UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DCD.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x
xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

OR

or
¨
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from  to

For the transition period fromto

 
1111 West Jefferson Street, Suite 200

Boise, Idaho 83702-5388

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Code)

(208) 384-7000

(Registrants’Registrants' telephone number, including area code)

Commission
File Number
 
Exact Name of Registrant
as
Specified in Its Charter
 I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.

State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization
I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
001-33541 Boise Inc. 20-8356960Delaware  Delaware20-8356960
333-166926-04 BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC 27-1197223Delaware  Delaware27-1197223


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

Act

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered

Common Stock, $.0001$0.0001 par value 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.

Boise Inc.  

Boise Inc.

Yes ¨
  
No  x
Yes
 ¨Nox

BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC

  
Yes¨
  
¨No  
Nox


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Boise Inc.  

Boise Inc.

Yes  ¨
  
No  x
Yes
 ¨Nox

BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC

  
Yes¨
  
¨No  
Nox


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.

Boise Inc.  

Boise Inc.

Yes x
  
No¨
Yes
 xNo¨

BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC

  
Yesx
  
xNo
No¨


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Boise Inc.  

Boise Inc.

Yesx
  
No ¨
Yes
 ¨No¨

BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC

  
Yesx
  
No¨
No¨


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’sregistrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendmentsamendment to this Form 10-K.x






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 the definitions of “large"large accelerated filer,” “accelerated" "accelerated filer," and “smaller"smaller reporting company”company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Act:

Boise Inc.

  Large accelerated filer  ¨xAccelerated filer  x¨
   Non-accelerated filer  ¨Smaller reporting company  ¨
   (Do not check if smaller reporting company) 
  
 

BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC

  Large accelerated filer  ¨Accelerated filer  ¨
   Non-accelerated filer  xSmaller reporting company  ¨
   (Do not check if smaller reporting company)  


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Boise Inc.  

Boise Inc.

Yes  ¨
  
No  x
Yes
 ¨Nox

BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC

  
Yes¨
  
¨No  
Nox


As of June 30, 2010,29, 2012, which was the last business day of the registrant’sregistrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of Boise Inc.’s's Common Stock, par value $.0001$0.0001 per share, held by non-affiliates was approximately $432,546,329$639,167,395 based upon the closing price of $5.49$6.58 per share as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange on that date.


There were 84,355,255100,620,047 common shares, $.0001$0.0001 per share par value, of Boise Inc. and 1,000 common units, $.01 per unit par value, of BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC outstanding as of January 31, 2011.

2013.


This Form 10-K is a combined annual report being filed separately by two registrants: Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC. BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC meets the conditions set forth in general instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format. Unless the context indicates otherwise, any reference in this report to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,”"Company," "we," "us," "our," or “Boise”"Boise" refers to Boise Inc., together with BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain information required for


Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference toincorporates portions of the Boise Inc. definitive Proxy Statement for its 2011Boise Inc.'s 2013 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14AShareholders' Meeting.





Table of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within 120 days of Boise Inc.’s year-end.


Contents

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1.

PART I 
Business  
Item 1.
 
Item 1A.

  
2Item 1B.
 
Item 2.

  
2Item 3.
 
Item 4.
 

Packaging

PART II
  6

Corporate and Other

9

Competition

10

Environmental Issues

11

Capital Investment

11

Seasonality

12

Working Capital

12

Acquisitions and Divestitures

12

Employees

12

Executive Officers of Registrant

12

Item 1A.

Risk Factors14

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments20

Item 2.

Properties20

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings21

Item 4.

(Removed and Reserved)21
PART II

Item 5.

  
22Item 6.
 

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data24

Item 7.

 26

Background

26

 26

 30

 34

 

Contractual Obligations

48

 49

Guarantees

49

 49

 49

Environmental

50

 52

  56

Item 7A.

  56

Item 8.

  57
 
 57
  
62 

i



 67

 67

8. Debt
14. Leases
  
69
 

i


 

3.

  Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share   75  
 

4.

  Transactions With Related Parties   75  
 

5.

  Other (Income) Expense   77  
 

6.

  Income Taxes   78  
 

7.

  Leases   84  
 

8.

  Concentrations of Risk   84  
 

9.

  Intangible Assets   85  
 

10.

  Asset Retirement Obligations   86  
 

11.

  Debt   87  
 

12.

  Financial Instruments   91  
 

13.

  Retirement and Benefit Plans   95  
 

14.

  Stockholders’ Equity and Capital   102  
 

15.

  Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits, Net   106  
 

16.

  St. Helens Mill Restructuring   107  
 

17.

  Acquisition of Boise Cascade’s Paper and Packaging Operations   107  
 

18.

  Segment Information   108  
 

19.

  Commitments, Guarantees, and Legal Proceedings   112  
 

20.

  Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)   113  
 

21.

  Subsequent Events   115  
 

22.

  Consolidating Guarantor and Nonguarantor Financial Information   115  
   
 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — KPMG LLP

   126  
 

Independent Auditors’ Report — KPMG LLP

   129  

Item 9.

 Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   130  

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

   130  
 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

   132  

Item 9B.

 

Other Information

   133  
PART III  

Item 10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

   134  

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

   135  

Item 12.

 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   135  

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

   135  

Item 14.

 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

   135  
PART IV  

Item 15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

   136  
 

Signatures

   137  
 

Index to Exhibits

   138  

ii


Item 9.

Item 9A.
Item 9B.
PART I

III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
PART IV
Item 15.



ii



PART I

All of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which include this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Registration Statements, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all related amendments are available free of charge via the Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) System on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. We also provide copies of our SEC filings at no charge upon request and make electronic copies of our reports available through our website at www.boiseinc.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we filefiling such material with or furnish such reports to the SEC. Attached as exhibits to this Form 10-K are certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required under Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. In this filing, unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or “Boise” refer to Boise Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC (BZ Intermediate).


ITEM 1.BUSINESS


Boise Inc. is a large, diverse United States-based manufacturer of packaging and paper products, including corrugated containers and sheets, containerboard, protective packaging products. The products, we manufacture includeimaging papers used for communication, such asthe office papers, commercialand home, printing papers, envelopes, forms, and newsprint, as well asconverting papers, that are associated with packaging, including label and release papers, newsprint and flexible papers used for food wrap and other applications.market pulp. We also manufacture linerboard and corrugating medium, which are combined to make containerboard, the base raw material in our corrugated sheets and containers.

Headquarteredheadquartered in Boise, Idaho, weand have approximately 4,1005,300 employees. We own paper millsoperate largely in the followingUnited States but also have operations in Europe, Mexico, and Canada.


Below is a map of our locations: Jackson, Alabama; International Falls, Minnesota; St. Helens, Oregon; and Wallula, Washington, all of which manufacture imaging, printing, and converting papers. All of these mills, except St. Helens, also manufacture pulp, which is either sold on the market or used in our own operations to manufacture paper.

We also own a mill in DeRidder, Louisiana, which produces linerboard and newsprint. Additionally, we own seven plants that manufacture corrugated packaging products. Our plants in Burley, Idaho; Nampa, Idaho; Sparks, Nevada; Salem, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Wallula, Washington, all manufacture corrugated containers. Our plant in Waco, Texas, manufactures corrugated sheets.


Corporate Headquarters
Packaging
Paper

Our operations began on February 22, 2008, when entities controlled bywe acquired the packaging and paper assets of Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. (Boise Cascade) sold their paper and packaging assets to Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. (the Acquisition). As part of the Acquisition, Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. changed its name to Boise Inc. In this Form 10-K, we use the term “Predecessor”"Predecessor" to reference the periods before the Acquisition, including the period when our assets were operated by Boise Cascade.

Since the Acquisition, we have operated



1



Corporate Structure and reportedReporting Segments

The following sets forth our structure at December 31, 2012:
Boise Inc.
BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC
Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C.
Packaging SegmentPaper SegmentCorporate and Other Segment

We operate and report our business in three reportable segments: Packaging, Paper, Packaging, and Corporate and Other (support services). We present information about each of our segments and the geographic areas in which they operate in Note 18,17, Segment Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Part"Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”Data" of this Form 10-K.

1



Corporate Structure

The following sets forth our operating structure at December 31, 2010:

Paper

Products

Packaging

In our PaperPackaging segment, we manufacture and sell three general categories of products: (1) communication-based papers; (2) packaging-demand-driven papers;linerboard, containerboard, corrugated containers and (3) market pulp. These products can be either commodity papers or papers with specialized or custom features, such as colors, coatings, high brightness, or recycled content, which make them specialty or premium products.

Communication-Based Papers

Imaging papers for the office and home, also known as cut-size office papers.

Printing and converting papers: papers used by commercial printers or converters to manufacture envelopes, forms, and other commercial paper products.

Packaging-Demand-Driven Papers

Label and release papers: These papers include label facestocks, as well as release liners, which our customers combine and convert to labels for use on consumer and commercial packaged products.

Flexible packaging papers: coated and uncoated papers sold to customers that create flexiblesheets, protective packaging products, for food and nonfood applications.

newsprint.

Corrugating medium: unbleachedPackaging Products

Linerboard: paperboard, which when corrugated and combined with linerboard, forms corrugated board — the key raw materialcorrugating medium is used in the manufacture of corrugated sheets and containers. CorrugatingThe term containerboard is used to describe linerboard, corrugating medium, is also partor a combination of a broader category of products called containerboard.

2


Market Pulp

Market pulp: pulp sold to customers in the open market for usetwo. When combined, containerboard forms the base material used in the manufacture and production of corrugated sheets and containers.

Corrugated sheets: containerboard sheets that are sold primarily to converters that produce a variety of corrugated products.
Corrugated containers: corrugated sheets that have been fed through converting machines to create containers, which are used in the packaging of fresh fruit and vegetables, processed food, beverages, and other industrial and consumer products. Stock boxes are corrugated containers manufactured to pre-set dimensions.
Protective packaging products: these products include multi-material customized packaging solutions, which may utilize kraft paper-based honeycomb corrugated packaging, foamed plastics, and air pocket packing materials.
Newsprint: paper products.

commonly used for printing newspapers, other publications, and advertising material.

We are


During the third-largest manufacturer of uncoated freesheet papers in North America. Cut-size office papers, printing and converting papers, label and release, and flexible packaging products are a subset of a larger product category called uncoated freesheet papers. Our cut-size office papers account foryear ended December 31, 2012, our Packaging segment produced approximately 57% of segment sales. Total Paper segment capacity, including corrugating medium and market pulp, was approximately 1.5 million613,000 short tons (a short ton is equal to 2,000 pounds) at December 31, 2010.

Our strategy inof linerboard, and our Paper segment isproduced approximately 135,000 short tons of corrugating medium.


We operate our Packaging segment to focusmaximize profitability through integration of our two largest paper machines on cut-size commodity office paper. Our long-term supply agreement with OfficeMax allows uscontainerboard and converting operations and through operational improvements in our facilities to focuslower costs and improve efficiency. In 2012, our largest paper machines on long, high-volumeconverting operations consumed approximately 631,000 short tons of containerboard (including both linerboard and corrugating medium), or the equivalent of 84% of our containerboard production, runs,which we consider vertical integration, an increase from 71% in 2011.


2



We are a low-volume producer of newsprint. Demand for newsprint in North America has declined dramatically in the last several years. As electronic media continues to displace newsprint, we expect this decline to continue, but at a more moderate rate. Despite this decline, our low-cost newsprint machine has enabled our newsprint operations to improvebe profitable in the capacity utilizationsouthern and southwestern United States.

The following table shows financial results for the Packaging segment for the periods indicated (dollars in millions):
 Boise Inc.  Predecessor
 Year Ended December 31  
January 1
Through
February 21,
2008    

 
2012


 
2011
(a) (b)
 
2010

 
2009
(c)
 
2008
(d)
  
Sales$1,130.1
 $949.7
 $671.9
 $588.4
 $703.7
  $113.5
             
Segment income before interest and taxes101.6
 105.0
 65.0
 67.1
 21.1
  5.7
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion60.9
 50.5
 38.6
 42.2
 35.1
  0.1
EBITDA (e)$162.5
 $155.5
 $103.6
 $109.3
 $56.2
  $5.7
____________
(a)The table above includes financial results for Tharco and Hexacomb since the acquisitions on March 1 and December 1, 2011, respectively.
(b)The year ended December 31, 2011, includes $2.2 million of expense due to the write-up of inventories in connection with the Tharco purchase price allocation and $1.6 million of transaction-related costs. Transaction-related costs include expenses associated with transactions, whether consummated or not, and do not include integration costs.
(c)The year ended December 31, 2009, includes approximately $61.6 million of income from alternative fuel mixture credits and $1.1 million of income related to the effect of energy hedges.
(d)The year ended December 31, 2008, represents operations from February 22, 2008, through December 31, 2008. Results for the year include $19.8 million of charges for the planned cold outage and shoe press installation at our mill in DeRidder, Louisiana, $5.5 million of expense related to lost production and costs incurred as a result of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, $2.8 million of expense due to the write-up of inventories in connection with the Acquisition, and $1.3 million of expense related to the effect of energy hedges.
(e)Segment earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) is calculated as segment income before interest (interest income and interest expense), income tax provision (benefit), and depreciation, amortization, and depletion. EBITDA is the primary measure used by our chief operating decision maker to evaluate segment operating performance and to decide how to allocate resources to segments. See "Part II, Item 6. Selected Financial Data" and "Note 17, Segment Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K for a description of our reasons for using EBITDA, for a discussion of the limitations of such a measure, and for a reconciliation of our EBITDA to net income (loss).

Facilities

We manufacture linerboard and newsprint on two machines at our largest paper machines, to achieve supply chain efficiencies,mill in DeRidder, Louisiana. We also manufacture corrugated containers and to developsheets and test productprotective packaging products at 26plants located in North America and packaging innovations. We leverage the expertise developed in this relationship to better serve our other customers and to develop new customers and products while pursuing productivity improvements and cost reductions.

We focus our product mix on cut-size office papers and packaging-demand-driven papers to better align ourselves with changing end markets. Many traditional communication paper markets have declined as electronic document transmission and storage alternatives have developed. These declines have varied by specific products. For example, the use of business forms has declined significantly, while cut-size office paper consumption has declined more modestly over the past several years as increased printer placements in home and manufacturing environments have offset reductions in office consumption. Some paper markets, such as label and release papers and flexible packaging papers, are not as sensitive to electronic substitution. Sales volumes of label and release, flexible packaging, and premium office papers grew 13%, during the year ended December 31, 2010, compared with the year ended December 31, 2009.

Europe.


3



The following table sets forth capacity and production at our mill in DeRidder, Louisiana, by product for the periods indicated (in thousands of short tons):

   Boise Inc.       Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31       January 1
Through
February  21,

    2008    
   Year Ended December 31 
      2010           2009           2008                 2007           2006     
 

Capacity (a)

               

Uncoated freesheet

   1,263     1,265     1,300          1,484     1,547  

Containerboard (medium)

   136     135     136          138     134  

Market pulp

   142     145     136          229     224  
                              
   1,541     1,545     1,572          1,851     1,905  
                              
               
 

Production (b)

               

Uncoated freesheet

   1,229     1,198     1,204        208     1,458     1,520  

Containerboard (medium)

   127     126     118        19     134     132  

Market pulp

   142     114     187        31     221     187  
                                 
   1,498     1,438     1,509        258     1,813     1,839  
                                 


 Boise Inc.  Predecessor
 Year Ended December 31  
January 1
Through
February 21,
2008    

 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008  
Capacity (a)            
Linerboard608
 605
 610
 610
 600
   
Newsprint235
 230
 225
 225
 410
   
 843
 835
 835
 835
 1,010
   
             
Production (b)            
Linerboard613
 607
 602
 544
 446
  83
Newsprint233
 229
 229
 188
 331
  59
 846
 836
 831
 732
 777
  142
____________
(a)Capacity numbers are shown are as of December 31 for the year presented. Capacity assumes production 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, less days allotted for planned maintenance and capital improvements. Accordingly, production can exceed calculated capacity under some operating conditions.

(b)The year ended December 31, 2008, represents operations from February 22, 2008, through December 31, 2008.

3


The following table sets forth segment sales; segment income before interest


Our corrugated products are generally manufactured to meet specific customer needs, and taxes; depreciation, amortization,as a result, production can vary between years. See sales volumes for our corrugated containers and depletion; and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the periods indicated (dollars in millions):

   Boise Inc.       Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31       January 1
Through
February  21,

2008
   Year Ended December 31 
       2010           2009           2008                 2007           2006     
 

Sales

  $1,458.3    $1,420.0    $1,403.7       $253.5    $1,596.2    $1,494.7  
               

Segment income before interest and taxes

  $151.5    $262.7    $32.7       $20.7    $133.5    $63.3  

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

   87.4     85.2     71.7        0.3     45.0     62.3  
                                 

EBITDA (a) (b)

  $238.9    $347.8    $104.3       $21.1    $178.5    $125.6  
                                 

(a)Segment EBITDA is calculated as segment income before interest (interest income, interest expense, and change in fair value of interest rate derivatives), income tax provision (benefit), and depreciation, amortization, and depletion. EBITDA is the primary measure used by our chief operating decision makers to evaluate segment operating performance and to decide how to allocate resources to segments. See “Part II, Item 6. Selected Financial Data” of this Form 10-K for a description of our reasons for using EBITDA, for a discussion of the limitations of such a measure, and for a reconciliation of our EBITDA to net income (loss).

(b)The year ended December 31, 2009, includes approximately $149.9 million of income from alternative fuel mixture credits.

Facilities

We have four paper millssheets in the Paper segment, all located in the United States. These mills had an annual capacity of 1.3 million short tons of uncoated freesheet papers as of December 31, 2010. These mills are supported by converting machines that, on a net basis, can produce approximately 0.8 million short tons of cut-size office papers annually.

The following table sets forth the annual capacities of manufacturing locations in our Paper segment as of December 31, 2010,"Sales, Marketing, and production for the year then ended (in thousands of short tons):

   Number of
Machines
   Capacity (a)   Production 

PULP AND PAPER MILLS

      

Jackson, Alabama

      

Uncoated freesheet

   2     486     471  

International Falls, Minnesota

      

Uncoated freesheet

   4     531     511  

St. Helens, Oregon

      

Uncoated freesheet

   1     58     58  

Wallula, Washington

      

Uncoated freesheet

   1     188     189  

Containerboard (medium)

   1     136     127  

Market pulp

   1     142     142  
               
   10     1,541     1,498  
               

(a)Capacity assumes production 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, less days allotted for planned maintenance and capital improvements. Accordingly, production can exceed calculated capacity under some operating conditions.

4


Distribution" section below.


Raw Materials and Input Costs

Fiber is our principal raw material


Wood fiber, including purchased rollstock consumed in this segment. During the year ended December 31, 2010, fiber costs accounted for approximately 31% of materials, labor, and other operating expenses in this segment. The primary sources of fiber are timber and byproducts of timber. Most of our manufacturing facilities are located in close proximity to active wood markets. Because of the decline in the housing and construction markets, a significant number of building products manufacturers have curtailed or closed their facilities. These curtailments and closures affect the availability and price of wood chips, wood shavings, and other timber byproducts, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. As a result, we have increased our ability to manufacture wood chips from whole logs, which we purchase from third parties. At our mill in Jackson, Alabama, we also utilize recycled fiber to produce our line of recycled office papers.

All of our paper mills, except St. Helens, have on-site pulp production facilities. Some of our paper mills also purchase pulp from third parties pursuant to contractual arrangements. We negotiate these arrangements periodically, and terms can fluctuate based on prevailing pulp market conditions, including pricing and supply dynamics. As we are currently configured and under normal operating conditions, we are a net consumer of pulp, purchasing approximately 80,000 to 110,000 short tons annually.

We purchase raw materials through contracts or open-market purchases. Our contracts are generally with suppliers located in close proximity to the specific facility they supply, and they commonly contain price adjustment mechanisms to account for market price and expense volatility.

Our Paper segment consumes substantial amounts of energy, such as electricity, natural gas, and a modest amount of fuel oil. During the year ended December 31, 2010, energy costs accounted for approximately 13% of materials, labor, and other operating expenses in this segment. We purchase substantial portions of our natural gas and electricity under supply contracts. Under most of these contracts, the providers are contractually bound to provide us with all of our needs for a particular type of energy at a specific facility. Most of these contracts have pricing mechanisms that adjust or set prices based on current market prices. We also use derivative instruments such as three-way collars, caps, call spreads, and swaps, or a combination of these instruments, to mitigate price risk for our energy requirements. For more information about our derivative instruments, see “Disclosures of Financial Market Risks” in “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-K.

We consume a significant amount of chemicals in the production of paper. Important chemicals we use include starch, caustic, sodium chlorate, precipitated calcium carbonate, dyestuffs, and optical brighteners. During the year ended December 31, 2010, chemical costs accounted for approximately 15% of materials, labor, and other operating expenses in this segment. Many of our chemicals are purchased under contracts, which provide more stability than open-market purchases. These contracts are negotiated periodically at prevailing rates.

Sales, Marketing, and Distribution

Our uncoated freesheet paper is sold primarily by our own sales personnel. We ship to customers both directly from our mills and through distribution centers and a network of outside warehouses. This allows us to respond quickly to customer requirements.

5


The following table sets forth sales volumes of paper and paper products for the periods indicated (in thousands of short tons):

   Boise Inc.       Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31       January 1
Through
February  21,

    2008    
   Year Ended December 31 
       2010           2009           2008                 2007           2006     
 

Commodity

   784     844     768        164     995     999  

Premium and specialty

   449     407     432        72     480     498  
                                 

Uncoated freesheet

   1,233     1,251     1,200        236     1,475     1,497  
               

Containerboard (medium)

   127     127     118        19     134     132  

Market pulp

   81     58     102        20     145     112  
                                 
   1,441     1,436     1,420        275     1,754     1,741  
                                 

Customers

Our largest customer in this segment is OfficeMax. During the year ended December 31, 2010, sales to OfficeMax accounted for $504.2 million of Paper segment sales. Sales to OfficeMax constitute 38% of total uncoated freesheet paper sales volume and 61% of our office papers sales volume. Pursuant to a long-standing contractual agreement, OfficeMax has agreed to purchase its full North American requirements for cut-size office paper from Boise Inc. through December 2012. OfficeMax’s purchase obligations under the agreement will phase out ratably over a four-year period beginning one year after the delivery of notice of termination, but in no event will the purchase obligation be reduced prior to December 31, 2012. The price for paper sold under this supply agreement approximates market prices. However, due to the structure of the contract, price changes to OfficeMax lag the market by up to 60 days.

In addition to OfficeMax, we have approximately 700 uncoated freesheet paper customers. Our customers include paper merchants, commercial and financial printers, paper converters such as envelope and form manufacturers, and customers who use our paper for specialty applications such as label and release products. In addition to the paper supply agreement with OfficeMax, we have long-term relationships with many other customers. No single customer, other than OfficeMax, exceeds 6% of segment sales.

Packaging

Products

In our Packaging segment, we manufacture and sell linerboard, which is used to manufacture corrugated sheets and containers. We also manufacture newsprint.

Packaging

Linerboard: paperboard, which when combined with corrugating medium, forms corrugated board — the key raw material in the manufacture of corrugated sheets and containers. Linerboard is also part of a broader category of products called containerboard.

Corrugated sheets: containerboard sheets that are sold primarily to converters that produce a variety of corrugated products.

Corrugated containers: corrugated sheets that have been fed through converting machines to create containers, which are used in the packaging of fresh fruit and vegetables, processed food, beverages, and other industrial and consumer products.

Newsprint: paper commonly used for printing newspapers, other publications, and advertising material.

6


During the year ended December 31, 2010, our Packaging segment produced approximately 602,000 short tons of linerboard and our Paper segment produced approximately 127,000 short tons of corrugating medium, both of which are used in the production of containerboard. During the year ended December 31, 2010, our corrugated container and sheet feeder plants consumed approximately 500,000 short tons of containerboard (including both linerboard and corrugating medium) or the equivalent of 69% of our containerboard production.

We operate our Packaging segment to maximize profitability through integration of our containerboard and converting operations, and through operational improvements in our facilities to lower costs and improve efficiency. We plan to increase our integration levels through acquisitions and leverage our corrugated container position. We are a low-volume producer of newsprint, and we believe that our newsprint production has a low delivered cost to southern U.S. markets.

The following table sets forth capacity and production by product for the periods indicated (in thousands of short tons):

  Boise Inc.     Predecessor 
  Year Ended December 31     January 1
Through
February  21,

    2008    
  Year Ended December 31 
      2010          2009          2008              2007          2006     
 

Capacity (a)

        

Containerboard (linerboard)

  610    610    600       575    559  

Newsprint

  225    225    410       425    426  
                       
  835    835    1,010       1,000    985  
                       
 

Production (b)

        

Containerboard (linerboard)

  602    544    446      83    573    554  

Newsprint

  229    188    331      59    409    415  
                          
  831    732    777      142    982    969  
                          

 

(a)     Capacity numbers are shown as of December 31 for the year presented. Capacity assumes production 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, less days allotted for planned maintenance and capital improvements. Accordingly, production can exceed calculated capacity under some operating conditions.

 

(b)     The year ended December 31, 2008, represents operations from February 22, 2008, through December 31, 2008.

 

The following table sets forth segment sales; segment income before interest and taxes; depreciation, amortization, and depletion; and EBITDA for the periods indicated (dollars in millions):

 

          

        

   

  Boise Inc.     Predecessor 
  Year Ended December 31     January 1
Through
February  21,

    2008    
  Year Ended December 31 
      2010          2009          2008              2007          2006     
 

Sales

 $671.9   $588.4   $703.7     $113.5   $783.1   $766.5  
 

Segment income before interest and taxes

 $65.0   $67.1   $21.1     $5.7   $40.1   $45.3  

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

  38.6    42.2    35.1      0.1    37.7    50.8  
                          

EBITDA (a) (b)

 $103.6   $109.3   $56.2     $5.7   $77.8   $96.1  
                          

(a)Segment EBITDA is calculated as segment income before interest (interest income, interest expense, and change in fair value of interest rate derivatives), income tax provision (benefit), and depreciation, amortization, and depletion. EBITDA is the primary measure used by our chief operating decision makers to evaluate segment operating performance and to decide how to allocate resources to segments. See “Part II, Item 6. Selected Financial Data” of this Form 10-K for a description of our reasons for using EBITDA, for a discussion of the limitations of such a measure, and for a reconciliation of our EBITDA to net income (loss).

