$43 million); the present value wasis based on probability weighted undiscounted cash outflows of $94$80 million (2007—(2010—$11292 million). The majority of the asset retirement obligations are estimated to be settled prior to December 31, 2035.2033. However, some settlement scenarios call for obligations to be settled as late as December 31, 2046.2050. Domtar’s credit adjusted risk-free rates were used to calculate the net present value of the asset retirement obligations. The rates used vary between 6.50%5.5% and 12.00%12.0%, based on the prevailing rate at the moment of recognition of the liability and on its settlement period.

The following table reconciles Domtar’s asset retirement obligations:

 

  December 31,
2008
 December 30,
2007
   December 31,
2011
 December 31,
2010
 
  $ $   $ $ 

Asset retirement obligations, beginning of year

  39  16    43    46  

Acquisition of Domtar Inc. (Note 3)

  —    21 

Revisions to estimated cash flows

  (6) 1    (1  —    

Sale of businesses

   (10  (7

Settlements

  —    (2)   (1  (1

Accretion expense

  2  3    2    4  

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate change

  (1) —      (1  1  
         

 

  

 

 

Asset retirement obligations, end of year

  34  39    32    43  
         

 

  

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 22.21.

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

During 2011, the Company declared one quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share and three quarterly dividends of $0.35 per share to holders of the Company’s common stock, as well as holders of exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc., a subsidiary of Domtar Corporation. The total dividends of approximately $10 million, $15 million, $13 million and $13 million were paid on April 15, 2011, July 15, 2011, October 17, 2011 and January 17, 2012, respectively, to shareholders of record as of March 15, 2011, June 15, 2011, September 15, 2011 and December 15, 2011, respectively.

During 2010, the Company declared three quarterly dividends of $0.25 per share to holders of the Company’s common stock, as well as holders of exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc., a subsidiary of Domtar Corporation. The total dividends of approximately $11 million, $10 million and $11 million were paid on July 15, 2010, October 15, 2010 and January 17, 2011, respectively, to shareholders of record as of June 15, 2010, September 15, 2010 and December 15, 2010, respectively.

On February 22, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share to be paid to holders of the Company’s common stock, as well as holders of exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. This dividend is to be paid on April 16, 2012 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2012.

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On May 4, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program (“the Program”) of up to $150 million of Domtar Corporation’s common stock. On May 4, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase to the Program from $150 million to $600 million. On December 15, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved another increase to the Program from $600 million to $1 billion. Under the Program, the Company is authorized to repurchase from time to time shares of its outstanding common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in the United States. The timing and amount of stock repurchases will depend on a variety of factors, including the market conditions as well as corporate and regulatory considerations. The Program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time and the Company has no obligation to repurchase any amount of its common stock under the Program. The Program has no set expiration date. The Company repurchases its common stock, from time to time, in part to reduce the dilutive effects of its stock options, awards, and employee stock purchase plan and to improve shareholders’ returns.

During 2011 and 2010, the Company made open market purchases of its common stock using general corporate funds. Additionally, the Company entered into structured stock repurchase agreements with large financial institutions using general corporate funds in order to lower the average cost to acquire shares. The agreements required the Company to make up-front payments to the counterparty financial institutions which resulted in either the receipt of stock at the beginning of the term of the agreements followed by a share adjustment at the maturity of the agreements, or the receipt of either stock or cash at the maturity of the agreements, depending upon the price of the stock.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 21. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

During 2011, the Company repurchased 5,921,732 shares at an average price of $83.52 for a total cost of $494 million. All shares repurchased are recorded as Treasury stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the par value method at $0.01 per share.

During 2010, the Company repurchased 738,047 shares at an average price of $59.96 for a total cost of $44 million. Also, the Company entered into structured stock repurchase agreements that did not result in the repurchase of shares but resulted in net gains of $2 million which are recorded as a component of Shareholder’s equity.

The authorized stated capital consists of the following:

PREFERRED SHARES

TwentyThe Company is authorized to issue twenty million preferred shares, par value $0.01 per share. The Board of Directors of the Company will determine the voting powers (if any) of the shares, and the preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the shares at the time of issuance. No preferred shares were outstanding at December 31, 20082011 or December 30, 2007.31, 2010.

COMMON STOCK

On August 22, 2006, theThe Company wasis authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock par value, $0.01 per share. On March 7, 2007, the certificate of incorporation of the Company was amended to authorize the issuance of two billion shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to one vote per share.

On May 29, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a reverse stock split at a 1-for-12 ratio of its outstanding common stock. Shareholder approval for the reverse stock split was obtained at the Company’s Annual General Meeting held on May 29, 2009 and the reverse stock split became effective June 10, 2009 at 6:01 PM (ET). At the effective time, every 12 shares of the Company’s common stock that was issued and outstanding was automatically combined into one issued and outstanding share, without any change in par value of such shares.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

As a result of the reverse stock split, the Company reclassified $5 million from Common stock to Additional paid-in capital.

SPECIAL VOTING STOCK

One share of special voting stock, par value $0.01 per share was issued on March 7, 2007, upon consummation of the Transaction as described in Note 1.2007. The share of special voting stock is held by Computershare Trust Company of Canada (the “Trustee”) for the benefit of the holders of exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. in accordance with the voting and exchange trust agreement. The Trustee holder of the share of special voting stock is entitled to vote on each matter which stockholdersshareholders generally are entitled to vote, and the Trustee holder of the share of special voting stock will be entitled to cast on each such matter a number of votes equal to the number of outstanding exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. for which the Trustee holder has received voting instructions. The Trustee holder will not be entitled to receive dividends or distributions in its capacity as holder or owner thereof.

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLANDOMTAR CORPORATION

Subsequent to the Transaction, the Company entered into a rights agreement under which the shares of the Company’s common stock will include certain attached rights associated with a significant change in beneficial ownership of the Company. Under the rights agreement, one right is attached to each share of the Company’s common stock outstanding, but is not detachable until a distribution triggering event. The rights will not be exercisable before a distribution triggering event and will expire on March 7, 2009.NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Under the rights agreement, the rights will detach from the shares of the Company’s common stock upon the earlier to occur of (a) a person, together with its affiliates and associates acquired beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock; or (b) an acquirer commencing or announcing its intention to commence a tender or exchange offer, the consummation of which would result in beneficial ownership of such acquirer of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock.DECEMBER 31, 2011

No cash dividend was declared on these shares in 2008. (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 21. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

The changes in the number of outstanding common stock and their aggregate stated value during the years ended December 31, 20082011 and December 30, 2007,31, 2010, were as follows:

 

   December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007

Common stock

  Number of
shares
  $  Number of
shares
  $
        
        

Balance at beginning of year

  471,169,959  5  1,000  —  

Shares issued

        

Business Unit (Note 1)

  —    —    284,067,852  3

Domtar Inc. (Note 3)

  —    —    155,947,307  2

Stock options

  65,892  —    295,416  —  

DSU conversions

  —    —    106,912  —  

RSU conversions

  44,345  —    —    —  

Conversion of exchangeable shares

  23,356,530  —    30,751,472  —  
            

Balance at the end of year

  494,636,726  5  471,169,959  5
            

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

Common stock

  Number of
shares
  $   Number of
shares
  $ 
      

Balance at beginning of year

   41,635,174    —       42,062,408    —    

Shares issued

      

Stock options

   13,115    —       15,932    —    

RSU and PCRSU conversions

   —      —       52,064    —    

Conversion of exchangeable shares

   193,586    —       169,627    —    

Treasury stock (1)

   (5,710,675  —       (664,857  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   36,131,200    —       41,635,174    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(1)

During 2011, the Company repurchased 5,921,732 shares (2010—738,047) and issued 211,057 shares (2010—73,190) out of Treasury stock in conjunction with the exercise of stock-based compensation awards.

EXCHANGEABLE SHARES

UponThe Company is authorized to issue unlimited exchangeable shares at no par value. On May 29, 2009, an equivalent reverse stock split was also authorized for the consummation of the Transaction as described in Note 1, Domtar Inc. shareholders could either receive common stock of the Company oroutstanding exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. that are exchangeable foron the same terms and conditions as the Company’s common stock. The reverse stock of the Company.split became effective June 10, 2009 at 6:01 PM (ET). As such, a total of 20,896,301619,108 common stock remains reserved for future issuance for the exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. outstanding at December 31, 2008 (44,252,831 – 2007)2011 (2010—812,694). The exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. are intended to be substantially economic equivalent to shares of the Company’s common stock. The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the exchangeable shares include the following:

 

The exchangeable shares are exchangeable at any time, at the option of the holder on a one-for-one basis for shares of common stock of the Company;

 

In the event the Company declares a dividend on the common stock, the holders of exchangeable shares are entitled to receive from Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. the same dividend, or an economically equivalent dividend, on their exchangeable shares;

 

The holders of the exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. are not entitled to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the shareholders of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. or to vote at any such meeting, except as required by law or as specifically provided in the exchangeable share conditions;

 

The exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. may be redeemed by Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. on a redemption date to be set by the board of directors of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc., which date cannot be prior to July 31, 2023 (or earlier upon the occurrence of certain specified events) in exchange for one share of Company common stock for each exchangeable share presented and surrendered by the holder thereof, together with all declared but unpaid dividends on each exchangeable share. The

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 21. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

Board of Directors of Domtar (Canada) Inc. is permitted to accelerate the July 31, 2023 redemption date upon the occurrence of certain events, including, upon at least 60 days prior written notice to the holders, in the event less than 416,667 exchangeable shares (excluding any exchangeable shares held directly or indirectly by the Company) are outstanding at any time.

The holders of exchangeable shares of Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. are entitled to instruct the Trustee to vote the special voting stock as described above.

NOTE 23.22.

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

ENVIRONMENT

The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations enacted by federal, provincial, state and local authorities.

During the first quarter of 2006, the Company closed the pulp and paper mill in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and the Big River sawmill in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan due to poor market conditions. The Company has not determined at this time whether the facilities will be reopened, sold or permanently closed. In the event the facilities are permanently closed, the Province of Saskatchewan may require active decommissioning and reclamation at one or both facilities. In the event decommissioning and reclamation is required at either facility, the work is likely to include investigation and remedial action for areas of significant environmental impacts.

In 2008,2011, the Company’s operating expenses for environmental matters, as described in Note 1, amounted to $81$62 million (2007 – $85(2010—$62 million; 2009—$71 million).

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

The Company made capital expenditures for environmental matters of $4$8 million in 2008 (2007—2011 (2010—$113 million; 2009—$2 million), excluding the $83 million spent under the Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program, which was reimbursed by the Government of Canada (2010—$51 million; 2009—nil), for the improvement of air emissions and energy efficiency, effluent treatment and remedial actions to address environmental compliance. At this time, management does not expect any additional required expenditure that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, earningsresults of operations or cash flows.