(b)The year ended December 31, 2009, includes approximately $61.6 million of income from alternative fuel mixture credits.

7


We manufactured approximately 229,000 short tons of newsprint during the year ended December 31, 2010, for use primarily in printing daily newspapers and other publications in North America. Demand for newsprint in North America has declined dramatically in the last several years and may continue to decline as newspapers are replaced with electronic media.

Facilities

We manufacture containerboard (linerboard) and newsprint at our mill in DeRidder, Louisiana. This mill’s annual production capacity is approximately 835,000 short tons as of December 31, 2010. We also manufacture corrugated containers and sheets at seven plants, with an aggregate annual capacity of approximately 7,900million square feet (which assumes operating the plants five days a week, 24 hours a day).

The following table sets forth annual capacities of our containerboard (linerboard) and newsprint mill in DeRidder, Louisiana, as of December 31, 2010, and production for the year then ended (in thousands of short tons):

   Number of
Machines
   Capacity (a)   Production 

PULP AND PAPER MILL

      

DeRidder, Louisiana

      

Containerboard (linerboard)

   1     610     602  

Newsprint

   1     225     229  
               
   2     835     831  
               

(a)Capacity assumes production 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, less days allotted for planned maintenance and capital improvements. Accordingly, production can exceed calculated capacity under some operating conditions.

Raw Materials and Input Costs

Wood fiber is the principal raw material in this segment. The primary sources of wood fiber are timber and its byproducts, such as wood chips. During the year ended December 31, 2010,2012, wood fiber costs accounted for approximately 18%21% of materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation), in this segment. We generally purchase raw materialswood fiber through market-based contracts orand on the open market from suppliers located in close proximity to DeRidder.

DeRidder, Louisiana.


Our Packaging segment consumes substantial amounts of energy, such as electricity and natural gas. During the year ended December 31, 2010,2012, energy costs accounted for approximately 12% 7%of materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation), in this segment. We purchase substantial portions of our natural gas and electricity under supply contracts. Under most of these contracts, the providers are contractually bound to supply us with all of our needs for a particular type of energy at a specific facility. Our natural gas contracts have pricing mechanisms based primarily on current market prices, and our electricity contracts have pricing mechanisms based primarily on published tariffs. We also use derivative instruments such as three-way collars, caps, call spreads, and swaps, or a combination of these instruments, to mitigate price risk for our energy requirements. For more information about our derivative instruments, see “Disclosures ofNote 9, Financial Market Risks”Instruments, in “Partthe Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion8. Financial Statements and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.


We consume chemicals in the manufacturingmanufacture of our Packaging segment products. Important chemicals we use include pulping and bleaching chemicals, such as caustic starch,soda and sulfuric acid, and other sulfur-based chemicals.starch. During the year ended December 31, 2010,2012, chemical costs accounted

8


for approximately 6% 5%of materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation), in this segment. ManyMost of our chemicals are purchased under contracts, which contain price adjustment mechanisms designed to provide moregreater pricing stability than open-market purchases. These contracts are negotiated periodically at prevailing rates.





4



Sales, Marketing, and Distribution

Our containerboard (linerboard), corrugated containers and sheets, and newsprint


The products manufactured in our Packaging segment are sold by our own sales personnel, or brokers.

independent brokers, and distribution partners. The following table sets forth sales volumes of containerboard (linerboard)linerboard and newsprint (in thousands of short tons) and corrugated containers and sheets (in millions of square feet) for the periods indicated:

   Boise Inc.      Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31      January 1
Through
February  21,

2008
       Year Ended December 31     
       2010           2009           2008                2007           2006     
 

Containerboard (linerboard)

   225     253     194       36     239     266  

Newsprint

   231     199     326       56     415     411  
 

Corrugated containers and sheets

   6,735     5,963     5,337       914     6,609     6,599  

 Boise Inc.  Predecessor
 Year Ended December 31  
January 1
Through
February 21,
2008    

 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 (c)  
Linerboard (a)159
 230
 225
 253
 194
  36
Newsprint233
 231
 231
 199
 326
  56
Corrugated containers and sheets (b)10,079
 8,720
 6,735
 5,963
 5,337
  914
____________
(a)Excludes intercompany sales.
(b)Includes corrugated container and sheet volumes for Tharco and Hexacomb since the acquisitions on March 1 and December 1, 2011, respectively.
(c)The year ended December 31, 2008, represents operations from February 22, 2008, through December 31, 2008.

Customers

During


In our Packaging segment, we manufacture and sell five categories of products: (1) containerboard; (2) corrugated containers; (3) protective packaging; (4) corrugated sheets and (5) newsprint. We have over 5,000 customers in this segment, and no single customer of this segment exceeds 10% of segment sales.
We consume most of the year ended December 31, 2010,containerboard we produce. In 2012, we used approximately 37%84% of our containerboard production (both linerboard volume wasand corrugating medium) in our converting operations and sold the balance of linerboard in the domestic and international open market, both domestically and internationally. The remaining volume was used inmarkets.
In 2012, our operations. We consume virtually allplants sold approximately seven billion square feet of the corrugating medium we produce. We sell our finished corrugated containers to approximately 1,100 active customers, including large(which excludes corrugated sheets and protective packaging products), over 50% of which went into agricultural producers and food and beverage processors. markets which have been resilient in economic downturns. We serve our packaging customers' needs in these markets from our multiple regional plants, and schedule operating runs to maximize productivity and optimize shipping distances to our customers. Our corrugated converting plants in other regions serve a diverse customer base in various industries, including paper, glass, ceramics, building products, electronics and medical device manufacturers. We also sell stock boxes, which are boxes manufactured to pre-set dimensions; our stock box program serves customers with over 1,600 types of boxes, many available for next-day delivery. These stock boxes are largely used by small manufacturers in industrial markets, and we are a leading supplier of stock boxes in the Western U.S.
Our protective packaging products are used in a wide variety of manufacturing and shipping applications in North America and Europe and offer combined packaging solutions using corrugated containers combined with foam, corrugated and other interior packaging. These protective packaging products are used by a diverse customer base in North America and Europe that serves a wide variety of industries including electronics, medical equipment, automotive, glass, ceramics and building products. We also provide manufacturers and packaging suppliers with honeycomb protective packaging for internal packaging, blocking and bracing in transport applications, and advertising solutions such as point-of-purchase displays and interior signage. Honeycomb protective packaging is made from kraft linerboard formed into a pattern of hexagonal cells.
We sell corrugated sheets to over 200 converters, whoprimarily in Texas and Mexico, which use the sheets to manufacture corrugated containers for a variety of customers.

We have a focused position in the agricultural and food markets for corrugated containers. We service these less cyclical end markets with our strategically located corrugated container operations. With our regional focus and footprint, we are able to service our customers’ needs from multiple plants, schedule operating runs to maximize productivity, and reduce waste and better utilize different paper roll sizes. We believe this position in favorable end markets has made us more resistant to economic downturns. We sell our newsprint to newspaper publishers located in regional markets near our DeRidder, Louisiana, manufacturing facility and to a lesser extent to export markets, primarily in Latin America.



5



Paper

In our Paper segment, we manufacture and sell three general categories of products: (1) communication-based papers; (2) packaging-based papers; and (3) market pulp. Our paper products can be either commodity papers or papers with specialized or custom features, such as colors, coatings, high brightness, or recycled content, which make them specialty or premium products.

Communication-Based Papers
Cut-size office papers: imaging papers for the office and home.
Printing and converting papers: papers used by commercial printers or converters to manufacture envelopes, forms, and other commercial paper products.
Packaging-Based Papers
Label and release papers: these papers include label facestocks, as well as release liners, which our customers combine and convert to labels for use on consumer and commercial packaged products.
Corrugating medium: unbleached paperboard, which when corrugated and combined with linerboard, forms corrugated board — the key raw material in the manufacture of corrugated sheets and containers. Corrugating medium is also part of a broader category of products called containerboard.
Market Pulp
Market pulp: pulp sold to customers in the open market for use in the manufacture of paper products.

We are the third-largest manufacturer of uncoated freesheet papers in North America, according to RISI and our own estimates. Cut-size office papers, printing and converting papers, and label and release papers are a subset of the product category we call uncoated freesheet papers. Many traditional communication paper markets have declined as electronic document transmission and storage alternatives have developed. These declines have varied by specific product. While U.S. industry uncoated freesheet purchases declined by 3.6% in 2012 according to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), our uncoated freesheet sales volumes, which include premium office and label and release papers, increased 2.0%. We have accomplished this, in part, through growth in our label and release papers. The market for these products continues to grow at approximately 2-3% domestically and faster globally, according to our estimates. Sales volumes of our label and release, flexible packaging, and premium office papers grew 5% in 2012 compared with 2011. Our decision to cease paper production at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill will essentially eliminate future sales volumes of flexible packaging papers, as approximately half of our 60,000 ton capacity at the St. Helens facility produced flexible packaging papers, with the remaining capacity dedicated to printing and converting papers.

The following table shows financial results for the Paper segment for the periods indicated (dollars in millions):
 Boise Inc.  Predecessor
 Year Ended December 31  
January 1
Through
February 21,
2008    

 
2012
(a)

 
2011

 
2010

 
2009
(b)

 
2008
(c)
  
Sales$1,468.3
 $1,496.5
 $1,458.3
 $1,420.0
 $1,403.7
  $253.5
             
Segment income before interest and taxes73.9
 112.1
 151.5
 262.7
 32.7
  20.7
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion87.7
 89.5
 87.4
 85.1
 71.7
  0.3
EBITDA (d)$161.6
 $201.5
 $238.9
 $347.8
 $104.3
  $21.1
____________
(a)
The year ended December 31, 2012, includes pretax charges totaling $31.7 million related primarily to ceasing paper production on our one remaining paper machine at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill.
(b)The year ended December 31, 2009, includes approximately $149.9 million of income from alternative fuel mixture credits, $4.8 million of income related to the effect of energy hedges, and $5.8 million of expense associated with the

6



restructuring of the St. Helens, Oregon, mill.
(c)The year ended December 31, 2008, represents operations from February 22, 2008, through December 31, 2008, and includes $37.6 million of expense associated with the restructuring of the St. Helens, Oregon, mill, $7.4 million of expense due to the write-up of inventories in connection with the Acquisition, and $6.1 million of expense related to the impact of energy hedges.
(d)Segment EBITDA is calculated as segment income before interest (interest income and interest expense), income tax provision (benefit), and depreciation, amortization, and depletion. EBITDA is the primary measure used by our chief operating decision maker to evaluate segment operating performance and to decide how to allocate resources to segments. See "Part II, Item 6. Selected Financial Data" and "Note 17, Segment Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K for a description of our reasons for using EBITDA, for a discussion of the limitations of such a measure, and for a reconciliation of our EBITDA to net income (loss).

Facilities

We manufacture our Paper segment products at three mills, all located in the United States. These mills are supported by converting machines that, on a net basis, can produce approximately 0.8 million short tons of cut-size office papers annually.

The following table sets forth the annual capacities as of and the production for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands of short tons):
Location Number of Machines Capacity (a) Production
Jackson, Alabama      
Uncoated freesheet 2
 495
 477
International Falls, Minnesota      
Uncoated freesheet 4
 533
 535
Wallula, Washington      
Uncoated freesheet (b) 1
 191
 180
Corrugating medium 1
 137
 135
Market pulp (c) 1
 162
 120
St. Helens, Oregon (d)      
Uncoated freesheet 1
 
 57
  10
 1,518
 1,504
____________
(a)Capacity assumes production 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, less days allotted for planned maintenance and capital improvements. Accordingly, production can exceed calculated capacity under some operating conditions.
(b)
During 2012, production of label and release papers accounted for approximately87% of Wallula uncoated freesheet production, with office papers accounting for the remaining 13%.
(c)In 2012, we reduced market pulp production to balance our production with the demand for our products and began utilizing more of our market pulp internally.
(d)In December 2012, we ceased paper production on our one remaining paper machine at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill.


7



The following table sets forth capacity and production by product for the periods indicated (in thousands of short tons):
 Boise Inc.  Predecessor
 Year Ended December 31  January 1
Through
February 21, 2008
 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 (b)  
Capacity (a)            
Uncoated freesheet1,219
 1,269
 1,263
 1,265
 1,300
   
Corrugating medium137
 138
 136
 135
 136
   
Market pulp162
 160
 142
 145
 136
   
 1,518
 1,567
 1,541
 1,545
 1,572
   
             
Production            
Uncoated freesheet1,249
 1,221
 1,229
 1,198
 1,204
  208
Corrugating medium135
 135
 127
 126
 118
  19
Market pulp (c)120
 152
 142
 114
 187
  31
 1,504
 1,508
 1,498
 1,438
 1,509
  258
____________
(a)Capacity numbers shown are as of December 31 for the year presented. Capacity assumes production 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, less days allotted for planned maintenance and capital improvements. Accordingly, production can exceed calculated capacity under some operating conditions. Annual uncoated freesheet capacity at December 31, 2012, has been reduced by 60,000 tons due to the cessation of paper production at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill.
(b)The year ended December 31, 2008, represents operations from February 22, 2008, through December 31, 2008.
(c)In 2012, we reduced market pulp production to balance our production with the demand for our products and began utilizing more of our market pulp internally.

Raw Materials and Input Costs

Fiber is our principal raw material in this segment. During the year ended December 31, 2012, fiber costs accounted for approximately 28% of materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation) in this segment. The primary sources of fiber are wood and byproducts of timber. Most of our manufacturing facilities are located in close proximity to active wood markets. Because of the suppression of the housing and construction markets, a significant number of building products manufacturers have previously curtailed or closed their facilities. These curtailments and closures affect the availability and price of wood chips, wood shavings, and other timber byproducts, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. As a result, we have increased our ability to manufacture wood chips from whole logs, which we purchase from third parties. At our mill in Jackson, Alabama, we also utilize recycled fiber to produce our line of recycled office papers.

All of our paper mills have on-site pulp production facilities. Some of our paper mills also purchase pulp from third parties pursuant to contractual arrangements or obtain pulp from our other pulp facilities. We negotiate these arrangements periodically, and terms can fluctuate based on prevailing pulp market conditions, including pricing and supply dynamics. After ceasing production at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill, we are a net consumer of pulp, purchasing approximately 60,000 short tons more than we produce annually, subject to changes in product mix.

We purchase wood fiber through contracts and open-market purchases. Our contracts are generally with suppliers located in close proximity to the specific facility they supply, and they commonly contain price adjustment mechanisms to account for market price and expense volatility.

We consume a significant amount of chemicals in the production of paper. Important chemicals we use include starch, caustic soda, sodium chlorate, precipitated calcium carbonate, dyestuffs, and optical brighteners.During the year ended December 31, 2012, chemical costs accounted for approximately 17% of materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation) in this segment. Most of our chemicals are purchased under contracts, which contain price adjustment mechanisms designed to provide greater pricing stability than open-market purchases. These contracts are negotiated periodically at prevailing rates.

8




Our Paper segment consumes substantial amounts of energy, such as electricity, natural gas, and a modest amount of fuel oil. During the year ended December 31, 2012, energy costs accounted for approximately 11% of materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation) in this segment. We purchase substantial portions of our natural gas and electricity under supply contracts. Under most of these contracts, the providers are contractually bound to provide us with all of our needs for a particular type of energy at a specific facility. Most of these contracts have pricing mechanisms that adjust or set prices based on current market prices. We also use derivative instruments such as caps, call spreads, and swaps, or a combination of these instruments, to mitigate price risk for our energy requirements. For more information about our derivative instruments, see Note 9, Financial Instruments, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.
Sales, Marketing, and Distribution

Our uncoated freesheet paper is sold primarily by our own sales personnel. We ship to customers both directly from our mills and through distribution centers and a network of outside warehouses. This allows us to respond quickly to customer requirements.

The following table sets forth sales volumes of paper and paper products for the periods indicated (in thousands of short tons):
 Boise Inc.  Predecessor
 Year Ended December 31  January 1
Through
February 21, 2008
 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008  
Commodity786
 771
 784
 844
 768
  164
Premium and specialty468
 459
 449
 407
 432
  72
Uncoated freesheet1,254
 1,230
 1,233
 1,251
 1,200
  236
             
Corrugating medium135
 135
 127
 127
 118
  19
Market pulp (a)53
 90
 81
 58
 102
  20
 1,442
 1,455
 1,441
 1,436
 1,420
  275
____________
(a)In 2012, we reduced market pulp production to balance our production with the demand for our products and began utilizing more of our market pulp internally.

Customers

We have over 600 uncoated freesheet paper customers including paper merchants, commercial and financial printers, paper converters such as envelope and form manufacturers, and customers who use our paper for specialty applications such as label and release products. We have established long-term relationships with many of our customers, including our largest customer, OfficeMax Incorporated (OfficeMax). We have an agreement with OfficeMax that requires OfficeMax to buy and us to supply at least 80% of OfficeMax's requirements for commodity office papers through December 2017; however, there are circumstances that could cause the agreement to terminate before 2017. If this were to occur, OfficeMax's purchase obligations under the agreement would phase out over two years. In 2012, our sales to OfficeMax accounted for $493.9 million of Paper segment sales, 38% of total uncoated freesheet paper sales volume, and 63% of our office papers sales volume. The supply agreement with OfficeMax allows us to focus our largest paper machines on long, high-volume production runs and to continue to improve the capacity utilization of our largest paper machines. We leverage the expertise developed in this relationship to better serve our other customers and to develop new customers and products while pursuing productivity improvements and cost reductions. On February 20, 2013, OfficeMax announced it had signed a definitive merger agreement with its competitor, Office Depot. Our agreement with OfficeMax provides that it would survive the merger with respect to the office paper requirements of the legacy OfficeMax business. We cannot predict how the merger, if finalized, would affect the financial condition of the combined company, the paper requirements of the legacy OfficeMax business, or the effects the combined company would have on the pricing and competition for office papers. No single customer, other than OfficeMax, exceeds 10%of segment sales.

9



Corporate and Other


Our Corporate and Other segment includes primarily corporate support services, related assets and liabilities, and foreign exchange gains and losses. This segment also includes transportation assets, such as rail cars and trucks, which we use to transport our products from our manufacturing sites. We provide transportation services not only to our own facilities but also, on a limited basis, to third parties when geographic proximity and logistics are favorable. Rail cars and trucks are generallytypically leased. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009,2012, 2011, and 2008, and the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008,2010, segment sales related primarily to our rail and truck business were $65.4$68.9 million $63.8, $68.3 million $67.7, and $65.4 million and $8.5 million,, respectively.

9



The following table sets forth segment sales; segment income (loss)loss before interest and taxes; loss on extinguishment of debt; depreciation, amortization, and depletion; and EBITDA for the periods indicated (dollars in millions):

  Boise Inc.      Predecessor 
  Year Ended December 31      January 1
Through
February  21,

2008
  Year Ended December 31 
      2010          2009          2008               2007          2006     
 

Sales

 $65.4   $63.8   $67.7      $8.5   $58.9   $61.4  
 

Segment income (loss) before interest and taxes

 $(21.6 $(21.5 $(18.6    $(3.2 $(11.9 $(14.9

Loss on extinguishment of debt

  (22.2  (44.1                   

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

  3.9    4.1    3.2       0.1    1.9    3.3  
                           

EBITDA (a) (b)

 $(39.9 $(61.5 $(15.4    $(3.1 $(10.0 $(11.6
                           

 Boise Inc.  Predecessor
 Year Ended December 31  
January 1
Through
February 21,
2008    

 
2012

 
2011
(a)

 
2010

 
2009
(b)


 
2008
(c)
  
Sales$68.9
 $68.3
 $65.4
 $63.9
 $67.7
  $8.6
             
Segment loss before interest and taxes(27.8) (25.9) (21.7) (21.5) (18.6)  (3.2)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 (2.3) (22.2) (44.1) 
  
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion3.7
 3.7
 4.0
 4.1
 3.3
  0.1
EBITDA (d)$(24.1) $(24.4) $(39.9) $(61.4) $(15.4)  $(3.1)
____________
(a)The year ended December 31, 2011, includes $1.5 million of transaction-related costs, which include expenses associated with transactions, whether consummated or not, and do not include integration costs.
(b)The year ended December 31, 2009, includes approximately $3.9 million of expense related to alternative fuel mixture credits.
(c)The year ended December 31, 2008, represents operations from February 22, 2008, through December 31, 2008, and includes a $2.9 million gain on changes in supplemental pension plans.
(d)Segment EBITDA is calculated as segment income (loss)loss before interest (interest income and interest expense, and change in fair value of interest rate derivatives)expense), income tax provision (benefit), and depreciation, amortization, and depletion. EBITDA is the primary measure used by our chief operating decision makersmaker to evaluate segment operating performance and to decide how to allocate resources to segments. See “Part"Part II, Item 6. Selected Financial Data”Data" and "Note 17, Segment Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K for a description of our reasons for using EBITDA, for a discussion of the limitations of such a measure, and for a reconciliation of our EBITDA to net income (loss).

(b)The year ended December 31, 2009, includes approximately $3.9 million of expense from alternative fuel mixture credits.


Competition

The


All of the markets in which we operate are large and highly competitive. Our products and services compete with similar products manufactured and distributed by others both domestically and globally.internationally. Many factors influence our competitive position in each of our operating segments. Those factors include price, service, quality, product selection, and convenience of location as well as our manufacturing and overhead costs.

Some


Within our operating segments, some of our competitors in each of our segments are larger than we are and have greater financial resources. These resources afford those competitors greater purchasing power, increased financial flexibility, and more capital resources for expansion and improvement, which may enable those competitors to compete more effectively than we can.


Packaging. Although price is the primary basis for competition for most of our packaging products, quality and service are important competitive determinants. The intensity of competition in this industry fluctuates based on demand and supply levels as well as prevailing foreign currency exchange rates. Some of our competitors have lower operating costs and/or enjoy greater integration between their containerboard production and corrugated

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container production than we do.

Various types of corrugated products, including protective packaging products, comprise approximately 68% of our Packaging sales. Competition in our corrugated container operations tends to be regional, although we also face competition from large competitors with significant national account presence, and competition varies based on each type of corrugated container we sell.

In 2012, our plants sold approximately seven billion square feet of corrugated containers (which excludes corrugated sheets and protective packaging products), over 50% of which went into agricultural and food and beverage markets which have been resilient in economic downturns. We serve customers' needs in these markets from multiple plants, and schedule operating runs to maximize productivity and optimize shipping distances to our customers. Our corrugated container operations in the Pacific Northwest have a leading regional market position and supply standard shipping and point-of-purchase containers to a variety of agricultural, processed food and beverage, and industrial product manufacturers. Our primary competitors in this market are International Paper Company, Rock-Tenn Company, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Packaging Corporation of America, and Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging, Inc.

Our corrugated converting plants in other regions serve a diverse customer base in various industries, including paper, glass, ceramics, building products, electronics, and medical device manufacturers. Our primary competitors in these markets include International Paper Company, Rock-Tenn Company, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Packaging Corporation of America, and Green Bay Packaging Inc. We are a leading supplier of corrugated stock boxes in the Western U.S. These boxes can be delivered with short lead times and are largely used by small manufacturers in industrial markets. Uline is our primary competitor in this line of business.

Our protective packaging products offer combined packaging solutions utilizing corrugated containers combined with foam and other interior packaging to ship high-value products requiring special handling and are used in a wide variety of manufacturing and shipping applications in North America and Europe. We also provide manufacturers and packaging suppliers with custom manufactured honeycomb used for internal packaging requirements, blocking and bracing in transport applications, and advertising solutions, such as point-of-purchase displays and interior signage. ITW Packaging Solutions and Cascades are our primary competitors in the protective packaging market.

We also sell excess linerboard (not utilized in our converting operations) in the domestic and international open markets, although in 2012 we used approximately 84% of our containerboard (both linerboard and corrugating medium) in our converting operations, leaving approximately 159,000 short tons of linerboard for open market sales. North American containerboard manufacturers produced 36.2 million short tons of containerboard in 2012, and fourmajor manufacturers, including Boise Inc., accounted for approximately 71% of capacity, according to RISI and our own estimates. Our largest competitors include International Paper Company, Rock-Tenn Company, Georgia-Pacific LLC, and Packaging Corporation of America. Containerboard is a globally traded commodity with numerous worldwide manufacturers.

We also sell corrugated sheets to converters, primarily in Texas and Mexico, which use the sheets to manufacture corrugated containers for a variety of customers. Our primary competitors for this sheet business are International Paper Company, Georgia-Pacific LLC, KapStone Paper and Packaging Company, and TexCorr, L.P.

We sell our newsprint to newspaper publishers located in regional markets near our DeRidder, Louisiana, manufacturing facility and to a lesser extent to export markets, primarily in Latin America. North American newsprint producers shipped 6.8 million metric tonnes (a metric tonne is equal to 2,205 pounds) in 2012, and fourmajor manufacturers accounted for approximately 72%of capacity, according to RISI and our own estimates. Our largest competitors in our operating region near our DeRidder facility include Resolute Forest Products (formerly AbitibiBowater Inc.) and SP Newsprint Co. Demand for newsprint has declined dramatically in the last several years, and we expect this decline to continue at a more moderate rate as electronic media competes with newspaper readership. Major producers have closed or significantly curtailed capacity as demand has fallen. Nevertheless, our low-cost newsprint machine has enabled our newsprint operations to be profitable in the southern and southwestern United States. During 2012, our newsprint capacity and production were only reduced for scheduled maintenance.

Paper. The markets in which our Paper segment competes are large and highly competitive. Commodity grades of uncoated freesheet paper are globally traded, with numerous worldwide manufacturers, and as a result,

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these products compete primarily on the basis of price. All of our paper manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, and although we compete primarily in the domestic market, we do face competition from foreign producers, some of which have lower operating costs than we do. The level of this competition varies depending on domestic and foreign demand and foreign currency exchange rates. In general, paper production does not rely on proprietary processes or formulas, except in highly specialized or custom grades.