During the first quarter of 2006, the pulp and paper mill in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan was closed due to poor market conditions. The Company’s management determined that the Prince Albert facility was no longer a strategic fit for the Company and would not be reopened. On May 3, 2011, Domtar sold its Prince Albert facility to Paper Excellence Canada Holdings Corporation (“Paper Excellence”). Paper Excellence agreed to assume all past, present and future known and unknown environmental liabilities and as such, the Company reversed its reserve for environmental liabilities for this site in the second quarter of 2011.

An action was commenced by Seaspan International Ltd. (“Seaspan”) in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, on March 31, 1999 against Domtar Inc. and others with respect to alleged contamination of Seaspan’s site bordering Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia, including contamination of sediments in Burrard Inlet, due to the presence of creosote. Ascreosote and heavy metals. On February 16, 2010, the government of July 3, 2002, the parties entered intoBritish Columbia issued a partial Settlement Agreement which provided that while the agreement is performed in accordance with its terms, the action commenced by Seaspan will be held in abeyance. The Settlement Agreement focused on the sharing of costs betweenRemediation Order to Seaspan and Domtar Inc. for certain remediation of contamination referredin order to define and implement an action plan to address soil, sediment and groundwater issues. This Order was appealed to the Environmental Appeal Board (“Board”) on March 17, 2010 but there is no suspension in the plaintiff’s claim.execution of this Order unless the Board orders otherwise. The Settlement Agreement did not address allappeal hearing has been scheduled for October 2012. The relevant government authorities selected a remediation plan on July 15, 2011. In the interim, no stay of the plaintiff’s claims and such claims cannot be reasonably determined at this time. On June 3, 2008, Domtar was notified by Seaspan that it terminated the Settlement Agreement.execution has been granted or requested. The Company has recorded a provisionan environmental reserve to address potential exposure.its estimated exposure for this matter.

Domtar Inc. was issued a Request for Response Action (“RFRA”) by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (“MPCA”) for the clean-up of tar seeps and soils at a former coal tar distillation plant located in Duluth, Minnesota. On March 27, 1996, the MPCA issued a RFRA to Domtar Inc., Interlake Corp., Allied-Signal, Inc. and Beazer East, Inc. requiring the investigation and potential remediation of a portion of an industrial site located in Duluth, Minnesota, believed to contain contaminated sediments originating from former coke and gas plants and coal tar distillation plants. Domtar Inc. formerly operated one coal tar distillation plant. By final and binding arbitration award, including qualifications by the arbitrators, the remediation cost related to Domtar Inc. is now estimated to be between $3 million and $4 million, of which $1 million was paid

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 22. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

The following table reflects changes in the fourth quarter of 2008. Discussion between all concerned parties to finalize the interpretation of the decisionreserve for environmental remediation and the estimated future costs are on going. asset retirement obligations:

   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 
   $  $ 

Balance at beginning of year

   107    111  

Additions

   7    4  

Sale of businesses and closed facility

   (11  (9

Environmental spending

   (13  (7

Accretion

   3    4  

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate change

   (1  4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   92    107  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At December 31, 2008,2011, anticipated undiscounted payments in each of the next five years are as follows:

   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   Thereafter   Total 
   $   $   $   $   $   $   $ 

Environmental provision and other asset retirement obligations

   24     26     8     3     2     77     140  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Climate change regulation

Since 1997, when an international conference on global warming concluded an agreement known as the Kyoto Protocol, which called for reductions of certain emissions that may contribute to increases in atmospheric greenhouse gas (“GHG”) concentrations, various international, national and local laws have been proposed or implemented focusing on reducing GHG emissions. These actual or proposed laws do or may apply in the countries where the Company hadcurrently has, or may have in the future, manufacturing facilities or investments.

In the United States, Congress has considered legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs, although it appears unlikely that any legislation will be actively considered again until after the 2012 elections. Several states already are regulating GHG emissions from public utilities and certain other significant emitters, primarily through regional GHG cap-and-trade programs. Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) is expected, in 2012, to propose GHG permitting requirements for some existing industrial facilities under the agency’s existing Clean Air Act authority. Passage of GHG legislation by Congress or individual states, or the adoption of regulations by the EPA or analogous state agencies, that restrict emissions of GHGs in areas in which the Company conducts business could have a provisionvariety of impacts upon the Company, including requiring it to implement GHG containment and reduction programs or to pay taxes or other fees with respect to any failure to achieve the mandated results. This, in turn, will increase the Company’s operating costs, which, to the extent passed through to customers, could reduce demand for the estimated remediation costs.Company’s products. However, the Company does not expect to be disproportionately affected by these measures compared with other pulp and paper producers in the United States.

The province of Quebec initiated, as part of its commitment to the Western Climate Initiative (“WCI”), a GHG cap-and-trade system on January 1, 2012. Reduction targets for Quebec are expected to be promulgated

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 22. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

later in 2012, to be effective January 1, 2013. There are presently no federal or provincial legislation on regulatory obligations to reduce GHGs for the Company’s pulp and paper operations elsewhere in Canada.

While it is likely that there will be increased regulation relating to GHG emissions in the future, at this time it is not possible to estimate either a timetable for the promulgation or implementation of any new regulations or the Company’s cost of compliance to said regulations. The impact could, however, be material.

At December 31, 2008,2011, the Company had a provision of $99$92 million for environmental matters and other asset retirement obligations (2007—(2010—$119107 million). Additional costs, not known or identifiable, could be incurred for remediation efforts. Based on policies and procedures in place to monitor environmental exposure, management believes that such additional remediation costs would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, earningsresults of operations or cash flows.

Industrial Boiler Maximum Achievable Controlled Technology Standard (“MACT”)

On December 23, 2011, the EPA proposed a new set of standards related to emissions from boilers and process heaters included in the Company’s manufacturing processes. These standards are generally referred to as Boiler MACT. These proposed rules are open for comment and final versions of these Rules are expected in mid-2012. It is anticipated compliance will be required by in the fall of 2015. Domtar expects that the capital cost required to comply with the Boiler MACT rules, as they were published in December 2011, is between $34 million to $52 million. Domtar is currently assessing the associated increase in operating costs as well as alternate compliance strategies.

Domtar is also a party to various proceedings relating to the cleanup of hazardous waste sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, commonly known as “Superfund,” and similar state laws. The following table reflectsEPA and/or various state agencies have notified the Company that it may be a potentially responsible party with respect to other hazardous waste sites as to which no proceedings have been instituted against the Company. Domtar continues to take remedial action under its Care and Control Program, as such sites mostly relate to its former wood preserving operating sites, and a number of operating sites due to possible soil, sediment or groundwater contamination. The investigation and remediation process is lengthy and subject to the uncertainties of changes in legal requirements, technological developments and, if and when applicable, the reserve for environmental remediation:

December 31,
2008
$

Balance at beginning of year

119

Additions (reversals)

(7)

Environmental spending

(5)

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate change

(8)

Balance at December 31, 2008

99

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

At December 31, 2008, anticipated undiscounted payments in eachallocation of the next five years were as follows:liability among potentially responsible parties.

   2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  Thereafter  Total
   $  $  $  $  $  $  $

Environmental provision and other asset retirement obligations

  22  22  11  6  13  25  99
                     

CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of operations, the Company becomes involved in various legal actions mostly related to contract disputes, patent infringements, environmental and product warranty claims, and labor issues. While the final outcome with respect to actions outstanding or pending at December 31, 2008,2011, cannot be predicted with certainty, it is management’s opinion that their resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, earningsresults of operations or cash flows.

In the early part of 2006, the Company closed itsThe pulp and paper mill in Prince Albert Saskatchewan. The Companywas closed in the first quarter of 2006 and has not determined whether these previously idled facilities will be reopened, sold or closed. Certain unionized parties filedbeen operated since. In December 2009, the Company decided to dismantle the Prince Albert facility. In a grievance against Weyerhaeuser following the shut down, alleging that certain post-closure actions taken by Weyerhaeuser violated their collective bargaining agreement. In particular, the union disputed the post-closure contracting with a third-party vendor to oversee on-site security at Prince Albert. In connection with the Transaction, the Company has assumed any liability with respect to this grievance. The grievance proceeded to an arbitration hearing and was dismissed by the arbitrator. On application for judicial review, the arbitrator’s decision was upheld by the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench and, on February 9, 2009, by the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. The Union may attempt to obtain leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. In a separate grievance relating to

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 22. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

the closure of the Prince Albert facility, which could result in liability in excess of $20 million, the union is claiming that it is entitled to the accumulated pension benefits during the actual layoff period because, according to the union, a majority of employees retained still had recall rights during the layoff. TheArbitration in this matter was held in February 2010, and the arbitrator ruled in favor of the Company is currently evaluating its position with respecton August 24, 2010. As a result of the sale of the Prince Albert facility to these grievances and cannot be certain thatPaper Excellence in the second quarter of 2011, the union agreed to release any claims for judicial review it will not incur liability, which could be material, with respectmay have against the Company in relation to these grievances.the grievance.

On July 31, 1998, Domtar Inc. (now a 100% owned subsidiary of Domtar Corporation) acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of E.B. Eddy Limited and E.B. Eddy Paper, Inc. (E.B. Eddy)(“E.B. Eddy”), an integrated producer of specialty paper and wood products. The purchase agreement includesincluded a purchase price adjustment whereby, in the event of the acquisition by a third party of more than 50% of the shares of Domtar Inc. in specified circumstances, Domtar Inc. could have been obligatedmay be required to pay an increase in consideration of up to a maximum of $98$118 million (CDN$120 million), an amount gradually declining over a 25-year period. At March 7, 2007, the maximum amount of the purchase price adjustment was approximately $90$108 million (CDN$110 million). No provision was recorded for this potential purchase price adjustment.

On March 14, 2007, the Company received a letter from George Weston Limited (the previous owner of E.B. Eddy and a party to the purchase agreement) demanding payment of $90$108 million (CDN$110 million) as a result of the consummation of the Transaction. On June 12, 2007, an action was commenced by George Weston Limited against Domtar Inc. in the Superior Court of Justice of the Province of Ontario, Canada, claiming that the consummation of the Transaction triggered the purchase price adjustment and sought a purchase price adjustment of $90$108 million (CDN$110 million) as well as additional compensatory damages. The Company does not believe that the consummation of the Transaction triggers an obligation to pay an increase in consideration under the purchase price adjustment and intends to defend itself vigorously against any claims with respect

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

thereto. However, the Company may not be successful in the defense of such claims, and if the Company is ultimately required to pay an increase in consideration, such payment may have a material adverse effect on the liquidity,Company’s financial position, results of operations and financial condition.or cash flows. On March 31, 2011, George Weston Limited filed a motion for summary judgment which the Company expects to be resolved by the Court in due course. No provision is recorded for this potential purchase price adjustment.

LEASE AND OTHER COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

The Company has entered into operating leases for property, plant and equipment. The Company also has commitments to purchase property, plant and equipment, roundwood, wood chips, gas and certain chemicals. Purchase orders in the normal course of business are excluded from the table below. Any amounts for which the Company is liable under purchase orders are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Trade and other payables. Minimum future payments under these operating leases and other commercial commitments, determined at December 31, 2008,2011, were as follows:

 

  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  Thereafter  Total  2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   Thereafter   Total 
  $  $  $  $  $  $  $  $   $   $   $   $   $   $ 

Operating leases

  30  20  12  8  5  11  86   27     22     18     11     7     5     90  

Other commercial commitments

  100  9  7  6  —    —    122   64     4     4     3     1     3     79  
                       

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total operating lease expense amounted to $39$32 million in 2008 (2007—2011 (2010—$3132 million; 2009—$36 million).

GUARANTEESDOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 22. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

INDEMNIFICATIONS

In the normal course of business, the Company offers indemnifications relating to the sale of its businesses and real estate. In general, these indemnifications may relate to claims from past business operations, the failure to abide by covenants and the breach of representations and warranties included in the sales agreements. Typically, such representations and warranties relate to taxation, environmental, product and employee matters. The terms of these indemnification agreements are generally for an unlimited period of time. At December 31, 2008,2011, the Company is unable to estimate the potential maximum liabilities for these types of indemnification guarantees as the amounts are contingent upon the outcome of future events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accordingly, no provisions haveprovision has been recorded. These indemnifications have not yielded a significant expense in the past.

NOTE 24.23.

 

 

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement. SFAS No. 157 establishes and prioritizes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level3—Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

The following table presents information about the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008, in accordance with SFAS 157 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.

Fair value measurement at reporting date using:

  December 31,
2008
  Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
  Balance sheet classification
  $  $ $ $   

Assets

      

Derivative financial instruments

 13 (a) —   13 —    Prepaid expenses
           

Total

 13  —   13 —    
           

Liabilities

      

Derivative financial instruments

 57 (a) —   57 —    Trade and other payables

Derivative financial instruments

 6 (a) —   6 —    Other liabilities and
deferred credits
           

Total

 63  —   63 —    
           

(a)See Note 25. Derivative financial instruments include foreign exchange options and natural gas swap contracts. Fair value measurements for the Company’s derivatives are classified under Level 2 because such measurements are determined using published market prices or estimated based on observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, spot and future exchange rates.

NOTE 25.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

   December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
   Fair
value
  Carrying
amount
  Fair
value
  Carrying
amount
   $  $  $  $

Long-term debt

  1,524  2,128  2,162  2,230
            

The fair value of the long-term debt, including the portion due within one year, is principally based on quoted market prices.

Due to their short-term maturity, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, bank indebtedness, trade and other payables and income and other taxes approximate their fair values.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

INTEREST RATE RISK

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk arising from fluctuations in interest rates on its cash and cash equivalents, its bank indebtedness, its bank credit facility and its long-term debt. The Company may manage this interest rate exposure bythrough the use of derivative instruments such as interest rate swap contracts.

CREDIT RISK

The Company is exposed to credit risk on the accounts receivable from its customers. In order to reduce this risk, the Company reviews new customers’ credit historieshistory before granting credit and conducts regular reviews of existing customers’ credit performance. As atof December 31, 2008, one of Domtar’s Papers segment2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company did not have any customers located in the United Statesthat represented 11% ($54 million) (2007 – 6% ($31 million))more than 10% of the receivables, prior to the effect of receivables securitization.receivables.

The Company is also exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties to its financial instruments. The Company minimizes this exposure by entering into contracts with counterparties that are believed to be of high credit quality. Collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to credit risk is usually not obtained. The credit standing of counterparties is regularly monitored. Additionally, the Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by its insurers. The Company minimizes this exposure by doing business only with large reputable insurance companies.

FOREIGN CURRENCYCOST RISK

Cash flow hedges:

The Company does not enter intopurchases natural gas and oil at the prevailing market price at the time of delivery. In order to manage the cash flow risk associated with purchases of natural gas and oil, the Company may utilize derivative financial instruments or physical purchases to fix the price of forecasted natural gas and oil purchases. The

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 23. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (CONTINUED)

Company formally documents the hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, the risk management objectives and strategies for trading or speculative purposes. The derivative financial instrumentsundertaking the hedge transactions, and the methodologies used to assess effectiveness and measure ineffectiveness. Current contracts are recorded onused to hedge forecasted purchases over the Consolidated balance sheets at fair value and are included in prepaid expenses, trade and other payables and other liabilities and deferred credits.next three years. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges areis recorded as a component of accumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive incomeloss within shareholders’Shareholders’ equity, and areis recognized in costCost of sales in the period in which the hedged transaction occurs.

Fair value measurements for the Company’s derivatives are classified under Level 2 (see Note 24) because such measurements are determined using published market prices or estimated based on observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, spot and future exchange rates.

The following table providespresents the detailvolumes under derivative financial instruments for natural gas contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2011 to hedge forecasted purchases:

Commodity

  Notional contractual
quantity under
derivative contracts
  Notional contractual value
under derivative contracts
(in millions of dollars)
   Percentage of forecasted
purchases under derivative
contracts for
 
             2012  2013  2014 

Natural gas

   7,920,000    MMBTU (1)  $39     31  20  3

(1)MMBTU: Millions of British thermal units

The natural gas derivative contracts were fully effective for accounting purposes as of December 31, 2011. The critical terms of the arrangements used as hedging instruments:instruments and the hedged items match. As a result, there were no amounts reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2011 resulting from hedge ineffectiveness (2010 and 2009—nil).

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK

   Average exchange rate
(CAN/USD)
  Contractual amounts
(In millions of US dollars)
   December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
  December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
        
   $  $  $  $

Currency options purchased

  0.946  —    619  —  

0 to 12 months

        

Currency options sold

        

0 to 12 months

  0.866  —    576  —  
            

ForwardCash flow hedges:

The Company has manufacturing operations in the United States and Canada. As a result, it is exposed to movements in the foreign currency exchange rate in Canada. Also, certain assets and liabilities are denominated in Canadian dollars and are exposed to foreign currency movements. As a result, the Company’s earnings are affected by increases or decreases in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. The Company’s risk management policy allows it to hedge a significant portion of its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for periods up to three years. The Company may use derivative instruments (currency options and foreign exchange forward contracts) to mitigate its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign exchange forward contracts are contracts whereby the Company has the obligation to buy Canadian dollars at a specific rate. Currency options purchased are contracts whereby the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to buy Canadian dollars at the strike rate if the Canadian dollar trades above that rate. Currency options sold are contracts whereby the Company has the obligation to buy Canadian dollars at the strike rate if the Canadian dollar trades below that rate.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

The Company formally documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions. Foreign exchange forward contracts and currency options contracts used to hedge forecasted purchases in Canadian dollars are designated as cash flow hedges. Current contracts are used to hedge forecasted purchases over the next

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 23. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (CONTINUED)

12 months.

COST RISK

The Company purchases natural gas ateffective portion of changes in the prevailing market price at the timefair value of delivery. In order to manage the cash flow risk associated with purchases of natural gas, the Company may utilize derivative financial instruments to fix the price of forecasted natural gas purchases. The Company formally documents the hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions, and the methodologies used to assess effectiveness and measure ineffectiveness.

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company entered into natural gas swap and oil contracts to hedge certain future identifiable natural gas and oil purchases. Natural gas swap contracts used to hedge forecasted natural gas purchases are designated as cash flow hedges. These contracts are used to hedge forecasted purchases over the next 2 years.

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Companyhedges is recorded an after tax lossas a component of $52 million in accumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive income concerning these foreign currencyloss within Shareholders’ equity, and natural gas derivatives, which will beis recognized in costCost of sales upon maturity ofin the derivatives duringperiod in which the next 3 years at the then current values, which may be different from the December 31, 2008 values. At December 31, 2008, the fair value of these contracts were reflected on the Consolidated balance sheet at $13 million in prepaid expenses, $57 million in trade and other payables and $6 million in other liabilities and deferred credits.hedged transaction occurs.

The natural gas swapfollowing table presents the currency values under contracts were fully effectivepursuant to currency options outstanding as of December 31, 2008.2011 to hedge forecasted purchases:

Contract

      Notional contractual value   Percentage of CDN
denominated forecasted
expenses, net of  revenues
under contracts for
 
           2012 

Currency options purchased

   CDN     $400     50

Currency options sold

   CDN��    $400     50

The currency options are fully effective as at December 31, 2011. The critical terms of the hedging instruments (currency options and foreign exchange forward contracts) and the hedged items match. As a result, there were no material amounts reflected in the Consolidated StatementStatements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 20082011 resulting from hedge ineffectiveness.ineffectiveness (2010 and 2009—nil).

DuringThe Effect of Derivative Instruments on the year ended December 31, 2008, the loss recorded in costConsolidated Statements of sales in theEarnings and Consolidated Statement of Earnings related to the change in the fair valueShareholders’ Equity, Net of foreign exchange forward contracts and currency options contracts designated as cash flow hedges that matured during the period was $25 million.

In 2007, the Company had derivative instruments that were recorded at fair value in the purchase price allocation. As such, hedge accounting was not permitted and these instruments were recorded at fair value with the resulting gains and losses being reflected in earnings. For the year ended December 30, 2007, the Company recorded nil in earnings. At December 30, 2007, the Company had no derivative instruments outstanding.

NOTE 26.Tax

 

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow

Hedging Instruments under the

Derivatives and Hedging Topic of
FASB ASC

 Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Loss on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
  Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
  For the year ended  For the year ended 
  December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  December 31,
2009
  December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  December 31,
2009
 
  $  $  $  $  $  $ 

Natural gas swap contracts (a)

  (7  (8  (4  (6  (9  (2

Oil swap contracts (a)

  —      —      2    —      —      1  

Currency options (a)

  (6  4    53    7    11    (17
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (13  (4  51    1    2    (18
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(a)The Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion) is recorded in Cost of sales.

RELATED PARTYDOMTAR CORPORATION

Prior to the Transaction, the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business was engaged in various transactions with Weyerhaeuser that were characteristic of a consolidated group under common control. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Business Unit purchased from Weyerhaeuser pulp, fiber and corrugated boxes for an amount of $209 million and sold pulp, paper and lumber for an amount of $91 million.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 23. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (CONTINUED)

The accounting standards for fair value measurements and disclosures, establish a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement.

Level 1Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 23. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (CONTINUED)

The following tables present information about the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (except Long-term debt, see (c) below) for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, in accordance with the accounting standards for fair value measurements and disclosures and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.

Fair Value of financial instruments at:

 December 31,
2011
  Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
    

Balance sheet classification

  $  $  $  $     

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of FASB ASC:

      

Asset derivatives

      

Currency options

  7    —      7    —     (a) Prepaid expenses
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Assets

  7    —      7    —      
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Liabilities derivatives

      

Currency options

  11    —      11    —     (a) Trade and other payables

Natural gas swap contracts

  8    —      8    —     (a) Trade and other payables

Natural gas swap contracts

  3    —      3    —     (a) Other liabilities and deferred credits
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Liabilities

  22    —      22    —      
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Other Instruments:

      

Asset backed commercial paper investments (“ABCP”)

  5    —      —      5   (b) Other assets

Long-term debt

  992    992    —      —     (c) Long-term debt
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

The cumulative loss recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss relating to natural gas contracts of $11 million at December 31, 2011, will be recognized in Cost of sales upon maturity of the derivatives over the next three years at the then prevailing values, which may be different from those at December 31, 2011.