North American uncoated freesheet paper producers shipped 10.910.1 millionshort tons in 2010,2012, and fourmajor manufacturers account for approximately 66%74% of capacity, according to Resource Information Systems Inc. (RISI)RISI and our own estimates. As of December 31, 2010,2012, we believe that we are the third-largest producer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America.America, according to RISI and our own estimates. Our largest competitors include Domtar Corporation, (the largest producer), International Paper Company, and Georgia-Pacific LLC. Although price is the primary basis for competition in most of our paper grades, quality and service are important competitive determinants, especially in premium and specialty grades. Our uncoated freesheet papers compete with electronic data transmission, e-readers, electronic document storage alternatives, and paper grades we do not produce. Increasing shifts to these alternatives and increasing use of the Internet have had, and are likely

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to continue to have, an adverse effect on traditional print media and paper usage. These secular trends are in addition to the current demand decline driven by a weak economy and reduced white-collar employment.


Major uncoated freesheet paper producers including Boise Inc., have closed or significantly curtailed capacity in response to lower demand in recent years. In December 2008,During 2012, we permanently closed the pulp mill and twotook approximately 17,000short tons of our three paper machines at our St. Helens, Oregon, facility. Our production curtailment in 2010 was significantly less than in 2009; however, wemarket-related downtime for uncoated freesheet, compared with approximately 8,000 short tons taken during 2011. We may choose to take additional downtime or slow production in the future if market conditions warrant.

Packaging.    North American containerboard (corrugating medium and linerboard) manufacturers produced 36.2 million short tons in 2010, and five major manufacturers account for approximately 71% of capacity, according to RISI and our estimates. Our largest competitors include International Paper Company, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Temple-Inland Inc., and Packaging Corporation of America. Rock-Tenn Company recently announced its intent to acquire Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation. Containerboard (corrugating medium and linerboard) and newsprint are globally traded commodities with numerous worldwide manufacturers. Although price is the primary basis for competition in most of our packaging grades, quality and service are important competitive determinants. The intensity of competition in these industries fluctuates based on demand and supply levels as well as prevailing foreign currency exchange rates. Our corrugated container operations in the Pacific Northwest have a leading regional market position and compete with several national and regional manufacturers. Our plant in Waco, Texas, known as Central Texas Corrugated, or CTC, produces corrugated sheets that are sold to sheet plants in the Southwest, where they are converted into corrugated containers for a variety of customers. Some of our competitors have lower operating costs and/or enjoy greater integration between their containerboard production and corrugated container production than we do.

North American newsprint producers shipped 7.9 million metric tonnes (a metric tonne is equal to 2,205 pounds) in 2010, and three major manufacturers account for approximately 76% of capacity, according to RISI and our estimates. Our largest competitors include AbitibiBowater Inc., White Birch Paper Company, and Kruger Inc.

Demand for newsprint has declined dramatically in the last several years and may continue to decline as electronic media compete with newspapers. Major producers have closed significant capacity and taken substantial downtime as demand has fallen. In 2009, we announced that we had indefinitely idled the D2 newsprint machine at our mill in DeRidder, Louisiana. As of December 31, 2010, our remaining newsprint machine was running at full capacity. During 2010, our capacity and production were reduced only for scheduled maintenance.


Environmental Issues


Our discussion of environmental issues is presented under the caption “Environmental”"Environmental" in “Part"Part II, Item 7. Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”Operations" and “Part"Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings”Proceedings" of this Form 10-K.


Capital Investment


Information concerning our capital expenditures is presented under the caption “Investment Activities”"Investment Activities" in “Part"Part II, Item 7. Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”Operations" of this Form 10-K.

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Seasonality

Our businesses


We experience some seasonality, based primarily on buying patterns associated with particular products. For example, in the Pacific Northwest, the demand for our corrugated containers is influenced by changes in agricultural demand in the Pacific Northwest.within that geographic region. In addition, seasonally cold weather increases costs, especially energy consumption, at all of our manufacturing facilities. Seasonality also affects working capital levels as described below.


Working Capital


Working capital levels fluctuate throughout the year and are affected by seasonality, scheduled annual maintenance shutdowns, and changing sales patterns. Typically, we buildIn our Packaging segment, agricultural demand influences working capital, as finished goods inventory levels are increased in preparation for the harvest season in the third quarter. In our Paper segment, we typically build finished goods inventories capital at the end of the fourth quarter as we build finished goods inventoryboth a hedge against winter weather disruptions within our supply chain and in preparation foranticipation of first-quarter sales. Finished goods inventories are also increased prior to scheduled annual maintenance shutdowns to maintain sales volumes while production is stopped. Inventories for some raw materials, such as fiber, exhibit seasonal swings, as we increase log and chip inventories to ensure ample supply of fiber to our mills throughout the winter. In our Packaging segment, agricultural demand influences working capital, as finished good inventory levels are increased in preparation for the harvest season in third and fourth quarters. Changes in sales volumes and the timing of collections can affect accounts receivable levels in both our PaperPackaging and PackagingPaper segments, influencing overall working capital levels. We believe our management practices with respect to working capital conform to common business practices in the U.S.



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Acquisitions and Divestitures

We may


Although we had no material acquisition or divestiture activity in 2012, we engage in acquisition and divestiture discussions with other companies and make acquisitions and divestitures from time to time. We continue to evaluate both organic and acquisition growth opportunities that combine industrial and competitive logic with a reasonable price. We also review our operations and dispose of assets that fail to meet our criteria for return on investment or cease to warrant retention for other reasons.

On February 21, 2011, our wholly owned subsidiary, Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the Agreement) to purchase all of the outstanding stock of Tharco Packaging, Inc., for $200 million of cash consideration, subject to adjustments set forth in the Agreement. This acquisition, which closed on March 1, 2011, expands our presence in packaging markets; extends our geographical reach from the Pacific Northwest to California, Colorado, Arizona, and Georgia; and increases our containerboard integration to over 85% from approximately 70%.  We obtained appropriate consents from our lenders to enable the acquisition under our Credit Facilities.


Employees


As of January 31, 2011,2013, we had approximately 4,100 employees. Approximately 57% 5,300 employees and approximately 50%of these employees worked pursuant to collective bargaining agreements. As of January 31, 2011, approximately 50%Approximately 4% of our employees were workingwork pursuant to collective bargaining agreements that have expired or will expire within one year. We do not expect material work interruptions or increases in our costs during the course of the negotiations with our collective bargaining units. Nevertheless, if our expectations are not accurate, we could experience a material labor disruption or significantly increased labor costs at one or more of our facilities, any of which could prevent us from meeting customer demand or reduce our sales and profitability.

next 12 months.


Executive Officers of the Registrant


The following individuals are deemed our “executive officers”"executive officers" pursuant to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our executive officers are elected by our board of directors and hold office until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of our executive officers and any other

12


persons pursuant to which they were selected as officers. No family relationships exist among any of our executive officers.


Alexander Toeldte, 51,53, President and Chief Executive Officer, Director Mr. Toeldte has served as the company’scompany's president and chief executive officer and a director since February 2008. Mr. Toeldte joined Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C., in early October 2005 as president of the company’scompany's Packaging and Newsprint segment and, in late October 2005, became its executive vice president, Paper and Packaging and Newsprint segments. From 2004 to 2006, Mr. Toeldte was chair of Algonac Limited, a private management and consulting firm based in Auckland, New Zealand. Mr. Toeldte’sToeldte's previous experience includesincludes: serving as executive vice president of Fonterra Co-operative Group, Ltd., and chief executive officer of Fonterra Enterprises (Fonterra, based in New Zealand, is a global dairy company). Previously,; previously, Mr. Toeldte served in various capacities with Fletcher Challenge Limited Group (formerly one of the largest companies in New Zealand with holdings in paper, forestry, building materials, and energy), including as chief executive officer of Fletcher Challenge Building and as chief executive officer of Fletcher Challenge Paper, both of which were publicly traded units of the Fletcher Challenge Limited Group.Group; and Mr. Toeldte also served as a partner at McKinsey & Company in Toronto, Brussels, Montreal, and Stockholm. Mr. Toeldte is vice chairman of the board of directors of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). Mr. Toeldte studied economics at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität in Freiburg, Germany, and received an M.B.A. from McGill University in Montreal, Canada.


Robert A. Warren, 58,Judith M. Lassa, 54, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Warren Ms. Lassa has served as our executive vice president and chief operating officer since November 2010. From April 2008 to October 2010, heJanuary 2013. Ms. Lassa served as senior vice president and general manager of our paper and specialty products operations and supply chain management function.from November 2010 to December 2012. From February 2008 to April 2008, Mr. WarrenOctober 2010, Ms. Lassa served as general managervice president of our supply chain management function.Packaging segment. From 2006October 2004 to February 2008, Mr. WarrenMs. Lassa served as general managervice president, Packaging, of Boise Cascade, L.L.C.’s supply chain management function, and from October 2004 to 2005, he was the business leader for Boise Cascade, L.L.C.’s printing papers business. From 2003 to October 2004, Mr. Warren was a project leader for Boise Cascade Corporation. Prior to joining2004, Ms. Lassa served in a number of capacities with Boise Cascade Corporation, Mr. Warren was theincluding vice president, Packaging, and chief executive officer for Strategy in Action Group, a privatepackaging business consulting firm. Mr. Warrenleader. Ms. Lassa received a B.S. in GeneralPaper Science and Engineering from Oregon Statethe University and an M.B.A. from Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University.Wisconsin-Stevens Point.


Samuel K. Cotterell, 59,61, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Cotterell has served as our senior vice president and chief financial officer since January 2011. From February 2008 to December 2010, Mr. Cotterell served as our vice president and controller. From October 2004 to February 2008, Mr. Cotterell served as vice president and controller of Boise Cascade, L.L.C. From 1999Prior to October 2004, Mr. Cotterell served as director of financial reporting of Boise Cascade Corporation. Mr. Cotterell received a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Idaho, a B.S. in Accounting from Boise State University, and a Masters of International Business from the American Graduate School of International Management. Mr. Cotterell is a certified public accountant.


Karen E. Gowland, 52,54, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Ms. Gowland has served as our senior vice president, general counsel and secretary since August 2010. From February 2008 to July 2010, she served as our vice president, general counsel and secretary. From October 2004 to February 2008, Ms. Gowland served as vice president, general counsel and secretary of Boise Cascade, L.L.C. From 1997Prior to October 2004, Ms. Gowland served asin a number of capacities with Boise Cascade Corporation, including vice president, corporate

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secretary, and associate general counsel, of Boise Cascade Corporation. From 1989 to 1997, Ms. Gowland was associate general counsel of Boise Cascade Corporation, and from 1984 to 1989, she was counsel of Boise Cascade Corporation.counsel. Ms. Gowland received a B.S. in Accounting and a J.D. from the University of Idaho.

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Jeffrey P. Lane, 55,Robert E. Strenge, 58, Senior Vice President, and General Manager, Packaging Mr. Lane has served as senior vice president and general manager of our packaging operations since April 2008. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Lane was a partner at McKinsey & Company from 1989 to 1995 and from 1998 until 2008. From 2000 until 2008, Mr. Lane led McKinsey’s global packaging industry practice. Mr. Lane served as the president of MicroCoating Technologies, an advanced materials technology start-up, during 1997 and served as the vice president of marketing and business development for Westinghouse Security Systems, a division of Westinghouse Electric Corporation, during 1996. From 1983 to 1989, Mr. Lane served as brand manager at The Procter & Gamble Company, a global consumer products company. Mr. Lane received a B.S. in Biology from Georgia Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. from Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University.Supply Chain —

Judith M. Lassa, 52, Senior Vice President, Paper and Specialty Products Ms. Lassa has served as senior vice president and general manager of our paper and specialty products operations since November 2010. From February 2008 to October 2010, Ms. Lassa served as vice president of our Packaging segment. From October 2004 to February 2008, Ms. Lassa served as vice president, Packaging, of Boise Cascade, L.L.C. From 2000 to October 2004, Ms. Lassa served as vice president, Packaging, of Boise Cascade Corporation, and from 1997 to 2000, she served as packaging business leader of Boise Cascade Corporation. Ms. Lassa received a B.S. in Paper Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Robert E. Strenge, 56, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing —Mr. Strenge has served as senior vice president of our technology and supply chain functions since March 2012. From April 2008 to February 2012, Mr. Strenge served as senior vice president of our paper manufacturing operations since April 2008.operations. From February 2008 to April 2008, Mr. Strenge served as vice president of our Newsprint segment. From October 2004 to February 2008, Mr. Strenge served as vice president of the Newsprint segment of Boise Cascade, L.L.C. From 2003Prior to October 2004, Mr. Strenge served asin a number of capacities with Boise Cascade Corporation, including vice president of Boise Cascade Corporation’sits DeRidder operations and from 1997 to 2003, he served aspaper mill manager of Boise Cascade Corporation’s St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill.manager. Mr. Strenge received a B.S. in Pulp and Paper Technology from Syracuse University.


Bernadette M. Madarieta, 35,37, Corporate Vice President and Controller —Ms. Madarieta has served as our corporate vice president and controller since February 2011. From February 2008 to January 2011, Ms. Madarieta served as vice president and controller of Boise Cascade, L.L.C. From October 2004 to January 2008, Ms. Madarieta served as Boise Cascade, L.L.C.’s's director of financial reporting. From 2002Prior to October 2004, Ms. Madarieta served as Boise Cascade Corporation's supervisor of external financial reporting for Boise Cascade Corporation.reporting. Prior to joining Boise Cascade Corporation, Ms. Madarieta was an assurance and business advisory manager at KPMG and Arthur Andersen, where she was responsible for planning and supervising audit engagements for corporations and privately held companies. Ms. Madarieta received a B.B.A. in Accounting from Boise State University and is a certified public accountant.



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ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS


Our financial and operating results are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which could have significant, adverse effects on our business, our operating results, and our financial condition. In addition to the risks and uncertainties we discuss elsewhere in this Form 10-K (particularly in “Part"Part II, Item 7. Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”Operations") or in our other filings with the SEC,Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the following are some important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those we project in any forward-looking statement. We cannot guarantee that our actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements we make in this report, and we do not assume an obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

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Adverse business and economic conditions may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial position.General economic conditions adversely affect the demand and production of consumer goods, employment levels, the availability and cost of credit, and ultimately, the profitability of our business. High unemployment rates, lower family income, lower corporate earnings, lower business investment, and lower consumer spending typically result in decreased demand for our products. These conditions are beyond our control and may have a significant impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.


Risks Related to Industry Conditions


The paper industry experiences cyclicality; changes in the prices of our products could materially affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.Historically, macroeconomic conditions and fluctuations in industry capacity have created cyclical changes in prices, sales volumes, and margins for our products. Changing industry conditions can influence paper and packaging producers to idle or permanently close individual machines or entire mills. 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 in these markets can also result from producers introducing new capacity in response to favorable short-term pricing trends.

Industry supply is also influenced by overseas production capacity, which has grown in recent years and is expected to continue to grow. A weak U.S. dollar tends to mitigate the levels of imports, while a strong U.S. dollar tends to increase imports of commodity paper products from overseas, putting downward pressure on prices.

Prices for allSome of our products are driven by many factors outside our control, and we have little influence over the timing and extent of price changes, which are often volatile. Market conditions beyond our control determine the prices for our commodity products, and as a result, the price for any one or more of these products may fall below our cash production costs, requiring us to either incur short-term losses on product sales or cease production at one or more of our manufacturing facilities. From time to time, we have taken downtime (or slowed production) at some of our mills to balance our production with the market demand for our products, and we may continue to do so in the future. Some of our competitors may also close or reduce production at their operating facilities, some of which could reopen and increase production capacity. This potential supply and demand imbalance could cause prices to fall. Therefore, our ability to achieve acceptable operating performance and margins is principally dependent on managing our cost structure, managing changes in raw materials prices (which represent a large component of our operating costs and fluctuate based upon factors beyond our control), and general conditions in the paper market. If the prices for our products decline or if our raw material costs increase, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Some of our paper products are vulnerable to long-term declines in demand due to competing technologies or materials.Our uncoated freesheet papers andcommunication-based paper products, including newsprint, compete heavily with electronic data transmission and document storage alternatives, and paper grades we do not produce.alternatives. Increasing shifts to these alternatives have had and are likely towill continue to have an adverse effect on traditional print media and paper usage.usage of communication-based papers. Neither the timing nor the extent of this shift can be predicted with certainty. Because of these trends,certainty, but we expect demand for paperthese products to continue to decline over time and may shift from one grade of paper to another oreventually be eliminated altogether.

We face strong competitionmay not be able to grow our packaging business quickly enough to offset the demand decline we are experiencing in our markets.The paper and packaging and newsprint industries are highly competitive. We face competition from numerous competitors, domestic as well as foreign. Some of our competitors are large, vertically integrated companies that have greater financial and other resources, greater manufacturing economies of scale, greater energy self-business.

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sufficiency, or lower operating costs, compared with our company. We may be unable to compete with other companies in the market during the various stages of the business cycle and particularly during any downturns. Some of the factors that may adversely affect our ability to compete in the markets in which we participate include the entry of new competitors (including foreign producers) into the markets we serve, our competitors’ pricing strategies, our failure to anticipate and respond to changing customer preferences, and our inability to maintain the cost-efficiency of our facilities.


Increases in the cost of our raw materials, including wood fiber, chemicals, and energy, could affect our profitability. We rely heavily on the availability of raw materials, including wood fiber, chemicals, energy, and chemicals, and energy sources, including natural gas and electricity.the transportation services that deliver these materials to our manufacturing locations. Our profitability has been, and will continue to be, affected by changes in the costs and availability of such raw materials.materials and transportation services. For mostmany of our products, the relationship between industry supply and demand, rather than changes in the cost of raw materials, determines our ability to increase prices. Consequently, we may be unable to pass increases in our operating costs on to our customers in the short term. Any sustained increase in raw material costs, coupled with our inability to increase prices, would reduce our operating margins and potentially require us to limit or cease operations of one or more of our machines or facilities.


Wood fiber, including recycled fiber, is our principal raw material, accounting for approximately 31% and 18%, respectively,material. We recognized $520.1 million of the aggregate amount of materials, labor, and other operating expenses, including fiber costs for our Paper and Packaging segments for the year ended December 31, 2010. Wood fiber is a commodity, and prices have historically been cyclical. In addition, wood fiber including wood chips, sawdust, and shavings, is a byproduct in the manufacture of building products, and the availability2012. The market price of wood fiber is often negatively affected ifdependent largely upon its availability and source and can vary significantly between geographies. The availability and cost of recycled fiber depends heavily on recycling rates and the domestic and global demand for building products declines.recycled products. Our other principal raw materials are chemicals (including starch and caustic soda) and energy (including natural gas and electricity). In 2012, we recognized costs of $253.6 million and $196.0 million for chemicals and energy, respectively. The cost of both chemicals and energy can be volatile and can be affected by alternative demands for these materials, weather conditions, and other factors beyond our control.

The prices for all of these raw materials have fluctuated dramatically in the past and are likely to continue to fluctuate in the future. Our operating results have been, and will continue to be, affected by changes in the cost and availability of raw materials. Severe or sustained shortages of fiberany of these raw materials could cause us to curtail our own operations, resulting in material and adverse effects on our sales and profitability. Future domestic

Changes in the prices of our products could materially affect our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. Macroeconomic conditions and fluctuations in industry capacity create changes in prices, sales volumes, and margins for most of our products, particularly commodity grades of paper and packaging products. Changing industry conditions can influence paper and packaging producers to idle or foreign legislation and litigation concerning the use of timberlands, the protection of endangered species, and forest healthpermanently close individual machines or entire mills. 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 in these markets can also affect logresult from producers introducing new capacity in response to favorable short-term pricing trends.

Industry supply is also influenced by overseas production capacity, which has grown in recent years and fiber supply.

Energy accountsis expected to continue to grow. A weak U.S. dollar tends to mitigate the levels of imports, while a strong U.S. dollar tends to increase imports of commodity paper products from overseas, putting downward pressure on prices.


Prices for approximately 13%all of our products are driven by many factors, and 12%, respectively,we have little influence over the timing and extent of price changes, which are often volatile. Market conditions beyond our control determine the prices for our commodity products, and as a result, the price for any one or more of these products may fall below our cash

15



production costs, requiring us to either incur short-term losses on product sales or cease production at one or more of our manufacturing facilities. From time to time, we have taken downtime, slowed production, or reduced operating capacity to balance our production with the market demand for our products, and we may continue to do so in the future. Our ability to achieve acceptable operating performance and margins depends primarily upon managing our cost structure and general conditions in the paper market. If the prices for our products decline or if we are unable to control our costs, it could have a material adverse effect on our operating cash flows, profitability, and liquidity.

The paper and packaging industries are highly competitive now and are likely to become more competitive in the future. The North American communication-based paper industry is highly consolidated and is in secular decline, meaning in the future our paper business will compete for market share and sales in the face of declining numbers of customers and market demand. The North American corrugated packaging industry has been consolidating, with a number of large corrugated producers merging or acquiring other smaller packaging operations, and we believe this consolidation will continue; as a result, now and likely in the future, we will face competition in our markets from larger-scale competitors which have greater financial and other resources, greater manufacturing economies of scale, greater self-sufficiency, or lower operating costs, compared with our company.

We are significantly smaller than many of our national competitors and may lack the financial resources needed to compete effectively. Many of our competitors are large, vertically integrated companies which have greater financial and other resources, greater manufacturing economies of scale, greater energy self-sufficiency, or lower operating costs, compared with our company. We may be unable to compete with these companies and other companies in the market during the various stages of the aggregate amountbusiness cycle and particularly during any downturns. Some of materials, labor, and other operating expenses, including fiber costs, for our Paper and Packaging segments for the year ended December 31, 2010. Energy prices, particularly for electricity and natural gas, have been volatile in recent years. These fluctuationsfactors that may adversely affect our manufacturing costsability to compete in the markets in which we participate include the entry of new competitors (including foreign producers) into the markets we serve, our competitors' pricing strategies, our failure to anticipate and can contribute significantlyrespond to earnings volatility.

Other raw materials we use include various chemical compounds, such as starch, caustic soda, precipitated calcium carbonate, sodium chlorate, dyestuffs,changing customer preferences, and optical brighteners. Purchasesour inability to maintain the cost-efficiency of chemicals accounted for approximately 15% and 6%, respectively, of the aggregate amount of materials, labor, and other operating expenses, including fiber costs, for our Paper and Packaging segments for the year ended December 31, 2010. The costs of these chemicals have been volatile historically and are influenced by capacity utilization, energy prices, and other factors beyond our control.

facilities.


Risks Related to Our Operations


We dependmay be unable to attract and retain key management and other key employees. Our key managers are important to our success and may be difficult to replace because they have an average of 20years of experience in packaging and paper products manufacturing and distribution. While our senior management team has considerable experience, certain members of our management team are nearing or have reached normal retirement age. The failure to successfully implement succession plans could result in inadequate depth of institutional knowledge or inadequate skill sets, which could adversely affect our business.

We may engage in acquisitions and other strategic transactions, any of which could materially affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. Our stated goal is to expand our packaging business, and to this end, we have acquired packaging businesses over the last two years. We may continue seeking to acquire other businesses, products, or assets and may engage in other strategic transactions to the extent we believe they improve our competitive position or achieve our goals. However, we may not be able to find other suitable acquisition candidates, and we may not be able to complete such acquisitions on favorable terms, if at all, which may impede the growth of our business. Any future acquisitions may not strengthen our competitive position or achieve our goals and may disrupt our ongoing operations, divert management from day-to-day responsibilities, increase our expenses, and adversely affect our operating results, liquidity, and financial condition. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively manage the integration or separation required by any future transactions or be able to retain and motivate key personnel in connection with such transactions. In addition, difficulties encountered in any integration process could increase our expenses and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations.

Expenditures related to the cost of compliance with environmental, health and safety laws and requirements could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Our operations are subject to laws and regulations relating to the environment, health, and safety. We have incurred, and expect that we will continue to incur, significant capital, operating and other expenditures complying with applicable environmental laws and regulations. There can be no assurance that future remediation requirements and compliance with existing and new laws, regulations and requirements will not require significant expenditures, or that existing reserves for specific matters will be adequate to cover future costs. If we fail to comply with these laws and regulations, we may face civil or criminal fines, penalties, or enforcement actions, including orders limiting our operations or requiring corrective measures, installation of pollution control equipment, or other remedial actions. We spent $2 million in

16



2012 and expect to spend about $7 million in 2013 for capital environmental compliance requirements. Enactment of new environmental laws or regulations or changes in existing laws or regulations might require significant additional expenditures.

We anticipate that governmental regulation of our operations will continue to become more burdensome and that we will continue to incur significant capital and operating expenditures in order to maintain compliance with applicable laws. For example, on January 31, 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its final emission standards for boiler and process heaters (Boiler MACT rules), with an effective date of April 1, 2013, and compliance mandatory by January 31, 2016. The final Boiler MACT rules require process modifications and/or installation of air pollution controls on power boilers (principally our biomass-fuel-fired boilers) at our pulp and paper mills. We have reviewed the final rules and our preliminary estimates indicate we will incur additional capital spending of $33 to $38 million to achieve compliance with the rules, which includes the $7 million we expect to spend in 2013, as discussed above.
In addition, we may be affected by the enactment of laws concerning climate change that regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Such laws may require buying allowances for mill GHG emissions or capital expenditures to reduce GHG emissions. Because environmental regulations are not consistent worldwide, our capital and operating expenditures for environmental compliance may adversely affect our ability to compete.
We could also incur substantial fines or sanctions, enforcement actions (including orders limiting our operations or requiring corrective measures), 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 amount and timing of environmental expenditures is difficult to predict, and, in some cases, liability may be imposed without regard to contribution or to whether we knew of, or caused, the release of hazardous substances.