The cumulative loss recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss relating to currency options of $4 million at December 31, 2011, will be recognized in Cost of sales upon maturity of the derivatives over the next 12 months at the then prevailing values, which may be different from those at December 31, 2011.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 23. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (CONTINUED)

Fair Value of financial instruments at:

  December 31,
2010
  Quoted prices in
active markets
for identical
assets (Level 1)
  Significant
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
unobservable
inputs

(Level 3)
     

Balance sheet classification

   $  $  $  $      

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of FASB ASC:

       

Asset derivatives

       

Currency options

   14    —      14    —      (a)   Prepaid expenses
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Assets

   14    —      14    —      
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Liabilities derivatives

       

Currency options

   3    —      3    —      (a Trade and other payables

Natural gas swap contracts

   7    —      7    —      (a Trade and other payables

Natural gas swap contracts

   2    —      2    —      (a Other liabilities and deferred credits
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Total Liabilities

   12    —      12    —      
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

Other Instruments:

       

ABCP

   6    —      —      6    (b Other assets

Long-term debt

   979    979    —      —      (c Long-term debt
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

(a)Fair value of the Company’s derivatives is classified under Level 2 (inputs that are observable; directly or indirectly) as it is measured as follows:

For currency options: Fair value is measured using techniques derived from the Black-Scholes pricing model. Interest rates, forward market rates and volatility are used as inputs for such valuation techniques.

For natural gas contracts: Fair value is measured using the discounted difference between contractual rates and quoted market future rates.

(b)Fair value of ABCP investments is classified under Level 3 and is mainly based on a financial model incorporating uncertainties regarding return, credit spreads, the nature and credit risk of underlying assets, the amounts and timing of cash inflows and the limited market for the notes as at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

(c)Fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is measured by comparison to market prices of its debt. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company’s long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. However, fair value disclosure is required.

Due to their short-term maturity, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, bank indebtedness, trade and other payables and income and other taxes approximate their fair values.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

NOTE 27.24.

 

 

SEGMENT DISCLOSURES

TheFollowing the sale of the Wood business on June 30, 2010, the Company’s reportable segments correspond to the following business activities: Pulp and Paper and Distribution.

On September 1, 2011, the Company operatespurchased Attends Healthcare, Inc. As a result, an additional reportable segment, Personal Care, has been added.

Prior to June 30, 2010, the Company operated in the three reportable segments described below. segments: Pulp and Paper (formerly known as Papers), Distribution (formerly known as Paper Merchants) and Wood.

Each reportable segment offers different products and services and requires different manufacturing processes, technology andand/or marketing strategies. The following summary briefly describes the operations included in each of the Company’s reportable segments:

 

Papers—Pulp and Paperrepresents the aggregation ofSegment—comprises the manufacturing, sale and distribution businesses, commercial printingof communication, specialty and publication, and specialtypackaging papers, as well as softwood, fluff and hardwood market pulp.

 

Paper Merchants—Distributioninvolves Segment—comprises the purchasing, warehousing, sale and distribution of variousthe Company’s paper products made by the Company and bythose of other manufacturers. These products include business and printing papers, and certain industrial products and printing supplies.

Personal CareSegment—consists of the manufacturing, sale and distribution of adult incontinence products.

 

Wood—Woodcomprises the manufacturing and marketing of lumber and wood-based value-added products and the management of forest resources.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as described in Note 1. The Company evaluates performance based on operating income, which represents sales, reflecting transfer prices between segments at fair value, less allocable expenses before interest expense and income taxes. Segment assets are those directly used in segment operations.

The Company attributes sales to customers in different geographical areas on the basis of the location of the customer.

Long-lived assets consist of goodwill and property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill used in the generation of sales in the different geographical areas.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 24. SEGMENT DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

 

An analysis and reconciliation of the Company’s business segment information to the respective information in the financial statements is as follows:

 

SEGMENT DATA

  Year ended
December 31,
2008
  Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
 
   $  $  $ 

Sales

    

Papers

  5,440  5,116  3,143 

Paper Merchants

  990  813  —   

Wood

  268  304  234 
          

Total for reportable segments

  6,698  6,233  3,377 

Intersegment sales—Papers

  (276) (235) —   

Intersegment sales—Paper Merchants

  —    (1) —   

Intersegment sales—Wood

  (28) (50) (71)
          

Consolidated sales

  6,394  5,947  3,306 
          

Depreciation and amortization

    

Papers

  435  444  302 

Paper Merchants

  3  2  —   

Wood

  25  25  9 
          

Consolidated depreciation and amortization

  463  471  311 
          

Charges for closure of facilities, restructuring costs and impairments

    

Papers

  732  105  765 

Wood

  19  5  (1)
          

Consolidated charges for closure of facilities, restructuring costs and impairments

  751  110  764 
          

Operating income (loss)

    

Papers

  (369) 321  (608)

Paper Merchants

  8  13  —   

Wood

  (73) (63) 52 

Corporate

  (3) (1) —   
          

Consolidated operating income (loss)

  (437) 270  (556)

Interest expense

  133  171  —   
          

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

  (570) 99  (556)

Income tax expense

  3  29  53 
          

Net earnings (loss)

  (573) 70  (609)
          

SEGMENT DATA

  Year ended
December 31,
2011
  Year ended
December 31,
2010
  Year ended
December 31,
2009
 
   $  $  $ 

Sales

    

Pulp and Paper (1)

   4,953    5,070    4,632  

Distribution

   781    870    873  

Personal Care

   71    —      —    

Wood (2)

   —      150    211  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total for reportable segments

   5,805    6,090    5,716  

Intersegment sales—Pulp and Paper

   (193  (229  (231

Intersegment sales—Wood

   —      (11  (20
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Consolidated sales

   5,612    5,850    5,465  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization and impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment

    

Pulp and Paper

   368    381    382  

Distribution

   4    4    3  

Personal Care

   4    —      —    

Wood (2)

   —      10    20  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total for reportable segments

   376    395    405  

Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment—Pulp and Paper

   85    50    62  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Consolidated depreciation and amortization and impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment

   461    445    467  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    

Pulp and Paper

   581    667    650  

Distribution

   —      (3  7  

Personal Care

   7    —      —    

Wood (2)

   —      (54  (42

Corporate

   4    (7  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Consolidated operating income

   592    603    615  

Interest expense, net

   87    155    125  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings

   505    448    490  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   133    (157  180  

Equity loss, net of taxes

   7    —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

   365    605    310  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

SEGMENT DATA (CONTINUED)

  December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
   $  $

Segment assets

    

Papers

  5,399  6,888

Paper Merchants

  120  108

Wood

  247  320
      

Total for reportable segments

  5,766  7,316

Corporate

  338  410
      

Consolidated assets

  6,104  7,726
      

NOTE 24. SEGMENT DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

 

   Year ended
December 31,
2008
  Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
   $  $  $

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     

Papers

  130  92  64

Paper Merchants

  2  2  —  

Wood

  7  4  —  
         

Total for reportable segments

  139  98  64

Corporate

  18  25  —  
         

Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment

  157  123  64

Add: Change in payables on capital projects

  6  (7) —  
         

Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment per Consolidated cash flows

  163  116  64
         

 

    Year ended
December 31,
2008
  Year ended
December 30,
2007
  Year ended
December 31,
2006
   $  $  $

Geographic information

      

Sales

      

United States

  5,012  4,841  2,791

Canada

  832  742  515

Other foreign countries

  550  364  —  
         
  6,394  5,947  3,306
         
      December 31,
2008
  December 30,
2007
      $  $

Property, plant and equipment and goodwill

      

United States

    3,073  3,760

Canada

    1,228  1,974
        
    4,301  5,734
        

SEGMENT DATA (CONTINUED)

  December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 
   $   $ 

Segment assets

    

Pulp and Paper

   4,874     5,088  

Distribution

   84     99  

Personal Care

   458     —    

Wood(2)

   —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total for reportable segments

   5,416     5,187  

Corporate

   453     839  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated assets

   5,869     6,026  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Year ended
December  31,
2011
  Year ended
December  31,
2010
   Year ended
December  31,
2009
 
   $  $   $ 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     

Pulp and Paper

   133    142     93  

Distribution

   2    2     1  

Personal Care

   —      —       —    

Wood (2)

   —      1     4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total for reportable segments

   135    145     98  

Corporate

   10    5     8  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment

   145    150     106  

Add: Change in payables on capital projects

   (1  3     —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment per Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   144    153     106  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)In 2011, Staples, one of the Company’s largest customers in the Pulp and Paper segment, represented approximately 10% of the total sales.
(2)The Wood segment was sold in the second quarter of 2010.

    Year ended
December 31,
2011
   Year ended
December 31,
2010
   Year ended
December 31,
2009
 
   $   $   $ 

Geographic information

      

Sales

      

United States

   4,200     4,245     4,139  

Canada

   756     837     789  

China

   229     375     215  

Other foreign countries

   427     393     322  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   5,612     5,850     5,465  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

NOTE 24. SEGMENT DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

SEGMENT DATA (CONTINUED)

  December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 
   $   $ 

Long-lived assets

    

United States

   2,675     2,553  

Canada

   1,148     1,270  

Other foreign countries

   3     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   3,826     3,823  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 28.25.

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATINGSUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following information is presented as required under Rule 3.103-10 of Regulation S-X, in connection with the Company’s issuance of debt securities in exchange for outstanding debt securities of Domtar Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Pursuant to this exchange transaction, the securities that were issued (the “Guaranteed Debt”) wereare fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Domtar Paper Company, LLC, a wholly-owned100% owned subsidiary of the Company and the successor to the Weyerhaeuser Fine Paper Business U.S. Operations, Domtar Industries LLC (and subsidiaries, excluding Domtar Funding LLC), Ariva Distribution Inc., Domtar Delaware Investments Inc., Domtar Delaware Holdings, LLC, Domtar A.W. LLC (and subsidiary), Domtar AI Inc., and by Domtar EnterprisesAttends Healthcare Products, Inc. (and subsidiaries), a wholly-owned subsidiaryall 100% owned subsidiaries of the Company (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”), on a joint and several basis. The Guaranteed Debt will not be guaranteed by certain of Domtar Paper Company, LLC’s own wholly-owned100% owned subsidiaries; including Domtar Delaware Investments Inc, Domtar Delaware Holdings Inc, Domtar Delaware Holdings LLC, Domtar Inc. and Domtar Pulp & Paper Products Inc., (collectively the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”).

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

The subsidiary’s guarantee may be released in certain customary circumstances, such as if the subsidiary is sold or sells all of its assets, if the subsidiary’s guarantee of the Credit Agreement is terminated or released and if the requirements for legal defeasance to discharge the indenture have been satisfied.

The following supplemental condensed consolidating financial information sets forth, on an unconsolidated basis, the balance sheetsBalance Sheets at December 31, 20082011 and December 30, 200731, 2010 and the statementsStatements of earnings (loss),Earnings (Loss) and cash flowsCash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008,2011, December 30, 200731, 2010 and December 31, 20062009 for Domtar Corporation (the “Parent Company”“Parent”), and on a combined basis for the Guarantor Subsidiaries and, on a combined basis, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. The supplemental condensed consolidating financial information reflects the investments of the Parent Company in the Guarantor Subsidiaries, as well as the investments of the Guarantor Subsidiaries in the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, in both cases using the equity method. The Parent Company’s purchase price allocation adjustments, including applicable intangible assets, arising from the business acquisition in Note 3 have been pushed down to the applicable subsidiary columns. The 20072010 and 2009 comparative figures have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the fact that Domtar EnterprisesDelaware Investments Inc. (and subsidiaries)and Domtar Delaware Holdings, LLC both became a guarantorGuarantor subsidiaries in February 2008.June 2011.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

    Year ended December 31, 2008 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING

STATEMENT OF EARNINGS (LOSS)

  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Sales

  —    5,138  2,421  (1,165) 6,394 

Operating expenses

      

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

  —    4,175  2,215  (1,165) 5,225 

Depreciation and amortization

  —    311  152  —    463 

Selling, general and administrative

  57  295  55  —    407 

Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment

  —    96  287  —    383 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

  —    85  240  —    325 

Closure and restructuring costs

  —    2  41  —    43 

Other operating income

  —    (10) (5) —    (15)
                
  57  4,954  2,985  (1,165) 6,831 
                

Operating income (loss)

  (57) 184  (564) —    (437)

Interest expense (revenue)

  126  (194) 201  —    133 
                

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

  (183) 378  (765) —    (570)

Income tax expense (benefit)

  (59) 77  (15) —    3 

Share in earnings of equity accounted investees

  (449) (750) —    1,199  —   
                

Net earnings (loss)

  (573) (449) (750) 1,199  (573)
                

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

    Year ended December 30, 2007 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING

STATEMENT OF EARNINGS (LOSS)

  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Sales

  —    4,921  1,929  (903) 5,947 

Operating expenses

      

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

  —    3,969  1,691  (903) 4,757 

Depreciation and amortization

  —    324  147  —    471 

Selling, general and administrative

  16  302  90  —    408 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

  —    —    92  —    92 

Impairment of goodwill

  —    —    4  —    4 

Closure and restructuring costs

  —    —    14  —    14 

Other operating income

  (2) (67) —    —    (69)
                
  14  4,528  2,038  (903) 5,677 
                

Operating income (loss)

  (14) 393  (109) —    270 

Interest expense

  66  49  56  —    171 
                

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

  (80) 344  (165) —    99 

Income tax expense (benefit)

  (33) 114  (52) —    29 

Share in earnings of equity accounted investees

  117  (113) —    (4) —   
                

Net earnings (loss)

  70  117  (113) (4) 70 
                

NOTE 25. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

 

    Year ended December 31, 2006 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING

STATEMENT OF EARNINGS (LOSS)

  Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $ 

Sales

  2,656  978  (328) 3,306 

Operating expenses

     

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

  2,095  904  (323) 2,676 

Depreciation and amortization

  232  79  —    311 

Selling, general and administrative

  144  30  —    174 

Impairment of goodwill

  749  —    —    749 

Closure and restructuring costs

  1  14  —    15 

Other operating expenses (income)

  5  (68) —    (63)
             
  3,226  959  (323) 3,862 
             

Operating income (loss)

  (570) 19  (5) (556)
             

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

  (570) 19  (5) (556)

Income tax expense

  50  3  —    53 
             

Net earnings (loss)

  (620) 16  (5) (609)
             

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING
STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

  Year ended December 31, 2011 
  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Sales

   —      4,719    1,824    (931  5,612  

Operating expenses

      

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

   —      3,672    1,430    (931  4,171  

Depreciation and amortization

   —      274    102    —      376  

Selling, general and administrative

   28    330    (18  —      340  

Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment

   —      73    12    —      85  

Closure and restructuring costs

   —      51    1    —      52  

Other operating loss (income), net

   —      (9  5    —      (4
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   28    4,391    1,532    (931  5,020  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (28  328    292    —      592  

Interest expense (income), net

   98    14    (25  —      87  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity earnings

   (126  314    317    —      505  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (56  118    71    —      133  

Equity loss, net of taxes

   —      —      7    —      7  

Share in earnings of equity accounted investees

   435    239    —      (674  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

   365    435    239    (674  365  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

    Year ended December 31, 2010 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING
STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Sales

   —      4,826    1,962    (938  5,850  

Operating expenses

      

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

   —      3,805    1,550    (938  4,417  

Depreciation and amortization

   —      287    108    —      395  

Selling, general and administrative

   28    333    (23  —      338  

Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment

   —      50    —      —      50  

Closure and restructuring costs

   —      19    8    —      27  

Other operating loss (income), net

   7    (14  27    —      20  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   35    4,480    1,670    (938  5,247  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (35  346    292    —      603  

Interest expense (income), net

   153    11    (9  —      155  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

   (188  335    301    —      448  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (164  98    (91  —      (157

Share in earnings of equity accounted investees

   629    392    —      (1,021  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings

   605    629    392    (1,021  605  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 25. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

 

 

    December 31, 2008 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Assets

       

Current assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  —    14  2  —    16 

Receivables

  —    409  68  —    477 

Inventories

  —    658  305  —    963 

Prepaid expenses

  2  3  22  —    27 

Income and other taxes receivable

  96  —    9  (49) 56 

Intercompany accounts

  9  543  524  (1,076) —   

Deferred income taxes

  5  111  —    —    116 
                

Total current assets

  112  1,738  930  (1,125) 1,655 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

  —    5,712  3,251  —    8,963 

Accumulated depreciation

  —    (2,612) (2,050) —    (4,662)
                

Net property, plant and equipment

  —    3,100  1,201  —    4,301 

Goodwill

  —    —    —    —    —   

Intangible assets, net of amortization

  —    —    81  —    81 

Investments in affiliates

  4,628  1,372  26  (6,026) —   

Intercompany advances

  2  —    600  (602) —   

Other assets

  38  16  13  —    67 
                

Total assets

  4,780  6,226  2,851  (7,753) 6,104 
                

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

       

Current liabilities

       

Bank indebtedness

  —    25  18  —    43 

Trade and other payables

  31  312  303  —    646 

Intercompany accounts

  636  —    440  (1,076) —   

Income and other taxes payable

  —    85  —    (49) 36 

Long-term debt due within one year

  9  6  3  —    18 
                

Total current liabilities

  676  428  764  (1,125) 743 

Long-term debt

  2,099  —    11  —    2,110 

Intercompany long-term loans

  —    602  —    (602) —   

Deferred income taxes

  —    821  3  —    824 

Other liabilities and deferred credits

  —    62  222  —    284 

Shareholders’ equity

  2,005  4,313  1,851  (6,026) 2,143 
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  4,780  6,226  2,851  (7,753) 6,104 
                
   Year ended December 31, 2009 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING
STATEMENT OF EARNINGS (LOSS)

  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Sales

   —      4,504    1,684    (723  5,465  

Operating expenses

      

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

   —      3,659    1,536    (723  4,472  

Depreciation and amortization

   —      299    106    —      405  

Selling, general and administrative

   30    241    74    —      345  

Impairment and write-down of property, plant and equipment

   —      48    14    —      62  

Closure and restructuring costs

   —      31    32    —      63  

Other operating income, net

   (143  (487  (11  144    (497
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (113  3,791    1,751    (579  4,850  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   113    713    (67  (144  615  

Interest expense (income), net

   122    (1  4    —      125  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

   (9  714    (71  (144  490  

Income tax expense

   28    152    —      —      180  

Share in earnings of equity accounted investees

   491    (71  —      (420  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   454    491    (71  (564  310  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

    December 30, 2007 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Assets

       

Current assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  9  53  9  —    71 

Receivables

  —    452  52  —    504 

Inventories

  —    646  290  —    936 

Prepaid expenses

  —    4  10  —    14 

Income and other taxes receivable

  —    46  23  —    69 

Intercompany accounts

  —    367  387  (754) —   

Deferred income taxes

  5  57  120  —    182 
                

Total current assets

  14  1,625  891  (754) 1,776 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

  —    5,558  4,127  —    9,685 

Accumulated depreciation

  —    (2,127) (2,196) —    (4,323)
                

Net property, plant and equipment

  —    3,431  1,931  —    5,362 

Goodwill

  —    85  287  —    372 

Intangible assets, net of amortization

  —    —    111  —    111 

Investments in affiliates

  5,465  1,881  15  (7,361) —   

Intercompany advances

  2  —    640  (642) —   

Other assets

  23  13  69  —    105 
                

Total assets

  5,504  7,035  3,944  (8,757) 7,726 
                

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

       

Current liabilities

       

Bank indebtedness

  —    54  9  —    63 

Trade and other payables

  15  427  323  —    765 

Intercompany accounts

  406  —    348  (754) —   

Income and other taxes payable

  —    3  25  —    28 

Long-term debt due within one year

  8  9  —    —    17 
                

Total current liabilities

  429  493  705  (754) 873 

Long-term debt

  2,170  29  14  —    2,213 

Intercompany long-term loans

  —    642  —    (642) —   

Deferred income taxes

  —    819  184  —    1,003 

Other liabilities and deferred credits

  1  132  307  —    440 

Shareholders’ equity

  2,904  4,920  2,734  (7,361) 3,197 
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  5,504  7,035  3,944  (8,757) 7,726 
                

NOTE 25. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

    December 31, 2011 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

  Parent   Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $   $  $  $  $ 

Assets

       

Current assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

   91     2    351    —      444  

Receivables

   —       456    188    —      644  

Inventories

   —       475    177    —      652  

Prepaid expenses

   6     5    11    —      22  

Income and other taxes receivable

   20     1    26    —      47  

Intercompany accounts

   349     3,198    53    (3,600  —    

Deferred income taxes

   5     61    59    —      125  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   471     4,198    865    (3,600  1,934  

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

   —       5,581    2,867    —      8,448  

Accumulated depreciation

   —       (3,230  (1,759  —      (4,989
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net property, plant and equipment

   —       2,351    1,108    —      3,459  

Goodwill

   —       163    —      —      163  

Intangible assets, net of amortization

   —       162    42    —      204  

Investments in affiliates

   6,933     1,952    —      (8,885  —    

Intercompany long-term advances

   6     79    431    (516  —    

Other assets

   21     1    97    (10  109  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

   7,431     8,906    2,543    (13,011  5,869  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

       

Current liabilities

       

Bank indebtedness

   —       7    —      —      7  

Trade and other payables

   37     425    226    —      688  

Intercompany accounts

   3,196     370    34    (3,600  —    

Income and other taxes payable

   4     10    3    —      17  

Long-term debt due within one year

   —       4    —      —      4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   3,237     816    263    (3,600  716  