OfficeMax forrepresents a significant portion of our business.Our largest customer, OfficeMax, accounted for approximately 24%19% and 21% of our total sales for the yearyears ended December 31, 2010. In October 2004,2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively. We have an agreement with OfficeMax agreedthat requires OfficeMax to purchase, from our Predecessor, its full North Americanbuy and us to supply at least 80% of OfficeMax's requirements for cut-sizeoffice papers through December 2017; however, there are circumstances that could cause the agreement to terminate before 2017. On February 20, 2013, OfficeMax announced it had signed a definitive merger agreement with its competitor, Office Depot. Our agreement with OfficeMax provides that it would survive the merger with respect to the office paper requirements of the legacy OfficeMax business. We cannot predict how the merger, if finalized, would affect the financial condition of the combined company, the paper requirements of the legacy OfficeMax business, or the effects the combined company would have on the pricing and competition for office papers. Significant reductions in paper purchases from OfficeMax (or the post-merger entity) would cause us to the extent Boise chooses to supply such paper to them, through December 2012. OfficeMax’s purchase obligations under the agreement will phase out ratably overexpand our customer base and could potentially decrease our profitability if new customer sales required either a four-year period beginning one year after the deliverydecrease in our pricing and/or an increase in our cost of notice of termination, but in no event will the purchase obligation be reduced prior to December 31, 2012. If this contract is not renewed or not renewed on terms similar to the existing terms, our future business operations may be adversely affected. If OfficeMax were unable to pay, our financial performance could be affected significantly and negatively.sales. Any significant deterioration in the financial condition of OfficeMax (or the post-merger entity) affecting the ability to pay or causing a significant change in its business that would affect itsthe willingness to continue to purchase our

16


products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

liquidity.


A material disruption at one of our manufacturing facilities could prevent us from meeting customer demand, reduce our sales, or negatively affect our net income.Any of our manufacturing facilities, or any of our machines within an otherwise operational facility, could cease operations unexpectedly due to a number of events, including the following:


Maintenance outages.

Prolonged power failures.

Equipment failure.

Disruption in the supply of raw materials, such as wood fiber, energy, or chemicals.

A chemical spill or release.

Closure because of environmental-related concerns.

Explosion of a boiler.

Labor difficulties.

Other operational problems.
The effect of a drought or reduced rainfall on our water supply.

Disruptions in the transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, railroad tracks, and tunnels.

Fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or other catastrophes.

Terrorism or threats of terrorism.


Labor difficulties.

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Other operational problems.




Events such as those listed above have resulted in operating losses in the past.  For example, in 2005 a mechanical failure of one of the digesters at our Wallula, Washington, facility interrupted production, resulting in a reduction in operating income of approximately $2.0 million.  Also, in 2008, we incurred $5.5 million of expense related to lost production and costs incurred as a result of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Future events may cause similar or more severe interruptions or shutdowns, which may result in additional downtime or cause additional damage to our facilities.

Any such downtime or facility damage could prevent us from meeting customer demand for our products or require us to make unplanned capital expenditures. If our machines or facilities were to incur significant downtime, our ability to meet our production capacity targets and satisfy customer requirements would be impaired, resulting in lower sales and having a negative effect on our financial results.


Labor disruptions or increased labor costs could materially adversely affect our business. While we believe we have good labor relations, we could experience a material labor disruption, strike, or significantly increased labor costs at one or more of our facilities, either in the course of negotiations of a labor agreement or otherwise. Either of these situations could prevent us from meeting customer demands or result in increased costs, thereby reducing our sales and profitability. As of January 31, 2011, we had2013, approximately 4,100 employees. Approximately 57%50% of theseour employees workedwork pursuant to collective bargaining agreements. As of January 31, 2011, approximately 50% Approximately 4%of our total employees wereare working pursuant to collective bargaining agreements that have expired or will expire within one year, including agreements at the following facility locations: Wallula, Washington; Nampa, Idaho; DeRidder, Louisiana; Jackson, Alabama; and International Falls, Minnesota. The labor contract atnext 12 months.

When negotiating our paper mill in Wallula, Washington (332 employees represented by the Association of Western Pulp & Paper Workers, or AWPPW) expired in March 2009 and was terminated by the AWPPW in October 2009. In February 2010, the union employees at Wallula rejected a new collective bargaining agreement that union leadership had recommended unanimously, and we declared an impasseagreements in the bargaining process and implemented the terms of the last contract offer. We are currently negotiating the labor contract atfuture, our corrugated container plant in Nampa, Idaho (108 employees represented by the AWPPW), which expired on December 31, 2010. In February 2011, union employees represented by the United

17


Steelworkers at our mills in DeRidder, Louisiana (approximately 360 employees); Jackson, Alabama (approximately 400 employees); and International Falls, Minnesota (approximately 160 employees) ratified a new master labor contract. We have 60 days to negotiate local issues. The negotiations with the remaining unions at our paper mill in International Falls began in late February 2011.

Our potential inability to reach a mutually acceptable labor contract at any of our facilities could result in, among other things, strikes or other work stoppages or slowdowns by the affected employees. While the company has contingency plans in place contingency plans to address labor disturbances, we could experience disruption to our operations that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Future labor agreements could increase our costs of healthcare, retirement benefits, wages, and other employee benefits. Additionally, labor issues that affect our suppliers could also have a material adverse effect on us if those issues interfere with our ability to obtain raw materials on a cost-effective and timely basis.


We are subjectCyber security risks related to significant environmental, health,security breaches of company, customer, employee, and safety lawsvendor information, as well as the technology that manages our operations and regulations, and the cost of complianceother business processes, could adversely affect our businessbusiness. We rely on various information technology systems to capture, process, store, and resultsreport data and interact with customers, vendors, and employees. Despite careful security and controls design, implementation, updating, and internal and independent third-party assessments, our information technology systems, and those of operation.We areour third party providers, could become subject to a wide range of generalcyber attacks. Network, system, and industry-specific environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations. If we fail to comply with these laws and regulations, we may face civil or criminal fines, penalties, or enforcement actions, including orders limiting our operations or requiring corrective measures, installation of pollution control equipment, or other remedial actions.

We anticipate that governmental regulation of our operations will continue to become more burdensome and that we will continue to incur significant capital and operating expenditures in order to maintain compliance with applicable laws. For example, on June 4, 2010, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters (aka Boiler MACT rules). The recently released Boiler MACT rules will require process modifications and/or installation of air pollution controls on power boilers (principally our biomass-fuel-fired boilers) at our pulp and paper mills, and we are currently reviewing those rules to understand the effect they will have on our operations. The cost of compliance is likely to be significant. Our early estimates indicated compliancedata breaches could result in additional capital spendingmisappropriation of upsensitive data or operational disruptions including interruption to $90 million over a three-year period.

We may also be affectedsystems availability and denial of access to and misuse of applications required by the enactmentour customers to conduct business with us. Misuse of laws concerning climate change that regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Such laws may require buying allowances for mill GHG emissions or capital expenditures to reduce GHG emissions. Because environmental regulations are not consistent worldwide, our capital and operating expenditures for environmental compliance may adversely affect our ability to compete.

We spent $4 million in 2010 and expect to spend about the same amount in 2011 for capital environmental compliance requirements. Enactmentinternal applications; theft of new environmental laws or regulations or changes in existing laws or regulations might require significant additional expenditures. We may be unable to generate fundsintellectual property, trade secrets, or other sourcescorporate assets; and inappropriate disclosure of liquidityconfidential information could stem from such incidents. Delayed sales, slowed production, or other repercussions resulting from these disruptions could result in lost sales, business delays, and capitalnegative publicity and could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial condition, or cash flows.


Risks Related to fund unforeseen environmental liabilities or expenditures.

We recently acquired Tharco Packaging, Inc.,Economic and may engage in future acquisitions, which in each case could materially affect ourFinancial Factors


Adverse business operating results, and financial condition. In addition to our recent acquisition, weglobal economic conditions may continue seeking to acquire other businesses, products, or assets. However, we may not be able to find other suitable acquisition candidates, and we may not be able to complete such acquisitions on favorable terms, if at all. Our recent acquisition and, assuming we complete them, additional acquisitions may not strengthen our competitive position or achieve our goals. Our recent acquisition and any future acquisitions may disrupt our ongoing operations, divert management from day-to-day responsibilities, increase our expenses, and adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. Our recent

18


acquisition and future acquisitions may reduce our cash available for operations and other uses. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively manage the integration of our recently acquired business, or businesses we may acquire in the future, or be able to retain and motivate key personnel from those businesses. Any difficulties we encounter in the integration process could increase our expenses and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Risks Related to Economicoperations, liquidity, and Financial Factorsfinancial position.

We have substantial indebtedness, General global economic conditions adversely affect the demand and production of consumer goods, employment levels, the availability and cost of credit, and ultimately, the profitability of our ability to repaybusiness. High unemployment rates, lower family income, lower corporate earnings, lower business investment, and lower consumer spending typically result in decreased demand for our debt is dependent on our ability to generate cash from operations.As of December 31, 2010, our total indebtedness was $781.8 million. Our ability to repay our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures depends on our ability to generate cash from future operations. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors thatproducts. These conditions are beyond our control. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, to obtain additional debt, or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms wouldcontrol and may have a material adverse effectsignificant impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.operations, liquidity, and financial position.


Our operations require substantial capital, and we may not have adequate capital resources to provide for all of our capital requirements.Our businesses are capital-intensive, and we regularly incur capital expenditures to maintain our equipment, increase our operating efficiency, and comply with environmental laws. In addition, significant amounts of capital are required to modify our equipment to produce alternative or additional products or to make significant improvements in the characteristics of our current products. During the year ended

18



December 31, 2010,2012, our total capital expenditures were $137.6 million. We expect capital investments in 2013 to be between $152 million and $162 million, excluding acquisitions were $111.6 million. We expect to spend between $115 million and $125 million onmajor capital investments during 2011.expansions.


If we require funds for operating needs and capital expenditures beyond those generated from operations and we are unable to access our revolving credit facility, we may not be able to obtain them on favorable terms or at all. In addition, our debt service obligations will reduce our available cash flows.liquidity. If we cannot maintain or upgrade our equipment as necessary for our continued operations or as needed to ensure environmental compliance, we could be required to cease or curtail some of our manufacturing operations or we may become unable to manufacture products that can compete effectively in one or more of our markets.


Our ability to repay our debt is dependent on our ability to generate cash from operations. As of December 31, 2012, our total indebtedness was $780.0 million. Our ability to repay our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures depends on our ability to generate cash from future operations. To some extent, this is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors that are beyond our control. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations or to obtain additional debt would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations.

Our indebtedness imposes restrictive covenants on us, and a default under our debt agreements could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.Our credit facilities require BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC (Holdings)(BZ Intermediate) and its subsidiaries to maintain specified financial ratios and to satisfy certainspecified financial tests. These tests include, in the case of our credit facilities, a total leveragean interest expense coverage ratio, a senior secured leverage ratio, and a minimum interest coveragetotal leverage ratio. In addition, our credit facilities restrict, and the indentureindentures governing the 9%8% and 8%9% senior notes restrict, among other things, the ability of HoldingsBZ Intermediate and its subsidiaries to create additional liens on assets, make investments orsome types of restricted payments, acquisitions, pay dividends, incur additional indebtedness, sell assets includingand capital stock of subsidiaries, make capital expenditures, place restrictions onexpenditures. At December 31, 2012, the ability of such subsidiaries to make distributions, enter into transactions withavailable restricted payment amount under our affiliates, enter into new lines of business,8% senior notes indenture, which is more restrictive than our credit facilities and engage in consolidations, mergers, or sales of substantially all of our assets.9% senior notes indenture, was approximately $106.9 million. We will need to seek permission from the lenders under our indebtedness to engage in specified corporate actions. The lenders’lenders' interests may be different from our interests, and no assurance can be given that we will be able to obtain the lenders’lenders' permission when needed.


Various risks, uncertainties, and events beyond our control could affect our ability to comply with these covenants. Failure to comply with these covenants (or similar covenants contained in future financing agreements) could result in a default under the credit facilities, the indentureindentures governing the 9%8% and 8%9% senior notes, and other agreements containing cross-default provisions, which, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, and

19


results of operations. A default would permit lenders or holders to accelerate the maturity of the debt under these agreements, to foreclose upon any collateral securing the debt, and to terminate any commitments to lend. Under these circumstances, we might not have sufficient funds or other resources to satisfy all of our obligations, including the obligations of Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise Finance Company, and Boise Co-Issuer Company under the 9%8% and 8%9% senior notes. In addition, the limitations imposed by financing agreements on our ability to incur additional debt and to take other actions might significantly impair our ability to obtain other financing.


We anticipate significant future funding obligations for pension benefits. In December 2008, we enacted a freeze on our defined benefit pension plan for salaried employees (the Salaried Plan); however, we continue to maintain defined benefit pension plans for mostMost of our union employees. Despite the freeze of the Salaried Plan,pension benefits plans are frozen; however, we will continue to have significant obligations for pension benefits. As of December 31, 2010,2012, our liability, net of plan assets, was $115.1 million, compared with $168.3 million at December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we contributed $35.2 million to our pension assets had a market value of $356plans. While we have no minimum required contribution in 2013, our 2014 minimum required contribution is approximately $3 million compared with $302 million at December 31, 2009. Assuming, assuming a return on plan assets of 7.25%6.75% in 2011 and 2012, we estimate we will be required to contribute approximately $3 million in 2011 and approximately $32 million in 2012. both years.The amount of required contributions will depend on, among other things, on actual returns on plan assets, changes in interest rates that affect our discount rate assumptions, changes in pension funding requirement laws, and modifications to our plans. Our estimates may change materially depending upon the impact of these and other factors, and the amount of our contributions may adversely affect our cash flows,liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations.


ITEM
Item 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS


We have no unresolved comments.

comments from the Commission staff regarding our periodic or current reports.


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ITEM
Item 2.PROPERTIES


We own substantially alland lease properties in our business. All of our leases are noncancelable and accounted for as operating leases. These leases are not subject to early termination except for standard nonperformance clauses.

Information concerning capacity and utilization of our manufacturing and converting facilities and substantially all of the equipment used in our facilities. Information concerning encumbrances attached to the properties described in the table below areis presented in Note 11, Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Part II,"Part I, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”1. Business" of this Form 10-K. Information concerning productionWe assess the condition and capacity and the utilization of our manufacturing facilities is presented in “Part I, Item 1. Business” of this Form 10-K.

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Following is a map of our facilities by segment as of January 31, 2011. We lease a portion of the corporate headquarters building in Boise, Idaho:

We assess our manufacturing, distribution, and other facilities needed to meet our operating requirements. Our properties have been generally well maintained and are in good operating condition. In general, our facilities have sufficient capacity and are adequate for our production and distribution requirements.

Information concerning encumbrances attached to our properties is presented in Note 
8, Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.


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The following is a list of our facilities by segment as of January 31, 2013.
PackagingOwned or LeasedPaperOwned or Leased
Converting OperationsManufacturing
Corrugated ContainersInternational Falls, MNOwned
Burley, IDOwnedJackson, ALOwned
Denver, COLeasedSt. Helens, OR (a)Owned
Nampa, IDOwnedWallula, WAOwned
Salem, OROwnedDistribution
Salt Lake City, UTOwnedBensenville, ILLeased
San Lorenzo, CALeasedPico Rivera, CALeased
Santa Fe Springs, CALeased
Wallula, WAOwnedCorporate
Corrugated Sheet FeederBoise, IDLeased
Waco, TXOwned
Corrugated Sheet Plants
Atlanta, GALeased
Seattle, WALeased
Sparks, NVLeased
Protective Packaging
Amboise, FranceOwned
Aoiz, SpainOwned
Arlington, TXLeased
Auburn, WALeased
Austin, TXLeased
Ermelo, NetherlandsOwned/Leased
Fairfield, CALeased
Farmville, NCLeased
Kalamazoo, MILeased
Monterrey, MexicoLeased
North Haven, CT (b)Leased
Santa Fe Springs, CALeased
Tillsonburg, ON, CanadaLeased
Trenton, ILOwned
Linerboard and Newsprint
DeRidder, LAOwned
Distribution
Dallas, TXLeased
Phoenix, AZLeased
Portland, ORLeased
Salt Lake City, UTLeased
____________
(a)In December 2012, we ceased paper production on our one remaining paper machine at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill.
(b)
In the next 12 months,lease will be up for renewal.


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ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


We are a party to routine proceedings that arise in the course of our business. We are not currently a party to any legal proceedings or environmental claims that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity, either individually or in the aggregate.


ITEM 4.(REMOVED AND RESERVED)

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PART II

ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE


Not applicable.



22



PART II

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


Market Information


The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the principal market in which our common stock is traded. The following table indicates the last reported high and low closing prices of our common stock as reported by the NYSE and the cash dividends declared per common share for the periods indicated:

   Market Price   Dividends
Declared
 

Quarter

  High   Low   

2010

      

Fourth

  $  8.10    $  6.40    $0.40  

Third

   7.36     4.96       

Second

   7.40     4.91       

First

   6.13     4.60       
         

Total

      $0.40  
         

2009

      

Fourth

  $6.29    $4.71    $  

Third

   5.40     1.41       

Second

   2.47     0.51       

First

   0.75     0.24       
         

Total

      $  
         

 Market Price 
Dividends
Declared
QuarterHigh Low 
2012     
Fourth$9.06
 $7.63
 $0.72
Third8.93
 6.86
 
Second8.21
 6.48
 
First8.49
 7.25
 0.48
Total    $1.20
2011     
Fourth$7.12
 $4.71
 $
Third8.12
 4.42
 
Second9.82
 6.75
 0.40
First9.55
 8.10
 
Total    $0.40

Holders

Holders

On January 31, 2011,2013, there were approximately ten41 holders of record of our common stock, one of which was Cede & Co., which is the holder of record of shares held through the Depository Trust Company.


Dividends

Dividends

We paid a special cash dividend of $0.72, $0.48, $0.40, and $0.40 per common share on December 12,2012, March 21, 2012, May 13, 2011, and December 3, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 28, 2012, March 9, 2012, May 4, 2011, and November 17, 2010.2010, respectively. The total dividend payout waspayouts were approximately $32.3 million.$119.7 million, $47.9 million, and $32.3 million, in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Our ability to pay dividends continues to be restricted by our credit facilities, as amended,debt covenants and by Delaware law and state regulatory authorities. Under Delaware law, our board of directors may not authorize payment of a dividend unless it is either paid out of our capital surplus, as calculated in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law, or if we do not have a surplus, it is paid out of our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. Under our credit facilities, as amended, a dividend may now be paid if it does not exceed our permitted restricted payment amount, which is calculated as the sum of 50% of our net income for distributions together with other amounts as specified in the amended credit facilities. To the extent we do not have adequate surplus or net profits, we will beare prohibited from paying dividends.

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23



Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Our Equity Compensation Plan

Plan Category

  Number of Securities to
Be Issued Upon Exercise
of Outstanding Options,
Warrants, and Rights

(a)
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants, and Rights
(b) (2)
   Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in Column (a))

(c)
 

Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders (1)

   5,407,537    $N/A     8,203,972  

Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders

   N/A     N/A     N/A  
               

Total

   5,407,537    $N/A     8,203,972  
               


 Column
 A B C
Plan CategoryNumber of Securities to Be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights (a) 
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) (b)
Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders1,965,280
 $8.34
 8,950,800
Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholdersN/A
 N/A
 N/A
Total1,965,280
 $8.34
 8,950,800
____________
(1)We
(a)The reported amount includes the following outstanding awards that have approximately 17 million shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for issuancebeen granted under the BIPP. SinceBoise Inc. Incentive and Performance Plan but not yet earned as of December 31, 2012:
661,746 shares issuable upon the vesting of service-condition vesting restricted stock and restricted stock units.
840,065 shares issuable upon the vesting and exercise of nonqualified stock options.
463,469 shares issuable upon the vesting of performance units (at target). The number of shares to be issued will be based on our return on net operating assets (RONOA) over two two-year performance periods from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2012, and January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2013. The actual number of shares issued may be adjusted from 0% to 200% of the performance units awarded, based on our actual RONOA performance during the performance period.
(b)The reported amount assumes the Acquisition, 13 officers, 52 other employees, and 7 nonemployee directors have received restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards underperformance units are adjusted to the BIPP. These awards are reflected in column (a) above.maximum value (200% of target).

(2)Because there is no exercise price associated with the restricted stock and restricted stock units that were awarded under the BIPP, a weighted average exercise price calculation for the restricted stock and restricted stock units cannot be made.


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

We did not purchase any


In 2011, we announced our intent to repurchase up to $150 million of our equity securities duringcommon stock through a variety of methods, including in the fourth quarter of our fiscalopen market, in privately negotiated transactions, or through structured share repurchases. During the year ended December 31, 2010.

2011, we repurchased 21,150,692 common shares for an average price of $5.74 per common share. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we repurchased 441 common shares for an average price of $6.63 per common share. We did not repurchase any shares of common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2012, $28.6 million remained available for repurchase under the existing repurchase authorization limit.




24



Performance Graph


The following graph compares the return on a $100 investment in our common stock on February 25, 2008 (the day we first began trading on the New York Stock Exchange)NYSE as Boise Inc.) with a $100 investment also made on February 25, 2008, in the S&P 500 Index and our peer group. The companies included in our peer group are AbitibiBowater Inc., Domtar Corp., Glatfelter, Greif, Inc., International Paper Co.,Company, KapStone Paper & Packaging, MeadWestvaco Corp., Neenah Paper Inc., Packaging Corp. of America, Rock-Tenn Company, Sappi Ltd., Smurfit-Stone Container Corp., Stora Enso Corp., Temple-Inland Inc., UPM-Kymmene Corp., Verso Paper Corp., and Wausau Paper Corp. Because pre-

We omitted Temple-Inland Inc. from our peer group this year, because International Paper Company acquired Temple-Inland Inc. in February 2012.


The following table reflects each investment's value at December 31, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and post-bankruptcy returns are not comparable, the graph includes the returns for AbitibiBowater Inc. only through December 9, 2010, and returns for Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. only through June 30, 2010:

23

2012.

 December 31
 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Boise Inc.$5
 $62
 $98
 $93
 $119
S&P 500 Index$67
 $85
 $98
 $100
 $116
Peer Group$53
 $84
 $101
 $91
 $115



25



ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


Except where otherwise indicated, this Selected Financial Data is provided with respect to Boise Inc., which has materially the same financial condition and results of operations as BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC (BZ Intermediate) except for income taxes.taxes and common stock activity. Historical differences between the two entities resulted primarily from the effect of income taxes, the notes payable at Boise Inc. that were repurchased and canceled in October 2009, and the associated interest expense on those notes. The following table sets forth selected financial data for the periods indicated and should be read in conjunction with the disclosures in “Part"Part II, Item 7. Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”Operations" and “Part"Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”Data" of this Form 10-K (dollars in millions, except per-share data):

  Boise Inc.  Predecessor 
  Year Ended December 31  February 1
(Inception)
Through
December 31,

2007
  January 1
Through
February  21,

2008
  Year Ended December 31 
  2010 (a)  2009 (b)  2008 (c)    2007 (d)  2006 (e) 
 

Statement of income (loss) data

        

Net sales

 $2,094   $1,978   $2,071   $   $360   $2,333   $2,222  

Income from operations

  194    306    40        23    160    94  

Net income (loss)

  63    154    (46  5    23    160    93  

Net Income (loss) per common share:

        

Basic

  0.78    1.96    (0.62  0.16              

Diluted

  0.75    1.85    (0.62  0.16              
 

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) (f)

  303    396    145        24    246    210  
 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 $0.40   $   $   $   $   $   $  
 

Balance sheet data (at end of year)

        

Current assets

 $653   $586   $596   $404    $560   $572  

Property and equipment, net

  1,217    1,223    1,277         1,210    1,144  

Total assets

  1,939    1,896    1,988    408     1,846    1,759  

Current liabilities

  304    303    269    15     250    241  

Long-term debt, less current portion

  738    785    1,012               

Notes payable

          67               

Total liabilities

  1,292    1,275    1,539    175     286    278  

Stockholders’ equity

  647    621    449    233     1,560    1,481  

 Boise Inc.  Predecessor
 Year Ended December 31  
January 1
Through
February 21,
2008

 2012 (a) 2011 (b) 2010 (c) 2009 (d) 2008 (e)
Statement of income (loss) data            
Sales$2,555
 $2,404
 $2,094
 $1,978
 $2,071
   $360
Income from operations148
 191
 194
 306
 40
   23
Net income (loss)52
 75
 63
 154
 (46)   23
Net Income (loss) per common share:            
Basic0.52
 0.74
 0.78
 1.96
 (0.62)   
Diluted0.52
 0.70
 0.75
 1.85
 (0.62)   
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) (f)300
 333
 303
 396
 145
  24
Cash dividends declared per common share1.20
 0.40
 0.40
 
 
  
Balance sheet data (at end of year)            
Current assets$620
 $668
 $653
 $586
 $596
   
Property1,247
 1,256
 1,217
 1,223
 1,277
   
Total assets2,208
 2,286
 1,939
 1,896
 1,988
   
Current liabilities297
 311
 304
 303
 269
   
Long-term debt, less current portion770
 790
 738
 785
 1,012
   
Notes payable
 
 
 
 67
   
Total liabilities1,460
 1,491
 1,292
 1,275
 1,539
   
Stockholders' equity748
 795
 647
 621
 449
   
____________
Included in the selected financial data above are the activities of Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. prior to the Acquisition and the operations of the acquired businesses from February 22, 2008, through December 31, 2008. The Predecessor financial data is presented for the periods prior to the Acquisition. The period of February 1 (Inception) through December 31, 2007, represents the activities of Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp.

(a)
Included$31.7 million of charges related primarily to ceasing paper production on our one remaining paper machine at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill.
(b)
Included $2.2 million of expense recorded in our Packaging segment related to the inventory purchase price adjustments.
Included a $2.3 million loss on extinguishment of debt recorded in the Corporate and Other segment.
Included $3.1 million of transaction-related costs, of which $1.6 million was recorded in our Packaging segment and $1.5 million was recorded in our Corporate and Other segment. Transaction-related costs include expenses associated with transactions, whether consummated or not, and do not include integration costs.
(c)Included a $22.2 million of loss on extinguishment of debt.debt recorded in the Corporate and Other segment.

(b)
(d)Included $5.8 million of expense associated with the restructuring of the St. Helens, Oregon, mill.