Long-term debt

   790     35    12    —      837  

Intercompany long-term loans

   431     85    —      (516  —    

Deferred income taxes and other

   —       916    21    (10  927  

Other liabilities and deferred credits

   50     133    234    —      417  

Shareholders’ equity

   2,923     6,921    2,013    (8,885  2,972  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   7,431     8,906    2,543    (13,011  5,869  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

   Year ended December 31, 2008 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF
CASH FLOWS

  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Operating activities

      

Net earnings (loss)

  (573) (449) (750) 1,199  (573)

Changes in operating and intercompany assets and liabilities and non cash items, included in net earnings (loss)

  594  1,008  367  (1,199) 770 
                

Cash flows provided from (used for) operating activities

  21  559  (383) —    197 
                

Investing activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

  —    (99) (64) —    (163)

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment and sale of trademarks

  —    5  30  —    35 

Business acquisition—Joint venture

  —    —    (12) —    (12)

Increase in long-term advances to related parties

  —    (461) —    461  —   

Decrease in long-term advances to related parties

  43  —    418  (461) —   
                

Cash flows provided from (used for) investing activities

  43  (555) 372  —    (140)
                

Financing activities

      

Net change in bank indebtedness

  —    (33) 9  —    (24)

Change of revolving bank credit facility

  10  —     —    10 

Repayment of long-term debt

  (83) (10) (2) —    (95)
                

Cash flows provided from (used for) financing activities

  (73) (43) 7  —    (109)
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  (9) (39) (4) —    (52)

Translation adjustments related to cash and cash equivalents

  —    —    (3) —    (3)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  9  53  9  —    71 
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  —    14  2  —    16 
                

NOTE 25. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

    December 31, 2010 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

  Parent   Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $   $  $  $  $ 

Assets

       

Current assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

   311     50    169    —      530  

Receivables

   4     416    181    —      601  

Inventories

   —       477    171    —      648  

Prepaid expenses

   5     6    17    —      28  

Income and other taxes receivable

   47     —      33    (2  78  

Intercompany accounts

   367     2,801    287    (3,455  —    

Deferred income taxes

   1     104    10    —      115  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   735     3,854    868    (3,457  2,000  

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

   —       5,537    3,718    —      9,255  

Accumulated depreciation

   —       (2,993  (2,495  —      (5,488
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net property, plant and equipment

   —       2,544    1,223    —      3,767  

Intangible assets, net of amortization

   —       10    46    —      56  

Investments in affiliates

   6,421     1,713    —      (8,134  —    

Intercompany long-term advances

   6     80    271    (357  —    

Other assets

   27     1    189    (14  203  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

   7,189     8,202    2,597    (11,962  6,026  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

       

Current liabilities

       

Bank indebtedness

   —       19    4    —      23  

Trade and other payables

   33     375    270    —      678  

Intercompany accounts

   2,825     400    230    (3,455  —    

Income and other taxes payable

   —       14    10    (2  22  

Long-term debt due within one year

   —       2    —      —      2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   2,858     810    514    (3,457  725  

Long-term debt

   803     10    12    —      825  

Intercompany long-term loans

   351     6    —      (357  —    

Deferred income taxes and other

   —       920    18    (14  924  

Other liabilities and deferred credits

   39     66    245    —      350  

Shareholders’ equity

   3,138     6,390    1,808    (8,134  3,202  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   7,189     8,202    2,597    (11,962  6,026  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

    Year ended December 30, 2007 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF
CASH FLOWS

  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Operating activities

      

Net earnings (loss)

  70  117  (113) (4) 70 

Changes in operating and intercompany assets and liabilities and non cash items, included in net earnings (loss)

  274  (134) 392  4  536 
                

Cash flows provided from (used for) operating activities

  344  (17) 279  —    606 
                

Investing activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

  —    (53) (63) —    (116)

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment

  —    2  27  —    29 

Business acquisition—cash acquired

  —    573  —    —    573 

Increase in long-term advances to related parties

  —    (451) (212) 663  —   

Decrease in long-term advances to related parties

  663  —    —    (663) —   

Other

  —    —    (1) —    (1)
                

Cash flows provided from (used for) investing activities

  663  71  (249) —    485 
                

Financing activities

      

Net change in bank indebtedness

  —    (1) (20) —    (21)

Drawdown on revolving bank credit facility

  50  —    —    —    50 

Issuance of short-term debt

  1,350  —    —    —    1,350 

Issuance of long-term debt

  800  —    —    —    800 

Repayment of short-term debt

  (1,350) —    —    —    (1,350)

Repayment of long-term debt

  (310) —    (1) —    (311)

Debt issue costs

  (39) —    —    —    (39)

Premium on redemption of long-term debt

  (40) —    —    —    (40)

Repurchase of minority interest

  (28) —    —    —    (28)

Distribution to Weyerhaeuser prior to March 7, 2007

  (1,431) —    —    —    (1,431)

Other

  —    —    (5) —    (5)
                

Cash flows used for financing activities

  (998) (1) (26) —    (1,025)
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

  9  53  4  —    66 

Translation adjustments related to cash and cash equivalents

  —    —    4  —    4 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  —    —    1  —    1 
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  9  53  9  —    71 
                

NOTE 25. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

   Year ended December 31, 2011 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF
CASH FLOWS

  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Operating activities

      

Net earnings

   365    435    239    (674  365  

Changes in operating and intercompany assets and liabilities and non-cash items, included in net earnings

   10    (330  164    674    518  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows provided from operating activities

   375    105    403    —      883  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investing activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   —      (103  (41  —      (144

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment

   —      16    18    —      34  

Proceeds from sale of business

   —      10    —      —      10  

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

   —      (288  —      —      (288

Other

   —      —      (7  —      (7
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows used for investing activities

   —      (365  (30  —      (395
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financing activities

      

Dividend payments

   (49  —      —      —      (49

Net change in bank indebtedness

   —      (12  (4  —      (16

Repayment of long-term debt

   (15  (3  —      —      (18

Premium paid on debt repurchases and tender offer costs

   (7  —      —      —      (7

Stock repurchase

   (494  —      —      —      (494

Increase in long-term advances to related parties

   (40  —      (187  227    —    

Decrease in long-term advances to related parties

   —      227    —      (227  —    

Other

   10    —      —      —      10  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows provided from (used for) financing activities

   (595  212    (191  —      (574
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (220  (48  182    —      (86

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   311    50    169    —      530  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   91    2    351    —      444  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 20082011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

 

    Year ended December 31, 2006 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

  Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $ 

Operating activities

     

Net earnings (loss)

  (620) 16  (5) (609)

Changes in operating and intercompany assets and liabilities and non cash items, included in net earnings (loss)

  892  69  5  966 
             

Cash flows provided from operating activities

  272  85  —    357 
             

Investing activities

     

Additions to property, plant and equipment

  (50) (14) —    (64)

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment

  1  —    —    1 
             

Cash flows used for investing activities

  (49) (14) —    (63)
             

Financing activities

     

Distribution to Weyerhaeuser

  (218) (69) —    (287)

Debt and capital lease payments

  (5) (2) —    (7)
             

Cash flows used for financing activities

  (223) (71) —    (294)
             

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  —    —    —    —   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  —    1  —    1 
             

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  —    1  —    1 
             

NOTE 25. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

   Year ended December 31, 2010 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF
CASH FLOWS

  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Operating activities

      

Net earnings

   605    629    392    (1,021  605  

Changes in operating and intercompany assets and liabilities and non-cash items, included in net earnings

   205    (560  (105  1,021    561  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows provided from operating activities

   810    69    287    —      1,166  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investing activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   —      (134  (19  —      (153

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment

   —      6    20    —      26  

Proceeds from sale of businesses and investments

   —      44    141    —      185  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows provided from (used for) investing activities

   —      (84  142    —      58  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financing activities

      

Dividend payments

   (21  —      —      —      (21

Net change in bank indebtedness

   —      (8  (11  —      (19

Repayment of long-term debt

   (896  (2  —      —      (898

Debt issue and tender offer costs

   (35  —      —      —      (35

Stock repurchase

   (44  —      —      —      (44

Prepaid and premium on strutured stock repurchase, net

   2    —      —      —      2  

Increase in long-term advances to related parties

   —      (8  (253  261    —    

Decrease in long-term advances to related parties

   261    —      —      (261  —    

Other

   (3  —      —      —      (3
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows used for financing activities

   (736  (18  (264  —      (1,018
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   74    (33  165    —      206  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   237    83    4    —      324  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   311    50    169    —      530  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 25. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

   Year ended December 31, 2009 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF
CASH FLOWS

  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated 
   $  $  $  $  $ 

Operating activities

      

Net earnings (loss)

   454    491    (71  (564  310  

Changes in operating and intercompany assets and liabilities and non-cash items, included in net earnings (loss)

   503    (669  84    564    482  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows provided from (used for) operating activities

   957    (178  13    —      792  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investing activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   —      (83  (23  —      (106

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment

   —      5    16    —      21  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows used for investing activities

   —      (78  (7  —      (85
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financing activities

      

Net change in bank indebtedness

   —      2    (2  —      —    

Change of revolving bank credit facility

   (60  —      —      —      (60

Issuance of long-term debt

   385    —      —      —      385  

Repayment of long-term debt

   (717  (6  (2  —      (725

Debt issue and tender offer costs

   (14  —      —      —      (14

Increase in long-term advances to related parties

   (314  —      (15  329    —    

Decrease in long-term advances to related parties

   —      329    —      (329  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows provided from (used for) financing activities

   (720  325    (19  —      (414
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   237    69    (13  —      293  

Translation adjustments related to cash and cash equivalents

   —      —      15    —      15  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   —      14    2    —      16  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   237    83    4    —      324  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 29.26.

SALE OF WOOD BUSINESS AND WOODLAND MILL

Sale of Wood business

On June 30, 2010, the Company sold its Wood business to EACOM Timber Corporation (“EACOM”), following the obtainment of various third party consents and customary closing conditions, which included approvals of the transfers of cutting rights in Quebec and Ontario, for proceeds of $75 million (CDN$80 million) plus elements of working capital of approximately $42 million (CDN$45 million). Domtar received 19% of the proceeds in shares of EACOM representing an approximate 12% ownership interest in EACOM. The sale resulted in a loss on disposal of the Wood business and related pension and other post-retirement benefit plan curtailments and settlements of $50 million, which was recorded in the second quarter of 2010 in Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The investment of the Company in EACOM was then accounted for under the equity method.

The transaction included the sale of five operating sawmills: Timmins, Nairn Centre and Gogama in Ontario, and Val-d’Or and Matagami in Quebec; as well as two non-operating sawmills: Ear Falls in Ontario and Ste-Marie in Quebec. The sawmills had approximately 3.5 million cubic meters of annual harvesting rights and a production capacity of close to 900 million board feet. Also included in the transaction was the Sullivan remanufacturing facility in Quebec and interests in two investments: Anthony-Domtar Inc. and Elk Lake Planning Mill Limited.