Included $5.9 million of income related to energy hedges.
Included $44.1 million of loss on extinguishment of debt for Boise Inc., or $66.8 million of loss on extinguishment of debt for BZ Intermediate, as a result of the October 2009 debt restructuring. The difference is due to the gain recognized by Boise Inc. related to the notes payable, which were held by Boise Inc.
Included $207.6 million of income for alternative fuel mixture credits.

26



Included $5.9 million of income related to energy hedges.

Included $44.1 million of loss on extinguishment of debt for Boise Inc., or $66.8 million of loss on extinguishment of debt for BZ Intermediate, as a result of the October 2009 debt restructuring. The difference is due to the gain recognized by Boise Inc. related to the notes payable, which were held by Boise Inc.

Included $207.6 million of income as a result of alternative fuel mixture credits.

(c)(e)Included $37.6 million of expense associated with the restructuring of the St. Helens, Oregon, mill.

24


Included $7.4 million of expense related to energy hedges.
Included $5.5 million of expense related to lost production and costs incurred as a result of hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
Included $10.2 million of expense related to inventory purchase accounting adjustments.
Included $19.8 million of expense related to the cold outage at the DeRidder, Louisiana, mill.
Included a $2.9 million gain for changes in supplemental pension plans.
Included $7.4 million of expense related to energy hedges.

Included $5.5 million of expense related to lost production and costs incurred as a result of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Included $10.2 million related to inventory purchase accounting adjustments.

Included $19.8 million of expense related to the outage at the DeRidder, Louisiana, mill.

Included a $2.9 million gain for changes in supplemental pension plans.

(d)Included approximately $21.7 million, $19.1 million, and $1.0 million of lower depreciation and amortization expense in the Paper, Packaging, and Corporate and Other segments, respectively, as a result of discontinuing depreciation and amortization on the assets recorded as held for sale.

Included a $4.4 million gain for changes in retiree healthcare benefits.

Included $8.7 million of expense related to the impact of energy hedges.

Included $4.0 million of expense related to the start-up of the reconfigured paper machine at the Wallula, Washington, mill.

(e)Included a $3.7 million gain for changes in retiree healthcare programs.

Included $18.1 million of expense related to the impact of energy hedges.

Included $2.8 million of expense for special project costs.

Included $2.4 million of expense related to write-downs associated with the sale of the Vancouver, Washington, mill.

(f)The following table reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA for the periods indicated (dollars in millions):

   Boise Inc.  Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31  February 1
(Inception)
Through
December 31,

2007
  January 1
Through
February  21,

2008
  Year Ended December 31 
   2010   2009  2008    2007  2006 
 

Net income (loss)

  $63    $154   $(46 $5   $23   $160   $93  

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

        (1                    

Interest expense

   65     83    91                  

Interest income

            (2  (10      (1  (1

Income tax provision (benefit)

   45     28    (9  5    1    3    1  

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

   130     132    110            85    116  
                              

EBITDA

  $303    $396   $145   $   $24   $246   $210  
                              

 Boise Inc.  Predecessor
 Year Ended December 31  
January 1
Through
February 21,
2008

 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008  
Net income (loss)$52
 $75
 $63
 $154
 $(46)   $23
Interest expense62
 64
 65
 83
 91
   
Interest income
 
 
 
 (2)  
Income tax provision (benefit)34
 50
 45
 28
 (9)   1
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion152
 144
 130
 132
 110
   
EBITDA$300
 $333
 $303
 $396
 $145
   $24
____________

EBITDA represents income (loss) before interest (interest expense and interest income, and change in fair value of interest rate derivatives)income), income tax provision (benefit), and depreciation, amortization, and depletion. EBITDA is the primary measure used by our chief operating decision makersmaker to evaluate segment operating performance and to decide how to allocate resources to segments. We believe EBITDA is useful to investors because it provides a means to evaluate the operating performance of our segments and our company on an ongoing basis using criteria that are used by our internal decision makers and because it is frequently used by investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies with substantial financial leverage.companies. We believe EBITDA is a meaningful measure because it presents a transparent view of our recurring operating performance and allows management to readily view operating trends, perform analytical comparisons, and identify strategies to improve operating performance. For example, we believe that the inclusion of items such as taxes, interest expense, and interest income distorts management’smanagement's ability to assess and view the core operating trends in our segments. EBITDA, however, is not a measure of our liquidity or financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), income (loss) from operations, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. The use of EBITDA instead of net income (loss) or segment income (loss) has limitations as an analytical tool, including the inability to determine profitability; the exclusion of interest expense, interest income, change in fair value of interest rate derivatives, and associated significant cash requirements; and the exclusion of depreciation, amortization, and depletion, which represent significant and unavoidable operating costs, given the level of our indebtedness and the capital expenditures needed to maintain our businesses. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results. Our measures of EBITDA are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation.

25




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


This discussion and analysis includes statements regarding our expectations with respect to our future performance, liquidity, and capital resources. Such statements, along with any other nonhistorical statements in the discussion, are forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in “Part"Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors”Factors" of this Form 10-K, as well as those factors listed in other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We do not assume anany obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any of the forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K.


This section is provided with respect to Boise Inc. Unless indicated otherwise, BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC (BZ Intermediate) has materially the same financial condition and results of operations as those presented here.

Background


Boise Inc. is a large, diverse manufacturer and seller of packaging and paper products. Our operations began on February 22, 2008, when we acquired the packaging and paper assets of Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. (Boise Cascade). In this filing,these consolidated financial statements, unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “the "the

27



Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,”" "we," "us," "our," or “Boise”"Boise" refer to Boise Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC (BZ Intermediate).Intermediate. We are headquartered in Boise, Inc. is a large, diverseIdaho, and have approximately 5,300employees. We operate largely in the United States-based manufacturer of paperStates but also have operations in Europe, Mexico, and packaging products.

Our operations began on February 22, 2008, when entities controlled by Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. (Boise Cascade) sold their paperCanada.


We operate and packaging assets to Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. (the Acquisition). As part of the Acquisition, Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. changed its name to Boise Inc. In this Form 10-K, we use the term “Predecessor” to reference the periods before the Acquisition, including the period when our assets were operated by Boise Cascade.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations at times refers to the combined activities of Boise Inc. and the Predecessor for the period specifically indicated, which we believe is the most useful comparison between periods. The Acquisition resulted in a new basis of accounting from those previously reported by the Predecessor. However, sales and most operating cost items are substantially consistent with those reported by the Predecessor. Finished goods inventories were revalued to estimated selling prices less costs of disposal and a reasonable profit on the disposal. Depreciation changed as a result of adjustments to the fair values of property and equipment due to our purchase price allocation. These items, along with changes in interest expense and income taxes, are explained independently where appropriate.

Since the Acquisition, we have operated and reportedreport our results in three reportable segments: Packaging, Paper, Packaging, and Corporate and Other (support services). See Note 18,17, Segment Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Part"Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”Data" of this Form 10-K for more information related to our segments.


Executive Summary

In 2012,

we reported $52.2 million of net income, compared with $75.2 million in 2011. We reported $2.1 billion$300.0 million of sales in 2010,EBITDA, or $331.8 million excluding special items, compared with $2.0 billion in 2009, which represented a 6% increase. Net income totaled $62.7$340.2 million in 2010, compared with $153.8 million in 2009. Excluding theof EBITDA excluding special items disclosed in 2011. We were pleased with our overall 2012 operating results. Our mills and converting operations ran well and we reduced costs through productivity improvement by reducing usage of key raw materials. During the table below, net income was $76.8year, we generated $97.4 million compared with $20.4of operating cash flow, less capital expenditures, and returned $119.7 million of capital to our shareholders through the payment of two special dividends totaling $1.20 per common share. Despite these achievements, our 2012 results were affected adversely by margin compression in 2009. Thesome of our Packaging operations and declining prices in our Paper business.


In our Packaging segment, corrugated product sales volumes increased 16%. Approximately 9% of this increase in net income before special itemsrelated to our 2011 acquisitions and the remaining 7% was due primarily to increased net sales prices and sales volumes and, to a lesser extent, lower chemical costs in both the Paper and Packaging segments. During 2010, net selling pricesfrom our network of uncoated freesheet papers and segment linerboard improved $23 and $64 per short ton, compared with 2009, as we benefited from two price increases implemented during the first half of the year. As a result of strong cash flows from operations, we increased cash and cash equivalents $97.4 million to $166.8 million in 2010, compared with $69.4 million in 2009. In addition, during 2010, we reduced long-term debt $34.1 million and paid a special dividend of $0.40 per common share, or $32.3 million.

26


box plants, while U.S. industry containerboard demand for uncoated freesheet paper declined during 2010, compared with 2009. Accordingincreased a modest 0.6% according to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), as. In Packaging, we experienced margin compression in some of December 2010, U.S. industry shipments were down 2.1%, compared with the same period in 2009. Year-to-date industry operating rates, measured as total uncoated freesheet paper shipments in the U.S. as a percentage of total capacity, were at 89%. Demand for commodity communication papers has been negatively affected by weak macroeconomic conditions and elevated unemployment and continues to be negatively affected by the secular shift to electronic media for communications. Despite recent demand increases, long-term demand for printing andour converting products has also been negatively affected by weak macroeconomic conditions and by the decline in direct-mail advertising. Declines in demand have been mitigated by significant reductions in uncoated freesheet paper industry capacity in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Compared with prior years, U.S. uncoated freesheet paper inventories remained very low at approximately 913,000 short tons in December 2010, compared with 941,000 short tons in December 2009.

U.S. industry containerboard demand improved in 2010, compared with 2009. Industry box shipments in the U.S. increased 3.5% through December 2010, compared with the same period in 2009, and year-to-date industry operating rates through December 2010, measured as total production in the U.S. as a percentage of total capacity, were at 95%, according to AF&PA. Total U.S. containerboard inventories were 2.3 million short tons in December 2010, an increase from 2.1 million short tons in December 2009.

Packaging demandoperations, primarily in our agriculture, food,California and beverageTexas markets. We saw little benefit from the announced $50 per-ton linerboard price increase during the fourth quarter in our converting operations, but we expect to more fully benefit from the increase in first quarter 2013. As of January 31, 2013, we had implemented over 90%of the $50 price increase through our converting operations. We are making targeted capital investments in our converting operations to improve efficiency and keep pace with our sales growth. Our vertical integration rose from an average of 71% during 2011 to 84% in 2012 and we expect it to increase to approximately 90% in 2013 based on our current volumes. This integration reduces our exposure to linerboard export markets, which has historically beenexperienced declines and fluctuations in selling prices during the year. During 2012, we sold 31% less correlatedlinerboard to broad economic activity, remained stable in 2010, compared with 2009. These markets constitute just over half of our corrugated product end-useexternal markets. Demand in our industrial markets and containerboard export markets is more closely aligned with general economic activity and showed improvement during 2010, compared with 2009.

The majority of our fiber needs in


In our Paper segment, we faced declining prices for communication-grade papers throughout the year, particularly in the fourth quarter. Our average uncoated freesheet net sales price was $968 per-short-ton in 2012, a decrease from $990 per-short-ton in the prior year. The average price for uncoated freesheet in fourth quarter 2012 declined $27 per ton from the previous quarter and nearly all of our fiber needs in our Packaging segment are supplied by wood fiber, which exhibited stable pricing on a year-to-year basis. However, fiber costs in total increased in 2010, compared with 2009, driven primarily by higher purchased pulp prices, which began to decline in early thirddropped $45 per ton from fourth quarter 2010. Prices for some key commodity chemicals declined, compared with the prior-year period, but increased sequentially from third quarter 2010 and have2011, as industry supply continued to outpace demand. These dynamics factored heavily into our decision to cease paper production at our mill in St. Helens, Oregon, in December 2012, reducing our production capacity in 2013 by 60,000 tons. Paper segment results in 2012 include $31.7 million of charges recorded primarily in connection with our cessation of paper production in St. Helens. In 2012, we took 17,000 tons of market-related downtime in addition to the 19,000 tons of downtime from our planned annual maintenance outages. Despite these challenges, our uncoated freesheet sales volumes for the year increased 2%, due to a 5% increase in 2011. Prices for our fuel energy inputs declined, while electricity prices increased for 2010, compared with 2009. Total consumptionsales of energy increased sequentially for fourth quarter 2010, compared with third quarter 2010, primarily due to higher seasonal consumption as a result of colder winter weather.

During fourth quarter 2010, we performed a scheduled annual maintenance outage at our Jackson, Alabama, pulp and paper mill. We will have our scheduled annual maintenance outage at our DeRidder, Louisiana, mill during first quarter 2011.

Looking ahead, we continue to pursue growth opportunities in our Packaging segment to improve our competitive position. We expect continued growth in our premium office, label and release and flexible packagingpremium office papers offsetting declining demandand higher purchase volumes by our cut-size customers. In 2012, our Paper operations also benefited from lower energy costs and lower wood fiber costs due to reduced consumption and lower prices of purchased pulp. 


Our financial position remains strong. At December 31, 2012, we had $49.7 million of cash and cash equivalents, $780.0 million in commodity paper markets. total debt, and $487.7 million of unused borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility.

Outlook

In late 2010 and early 2011, we have seen indications of rising input costs, including increased prices for chemicals and energy, whichour Packaging segment in 2013, we expect to persist through 2011.continue growing our corrugated operations and to see margin improvement as we increase our vertical integration and more fully benefit from the $50-per-ton linerboard price increase announced in the fall of 2012. We continuealso plan to monitor regulatorymake targeted capital investments in our converting operations to improve efficiency and competitive developments acrosskeep pace with our sales growth. During first quarter 2013, we will also conduct a cold outage at our mill in DeRidder, Louisiana. Cold outages at this facility occur every five years and are more extensive and costly than our normal annual maintenance outages. We expect total maintenance outage

28



costs for our Packaging segment in 2013 to be approximately $23 million, an increase of approximately $12 million from 2012, with $20 million expected in first quarter 2013 relative to $2 million in first quarter 2012, with the remaining $3 million expected in third quarter 2013.
In our Paper segment, according to Resource Information Systems Inc. (RISI), U.S. uncoated freesheet industry including Boiler MACT legislation,shipments are expected to determine potential impactsdecrease 3.2% in 2013. As demand for paper products continues to decline, we will aggressively manage our costs and evaluate the optimal configuration of our white paper assets, to balance our production with the demand for our products. As for key input costs, we expect higher fiber and energy costs and relatively stable chemical costs in 2013.
On February 20, 2013, OfficeMax announced it had signed a definitive merger agreement with its competitor, Office Depot. Our agreement with OfficeMax provides that it would survive the merger with respect to the office paper requirements of the legacy OfficeMax business. We cannot predict how the merger, if finalized, would affect the financial condition of the combined company, the paper requirements of the legacy OfficeMax business, or the effects the combined company would have on our businesses.

27


the pricing and competition for office papers.

Financial Results and Special Items

The following table sets forth our financial results for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, and the combined year ended December 31, 2008 both before and after special items (dollars in millions, except per-share data):

  Boise Inc.  Predecessor  Combined 
  Year Ended December 31  January 1
Through
February  21,

2008
  Year Ended
December 31,

2008
 
  2010  2009  2008   

Sales

 $ 2,093.8   $ 1,978.2   $ 2,070.6   $359.9   $2,430.5  

Net income (loss)

  62.7    153.8    (45.5  22.8    (22.7

Net income (loss) per diluted share

  0.75    1.85    (0.62        

Net income excluding special items

  76.8    20.4    2.1          

Net income excluding special items per diluted share

  0.91    0.25    0.03          

EBITDA

  302.6    395.7    145.1    23.7    168.8  

EBITDA excluding special items

  325.6    232.1    222.8    24.4    247.1  

 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Sales$2,555.4
 $2,404.1
 $2,093.8
Net income52.2
 75.2
 62.7
Net income per diluted share0.52
 0.70
 0.75
Net income excluding special items71.6
 79.9
 76.8
Net income excluding special items per diluted share0.71
 0.75
 0.91
EBITDA300.0
 332.6
 302.6
EBITDA excluding special items331.8
 340.2
 325.6

Net income excluding special items, net income excluding special items per diluted share, EBITDA, and EBITDA excluding special items are not measures under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). EBITDA represents income (loss) before interest (changes in fair value of interest rate derivatives, interest expense, and interest income), income taxes, and depreciation, amortization, and depletion. EBITDA is the primary measure used by our chief operating decision makers to evaluate segment operating performance and to decide how to allocate resources to segments. We believe EBITDA is useful to investors because it provides a means to evaluate the operating performance of our segments and our company on an ongoing basis using criteria that are used by our internal decision makers and because it is frequently used by investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies with substantial financial leverage. EBITDA excluding special items and net income (loss) excluding special items represent EBITDA and net income (loss) adjusted by eliminating items that we believe are not consistent with our ongoing operations. The Company uses these measures to focus on ongoing operations and believes they are useful to investors because these measures enable meaningful comparisons of past and present operating results.

28



29



The Company believes that using this information, along with their comparable GAAP measures, provides for a more complete analysis of the results of operations. The following table provides a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA, segment income (loss) to EBITDA and EBITDA to EBITDA excluding special items for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, and the combined year ended December 31, 2008 (dollars in millions):

   Boise Inc.  Predecessor  Combined 
   Year Ended December 31  January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
  Year Ended
December 31,
2008
 
   2010  2009  2008   

Net income (loss)

  $62.7   $153.8   $(45.5 $22.8   $(22.7

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

       (0.6  0.5        0.5  

Interest expense

   64.8    83.3    91.2        91.2  

Interest income

   (0.3  (0.4  (2.2  (0.2  (2.4

Income tax (provision) benefit

   45.4    28.0    (8.8  0.6    (8.2

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

   129.9    131.5    110.0    0.5    110.5  
                     

EBITDA

  $302.6   $395.7   $145.1   $23.7   $168.8  
                     

Paper

      

Segment income

  $151.5   $262.7   $32.7   $20.7   $53.4  

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

   87.4    85.2    71.7    0.3    72.0  
                     

EBITDA

  $238.9   $347.8   $104.3   $21.1   $125.4  
                     

Inventory revaluation expense

           7.4        7.4  

St. Helens mill restructuring

   0.2    5.8    37.6        37.6  

Change in fair value of energy hedges

   0.5    (4.8  6.1        6.0  

Alternative fuel mixture credits, net

       (149.9            
                     

EBITDA excluding special items

  $239.6   $198.9   $155.4   $21.0   $176.4  
                     

Packaging

      

Segment income

  $65.0   $67.1   $21.1   $5.7   $26.8  

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

   38.6    42.2    35.1    0.1    35.1  
                     

EBITDA

  $103.6   $109.3   $56.2   $5.7   $61.9  
                     

Inventory revaluation expense

           2.8        2.8  

Impact of DeRidder outage

           19.8    0.7    20.5  

Hurricane losses

           5.5        5.5  

Change in fair value of energy hedges

   0.1    (1.1  1.3        1.3  

Alternative fuel mixture credits, net

       (61.6            
                     

EBITDA excluding special items

  $103.7   $46.6   $85.6   $6.5   $92.1  
                     

Corporate and Other

      

Segment loss

  $(21.6 $(21.5 $(18.6 $(3.2 $(21.8

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

   3.9    4.1    3.2    0.1    3.3  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

   (22.2  (44.1            
                     

EBITDA

  $(39.9 $(61.4 $(15.4 $(3.1 $(18.5
                     

Gain on changes in supplemental pension plans

           (2.9      (2.9

Alternative fuel mixture credits, net

       3.9              

Loss on extinguishment of debt

   22.2    44.1              
                     

EBITDA excluding special items

  $(17.7 $(13.4 $(18.3 $(3.1 $(21.4
                     

EBITDA

  $302.6   $395.7   $145.1   $23.7   $168.8  
                     

EBITDA excluding special items

  $  325.6   $  232.1   $  222.8   $24.4   $247.1  
                     
      

29


 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Net income$52.2
 $75.2
 $62.7
Interest expense61.7
 63.8
 64.8
Interest income(0.2) (0.3) (0.3)
Income tax provision34.0
 50.1
 45.4
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion152.3
 143.8
 129.9
EBITDA$300.0
 $332.6
 $302.6
      
St. Helens charges$31.7
 $
 $
Inventory purchase accounting expense
 2.2
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 2.3
 22.2
Transaction-related costs
 3.1
 
Change in fair value of energy hedges
 
 0.6
St. Helens mill restructuring
 
 0.2
EBITDA excluding special items$331.8
 $340.2
 $325.6

The following table reconciles net income (loss) to net income excluding special items and presents net income excluding special items per diluted share for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, when we had publicly traded shares outstanding (dollars and shares in millions, except per-share data):

   Year Ended December 31 
   2010  2009  2008 

Net income (loss)

  $62.7   $153.8   $(45.5

St. Helens mill restructuring

   0.2    5.8    37.6  

Change in fair value of energy hedges

   0.6    (5.9  7.4  

Alternative fuel mixture credits, net

       (207.6    

Loss on extinguishment of debt

   22.2    44.1      

Hurricane losses

           5.5  

Gain on changes in supplemental pension plans

           (2.9

Inventory revaluation expense

           10.2  

Impact of DeRidder outage

           19.8  

Tax benefit (provision) for special items (a)

   (8.9  63.3    (30.0

Reversal of income tax valuation allowances

       (33.2    
             

Net income excluding special items

  $76.8   $20.4   $2.1  
             

Weighted average common shares outstanding: diluted

   84,131    83,081    73,636  

Net income excluding special items per diluted share

  $0.91   $0.25   $0.03  

 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Net income$52.2
 $75.2
 $62.7
St. Helens charges31.7
 
 
Inventory purchase accounting expense
 2.2
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 2.3
 22.2
Transaction-related costs
 3.1
 
Change in fair value of energy hedges
 
 0.6
St. Helens mill restructuring
 
 0.2
Tax provision for special items (a)(12.3) (2.9) (8.9)
Net income excluding special items$71.6
 $79.9
 $76.8
Weighted average common shares outstanding: diluted101.1
 106.7
 84.1
Net income excluding special items per diluted share$0.71
 $0.75
 $0.91
 ____________
(a)Special items are tax affectedeffected in the aggregate at an assumed combined federal and state statutory rate of 38.7%.in effect for the period.



30



Segment Highlights

Set forth below are our average net selling prices and volumes for our principal products, as well as some key financial information by segment (volumes in thousands of short tons and dollars per short ton, except corrugated containers and sheets, dollars in millions):
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Packaging     
Sales Prices (a)     
Linerboard, Total$467
 $459
 $434
Linerboard, External sales415
 422
 365
Newsprint540
 541
 493
Corrugated containers and sheets ($/msf) (b)76
 68
 57
Sales volumes (thousands of short tons, except corrugated)     
 Linerboard, Total611.1
 606.5
 601.6
 Linerboard, External sales158.9
 230.2
 225.2
 Newsprint233.4
 230.8
 230.7
 Corrugated containers and sheets (mmsf) (b)10,079
 8,720
 6,735
Input and outage costs     
  Key input costs     
     Fiber, including purchased rollstock$176.9
 $156.9
 $97.4
     Energy61.2
 65.2
 65.8
     Chemicals42.0
 38.0
 31.4
  Outage costs10.9
 9.9
 9.0
EBITDA (c)162.5
 155.5
 103.6
EBITDA excluding special items (c)162.5
 159.3
 103.7
Assets958.0
 957.3
 505.6
Paper     
Sales Prices (a)     
Uncoated freesheet (d)$968
 $990
 $977
Corrugating medium509
 481
 467
Market pulp458
 565
 549
Sales volumes     
 Uncoated freesheet (d)1,253.8
 1,229.8
 1,233.0
 Corrugating medium135.3
 135.3
 126.5
 Market pulp52.9
 90.2
 81.2
Input and outage costs     
  Key input costs     
     Fiber$343.1
 $377.1
 $364.4
     Energy134.8
 143.9
 145.9
     Chemicals211.6
 197.8
 173.4
  Outage costs14.8
 21.5
 14.0
EBITDA (c)161.6
 201.5
 238.9
EBITDA excluding special items (c)193.3
 201.5
 239.6
Assets1,144.7
 1,190.9
 1,187.9
 ____________
(a)
Average net selling prices for our principal products represent sales less freight costs, discounts, and allowances. As reported in Note 17, Segment Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K, segment revenues include fees for shipping and handling charged to customers for sales transactions.
(b)Included corrugated container and sheet prices and volumes for Tharco and Hexacomb since their acquisitions on March 1 and

31



December 1, 2011, respectively. Increase in sales price during 2012 is primarily due to Hexacomb.
(c)For reconciliations of non-GAAP measures see "Non-GAAP Measures" of this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(d)Includes cut-size office papers, printing and converting papers, and label and release papers.

Factors That Affect Our Operating Results


Our results of operations and financial performance are influenced by a variety of factors, including the following:

Labor and personnel relations.

Competing technologies, including electronic substitution, that affect the demand for our products.

General global economic conditions, including, but not limited to, durable and nondurable goods production and white-collar employment, electronic substitution, and relative currency values.

employment.

Legislative or regulatory environments, requirements, or changes affecting the businesses in which we are engaged.

Competing technologies that affect the demand for our products.

The commodity nature of our products and their price movements, which are driven largely by supply and demand.

Availability and affordability of raw materials, including wood fiber, energy, and chemicals.

Legislation or regulatory environments, requirements, or changes affecting the businesses in which we are engaged.

Integration of our acquisitions.
Major equipment failure or significant operational setbacks.
Our customer concentration and the ability of our customers to pay.
Labor and personnel relations.
The ability of our lenders, customers, and suppliers to continue to conduct their businesses.

Our customer concentration and the ability of our customers to pay.

Pension funding requirements.

Credit or currency risks affecting our revenue and profitability.

Major equipment failure.

Severe weather phenomena such as drought, hurricanes and significant rainfall, tornadoes, and fire.

The other factors described in “Part"Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors”Factors" of this Form 10-K.

30


32




Our Operating Results

Demand

The following table sets forth our operating results in dollars and as a percentage of sales (dollars in millions, except percent-of-sales data):

 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Sales     
Trade$2,495.1
 $2,364.0
 $2,058.1
Related parties60.3
 40.1
 35.6
 2,555.4
 2,404.1
 2,093.8
      
Costs and expenses     
Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)2,004.0
 1,880.3
 1,634.0
Fiber costs from related parties19.8
 18.8
 25.3
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion152.3
 143.8
 129.9
Selling and distribution expenses121.8
 107.7
 58.1
General and administrative expenses79.7
 60.6
 52.3
St. Helens charges27.6
 
 
Other (income) expense, net2.6
 2.0
 0.2
 2,407.8
 2,213.0
 1,899.8
      
Income from operations$147.5
 $191.1
 $194.0
      
Sales     
Trade97.6% 98.3% 98.3%
Related parties2.4
 1.7
 1.7
 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
      
Costs and expenses     
Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)78.4% 78.2% 78.0%
Fiber costs from related parties0.8
 0.8
 1.2
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion6.0
 6.0
 6.2
Selling and distribution expenses4.8
 4.5
 2.8
General and administrative expenses3.1
 2.5
 2.5
St. Helens charges1.1
 
 
Other (income) expense, net0.1
 0.1
 
 94.2% 92.1% 90.7%
      
Income from operations5.8% 7.9% 9.3%

The table above includes financial results for Tharco and Hexacomb since we acquired them on March 1 and December 1, 2011, respectively.


33



Operating Results

2012 Compared With 2011

Sales

In 2012, total sales increased $151.3 million, or 6%, to $2,555.4 million, compared with $2,404.1 million in 2011. The increase was primarily a result of increased sales from our acquisitions of Tharco in March 2011 and Hexacomb in December 2011, and sales volume growth in our network of box plants which increased sales in our Packaging segment. The increase was offset partially by lower sales prices of uncoated freesheet papers and lower volumes and prices for market pulp in our Paper segment.

Packaging. Sales increased $180.4 million, or 19%, to $1,130.1 million, compared with $949.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Sales volumes of corrugated products increased 16% in 2012 compared with 2011. Approximately 9% of this increase related to growth from our 2011 acquisitions and the remaining 7% was due to increased sales from our network of box plants. We continue to increase our vertical integration and internal consumption of linerboard, reducing our exposure to export markets. Net sales prices and volumes of linerboard sold to third parties decreased 2% and 31%, respectively, during 2012, compared with 2011.

Paper. Sales decreased $28.2 million, or 2%, to $1,468.3 million, compared with $1,496.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease was due primarily to a 2% decline in average sales prices of uncoated freesheet papers and declines in sales volumes and net selling prices for market pulp of 41% and 19%, respectively. Our average sales price of uncoated freesheet was $968 per short ton in 2012, down from an average of $990 per short ton in 2011. Sales volumes of uncoated freesheet were up 2% in 2012, compared with 2011. The increase in our uncoated freesheet sales volumes for the year is due to a 5% increase in sales of label and release and premium office papers and higher purchase volumes by our cut-size customers. Combined sales volumes of label and release and premium office papers represented 34% of our total uncoated freesheet sales volumes for 2012, up from 33% in the prior year.

Costs and Expenses    

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses, including the cost of fiber from related parties, increased $124.8 million to $2,023.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared with $1,899.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.In both 2012 and 2011, materials, labor and other operating expenses, including the cost of fiber from related parties, were 79% of sales. In our Packaging segment, the increased sales volumes described above led to increased fiber, chemical, labor, freight, supplies and other costs. In our Paper segment, lower wood fiber costs due to reduced prices and consumption of purchased pulp and lower energy costs were offset partially by higher chemical input and other costs.

The table below breaks out our most significant input costs: fiber (including purchased rollstock consumed in our corrugated operations), chemicals, and energy (dollars in millions):
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011
Fiber$520.1
 $534.0
Chemicals253.6
 235.7
Energy196.0
 209.1
 $969.6
 $978.8

Fiber. Costs for fiber, including purchased rollstock consumed in our corrugated operations, increased$20.0 million in our Packaging segment and decreased $34.0 million in our Paper segment, compared with the year ended December 31, 2011. Purchased rollstock costs in our Packaging segment increased due to our acquisitions. Fiber costs in our Paper segment decreased primarily due to lower prices and reduced consumption of purchased pulp.

In Minnesota and Alabama, our overall levelfiber costsdecreased due to improved pulp production, which reduced consumption of demandpurchased pulp. In Minnesota, the decreases were offset partially by increased secondary

34



fiber costs and consumption, and higher wood fiber costs. In Alabama, the decreases were offset partially by increased wood prices and higher consumption of both wood fiber and secondary fiber. In Washington, fiber costs decreased as a result of decreased consumption of wood fiber, offset partially by increased consumption of both purchased pulp and secondary fiber and higher wood fiber prices.

Compared with 2011, total fiber costs at our DeRidder, Louisiana, mill increased as a result of higher prices and consumption of wood fiber due to increased linerboard production, offset partially by lower consumption and prices of secondary fiber.

Chemicals. Chemical costs increased$4.1 million in our Packaging segment and $13.8 million in our Paper segment. The increased costs were primarily a result of increased prices for chemicals, including caustic soda, starch, and precipitated calcium carbonate. Costs also increased as the result of increased production of label and release papers, which require more chemicals to produce.

Energy. Energy costs decreased$4.0 million in our Packaging segment and $9.1 million in our Paper segment. In our Packaging segment, the decrease was due to lower prices for electricity and natural gas, offset partially by a modest increase in consumption of fuel. In our Paper segment, the decrease was due to lower prices and consumption of fuel, offset partially by higher electricity prices.

Labor. Labor costs related to the production of our products recorded in "Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)" were $350.8 million in 2012, an increase of $33.3 million, or 10%, compared with the same period in 2011. Approximately79% of the increase is attributable to our acquisitions with the remaining increase primarily related to increased sales volumes. Labor costs are not as volatile as wood fiber costs and energy; however, they make up a significant component of our operating costs and tend to increase over time.

Selling and distribution expenses. In 2012, the increase in selling and distribution expenses related primarily to our acquisitions. The businesses we acquired serve a larger proportion of small customers with a more diverse range of products, compared with our historical packaging business, resulting in higher selling and distribution costs. Excluding the acquisitions, selling and distribution expenses were essentially flat as a percentage of sales in 2012, compared with 2011.

St. Helens charges. In 2012, we ceased paper production on our one remaining paper machine at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded $31.7 million of pretax costs related primarily to ceasing paper operations at the mill. These costs are recorded in our Paper segment. The $31.7 million of costs included approximately $14.2 million of non-cash charges related primarily to the impairment of property, plant and equipment, and inventory, and approximately $17.5 million of cash costs of which we expect to pay approximately $7.3 million of employee-related and other costs in early 2013 and the remaining amounts over a longer term. We recorded $27.6 million in "St. Helens charges" and $4.1 million related primarily to inventory in "Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)" in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Our decision to cease paper production at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill will essentially eliminate future sales volumes of flexible packaging papers, as approximately half of our 60,000 ton capacity at the St. Helens facility produced flexible packaging papers, with the remaining capacity dedicated to printing and converting papers.

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion and general and administrative expenses increased during 2012 due primarily to incremental expenses from our acquisitions. Compared with 2011, depreciation, amortization, and depletion was flat as a percentage of sales. General and administrative costs increased as a percentage of sales in 2012, compared with 2011. Approximately 67% of the increase related to our acquisitions, and the remaining increase related to higher employee-related costs.

Income From Operations

Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2012, decreased $43.5 million to $147.5 million, compared with $191.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. As discussed above, 2012 income from operations included $31.7 million of pretax costs primarily related to ceasing paper production on our one remaining machine at our mill in St. Helens, Oregon. Before the St. Helens costs, income from operations decreased $11.8 million. Income from operations also includes net costs from our Corporate and Other segment which increased slightly in 2012 compared with 2011.

35



Packaging. Segment income from operationsdecreased $3.4 million to $101.6 million in 2012, compared with $105.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in segment income related to margin compression on the sale of our products at our converting operations, primarily in Texas and California, and increases in depreciation and amortization associated with our acquisition of Hexacomb on December 1, 2011, which were only partially offset by lower energy costs.

Paper. Segment income from operations decreased $38.1 million to $73.9 million in 2012, compared with $112.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This decrease related to the $31.7 million of pretax costs recorded primarily in connection with ceasing paper production on our one remaining paper machine at our mill in St. Helens, Oregon, in December 2012. Additionally, the decrease related to lower sales prices for uncoated freesheet and market pulp, lower sales volumes of market pulp, and higher chemical costs, which were only partially offset by lower fiber and energy costs, lower maintenance outage costs and increased volumes of uncoated freesheet, primarily label and release and premium office paper grades.

Other

Income taxes. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we recorded income tax expense of $34.0 million and $50.1 million, respectively, and had effective tax rates of 39.5% and 40.0%, respectively. In both periods, the primary reason for the difference from the federal statutory income tax rate of 35.0% was the effect of state income taxes.

Loss on extinguishment of debt. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we recognized $2.3 million in loss on extinguishment of debt. This amount consists primarily of previously unamortized deferred financing costs, which were expensed in connection with our financing activities. We did not recognize any of these costs in 2012.

2011 Compared With 2010
Sales
In 2011, total sales increased $310.3 million, or 15%, to $2,404.1 million, compared with $2,093.8 million in 2010. The increase was a result of increased sales from our acquisition of Tharco in first quarter 2011, which increased sales in our Packaging segment, as well as higher net selling prices for the products we makemanufacture.

Packaging. Sales increased $277.8 million, or 41%, to $949.7 million, compared with $671.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase related primarily to our acquisition of Tharco, which drove higher sales volumes and distribute is affected by, among other things, employment, electronic media substitution, manufacturing activity, consumer spending,prices for corrugated products and currency exchange rates. Accordingly, we believe that our financial results dependaccounted for approximately 81% of the $277.8 million increase. Other drivers included a 16% increase in large part on general macroeconomic conditionssegment linerboard net selling prices and a 10% increase in North America, as well as on regional economic conditionsnewsprint net selling prices.

Paper. Sales increased $38.2 million, or 3%, to $1,496.5 million, compared with $1,458.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase was due to a 1% increase in the geographic markets in which we operate. While extended high unemployment levels or a second economic downturn could negatively affect overall demand, no single product line drives our overall financial performance, and individual product lines are influenced by conditions in their respective industries. For example:

Historically, demand for uncoated freesheet papers correlated positivelynet sales prices, as commodity uncoated freesheet net sales prices decreased 1% and premium and specialty net sales prices increased 4%, compared with general economic activity. However, demand for communication paper grades, suchthe prior-year period. Overall uncoated freesheet sales volumes were flat, compared with the prior-year period, as imaginga 2% decline in commodity sales volumes was offset by a 4% increase in premium and printing and converting papers, which we produce, has decreased as the usespecialty sales volumes. Sales volumes of electronic transmission and document storage alternatives has become more widespread and more efficient.

Demand for recycled-content papers is linked to an increased public awareness of environmental and sustainability issues and is less sensitive to general economic activity. We produce grades that contain from 10% to 100% recycled content.

Demand for our packaging products, including corrugated containers and sheets, containerboard,premium office, label and release, and flexible packaging papers is driven by packaging demand. This demand is affected by macroeconomic conditions and is less susceptible to electronic media substitution.

A large sharerepresented 33% of the demand for corrugated containers and, therefore, containerboard is driven by unprocessed and processed food production and manufacturing, specifically the manufacture of nondurable goods. Inventory levels and currency exchange rates also affect import and export volumes and influence demand for corrugated containers.

Supply

Industry supply of paper is affected by the number of operational or idled facilities, the building of new capacity, and the shutting down of existing capacity. Capacity also tends to increase gradually over time without significant capital expenditures as manufacturers improve production efficiencies. Generally, more capacity is added or employed when supply is tight and margins are relatively high, and capacity is idled or eliminated when capacity significantly exceeds demand and margins are poor.

From 2005 to 2010, North Americanour total uncoated freesheet paper, containerboard,sales volumes for 2011.


Costs and newsprint capacities declined approximately 24%, 4%, and 39%, respectively, according to Resource Information Systems Inc. (RISI). New capacity additions are constrained by the high capital investment and long lead times required to plan, obtain regulatory approvals for, and build a new mill.

Industry supply of paper is also influenced by the level of imports, relative currency values, and overseas production capacity, which has grown over the past decade. According to RISI, U.S. uncoated freesheet paper imports increased in 2010, compared with 2009. U.S. exports also increased over the same time period, mitigating some of the impact of increased imports.

Expenses    


Operating Costs

The major costs of production are fiber, energy, chemicals, and labor. The relative size of these costs varies by segment. Given the significance of raw material and energy costs to total operating expenses and the limited ability to control these costs, compared with other operating costs, volatility

31


in these costs can materially affect operating margins. In addition, the timing and degree of price cycles of raw materials and energy differ with respect to each type of raw material and energy used.

Fiber.    The primary raw material is wood fiber in various forms, accounting for the following percentages of materials,Materials, labor, and other operating expenses, including related-partythe cost of fiber from related parties, increased $239.7 million to $1,899.0 million, for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared with $1,659.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase related primarily to operating costs for Boise Inc. and the Predecessor for each of the periods listed below:

   Boise Inc. Predecessor  Combined
   Year Ended December 31 January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
  Year
Ended
December 31,
2008
   2010 2009 2008   

Paper

  31% 27% 29% 26%  29%

Packaging

  18% 17% 15% 17%  15%

The primary sources of logs and wood fiber are timber and byproducts of timber, such as wood chips, wood shavings, and sawdust. Substantially all fiber is acquired from outside sources. We convert logs and wood chips into pulp, which we use at our paper mills to produce paper. On an aggregate basis, operating at capacity, we are a net consumer of market pulp, producing and selling less market pulp on the open market than we purchase on the open market. The net market pulp consumed is a relatively small portion of our overall fiber needs.

Logs and wood fiber are commodities, and prices for logs and wood fiber have historically been cyclical due to changing levels of supply and demand. Log and wood fiber supply may be limited by public policy or government regulationassociated with Tharco, as well as fire, insect infestation, disease, ice storms, windstorms, hurricanes, flooding, other weather conditions,higher overall input costs in our Paper segment.


36




The table below breaks out our most significant input costs: fiber (including purchased rollstock consumed in our corrugated operations), chemicals, and other naturalenergy (dollars in millions):
 Year Ended December 31
 2011 2010
Fiber$534.0
 $461.8
Chemicals235.7
 204.9
Energy209.1
 211.7
 $978.8
 $878.4

Compared with 2010, total fiber, chemical, and man-made causes. Residualenergy costs increased $100.4 million in 2011. Thisincrease was driven primarily by fiber supply may be limited due to a reductioncosts associated with Tharco, as well as higher chemical and fiber costs in primary manufacturing at sawmillsour Paper segment.

Fiber. Costs for fiber, including purchased rollstock consumed in our corrugated operations, increased $59.4 million in our Packaging segment and plywood plants. Declines$12.7 million in log and wood fiber supplies have been severe enough to causeour Paper segment, compared with the closure of numerous facilities in some of the regions in which we operate. In addition, new or proposed regulations related to the production and use of biofuel may increase the competition for wood fiber in a number of operating regions. Any sustained undersupply and resulting increase in wood fiber prices could decrease our production volumes and/or increase our operating costs. Prices for our products might not reflect increases or decreases in log and wood fiber prices, and as a result, our operating margins could fluctuate.year ended December 31, 2010. Delivered-fiber costs in all of our operating regions include the cost of diesel, which increased in 2010, compared with 2009.2011. Higher diesel costs increase the cost to harvest and transport wood to the mills, unfavorably affecting fiber costs in all of our regions.


In Minnesota, our overall fiber costs increased in 2010, compared with 2009, driven by higherdue to increased prices and increased consumption of purchased pulp as a result of increased production and sales volumes.of paper. This was offset partially by lowerreduced consumption of wood fiber prices, compared with 2009.

and recycled fiber.


In the Pacific Northwest, our fiber costs increased in 2010, compared with 2009,2011 as a result of higher prices and increased consumption of purchased pulp. The increased consumption of pulp was driven both by increased production and sales volumes and by increased purchases of pulp from third parties, compared with 2009. For 2010, increasedfor wood fiber, costs also resulted from increased whole-log chippinga greater mix of whole logs, and species mix changes.

In the South, duringhigher prices for purchased pulp at our St. Helens, Oregon, mill.


Compared with 2010, total fiber costs at our DeRidder, Louisiana, mill increased overall, compared with 2009,decreased due to higherlower prices and consumption as a result of wood fiber, offset partially by increased production and sales.consumption of recycled fiber. In Alabama, fiber costs increaseddecreased in 2010, compared with 2009,2011, driven by increased prices for purchased pulp and recycled fiber, offset partially by lowerreduced consumption of purchased pulp and recycled fiber.

Other Raw Materialsfiber due to lower production tons at our Jackson mill and Energy Purchasinglower prices for wood fiber. Fiber costs in the region were negatively affected by wet weather in 2010.


Chemicals. Chemical costs increased $6.5 million in our Packaging segment and Pricing.    We purchase other raw materials and energy used to manufacture$24.3 million in our products in both the open market and through long-term contracts. These contracts are generally with regional suppliers who agree to supply allPaper segment. The increased costs were primarily a result of our needsincreased prices for a certain raw material or energy at a single facility. These contracts frequently contain minimum

32


purchase requirements and are for terms of various lengths. They also contain price adjustment mechanisms that take into account changes in market prices. Therefore, although our long-term contracts provide us with supplies of raw materials and energy that are more stable than open-market purchases, they may not, in many cases, alleviate fluctuations in market prices.

Our costs for raw materials are influenced by increases in energy costs. Specifically, some of our keycommodity chemicals, including pulpingcaustic soda and bleaching chemicals consumedstarch.


Energy. Energy costs decreased $0.6 million in our paperPackaging segment and packaging mills, are heavily influenced by energy costs. The relationship between industry supply and demand, rather than changes in the cost of raw materials, determines our ability to increase prices. Consequently, we may be unable to pass increases$2.0 million in our operating costsPaper segment. In our Packaging segment, the decrease was due to our customers in the short term.

Energy.    Energy prices, particularly forlower fuel consumption coupled with lower electricity and natural gas and fuel oil, have been volatile in recent years. Currently, energy prices are favorable, compared with historical averages. In 2010, energy costsprices. These decreases were higher, compared with 2009, due mainly to the increased consumption and price of electricity, offset partially by higher electricity consumption. In our Paper segment, this decrease was due to lower natural gas costs. Under normal operations, we expectprices, offset in part by higher electricity prices.


Labor. Labor costs related to consume approximately 12 million mmBtu (millionsthe production of British thermal units) of natural gas annually. Energy costs represent the following percentages of materials,our products recorded in "Materials, labor, and other operating expenses including fiber costs from related parties, for Boise Inc. and the Predecessor(excluding depreciation)" were $317.5 million in each2011, an increase of the periods listed below:

   Boise Inc.  Predecessor  Combined
   Year Ended December 31  January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
  Year
Ended
December 31,
2008
   2010  2009  2008    

Paper

  13%  12%  16%  15%  16%

Packaging

  12%  10%  15%  14%  15%

We enter into transactions to hedge the variable cash flow risk of natural gas purchases. For more information about our energy derivative instruments, see “Disclosures of Financial Market Risks” in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Chemicals.    Important chemicals we use in the production of our products include starch, sodium chlorate, caustic, precipitated calcium carbonate, and dyestuffs and optical brighteners. Purchases of chemicals represent the following percentages of materials, labor, and other operating expenses, including fiber costs, for Boise Inc. and the Predecessor for each of the periods listed below:$45.0 million

   Boise Inc.  Predecessor  Combined
   Year Ended December 31  January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
  Year
Ended
December 31,
2008
   2010  2009  2008    

Paper

  15%  15%  15%  13%  15%

Packaging

    6%    7%    6%    6%    6%

Total chemical costs for 2010 were lower, compared with 2009, as a result of a more favorable chemical mix, which reduced consumption of some higher-cost commodity chemicals. Many of our chemicals are purchased under contracts, which provide more stability than open-market purchases. These contracts are negotiated periodically at prevailing rates.

Labor.    Labor costs tend to increase steadily due to inflation in healthcare and wage costs. As of January 31, 2011, we had approximately 4,100 employees. Approximately 57% of these employees worked pursuant to collective bargaining agreements, and approximately 50% are working pursuant to collective bargaining agreements that have expired, or will expire within one year.

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Our Operating Results17%

The following table sets forth operating results in dollars and as a percentage of sales for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, and the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008 (dollars in millions, except percent-of-sales data):

  Boise Inc.      Predecessor 
  Year Ended December 31      January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
 
  2010  2009  2008      
 

Sales

       

Trade

 $  2,058.1   $  1,935.4   $  1,990.2      $258.4  

Related parties

  35.7    42.8    80.4       101.5  
                   
  2,093.8    1,978.2    2,070.6       359.9  
                   
 

Costs and expenses

       

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses

  1,634.0    1,596.2    1,756.8       313.9  

Fiber costs from related parties

  25.3    36.9    54.6       7.7  

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

  129.9    131.5    110.0       0.5  

Selling and distribution expenses

  58.1    55.5    48.3       9.1  

General and administrative expenses

  52.3    50.3    34.2       6.6  

St. Helens mill restructuring

  0.2    5.8    29.8         

Alternative fuel mixture credits, net

      (207.6           

Other (income) expense, net

      4.0    (3.0     (1.0
                   
  1,899.8    1,672.6    2,030.7       336.8  
                   
 

Income from operations

 $194.0   $305.6   $39.9      $23.1  
                   

Sales

       

Trade

  98.3  97.8  96.1     71.8

Related parties

  1.7   2.2   3.9      28.2 
                   
  100.0  100.0  100.0     100.0
                   
 

Costs and expenses

       

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses

  78.0  80.7  84.9     87.2

Fiber costs from related parties

  1.2   1.9   2.6      2.2 

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

  6.2   6.6   5.3      0.1 

Selling and distribution expenses

  2.8   2.8   2.3      2.5 

General and administrative expenses

  2.5   2.5   1.7      1.9 

St. Helens mill restructuring

      0.3   1.4        

Alternative fuel mixture credits, net

      (10.5)           

Other (income) expense, net

      0.2   (0.1)     (0.3)
                   
  90.7  84.5  98.1     93.6
                   
 

Income from operations

  9.3  15.5  1.9     6.4
                   

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Sales Volumes and Prices

Set forth below are our segment sales volumes and average net selling prices for our principal products for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, and the combined year ended December 31, 2008 (in thousands of short tons and dollars per short ton, except corrugated containers and sheets, which are in millions of square feet or dollars per thousands of square feet):

   Boise Inc.  Predecessor  Combined 
     Year Ended December 31    January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
  Year Ended
December 31,
2008
 
   2010   2009   2008   

Paper

        

Uncoated freesheet

   1,233     1,251     1,200(a)   236    1,436(a) 

Containerboard (medium)

   127     127     118    19    137  

Market pulp

   81     58     102(a)   20    122(a) 
                       
   1,441     1,436     1,420    275    1,695  
                       

Packaging

        

Containerboard (linerboard)

   225     253     194    36    230  

Newsprint

   231     199     326    56    382  

Corrugated containers and sheets (mmsf)

   6,735     5,963     5,337    914    6,251  

Paper

        

Uncoated freesheet

  $977    $954    $942   $868   $930  

Containerboard (medium)

   467     418     481    454    477  

Market pulp

   549     429     512    535    516  

Packaging

        

Containerboard (linerboard)

  $365    $301    $396   $399   $397  

Newsprint

   493     459     584    494    571  

Corrugated containers and sheets ($/msf)

   57     58     58    55    57  

(a)The year ended December 31, 2008, and the combined year ended December 31, 2008, included 177,000 and 206,000 short tons, respectively, of uncoated freesheet papers and 24,000 and 29,000 short tons, respectively, of market pulp from machines at the St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill that have been shut down.

Operating Results

The following presents a discussion of sales and costs for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared with the year ended December 31, 2009, and for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared with the combined year ended December 31, 2008. The combined year ended December 31, 2008, represents the results of Boise Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2008, and the results of the Predecessor for the period of January 1 through February 21, 2008. See “Background” in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for more information related to the Acquisition.

Year Ended December 31, 2010, Compared With the Year Ended December 31, 2009

Sales

For the year ended December 31, 2010, total sales increased $115.6 million, or 6%, to $2,093.8 million from $1,978.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The increase was driven primarily by increased sales prices in both the Paper and Packaging segments and, to a lesser extent, by increased sales volumes in the Packaging segment.

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Paper.    Sales increased $38.3 million, or 3%, to $1,458.3 million from $1,420.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The increase was driven primarily by increased sales prices across the majority of our products. Overall uncoated freesheet net sales prices increased 2%, compared with the same period in 2009, as commodity uncoated freesheet net sales prices increased 2%2010. Included in 2011 are additional labor costs from our first-quarter acquisition of Tharco.


Selling and premium and specialty net sales prices increased 3%, compared withdistribution expenses. In 2011, the prior year. Overall uncoated freesheet sales volumes were down 1%, compared with the prior year, driven by a 7% decline in sales volumes of commodity grades, offset by a 10% increase in sales volumesselling and distribution expenses related primarily to the acquisition of premiumTharco. Compared with our historical packaging business, Tharco serves a larger proportion of small customers with a more diverse range of products, resulting in higher selling and specialty grades. Increased premiumdistribution costs. Excluding the selling and specialty sales volumes were driven primarily by 13% growthdistribution expenses related to Tharco, our selling and distribution expenses increased only 3.0% in combined sales volumes of premium office, label2011.
Depreciation, amortization, and release,depletion and flexible packaging papers, which represented 31% of our total 2010 uncoated freesheet sales volumes.

Packaging.    Salesgeneral and administrative expenses increased $83.5 million, or 14%, to $671.9 million from $588.4 million forduring the year ended December 31, 2009. The increase was driven by a 21% increase in segment linerboard net selling prices, a 7% increase in newsprint net selling prices coupled with a 16% increase in sales volumes, and a 13% increase in sales volumes of corrugated containers and sheets. The increase in corrugated containers and sheets was due to improved market conditions and increased sheet sales volumes from our sheet feeder plant in Texas. Corrugated products net sales price decreased 2%, as a result of an increased sales mix of lower-priced corrugated sheets relative to containers due to strong corrugated sheet demand. Partially offsetting these factors were 11% lower sales volumes of segment linerboard, driven by increased corrugated sheet sales volumes, which consumed more linerboard and resulted in a smaller proportion of linerboard available for sale to third parties.