In December 2010, in an unrelated transaction, the Company sold its investment in EACOM Timber Corporation for CDN$0.51 per common share for net proceeds of $24 million (CDN$24 million) resulting in no further gain or loss. Domtar has fiber supply agreements in place with its former wood division at its Espanola facility. Since these continuing cash outflows are expected to be significant to the former Wood business, the sale of the Wood business did not qualify as a discontinued operation under ASC 205-20.

Sale of Woodland, Maine market pulp mill

On September 30, 2010, the Company sold its Woodland hardwood market pulp mill, hydro electric assets and related assets, located in Baileyville, Maine and New Brunswick, Canada. The purchase price was for an aggregate value of $60 million plus net working capital of $8 million. The sale resulted in a net gain on disposal of the Woodland, Maine mill of $10 million including pension curtailment expense of $2 million and has been recorded as a component of Other operating (income) loss on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

NOTE 27.

 

 

SUBSEQUENT EVENTEVENTS

Acquisition of Attends Healthcare Limited

On February 5, 2009January 26, 2012, Domtar Corporation announced that it will permanently reduce its fine paperthe signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of privately-held Attends Healthcare Limited (“Attends Europe”), a manufacturer and supplier of adult incontinence care products in Europe, from Rutland Partners. The purchase price is estimated at $236 million (€180 million), including the assumed debt.

DOMTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011

(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

NOTE 27. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)

Attends Europe operates a manufacturing, at its Plymouth, North Carolina mill, by shutting down one of the two paper machines comprising the mill’s fine paper production unit. This will resultresearch and development and distribution facility in the curtailment at the end of February 2009, of 293,000 short tons of the mill’s uncoated freesheet production capacity. Domtar plans to reduce the staff across various parts of the mill byAneby, Sweden, and also operates distribution centers in Scotland and Germany. Attends Europe has approximately 185413 employees.

Costs in connection with this closure areThe transaction is expected to be incurred in the first quarter of 2009 and result in an aggregate pre-tax charge of approximately $51 million, of which an estimated $41 million is non-cash relating to the write-off of the paper machine and a sheeter. Of the pre-tax cash charges, $9 million relates to severance and employee benefits and $1 million to other items.

As a result of this decision to change the nature and use of the Plymouth facility, the carrying amount of the remaining assets is currently being tested for impairment and may result in a write-downclose during the first quarter of 2009.2012, subject to customary closing conditions.

Sale of Lebel-sur-Quévillon assets

On January 31, 2012, Domtar announced the signing of a definitive agreement with Fortress Global Cellulose Ltd (“Fortress”), and with a subsidiary of the Government of Quebec, for the sale of its Lebel-sur-Quévillon assets. The carryingtransaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012.

All pulp and sawmilling assets including the buildings and equipment will be sold to Fortress for the nominal sum of $1 and all lands related to the facilities will be sold to a subsidiary of the Government of Quebec for the nominal sum of $1.

The manufacturing operations at the pulp mill ceased in November 2005 due to unfavorable economic conditions while sawmilling operations at the facility ceased in 2006.

Tender offer for certain outstanding notes

On February 22, 2012, the Company announced the commencement of a cash tender offer for its outstanding 10.75% Notes due 2017 (the “First Priority Notes”), 9.5% Notes due 2016 (the “Second Priority Notes”), 7.125% Notes due 2015 (the “Third Priority Notes”) and 5.375% Notes due 2013 (the “Fourth Priority Notes”) such that the maximum aggregate consideration for Notes purchased in the tender offer, excluding accrued and unpaid interest, which will not exceed $250 million. The tender offer is scheduled to expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on March 20, 2012, unless extended or earlier terminated.

The Company may waive, increase or decrease the maximum payment amount in its sole discretion. The Company’s obligation to consummate the tender offer is conditioned upon the satisfaction or waiver of such assets wascertain conditions, including the Company obtaining approximately $350$250 million of proceeds from a debt financing, on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Company, at December 31, 2008.

or before the expiration date of the tender.

Domtar CorporationDOMTAR CORPORATION

Interim Financial Results (Unaudited)

(in millions of dollars, unless otherwise noted)

 

2008

  1st Quarter  2nd Quarter  3rd Quarter  4th Quarter  Year 

Sales

  $1,665  $1,639  $1,625  $1,465  $6,394 

Operating income

   94   80   108   (719) (a)  (437)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

   55   43   73   (741)  (570)

Net earnings

   36   24   43   (676)  (573)

Basic net earnings (loss) per share

   0.07   0.05   0.08   (1.31)  (1.11)

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share

   0.07   0.05   0.08   (1.31)  (1.11)

Dividends per share

   —     —     —     —     —   

2007

  1st Quarter (b)  2nd Quarter  3rd Quarter  4th Quarter  Year 

Sales

  $1,051  $1,583  $1,660  $1,653  $5,947 

Operating income

   71   69   123   7 (c)  270 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

   60   22   75   (58)  99 

Net earnings (loss)

   49   11   36   (26)  70 

Basic net earnings (loss) per share

   0.14   0.02   0.07   (0.05)  0.15 

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share

   0.14   0.02   0.07   (0.05)  0.15 

Dividends per share

   —     —     —     —     —   

2011

  1st Quarter  2nd Quarter  3rd Quarter  4th Quarter  Year 

Sales

  $1,423   $1,403   $1,417   $1,369   $5,612  

Operating income

   211(a)   95(a)   187(a)   99(b)   592  

Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings

   190    74    162    79    505  

Net earnings

   133    54    117    61    365  

Basic net earnings per share

   3.16    1.31    2.96    1.64    9.15  

Diluted net earnings per share

   3.14    1.30    2.95    1.63    9.08  

2010

  1st Quarter  2nd Quarter  3rd Quarter  4th Quarter  Year 

Sales

  $1,457   $1,547   $1,473   $1,373   $5,850  

Operating income

   116(c)(d)   96(c)   236(c)��  155    603  

Earnings before income taxes

   84    26    212    126    448  

Net earnings

   58    31    191    325(e)   605  

Basic net earnings per share

   1.35    0.72    4.47    7.67    14.14  

Diluted net earnings per share

   1.34    0.71    4.44    7.59    14.00  

 

(a)The operating income for the 4th quarterfirst three quarters of 20082011 includes impairment anda write-down of property, plant and equipment relating to the closures of Lebel-sur-Quévillion, Quebec pulp mill and sawmill and the permanent shut down of a paper machine andat the converting operationsAshdown mill of Dryden, Ontario facility of $383$73 million ($3 million, $62 million and an impairment of goodwill and intangible assets relating to the Paper and Wood reportable segment of $325 million.$8 million, respectively for each quarter).

 

(b)The resultsoperating income for the 1st quarter4th Quarter of 2007 include2011 includes a write-down of property, plant and equipment relating to the resultsclosure of Domtar Inc., following the acquisition, starting on March 7, 2007.Lebel-sur-Quévillon pulp mill and sawmill of $12 million. Also, the operating income for the 4th Quarter of 2011 includes an estimated withdrawal liability and a charge to earnings of $32 million, related to the withdrawal from one of the Company’s U.S. multiemployer pension plans and a $9 million loss from a pension curtailment associated with the conversion of certain of the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution pension plans.

 

(c)The operating income of 2010 includes $39 million in accelerated depreciation at the Plymouth mill related to its conversion to 100% fluff pulp production, which represents $13 million for each of the 1st Quarter, 2nd Quarter and 3rd Quarter. The conversion of the mill was achieved in the fourth quarter of 2010.

(d)The operating income for the 4th quarter1st Quarter of 20072010 also includes an impairmenta write-down of property, plant and equipment relating to the reorganizationclosure of the Dryden, Ontario facilitycoated groundwood paper mill in Columbus of $92$9 million.

(e)Net earnings for the 4th Quarter of 2010 include the impact of the reversal of the Canadian deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $100 million and an impairmentthe recognition of goodwill relating to the Wood reportable segmentCellulosic Biofuel tax credit of $4 million,$127 million.

ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

The Company has nothing to report under this item.

 

ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of December 31, 2008,2011, an evaluation was performed by members of management, at the direction and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2008,2011, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, management has conducted an assessment, including testing, using the criteria established inin Internal Control – Control—Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

As permitted by SEC rules, management has excluded Attends, Inc. from the assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 because they were acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during 2011. The assets and revenues of this businesses represent 8% and 1%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Based on its assessment, management has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008,2011, based on criteria established inInternal Control – Control—Integrated Frameworkissued by the COSO.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20082011 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included under Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and supplementary data.

Supplementary Data.

Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report.

We have ongoing initiatives to standardize and upgrade certain of our financial and operating systems. The system upgrades will be implemented in stages over the next several years. Management believes the necessary procedures are in place to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as these initiatives continue.

 

ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION

The Company has nothing to report under this item.

PART III

 

ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information included under the captions “Governance of the Corporation,” “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Proxy Statement for the 20092012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

Information regarding our executive officers is presented in Part I, Item 1, Our Business, of this Form 10-K under the caption “Our Executive Officers.”

 

ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information appearing under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” in our Proxy Statement for the 20092012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information appearing under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Officers” in our Proxy Statement for the 20092012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

The following table sets forth the number of shares of our stock reserved for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2011:

Plan Category

  Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights (#)
 Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights ($)
 Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a)(#)
  (a) (b) (c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

  657,787(1) $63.94(2) 737,998(3)
  

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

  N/A N/A N/A
  

 

 

 

 

 

    

Total

  657,787 $63.94 737,998
  

 

 

 

 

 

(1)Represents the number of shares associated with options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share units (“PSUs”), deferred share units (“DSUs”) and dividends equivalent units (“DEUs”) outstanding as of December 31, 2011. This number assumes that PSUs will vest at the “maximum” performance level, and that any performance requirements applicable to options and SARs will be satisfied. In addition, there are 124,564 shares reserved for issuance with respect to outstanding awards granted under equity compensation plans assumed from Domtar Inc., which we assumed in 2007 connection with a transaction. The options granted under the Domtar Inc. plans have a weighted average exercise price of $102.24. Those plans are no longer available for future awards.

(2)Represents the weighted average exercise price of options and SARs disclosed in column (a).

(3)

Represents the number of shares remaining available for future issuance under the Domtar Corporation 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”) upon exercise of options. Of this number,

285,656 shares are available for issuance as restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, deferred share units and awards based on the full value of stock (rather than an increase in value) under the Omnibus Incentive Plan. Please see “Approval of the Amended and Restated Domtar Corporation 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“Omnibus Incentive Plan”) for more information.

 

ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information appearing under the captions “Governance of the Corporation – Corporation—Board Independence”Independence and Other Determinations” in our Proxy Statement for the 20092012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14.PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information appearing under the caption “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees” in our Proxy Statement for the 20092012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

ITEM 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)    1.1. Financial Statements – Statements—See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

2. Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

2.Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules are omitted as the information required is either included elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 – 8—or is not applicable.