Costs and Expenses

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses, including the cost of fiber from related parties, increased $26.2 million to $1,659.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared with $1,633.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The increase was driven primarily by higher fiber and energy costs, compared with 2009.

Fiber, energy, and chemical costs were $461.8 million, $211.7 million, and $204.9 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2010, and $401.1 million, $188.9 million, and $210.3 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2009. This represents a cost increase of $78.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared with 2009. This increase was driven primarily by increased costs for fiber as a result of higher purchased pulp and recycled fiber prices and increased wood consumption. Increased consumption of fiber was driven primarily by higher production volumes. These costs were offset partially by lower prices for chemicals.

Fiber costs increased $48.0 million in our Paper segment and $12.8 million in our Packaging segment, compared with 2009,2011, due primarily to increased purchased pulp prices, increased recycled fiber prices, and increased fiber consumption as a result of increased production volumes.

Compared with 2009, energy costs increased $8.3 million in our Paper segment and $14.5 million in our Packaging segment, due primarilyincremental expenses from Tharco's operations. Excluding the expenses related to higher electrical rates in our Packaging segment and increased consumption in both our Packaging and Paper segments as a result of increased production. This was offset partially by lower natural gas prices.

Chemical costs decreased $2.0 million in our Paper segment and $3.4 million in our Packaging segment, compared with 2009, as a result of a more favorable chemical mix, which reduced consumption of some higher-cost commodity chemicals.

Selling and distributionTharco, these expenses increased $2.6 million to $58.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared with $55.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. As a percentage of sales, selling and distribution expenses remained flat at 2.8%, compared with the prior year.

36

only slightly.


37

General and administrative expenses increased $2.0 million to $52.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared with $50.3 million for year ended December 31, 2009. While total general and administrative expenses increased, the costs remained flat as a percentage of sales, compared with the prior year.



St. Helens mill restructuring.    The year ended December 31, 2010, included $0.2 million of costs associated with the restructuring of our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill, compared with $5.8 million of costs for the year ended December 31, 2009. These costs are recorded in our Paper segment. These costs included decommissioning and other costs related to the restructuring of the mill.

Alternative fuel mixture credits.    The year ended December 31, 2009, included $207.6 million of alternative fuel mixture credits, of which $149.9 million was recorded in our Paper segment and $61.6 million was recorded in our Packaging segment. These amounts are net of fees and expenses and before taxes. We also recorded $3.9 million of expenses in our Corporate and Other segment relating to alternative fuel mixture credits. Eligibility for new credits expired on December 31, 2009.

Other (income) expense.“Other "Other (income) expense, net”net" includes miscellaneous income and expense items. ForIn 2011, we recorded $3.1 million of costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2010, we had an immaterial amountinitial evaluation of other expense,potential targeted acquisitions. The expenses related primarily to costs to analyze, negotiate, and for the year ended December 31, 2009, we had $4.0consummate transactions as well as financial and legal due diligence activities. These costs were partially offset by approximately $1.1 million of other expense that consisted primarily of expenses related to the idling of our D2 newsprint machine at our DeRidder mill.miscellaneous income and expenses.


Income From Operations


Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010,2011, decreased $111.6slightly to $191.1 million to $194.0 million,, compared with $305.6$194.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. This decrease was driven primarily by $207.6 million of income from alternative fuel mixture credits recognized for the year ended December 31, 2009.2010. Excluding the $207.6 million of income from alternative fuel mixture credits,special items, income from operations increased $96.0$5.3 million compared within 2011. Before special items, the prior-year period. This increase was due primarily to overall increased net sales prices and sales volumes and,related to a lesser extent, lower chemical costssignificant earnings growth in both the Paper andour Packaging segments. These increases weresegment, offset partially by increased fiber and energy costs. Ourdecreased operating segment results are discussed below.income in our Paper segment. Income from operations also includes net costs from our Corporate and Other segment.


Paper.    SegmentPackaging. Segment income from operations decreased $111.2increased $40.0 million to $151.5$105.0 million in 2011, compared with $65.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010,2010. This increase was driven by improved linerboard, newsprint, and corrugated products pricing and the acquisition of Tharco. These factors were offset partially by higher chemical costs. During 2011, net selling prices of segment linerboard improved $57 per short ton, and newsprint prices improved $53 per short ton, compared with $262.7the same period in the prior year, as both markets improved in 2011.

Paper. Segment income from operations decreased $39.4 million to $112.1 million in 2011, compared with $151.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.2010. This decrease was driven primarily by $149.9 million of income from alternative fuel mixture credits recognizedhigher input costs, continued declines in U.S. industry demand for the year ended December 31, 2009. Excluding the $149.9 million of income from alternative fuel mixture credits, income from operationsuncoated freesheet, and higher maintenance costs during our annual shutdown at Wallula, Washington. The increased $38.8 million, compared with the prior-year period. This increase was dueinput costs related primarily to increased net sales prices across all major product categoriesfor commodity chemicals, including caustic soda and starch, and to a lesser extent, lower chemical prices. These increases werehigher fiber costs, offset partially by increased fiber costs due to increased purchased pulp and recycled fiber costs.

Packaging.    Segment income from operations decreased $2.1 million to $65.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared with $67.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Segment income for the year ended December 31, 2009, included $61.6 million of income from alternative fuel mixture credits. Excluding the $61.6 million of income from alternative fuel mixture credits, income from operations increased $59.5 million, compared with the prior-year period. This increase was due primarily to increased nethigher sales prices, for linerboardlower energy costs, and newsprint along with increased sales volumes for newsprintof medium and corrugated products and, to a lesser extent, lower chemical prices. This increase was offset partially by increased energy costs, as well as additional maintenance costs as a result of a more extensive outage at DeRidder in first quarter 2010, compared with 2009.market pulp.

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Other

Other

Loss on extinguishment of debt.    For During the yearyears ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we recognized $2.3 million and $22.2 million, respectively, in loss on extinguishment of debt was $22.2 million. This amount consistsdebt. These amounts consist primarily of previously unamortized deferred financing costs, forwhich were expensed in connection with our Tranche B term loan facility, which was paid off as part of our March 2010 debt refinancing. financing activities.


Income taxes. For the yearyears ended December 31, 2009, loss on extinguishment2011 and 2010, Boise Inc. recorded income tax expense of debt was $44.1$50.1 million as a result and $45.4 million, respectively, and had effective tax rates of the October 2009 debt restructuring.40.0% and 42.0%, respectively. For the yearyears ended December 31, 2009,2011 and 2010, BZ Intermediate loss on extinguishmentrecorded income tax expense of debt$50.1 million and $44.5 million, respectively, and had effective tax rates of 40.0% and 41.2%, respectively. The primary reason for the difference from the federal statutory income tax rate of 35.0% was $66.8 million as a resultthe effect of excludingstate income taxes and discrete tax items.

Balance Sheet Changes

The changes in our balance sheet, compared with December 31, 2010, relate primarily to the gain onTharco and Hexacomb acquisitions, the exercise of warrants, the repurchase of our common stock, and an increase in our pension obligations. We increased our assets approximately $423.4 million and our liabilities approximately $97.2 million in total for both acquisitions based on the notes payable, which was held by,fair values on the acquisition dates. During 2011, warrant holders exercised 40.3 million warrants, resulting in the issuance of 38.4 million additional common shares and therefore recognized by, Boise Inc. as part of the October 2009 debt restructuring.we repurchased

Interest expense.    For the year ended21.2 million common shares. Compared with December 31, 2010, our pension obligation, which is recorded in long-term "Compensation and 2009, interest expense was $64.8 million and $83.3 million, respectively, which includes interestbenefits" on our debt obligations as well asConsolidated Balance Sheets, increased approximately $83.4 million. The increase in our pension obligation related primarily to a decrease in the amortization of deferred financing costs and other. Interest expense decreased period over period due to our reduced principal balances. Interest expense for BZ Intermediate was $74.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. This amount does not include the gain on repurchase of Boise Inc.’s notes payable, which were recognized by Boise Inc.

Income taxes.    For the year endeddiscount rate from 5.50% at December 31, 2010 Boise Inc. recorded $45.4million of income tax expense, and Boise Inc.’s effective tax rate was 42.0%. For the year endedto 4.50% at December 31, 2009, Boise Inc. recorded $28.0 million of income tax expense2011. See Note 4, Acquisitions, Note 10, Retirement and had an effective tax rate of 15.4%. In the prior year, Boise Inc. released valuation allowances recorded during 2008 because Boise Inc. expected to be able to utilize deferred tax assets to offset deferred tax liabilities. This resulted in a lower effective tax rate during 2009, relative to 2010.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, BZ Intermediate recorded $44.5 million of income tax expenseBenefit Plans, and had an effective tax rate of 41.2%. For the year ended December 31, 2009, BZ Intermediate recorded $20.4 million of income tax expenseNote 12, Stockholders' Equity and had an effective tax rate of 12.1%. In the prior year, BZ Intermediate released valuation allowances recorded during 2008 because BZ Intermediate expected to be able to utilize deferred tax assets to offset deferred tax liabilities. This resulted in a lower effective tax rate during 2009, relative to 2010.

Year Ended December 31, 2009, Compared With the Combined Year Ended December 31, 2008

Management believes this combined presentationCapital, of the Boise Inc.Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Predecessor statementSupplementary Data" of operations isthis Form 10-K for additional information.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

In 2012, we generated $97.4 million of operating cash flow, less capital expenditures, compared with $121.4 million in 2011. Almost 80% of the most useful comparison between periods. The Acquisition resulted in a new basis of accounting from that previously reported by the Predecessor. However, sales and most operating cost items are substantially consistent with those reflected by the Predecessor. Some inventories were revalued in accordance with purchase accounting rules. Depreciation changed as a result of adjustments to the fair values of property and equipment due to our purchase price allocation. These items, along with changes in interest expense and income taxes, are explained independently where appropriate.

Sales

For the year ended December 31, 2009, total sales decreased $452.4 million, or 19%, to $1,978.2 million from $2,430.6 million for the combined year ended December 31, 2008. The decrease was driven primarily by a 14% decrease in Paper segment sales due to lower sales volumes, offset partially by higher sales prices, and a 28% declineoperating cash flow, less capital expenditures, in Packaging segment sales due primarily to lower sales volumes and prices.

2012


38



Paper.    Sales decreased $237.2 million, or 14%, to $1,420.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, from $1,657.2 million for the combined year ended December 31, 2008. This decrease was driven primarily by a 13% decline in uncoated freesheet paper sales volumes, due primarily to lower production capacity as a result of the St. Helens mill restructuring and to market

38


downtime as a result of declining demand. Sales volumes for uncoated freesheet paper commodity grades declined 10%, and premium and specialty grades declined 19%, compared with 2008, driven primarily by sharp reductions in printing and converting sales volumes. Sales volumes in our label and release, flexible packaging, and premium office grades grew 4%, compared with 2008, as we continued to convert commodity production to label and release at our Wallula, Washington, mill. Reduced volumes were offset partially by higher prices. Overall uncoated freesheet paper net sales prices increased 3%, compared with 2008, as both commodity and premium and specialty uncoated freesheet paper net sales prices increased.

Packaging.    Sales decreased $228.8 million, or 28%, to $588.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, from $817.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The decrease was driven by lower sales volumes for newsprint and corrugated products and lower net sales prices for newsprint and linerboard, offset partially by higher segment linerboard sales volumes and higher corrugated products sales prices. Sales volumes for newsprint declined 48% and for corrugated container and sheets declined 5%, while segment linerboard sales volumes increased 10%, compared with 2008. Net sales prices for segment linerboard declined 24%, newsprint net sales prices declined 20%, and corrugated products net sales prices increased 2% over the same time period. Demand for linerboard was weak early in 2009 but improved later in the year, particularly in export markets. Newsprint experienced a significant decline in demand during 2009, resulting in market downtime during the period to match production with demand. In April 2009, we indefinitely idled our D2 newsprint machine in DeRidder, Louisiana.

Costs and Expenses

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses, including the cost of fiber from related parties, decreased $499.9 million, or 23%, to $1,633.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, from $2,133.0 million for the combined year ended December 31, 2008. The decrease was driven primarily by lower prices and lower consumption of inputs and by fixed cost reductions as a result of the St. Helens mill restructuring and the idling of our D2 newsprint machine.

Fiber, energy, and chemical costs were $401.1 million, $188.9 million, and $210.3 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2009, and $530.0 million, $340.2 million, and $262.6 million, respectively, for the combined year ended December 31, 2008. Combined, this represents a cost decrease of $332.5 million in 2009, compared with 2008. This decrease was driven primarily by lower prices for energy, fiber, and chemicals and reduced consumption of inputs due to lower production volumes.

Fiber costs decreased $100.9 million in our Paper segment and $28.0 million in our Packaging segment, compared with the combined year ended December 31, 2008, due primarily to lower prices for wood, purchased pulp, and recycled fiber and reduced overall consumption of fiber.

Compared with the combined year ended December 31, 2008, energy costs decreased $96.4 million in our Paper segment and $54.8 million in our Packaging segment, driven by lower prices for fuel and electricity and reduced consumption of energy.

Chemical costs decreased $40.7 million in our Paper segment and $11.6 million in our Packaging segment, compared with the combined year ended December 31, 2008, due primarily to lower consumption and lower prices for chemical inputs.

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion was $131.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, and $110.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The year ended December 31, 2008, included depreciation, amortization, and depletion for the period of February 22, 2008, through December 31, 2008. For the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, depreciation, amortization, and depletion was $0.5 million due to the suspension of depreciation for the assets being held for sale as a result of the Acquisition.

39


Selling and distribution expenses decreased $1.9 million, or 3%, to $55.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, from $57.4 million for the combined year ended December 31, 2008. As a percentage of sales, selling and distribution expenses increased to 2.8% for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared with 2.4% for the combined year ended December 31, 2008, as these expenses declined less than sales.

General and administrative expenses increased $9.4 million, or 23%, to $50.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, from $40.9 million for the combined year ended December 31, 2008. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 2.5% for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared with 1.7% for the combined year ended December 31, 2008, due primarily to increased employee compensation costs. Short-term incentive compensation was suspended for 2008.

St. Helens mill restructuring.    The years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, include $5.8 million and $37.6 million, respectively, of costs associated with the restructuring of our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill. For 2008, $28.8 million of the costs related to noncash expenses. These costs are recorded in our Paper segment. The $5.8 million of costs recorded in 2009 related to decommissioningadditional pension contributions and other costs associated with the restructuring of the mill and are recorded in “St. Helens mill restructuring” in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss). Of the $37.6 million pretax loss recorded in 2008, $7.8 million related to the write-down of inventory and is recorded in “Materials, labor, and other operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss). We recorded the remaining $29.8 million of restructuring costs in “St. Helens mill restructuring” in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss). These costs included asset write-downs for plant and equipment at the St. Helens mill, employee-related severance costs, pension curtailment losses, and other miscellaneous costs related to the restructuring of the mill.

Alternative fuel mixture credits.    The year ended December 31, 2009, includes $207.6 million of alternative fuel mixture credits, of which $149.9 million is recorded in our Paper segment and $61.6 million is recorded in our Packaging segment. These amounts are net of fees and expenses and before taxes. We also recorded $3.9 million of expenses in our Corporate and Other segment relating to alternative fuel mixture credits.increased capital expenditures. For more information, see “Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits” in this Management’s Discussionthe discussion under "Operating Activities" and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Other (income) expense, net.    “Other (income) expense, net” includes miscellaneous income and expense items. For"Investing Activities" below. We ended the year ended December 31, 2009, we had $4.0with $49.7 million of expense, compared with $4.0million of income in the combined prior year. In 2009, $4.0 million of expense consisted primarily of expenses related to the idling of our D2 newsprint machine at our DeRidder mill. In 2008 the $4.0 million of income consisted primarily of a $2.9 million gain on changes in supplemental pension plans and a net gain on sales of assets of $1.0 million for the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008.

Income from operations.    Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2009, increased $242.6 million to $305.6 million, compared with $63.0 million for the combined year ended December 31, 2008. This increase was driven primarily by reduced input and fixed costs, alternative fuel mixture credits for our use of renewable biomass fuels, and the restructuring of our St. Helen’s mill in late 2008. This increase was offset partially by reduced depreciation in 2008 due to the suspension of depreciation for the assets being held for sale as a result of the Acquisition, reduced volumes, and lower net sales prices in our Packaging segment. Income for the combined year ended December 31, 2008, was negatively affected by approximately $20.5 million due to the DeRidder outage in the first quarter and $10.2 million due to inventory purchase price adjustments.

Paper.    Segment income increased $209.3 million, or 392%, to $262.7 million in 2009 from $53.4 million in the combined year ended December 31, 2008. The impact of the alternative fuel

40


mixture credits was $149.9 million. The remainder of this increase was due primarily to reduced input and fixed costs and the restructuring of our St. Helen’s mill in late 2008, offset partially by lower sales volumes and reduced depreciation due to the suspension of depreciation for the assets being held for sale as a result of the Acquisition. The combined year ended December 31, 2008, included $7.4 million of expense from inventory purchase accounting adjustments.

Packaging.    Segment income increased $40.3 million, or 150%, to $67.1 million in 2009 from $26.8 million in the combined year ended December 31, 2008. The impact of the alternative fuel mixture credits was $61.6 million. The remainder of this increase was due primarily to reduced input and fixed costs (offset partially by lower net sales prices and sales volumes) and reduced depreciation due to the suspension of depreciation for the assets being held for sale as a result of the Acquisition. The combined year ended December 31, 2008, included $20.5 million in costs due to the planned DeRidder outage in the first quarter and $2.8 million of expense from inventory purchase accounting adjustments.

Other

Foreign exchange gain (loss).    For the year ended December 31, 2009, foreign exchange gain was $2.6 million, compared with a $4.6 million loss for the same period in the combined year ended December 31, 2008. This gain was driven primarily by weakening of the U.S. dollar, compared with other global currencies, particularly the Canadian dollar.

Loss on extinguishment of debt.    For the year ended December 31, 2009, Boise Inc.’s loss on extinguishment of debt was $44.1 million as a result of the October 2009 debt restructuring, and the loss for BZ Intermediate was $66.8 million. BZ Intermediate’s loss was greater because it did not receive the gain on repurchase of notes payable, which were held by Boise Inc. For additional information, refer to our discussion under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Interest expense.    For the year ended December 31, 2009, interest expense was $83.3 million, of which $56.9 million consisted of cash interest payments related to debt under our senior secured credit facilities. The remaining amountand $487.7 million of interest expense consisted primarily of noncash items, including the following: $9.0 million related to notes payable and $11.3 million for amortization of deferred financing costs. For the combined year ended December 31, 2008, interest expense was $91.2 million, of which $72.1 million consisted of cash interest payments related to debt under our senior secured credit facilities. The remaining amount of interest expense consisted primarily of noncash items, including the following: $8.3 million related to notes payable and $9.3 million for amortization of deferred financing costs.

Interest income.    For the year ended December 31, 2009, interest income was $0.4 million, compared with $2.4million for the combined year ended December 31, 2008. Interest income for the period prior to February 22, 2008, is attributable to income from interest earned on trust assets held by Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp.

Income taxes.    For the year ended December 31, 2009, Boise Inc. recorded $28.0 million of income tax expense and had an effective tax rate of 15.4%. Boise Inc. increased its income tax expense in 2009 as a result of its uncertain tax position regarding alternative fuel mixture credits. This increase was offset by a $44.1 million tax benefit from the release of valuation allowances. For the year ended December 31, 2008, Boise Inc. recorded $8.8 million of income tax benefits related to losses incurred during the year and had an effective tax benefit rate of 16.2%.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, BZ Intermediate recorded $20.4 million of income tax expense and had an effective tax rate of 12.1%. BZ Intermediate increased its income tax expense in 2009 as a result of its uncertain tax position regarding alternative fuel mixture credits. This

41


increase was offset by a $45.7 million tax benefit from the release of valuation allowances. For the year ended December 31, 2008, BZ Intermediate recorded $5.8 million of income tax benefits related to losses incurred during the year and had an effective tax benefit rate of 12.3%.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During 2010, we continued to improve our liquidity position. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had $177.5 million and $79.4 million, respectively, of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments and $781.8 million and $815.9 million of debt, respectively. In 2010, we generated higher operating cash flows from increased sales prices in both the Paper and Packaging segments and, to a lesser extent, increased sales volumes in the Packaging segment. During 2010, we paid a special dividend of $0.40 per common share, or $32.3 million, and we refinanced some of our variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt, which reduced our exposure to future interest rate changes. At December 31, 2010, 42.0 million warrants and 2.3 million insider warrants for which we will receive no proceeds were outstanding. The warrants expire on June 18, 2011. If all outstanding warrants were exercised at the $7.50 exercise price, we would receive cash proceeds of approximately $315 million.

At December 31, 2010, our cash was invested in high-quality, short-term investments, which we record in “Cash and cash equivalents.” The credit quality of our portfolio of short-term investments remains strong, with the majority of our cash and cash equivalents invested in money market funds that are broadly diversified in high-quality, short-duration securities, including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, U.S. government agency securities, and similar instruments.

If a contractually committed lender fails to honor its commitment under the $250.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, the other lenders would remain committed for their portion of the total facility. A total of 12 lenders participated in the revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility) at December 31, 2010, and the largest single commitment under the Revolving Credit Facility was $100.0 million. At December 31, 2010, we did not have any borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. Thus, at December 31, 2010, our aggregate liquidity from unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility totaled $245.4 million,revolving credit facility, net of outstanding letters of creditcredit. Our cash equivalents are invested in bank deposits and money market funds that are invested in U.S. government debt and agency securities. At December 31, 2012, we did not hold significant investments tied to debt of $4.6 million.

countries facing severe fiscal challenges.


Our foreign operations are not material to our financial position or results of operations. At December 31, 2012, we had $8.0 million of cash held in operations outside of the United States. We indefinitely reinvest our earnings in operations outside the United States; however, if foreign earnings were repatriated at a future date, we would need to accrue and pay taxes. 

We believe that our cash, as well as our cash flows from operations and the available borrowing capacity under our $250.0 million Revolving Credit Facilityrevolving credit facility, will be adequate to provide cash as required to support our ongoing operations, property and equipment expenditures, pension contributions, and debt service obligations for at least the next 12 months.


Sources and Uses of Cash


We primarily generate cash from sales of our products and from short- and long-term borrowings, as well as from cash proceeds from the sale of nonstrategic assets. In 2010Our principal operating cash expenditures are for fiber, compensation, chemicals, energy, and 2009, we received cash from the alternative fuel mixture credits the U.S. Internal Revenue Code allowed for taxpayers using alternative fuels in the taxpayer’s trade or business. Eligibility for new credits expired on December 31, 2009.interest. In addition to paying for ongoing operating costs, we use cash to invest in our business, return capital to shareholders, fund pension obligations, repay debt, pay dividends, and meet our contractual obligations and commercial commitments. Below is a summary table of our cash flows, followed by a discussion of our sources and uses of cash through operating activities (including a sensitivity analysis related to our sources and uses of cash from/for operating activities), investing activities, and financing activities.

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activities (dollars in millions):


 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Cash provided by operations$235.0
 $250.2
 $289.8
Cash used for investment(136.2) (443.3) (109.3)
Cash provided by (used for) financing(146.1) 123.3
 (83.1)

Operating Activities

2012

We operate in a cyclical industry, and our operating cash flows vary accordingly. Our principal operating cash expenditures are for fiber, compensation, energy, chemicals, and interest. Operating activities provided cash in 2010, 2009, and 2008 as follows:

2010 Compared With 2009

2011


In 20102012 and 2009, our2011, operating activities provided $289.8$235.0 million and $458.7$250.2 million of cash, respectively. Compared with 2009, the decrease in2011, cash provided by operations relates primarilydecreased $15.2 million due to the following:

A $91.1 million decrease in net income. As discussed under “Operating Results” above, the lower net income in 2010 was due primarily to the cessation of the alternative fuel mixture credits that we received during 2009. We recorded $207.6 million of income from alternative fuel mixture credits, including fees and expenses and before taxes during 2009. The decrease in net income during 2010 was partially offset by a $38.8 million and $59.5$9.8 million increase in income, excluding alternative fuel mixture credits incash contributions to our Paperpension plans and Packaging segments, respectively.

During 2010, decreasesa $1.9 million increase in working capital provided $38.1capital. In 2012, we contributed $35.2 million in cash, to our pension plans, compared with $91.6$25.4 million in 2009.2011.Working capital increased $19.0 million in 2012, compared with a $17.1 million increase in the prior year. Working capital is subject to cyclical operating needs, the timing of the collection of receivables, the payment of payables and expenses, and to a lesser extent, seasonal fluctuations in our operations. During 2010,In 2012, the decreasesincrease in working capital related primarily related to the collection of a $56.6 million receivable related to the alternative fuel mixture credits partially offset by a $17.1 milliondecreased payables and an increase in inventories. The increaseaccounts receivable. Our payables decreased due to our reducing paper production on selected uncoated freesheet machines in inventories is primarilythe fourth quarter to balance our production with lower demand for our products in an effort to maintain efficient inventory levels. Receivables increased in 2012 due to higher linerboard prices. Additionally, we had slightly higher inventory at the end of 2010, compared with the end of 2009.

More cash contributions tosales volumes and prices for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. During 2010, we contributed $25.6 million to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans, compared with $13.0 million during 2009.

corrugated products.


20092011 Compared With 2008

Unless otherwise noted, this discussion of liquidity2010


In 2011 and capital resources with respect to 2008 refers to the combined activities of Boise Inc. and the Predecessor.

In 2009 and 2008, our2010, operating activities provided $458.7$250.2 million and $104.6$289.8 million of cash, respectively. Compared with 2008,2010, the increasedecrease in cash provided by operations related primarily to the following:

A $176.6a $17.1 million increase in net income. As discussed under “Operating Results” above, we recorded $207.6working capital in 2011, compared with a $38.1 million of income from alternative fuel mixture credits, including fees and expenses and before taxes reduction in 2009. Also contributing toworking capital in the prior year. In 2011, the increase in networking capital related primarily to increased inventory balances. Inventory increased due to the building of raw materials inventories in our business and a higher valuation of our finished goods inventories. Compared with 2010,


39



cash provided by operations also decreased due to a decline in income was increasedfrom operations in 2011. The decline in income from operations related primarily to decreased operating income in our Paper segment, which increased $59.4 million, excluding the impact of the alternative fuel mixture credits. These increases were partially offsetwas driven by a $44.1 million (Boise Inc.) or $66.8 million (BZ Intermediate) loss on extinguishment of debt related to the write-off of previously unamortized deferred financing costs.