3. Exhibits:

3.Exhibits:

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

  3.1  

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 8, 2008)

  3.2  

Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 8, 2009)

  3.3Amended and Restated By-Laws

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009)
  4.1  

Form of Rights Agreement between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

  4.2  

Form of Indenture among Domtar Corp., Domtar Paper Company, LLC and The Bank of New York, as trustee, relating to Domtar Corp.’s (i) 7.125% Notes due 2015, (ii) 5.375% Notes due 2013, (iii) 7.875% Notes due 2011, (iv) 9.5% Notes due 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Amendment No.1 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2007)

  4.3  

Supplemental Indenture, dated February 15, 2008, among Domtar Corp., Domtar Paper Company, LLC, The Bank of New York, as Trustee, and the new subsidiary guarantors parties thereto, relating to Domtar Corp.’s (i) 7.125% Notes due 2015, (ii) 5.375% Notes due 2013, (iii) 7.875% Notes due 2011, (iv) 9.5% Notes due 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2008)

  4.4  

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated February 20, 2008, among Domtar Corp., Domtar Paper Company, LLC, The Bank of New York, as Trustee, and the new subsidiary guarantor party thereto, relating to Domtar Corp.’s (i) 7.125% Notes due 2015, (ii) 5.375% Notes due 2013, (iii) 7.875% Notes due 2011, (iv) 9.5% Notes due 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2008)

  4.5Third Supplement Indenture, dated June 9, 2009, among Domtar Corp., The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, and the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, relating to Domtar Corp.’s 10.75% Senior Notes due 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 9, 2009)
  4.6

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated June 23, 2011, among Domtar Corporation, Domtar Delaware Investments Inc., and Domtar Delaware Holdings, LLC and The Bank of New York Melon, as trustee, relating to the Company’s 7.125% Notes due 2015, 5.375% Notes due 2013, 9.5% Notes due 2016 and 10.75% Notes due 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 4, 2011)

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

  4.7

Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated September 7, 2011, among Domtar Corporation, Domtar Delaware Investments Inc. and Domtar Delaware Holdings, LLC, and The Bank of New York Melon, as trustee, relating to the Company’s 7.125% Notes due 2015, 5.375% Notes due 2013, 9.5% Notes due 2016 and 10.75% Notes due 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 4, 2011)

  9.1  

Form of Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.1  

Form of Tax Sharing Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.2  

Form of Transition Services Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.3  

Form of Pine Chip Supply Agreement (Plymouth, North Carolina) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.4  

Form of Hog Fuel Supply Agreement (Plymouth, North Carolina) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.5  

Form of Site Services Agreement (Plymouth, North Carolina) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

10.6  

Form of Site Services Agreement (Columbus, Mississippi) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.7  

Form of Fiber Supply Agreement (Princeton, British Columbia) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.8  

Form of Fiber Supply Agreement (Okanagan Falls, British Columbia) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.9  

Form of Fiber Supply Agreement (Kamloops, British Columbia) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.10  

Form of Fiber Supply Agreement (Carrot River and Hudson Bay) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.11  

Form of Fiber Supply Agreement (Prince Albert, Saskatchewan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.12  

Form of Fiber Supply Agreement (White River, Ontario) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

10.13  

Form of Site Services Agreement (Utilities) (Columbus, Mississippi) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.14  

Form of Site Services Agreement (Utilities) (Plymouth, North Carolina) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.15  

Pine and Hardwood Roundwood Supply Agreement (Plymouth, North Carolina) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)

10.16  

Agreement for the Purchase and Supply of Pulp (Plymouth, North Carolina) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)

10.17  

Pine In-Woods Chip Supply Agreement (Plymouth, North Carolina) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)

10.18  

Pine and Amory Hardwood Roundwood Supply Agreement (Columbus, Mississippi) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)

10.19  

OSB Supply Agreement (Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)

10.20  

Hog Fuel Supply Agreement (Kenora, Ontario) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

10.21  

Fiber Supply Agreement (Trout Lake and Wabigoon, Ontario) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)

10.22  

Form of Intellectual Property License Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.23  

Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)

10.24  

Domtar Corporation 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan*

Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2011)*
10.25  

Domtar Corporation 2004 Replacement Long-Term Incentive Plan for Former Employees of Weyerhaeuser Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)*

10.26  

Domtar Corporation 1998 Replacement Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan for Former Employees of Weyerhaeuser Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)*

10.27  

Domtar Corporation Replacement Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan for Former Employees of Weyerhaeuser Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)*

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

10.28  

Domtar Corporation Executive Stock Option and Share Purchase Plan (applicable to eligible employees of Domtar Inc. for grants prior to March 7, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)*

10.29  

Domtar Corporation Executive Deferred Share Unit Plan (applicable to members of the Management Committee of Domtar Inc. prior to March 7, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009)*

10.30  

Domtar Corporation Deferred Share Unit Plan for Outside Directors (for former directors of Domtar Inc.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009)*

10.31  

Supplementary Pension Plan for Senior Executives of Domtar Corporation (for certain designated senior executives) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)*

10.32  

Supplementary Pension Plan for Designated Managers of Domtar Corporation (for certain designated management employees) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009)*

10.33  

Domtar Retention Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)*

10.34  

Domtar Corporation Restricted Stock Plan (applicable to eligible employees of Domtar Inc. for grants prior to March 7, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)*

10.35  

Employment Agreement of Mr. Raymond Royer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 15, 2007)*

10.36

Director Deferred Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 24, 2007)*

10.3710.36  

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 24, 2007)*

10.3810.37  

Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 24, 2007)*

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

10.3910.38  

Senior Executive Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 24, 2007)*

10.4010.39  

Credit Agreement among the Company, Domtar, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as syndication agent, Bank of America, N.A., Royal Bank of Canada and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as co-documentation agents, and the lenders from time to time parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2007)

10.4110.40  

Indenture between Domtar Inc. and the Bank of New York dated as of July 31, 1996 relating to Domtar’s $125,000,000 9.5% debentures due 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s registration statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 26, 2007)

10.4210.41  

Employment Agreement of Mr. John D. Williams (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 2, 2008)*

10.4310.42  

Employment Agreement of Mr. Marvin Cooper (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 15, 2007)*

10.4410.43  

Severance Program for Management Committee Members (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.110.43 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 8-K10-K filed with the SEC on August 12, 2008)February 25, 2011)*

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

10.4510.44  

First Amendment, dated August 13, 2008, to Credit Agreement among the Company, Domtar, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as syndication agent, Bank of America, N.A., Royal Bank of Canada and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as co-documentation agents, and the lenders from time to time parties thereto.

thereto
10.45DB SERP for Management Committee Members of Domtar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009)*
10.46  

DBDC SERP for Management Committee MembersDesignated Executives of Domtar*

Domtar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009)*
10.47  

DC SERPSupplementary Pension Plan for Designated Executives of Domtar*

Steven Barker (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009)*
10.48  

SupplementaryForm of Indemnification Agreement for members of Pension Plan for Steven Barker*

Administration Committee of Domtar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009)*
10.49  

Officer RetirementConsulting Agreement for Roger Brear*

of Mr. Marvin Cooper*
10.50  Retirement Agreement of Mr. Steven A. Barker*
10.51Retirement Agreement of Mr. Gilles Pharand*
10.52Retirement Agreement of Mr. Michel Dagenais*
10.53

Credit Agreement among the Company, Domtar Paper Company, LLC, Domtar Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, The Bank of Nova Scotia and Bank of America, N.A. as syndication agents, CIBC Inc., Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC and Royal Bank of Canada, as co-documentation agents and the lenders from time to time parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 4, 2011)

10.54

Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Attends Healthcare Holdings, LLC, Attends Healthcare, Inc. and Domtar Corporation dated as of Indemnification Agreement for members ofAugust 12, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Pension Administration Committee of Domtar Corporation*Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 4, 2011)

12.1  

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

21.1  

Subsidiaries of Domtar Corporation

23Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
24.1  

Powers of Attorney (included in signature page)

31.1  

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2  

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1  

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2  

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

*Indicates management contract or compensatory arrangement

* Indicates management contract or compensatory arrangement

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

(IN MILLIONS OF US DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For the three years ended:

 

   Balance at
beginning
of year
  Charged to
income
  (Deductions) from /
Additions to reserve
  Balance at end
of year
   $  $  $  $

Allowances deducted from related asset accounts:

      

Doubtful accounts—Accounts receivable

      

2008

  9  6  (4) 11

2007

  2  (4) 11  9

2006

  2  —    —    2

The additions to reserve during 2007 include the acquisition of Domtar Inc. of $12 million

   Balance at
beginning
of year
   Charged to
income
   (Deductions) from /
Additions to reserve
  Balance at end
of year
 
   

$

   $   $  $ 

Allowances deducted from related asset accounts:

       

Doubtful accounts—Accounts receivable

       

2011

   7     2     (4  5  

2010

   8     4     (5  7  

2009

   11     4     (7  8  

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on February 27, 2009.2012.

 

DOMTAR CORPORATION
By:by 

/s/ JOHNJohn D. WILLIAMS        

Williams

Name:

 John D. Williams

Title:

 President and Chief Executive Officer

We, the undersigned directors and officers of Domtar Corporation, hereby severally constitute Zygmunt Jablonski and Razvan L. Theodoru, and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys with full power to them and each of them to sign for us, in our names in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/  JOHN D. WILLIAMS        

John D. Williams

John D. Williams

  

President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director

 February 27, 20092012

/s/  DANIEL BURON        

Daniel Buron

Daniel Buron

  

Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 February 27, 20092012

/s/  HAROLD H. MACKAY        

Harold H. MacKay

Harold H. MacKay

  Director February 27, 20092012

/s/  JACK C. BINGLEMAN        

Jack C. Bingleman

Jack C. Bingleman

  Director February 27, 20092012

/s/  MARVIN D. COOPER        Louis P. Gignac      

Marvin D. CooperLouis P. Gignac

  Director February 27, 20092012

/s/  LOUIS P. GIGNAC        Brian M. Levitt      

Louis P. GignacBrian M. Levitt

  Director February 27, 20092012

/s/  BRIAN M. LEVITT        David G. Maffucci      

Brian M. LevittDavid G. Maffucci

  Director February 27, 20092012

/s/  W. HENSON MOORE        Henson Moore      

W. Henson Moore

  Director February 27, 20092012

/s/  MICHAEL R. ONUSTOCK        

Michael R. Onustock

Michael R. Onustock

  Director February 27, 2009

/s/    RAYMOND ROYER        

Raymond Royer

Director

February 27, 20092012

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/  ROBERT J. STEACY        

Robert J. Steacy

Robert J. Steacy

  

Director

 February 27, 20092012

/s/  WILLIAM C. STIVERS        Pamela B. Strobel      

William C. StiversPamela B. Strobel

  

Director

 February 27, 20092012

/s/  PAMELA B. STROBEL        Denis Turcotte      

Pamela B. StrobelDenis Turcotte

  

Director

 February 27, 2009

/s/    RICHARD TAN        

Richard Tan

Director

February 27, 2009

/s/    DENIS TURCOTTE        

Denis Turcotte

Director

February 27, 20092012

 

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