During 2009, we generated $91.6 million of cash through working capital reductions, compared with using $50.5 million of cash in 2008. During 2009, the working capital reduction primarily related to decreased inventories, increased accounts payablehigher input costs and accrued liabilities, offset partially by increased receivables.

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Inventories in the Paper and the Packaging segments were down $59.1 million and $23.7 million, respectively, providing $83.0 million in cash from operations as we concentrated on inventory reduction. The decline in Paper segment inventories was due in part to the liquidation of St. Helens inventory related to the mill restructuring. The annual shutdown during December 2009 at our mill in Jackson, Alabama, reduced inventory levels at year end as we sold inventory that we had on hand. Furthercontinued declines in inventory within the Packaging segment resulted from operating one newsprint machine rather than the two we were operating at the endU.S. industry demand for uncoated freesheet. For more information, see "Our Operating Results" in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of 2008.

Higher levelsFinancial Condition and Results of accounts payable and accrued liabilities provided $25.7 million of cash from operations. We experienced higher accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Paper and Corporate and Other segments. These increases were offset by decreases in the Packaging segment. We had higher incentive compensation accruals at December 31, 2009, than at December 31, 2008, as we did not pay any incentive compensation related to 2008. The increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Paper segment was due primarily to the annual mill shutdown at our Jackson mill, offset by the reduction of payables and accrued liabilities as a result of the St. Helens mill restructuring. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities within the Packaging segment was due in part to reconfigured newsprint operations.

Operations.

Higher levels of receivables used $18.6 million of cash from operations, which is attributable primarily to an increase in “Other” receivables relating to the alternative fuel mixture credits of $56.6 million, offset partially by a $35.5 million decrease in trade receivables. The decrease in trade receivables was due primarily to lower sales within each of our operating segments.


The increase in cash provided by the items above was partially offset by more cash contributions to our pension and postretirement benefit plans in 2009. During 2009, we contributed $13.0 million to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans, compared with $2.5 million during 2008.

Sensitivity Analysis Related to Sources and Uses of Cash From/For Our Operating Activities

Sources and uses of cash flows from operating activities

Our primary source of cash is revenue generated by the sale of our packaging and paper products, including uncoated freesheet papers, linerboard, corrugated containers and sheets, and newsprint. Declines in working capital also provide cash for operations, including declines in receivables from sales of our products, reductions in inventory levels, reductions in prepaid expenses, and increases in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities.

In 2010, we sold the following:

1.2 million short tons of uncoated freesheet paper.


225,000 short tons of linerboard to third parties.

6,735 million square feet of corrugated containers and sheets.

231,000 short tons of newsprint.

81,000 short tons of market pulp.

During 2010, selling prices for linerboard (sold to third parties), newsprint, and uncoated freesheet increased 21%, 7%, and 2%, respectively, while prices for corrugated containers and sheets declined 2%. Selling prices for linerboard (sold to third parties) and newsprint improved due to strengthening demand and improved market conditions. During 2009, we took 44,000 and 225,000 short tons of market related downtime for linerboard and newsprint, respectively, while we

44


did not take any during 2010. The newsprint downtime in 2009 included the idled short tons related to the April 2009 D2 newsprint machine idling. During 2010, we took 17,000 short tons of downtime in uncoated freesheet, compared with 42,000 short tons taken during 2009.

Our primary uses of cash are for expenses related to the manufacture of packaging and paper products, including fiber, compensation, energy, and chemicals. For further information pertaining to our expenses see “Our Operating Results” in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Sensitivity Analysis

Our operations can be affected by the following sensitivities which are based on 2010 operations (dollars in millions):

Sensitivity Analysis

  Estimated
Annual Impact  on

Income
Before Taxes
 

Each $10/short ton change in the selling price of the following products (except for corrugated containers and sheets):

  

Paper

  

Uncoated freesheet

  $12  

Packaging

  

Containerboard (linerboard)

   2  

Newsprint

   2  

Corrugated containers and sheets ($1.00/msf change in price)

   7  

Interest rate (1% change in interest rate on our variable-rate debt before hedging)

   2  

Energy(a)

  

Natural gas ($1.00/mmBtu change in price)

   12  

Diesel ($0.50/gallon change in price)

   8  

Fiber (1% change in cost of fiber)

   5  

Chemicals (1% change in cost of chemicals)

   2  

Sensitivity Analysis (a)Estimated Annual Impact on Income Before Taxes
Packaging 
Corrugated containers and sheets ($1.00/msf change in price)$10
Linerboard (External sales) ($10/short ton change in price)2
Newsprint ($10/short ton change in price)2
Paper 
Uncoated freesheet ($10/short ton change in price)12
Interest rate (1% change in interest rate on our variable-rate debt)2
Energy (b) 
Natural gas ($1.00/mmBtu change in price)11
Electricity (1% change in cost)1
Diesel ($0.50/gallon change in price)6
Fiber (1% change in cost)5
Chemicals (1% change in cost)3
 ____________
(a)
Based on 2010 consumption levels. 2012 operations and adjusted for ceasing paper production at St. Helens.
(b)The allocation between energy sources may vary during the year in order to take advantage of market conditions. The diesel sensitivity does not take into account any floors that may exist in rail or truck fuel surcharge formulas.


Investment Activities

2012

2010

For the year ended December 31, 2010, investing activities consisted primarily


During 2012, we used $137.6 million of cash for capital expenditures for property and equipment, and purchases and maturitiescompared with $128.8 million in 2011, an increase of short-term investments. Cash investing activities used $109.3$8.8 million, $84.5 million, and $900.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

Cash capital expenditures for property, plant, and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2010, were $111.6 million. Cash investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2010, also included $25.3 million for purchases of short-term investments and $24.7 million of maturities of short-term investments, which consisted of fundsas we invested in certificates of deposit insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

45


Detailsenhancements and efficiency improvements in our box plant system.


The details of cash capital expenditures for property plant, and equipment by segment for the year ended December 31, 2010,2012, are included in the table below (dollars in millions):

   Year Ended December 31, 2010 
   Acquisition/
Expansion
   Quality/
Efficiency (a)
   Replacement,
Environmental,
and Other
   Total 

Paper

  $0.1    $18.5    $49.2    $67.8  

Packaging

   2.1     9.1     27.4     38.6  

Corporate and Other

        1.2     4.0     5.2  
                    
  $2.2    $28.8    $80.6    $    111.6  
                    

 Year Ended December 31, 2012
 Acquisition/
Expansion
 Quality/
Efficiency (a)
 Replacement,
Environmental,
and Other
 Total
Packaging$2.0
 $11.6
 $47.7
 $61.3
Paper
 13.0
 58.1
 71.1
Corporate and Other
 1.1
 4.1
 5.2
 $2.0
 $25.7
 $109.9
 $137.6
____________
(a)Quality and efficiency projects include quality improvements, modernization, energy, and cost-saving projects.



40



We expect capital investments in 20112013 to be between $115$152 million and $125$162 million, excluding acquisitions. acquisitions and major capital expansions. This level of capital investment represents an increase from prior years. The increase relates to cost-reduction and improvement projects in our corrugated operations. These expenditures could increase or decrease as a result of a number of factors, including our financial results, future economic conditions, and our regulatory compliance requirements. Our capital spending in 2011 will be for cost savings, business improvement, quality/efficiency projects, replacement projects, and ongoing environmental compliance. Our performance improvement projects also focus on opportunities to improve our energy efficiency. We spent $4 million in 2010 andOf the amount we expect to spend about the same amountfor capital investments in 2011 for capital2013, approximately $7 million relates to environmental compliance requirements.

Our estimated environmental expenditures could vary significantly depending upon the enactment of new environmental laws and regulations, including those related to greenhouse gas emissions and industrial boilers. Our preliminary estimates indicate we will incur additional capital spending of $33 to $38 million for compliance with Boiler MACT rules at our paper mills, which includes the 2009$7 million

we expect to spend in 2013, as discussed above. For additional information, see "Environmental" in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


2011

For the year ended December 31, 2009,2011, investing activities used $443.3 million of cash, which consisted primarily of $326.2 million of cash for the Tharco and Hexacomb acquisitions, $128.8 million for capital expenditures for property and equipment, and purchases and maturities$3.5 million of short-term investments. Cash investing activities used $84.5million for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Cash capital expenditures for property, plant, and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2009, were $77.1 million. Cash investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009, also included a net amount of $10.0 millioncash for purchases of short-term investments. We received $14.1 million of proceeds from the maturity of short-term investments. The short-term investments which consisted of funds invested in certificates of deposit insured by the FDIC.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). During 2011, we liquidated our short-term investment portfolio.


20082010

On February 22, 2008, Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. completed the Acquisition of the Paper Group and other assets and liabilities related to the operation of the paper, packaging and newsprint, and transportation businesses of the Paper Group and part of the headquarters operations of Boise Cascade for a total purchase price of $1.7 billion, which included $1.3 billion of net cash and fees. Subsequent to the Acquisition, Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. changed its name to Boise Inc. Boise Inc. obtained $1.1 billion of financing in conjunction with the Acquisition, which is discussed below in “Financing Activities.”



For the year ended December 31, 2008,2010, investing activities included $1.2 billion inused $109.3 million of cash, spent for the Acquisition, excluding deferred financing costs, as discussed above.

Combined cash capitalwhich consisted of $111.6 million of expenditures for property plant, and equipment, $25.3 millionfor purchases of short-term investments, and $24.7 million of proceeds from the year ended December 31, 2008, were $100.8 million. This amount included $10.2 million spent by the Predecessor for the periodmaturities of January 1, 2008, through February 21, 2008, and $90.6 million spent by us from February 22, 2008, through December 31, 2008. Of these amounts, $10.4 million related to the installation of a shoe press in our DeRidder mill in March to reduce the use of energy in producing linerboard. Total capital spending for this project was $22.4 million, part of which was spent in 2007.

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short-term investments.


Financing Activities


2012

Cash used for financing activities was $83.1$146.1 million for in 2012, compared with $123.3 million of cash provided by financing activities in 2011. Financing activities in 2012 included a $119.7 million outflow related to the year endedpayment of two special dividends, which totaled approximately $1.20 per common share, and $25.0 million of debt repayments.

During third quarter 2012, we made $17.5 million of voluntary payments on our Tranche A Term Loan, which eliminates our required principal payment obligations until December 31, 2010, compared with $327.3 million of cash used for financing activities for2013. Based on the same period in 2009. Financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2010, reflect $334.1 million of long-term debt repayments, $300.0 million of debt issuances, $12.0 million of cash paid for deferred financing costs, and $32.3 million for payments of a special dividend of $0.40 per common share. Financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009, reflect the issuance of $300 million of 9% Senior Notes due in 2017 obtained as a resultcurrent structure of our debt restructuring and repayment of approximately $510 million of existing debt.

Ouragreements, our expected debt service obligation, assuming debt and interest rates stay at December 31, 2010,2012, levels, is estimated to be approximately $101$64.9 million for 20112013 and $185$74.6 million for 2012,2014, consisting of cash payments for principal, interest, and fees. These amounts remain subject to change, and such changes may be material. For example, a 1% increase in interest rates would increase interest expense by approximately $2 million per year (based on debt levels and interest rates as of December 31, 2010). Our sensitivity to increases in interest rates decreased in 2010 as a result of paying off our variable-rate debt and exchanging variable-rate debt for fixed-rate debt.


We lease some of our distribution centers,locations, as well as other property and equipment, under operating leases. These operating leases are not included in debt; however, they represent a commitment. Obligations under operating leases are shown in the “Contractual Obligations”"Contractual Obligations" in this Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, cash financing activities were $817.7 million and reflect approximately $1.1 billion of debt financing obtained in conjunction with the Acquisition, offset partially by $120.2 million paid to stockholders who exercised their conversion rights, $94.3 million of deferred financing costs and underwriting fees, and $88.3 million of debt repayments.


For more information about our debt and leases, see Note 11,8, Debt, and Note 14, Leases of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Part"Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”Data" of this Form 10-K.

47

10‑K.


2011

Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2011, was $123.3 million and included $284.8 million of cash proceeds from the exercise of 40.3 million warrants and $18.2 million of proceeds from the net issuance of debt. During 2011, we replaced our revolving credit facility and entered into a new Tranche A Term Loan facility (the Credit Facilities), which extended our maturities and lowered our interest rates. These sources of cash were partially offset by $121.4 million of cash used to repurchase $21.2 million shares of our

41



common stock at an average price of $5.74, $47.9 million of cash used to pay our shareholders special dividends, and $8.6 million of cash used to pay financing costs incurred in connection with the new Credit Facilities discussed above.

2010

Cash used for financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2010, reflects $334.1 million of debt repayments, $300.0 million of debt issuances, $32.3 million for payment of a $0.40 per common share special dividend, and $12.0 million of cash paid for financing costs.

Commitments, Guarantees, and Legal Proceedings

Contractual Obligations


In the table below, we set forth our enforceable and legally binding obligations as of December 31, 2010.2012. Some of the amounts included in the table are based on management’smanagement's estimates and assumptions about these obligations, including their duration, the possibility of renewal, anticipated actions by third parties, and other factors. Because these estimates and assumptions are necessarily subjective, our actual payments may vary from those reflected in the table. Purchase orders made in the ordinary course of business are excluded from the table below. Any amounts for which we are liable under purchase orders are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as accounts payable and accrued liabilities (dollars in millions):

   Payments Due by Period 
   2011   2012-2013   2014-2015   Thereafter   Total 

Long-term debt, including current portion (a)

  $43.8    $138.0    $    $600.0    $781.8  

Interest (b)

   56.1     105.1     102.0     162.0     425.2  

Operating leases (c)

   11.7     19.3     13.8     12.8     57.6  

Purchase obligations

          

Raw materials and finished goods inventory (d)

   54.7     24.8     8.6          88.1  

Utilities (e)

   22.8     4.2     0.2          27.2  

Other

   2.9     0.4               3.3  

Other long-term liabilities reflected on our Balance Sheet (f):

          

Compensation and benefits (g)

   3.4     57.3     46.5     14.5     121.7  

Other (h)

   3.5     3.8     2.5     34.0     43.8  
                         
  $  198.9    $352.9    $173.6    $823.3    $  1,548.7  
                         

 Payments Due by Period
 2013 2014-2015 2016-2017 Thereafter Total
Long-term debt, including current portion (a)$10.0
 $50.0
 $420.0
 $300.0
 $780.0
Interest (b)54.9
 108.7
 103.5
 60.0
 327.1
Operating leases (c)22.7
 39.8
 25.3
 11.1
 98.9
Purchase obligations:         
Raw materials and finished goods inventory (d)74.5
 15.4
 
 
 89.9
Utilities (e)24.2
 2.9
 0.3
 
 27.4
Other (f)5.6
 4.8
 2.4
 1.6
 14.4
Other long-term liabilities reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet (g):         
Compensation and benefits (h)0.6
 18.2
 23.8
 79.5
 122.1
Other (i) (j)4.6
 8.0
 5.1
 28.9
 46.6
 $197.1
 $247.8
 $580.4
 $481.1
 $1,506.4
____________
(a)
The table assumes our long-term debt is held to maturity and includes the current portion of long-term debt. For more information, see Note 11, Debt maturities in 2013 include repayment of the Notes$5.0 million of borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, based on our intent to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data” of this Form 10-K.repay.

(b)
Amounts represent estimated interest payments as of December 31, 2010,2012, and assume our long-term debt is held to maturity.

(c)We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business. We lease some of our distribution centersoperating facilities, as well as other property and equipment, under operating leases. Some lease agreements provide us with the option to renew the lease or purchase the leased property. Our operating lease obligations would change if we exercised these renewal options and/or if we entered into additional operating lease agreements. For more information, see Note 7, Leases, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.

(d)
Included among our raw materials purchase obligations are contracts to purchase approximately $81$65.6 million of wood fiber. Purchase prices under most of these agreements are set quarterly or semiannually based on regional market prices, and the estimate is based on contract terms or first quarter 2013 pricing. Except for deposits required pursuant to wood supply contracts, these obligations are not recorded in our consolidated financial statements until contract payment terms take effect. Under most of these log and fiber supply agreements, we have the right to cancel or reduce our commitments in the event of a mill curtailment or shutdown. Future purchase prices under most of these agreements are set quarterly or semiannually based on regional market prices, and the estimate is based on contract terms or first quarter 2011 pricing. Our log and fiber obligations are subject to change based on, among other things, the effect of governmental laws and regulations, our manufacturing operations not operating in the normal course of business, log and fiber availability, and the status of environmental appeals. Except for deposits required pursuant to wood supply contracts, these obligations are not recorded in our consolidated financial statements until contract payment terms take effect.

(e)
We enter into utility contracts for the purchase of electricity and natural gas. We also purchase these services under utility tariffs. The contractual and tariff arrangements include multiple-year commitments and minimum annual purchase requirements. Our payment obligations were based upon prices in effect on December 31, 2010,2012, or upon contract language, if available. Because we consume the energy in the manufacture of our products, these obligations represent the face value of the contracts, not resale value.


42



language, if available.
(f)Consists primarily of information technology purchase obligations.
(g)
Long-term deferred income taxes of $88.2$198.4 million and unrecognized tax benefits of $28.3 million are excluded from this table, because the timing of their future cash outflows are uncertain. Additional information relating to the inclusion of the credits in taxable income may become available in the next 12 months, which could cause us to change our unrecognized tax benefits from the amounts currently recorded. It is not reasonably possible to know to what extent the total amounts of unrecognized benefits will increase or decrease within the next 12 months.

48


(g)
(h)
Amounts consist primarily of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, including current portion of $0.4 million.$0.4 million. Actuarially determined liabilities related to pension benefits are recorded based on estimates and assumptions. Key factors used in developing estimates of these liabilities include assumptions related to discount rates, expected return on plan assets, expected rate of compensation increases, retirement and mortality rates, expected contributions, and other factors. Changes in estimates and assumptions related to the measurement of funded status could have a material impact on the amount reported. In the table above, we allocated our pension obligations by year based on the future required minimum pension contributions, as determined by our actuaries. We have no minimum required contribution in 2013, and we will contribute at least the required minimum contribution, which we currently estimate to be approximately $3 million in 2014.

(h)
(i)
Includes current liabilities of $3.5$4.6 million related primarily related to the current portion of workers’workers' compensation liability.

(j)We have excluded $1.4 million and $1.5 million of deferred lease costs and unfavorable lease liabilities, respectively, from the other long-term liabilities in the table above. These amounts have been excluded because deferred lease costs relate to operating leases which are already reflected in the operating lease category, above, and unfavorable lease liabilities do not represent a contractual obligation which will be settled in cash.


Guarantees

Off-Balance-Sheet Activities

At December 31, 2010 and 2009,2012, we had no off-balance-sheet arrangements with unconsolidated entities.

Guarantees

are not aware of any material liabilities arising from any guarantee, indemnification, or financial assurance we have provided. For more information, please refer to Note 11, Debt, and Note 19,18, Commitments, Guarantees, Indemnifications, and Legal Proceedings, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Part"Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”Data" of this Form 10-K describe10‑K.


Legal Proceedings

We are not currently a party to any legal proceedings or environmental claims we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity, either individually or in the nature of our guarantees, including the approximate terms of the guarantees, how the guarantees arose, the events or circumstances that would require us to perform under the guarantees,aggregate.

Off-Balance-Sheet Activities

At December 31, 2012 and the maximum potential undiscounted amounts of future payments2011, we could be required to make.

had no off-balance-sheet arrangements with unconsolidated entities.


Inflationary and Seasonal Influences


Our major costs of production are fiber, compensation, fiber, energy, and chemicals. Pricing for these manufacturing inputs can be subject to both macroeconomic inflationary influences and regional supply and demand. For example, fiber prices are highly dependent on regional wood supply and demand trends. Pricing for natural gas, which constitutes a significant portion of our energy costs, tends to follow macroeconomic supply and demand trends and can fluctuate based on many factors, including weather and natural gas storage levels. Many of our chemicals are specialized, and pricing may not correlate with macroeconomic trends. Pricing for our manufactured end products is dependent on industry supply and demand trends, which in turn can be influenced by macroeconomic manufacturing activity, employment levels, and consumer spending.


We experience some seasonality, based primarily on buying patterns associated with particular products. For example, within the Pacific Northwest, the demand for our corrugated containers is influenced by changes in agricultural demand in the Pacific Northwest.within that geographic region. In addition, seasonally cold weather increases costs, especially energy consumption, at all of our manufacturing facilities. Seasonality also affects working capital levels, as described in “Seasonality”"Seasonality" in “Part"Part I, Item 1. Business”Business" of this Form 10-K.

10‑K.


Disclosures of Financial Market Risks

We are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, energy prices, and foreign currency exchange rates. See Note 

8, Debt, and Note 9, Financial Instruments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial


43



Statements in "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K for additional information. We employ a variety of practices to manage these risks, including operating and financing activities and, where deemed appropriate, the use of derivative instruments. Derivative instruments are used only for risk management purposes and not for speculation or trading. Derivatives are such that a specific debt instrument, contract, or anticipated purchase determines the amount, maturity, and other specifics of the hedge. If a derivative contract is entered into, we either determine that it is an economic hedge or we designate the derivative as a cash flow or fair value hedge. We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedged transactions. For those derivatives that are not designated as economic hedges, such as cash flow or fair value hedges, we formally assess, both at the derivatives' inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged items. The ineffective portion of hedging transactions is recognized in income (loss).

We record all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The fair value of these instruments is determined by us using third-party valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in either "Net income (loss)" or "Other comprehensive income (loss)" as appropriate. The gain or loss on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is included in "Other comprehensive income (loss)" in the period in which changes in fair value occur and is reclassified to income (loss) in the period in which the hedged item affects income (loss), and any ineffectiveness is recognized currently in "Net income (loss)". The gain or loss on derivatives that have not been designated as hedging instruments is included in income (loss) in the period in which changes in fair value occur.

The table below provides a summary of our long-term debt obligations and energy derivatives as of December 31, 2012. Other instruments subject to market risk, such as obligations for pension plans, are not reflected in the table. For our long-term debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For obligations with variable interest rates, the table sets forth payout amounts based on current rates and does not attempt to project future rates. Changes in market rates of interest affect the fair value of our fixed-rate debt. For our energy derivatives, the table sets forth the estimated fair value based on current rates and does not attempt to project future rates (dollars in millions).
 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 
There-
after
 December 31, 2012
Total 
Fair
Value
Debt               
Long-term debt (a)$10.0
 $20.0
 $30.0
 $120.0
 $300.0
 $300.0
 $780.0
 $840.0
Fixed-rate debt payments (b)               
9% senior notes (c)$
 $
 $
 $
 $300.0
 $
 $300.0
 $327.4
8% senior notes (c)
 
 
 
 
 300.0
 300.0
 333.1
Average interest rate (as percentage)
 
 
 
 9.0
 8.0
 8.5
 
Variable-rate debt
payments (b)
$10.0
 $20.0
 $30.0
 $120.0
 $
 $
 $180.0
 $179.5
Average interest rate (as percentage)2.2
 2.2
 2.2
 2.2
 
 
 2.2
 
Energy derivatives (d)$2.7
 $1.3
 $0.5
 $0.1
 $
 $
 $4.6
 $4.6
____________
(a)
Includes current portion of our long-term debt. Debt maturities in 2013 include repayment of $5.0 million of borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, based on our intent to repay in 2013.
(b)
These obligations are further explained in Note 8, Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.
(c)The table assumes that accumulated interest is paid semiannually.
(d)
These obligations are further explained in Note 9, Financial Instruments, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.


44



Environmental

Our businesses are subject to a wide range of general and industry-specific environmental laws and regulations, including laws and regulations covering air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid and hazardous waste management, and site remediation. Compliance with these laws and regulations is a significant factor in the operation of our businesses. We believe that we have created a strong corporate culture of compliance by taking a conservative approach to managing environmental issues in order to assure that we are operating well within the bounds of regulatory requirements. Despite our efforts, we are not able to guarantee compliance with all environmental requirements at all times, and current compliance is not a guarantee that fines and penalties will not occur in the future. In all periods presented, environmental spending for fines and penalties across all of our segments was immaterial.

We incur, and we expect to incur, substantial capital and operating expenditures to comply with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. We spent $2 million in 2012 and expect to spend about $7 million in 2013 for capital environmental compliance requirements. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in civil or criminal fines or penalties or in enforcement actions, and could also result in governmental or judicial orders that stop or interrupt our operations or require us to take corrective measures, install additional pollution control equipment, or take other remedial actions. Our estimated environmental expenditures could vary significantly depending upon the enactment of new environmental laws and regulations, including those related to the pulp and paper sector and industrial boilers.

On December 20, 2012, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed its final Boiler MACT rules and companion rules covering commercial and industrial solid waste incinerators (CISWI rule) and non-hazardous secondary materials (NHSM) rules. The EPA published final Boiler MACT rules on January 31, 2013, with an effective date of April 1, 2013, and compliance mandatory by January 31, 2016. The preamble to the final rules allows states to grant individual sources four years to achieve compliance upon demonstration of need. While we still have concerns over certain rule details, regulatory interpretations, and the impacts to capital and operating costs, the final rules are technically achievable. We have reviewed the final rules and our preliminary estimates indicate we will incur additional capital spending of $33 to $38 million for compliance at our paper mills, which includes the $7 million we expect to spend in 2013, as discussed above.
Climate change, in its many dimensions (legislative, regulatory, market, and physical), has the potential to significantly affect our business. For example, we may be affected by the enactment of laws concerning climate change that regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Such laws may require buying allowances for mill GHG emissions or capital expenditures to reduce GHG emissions.
Our manufacturing operations emit greenhouse gases (GHGs), which may contribute to global warming and climate change. We have been a voluntary member of the EPA Climate Leaders program and the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). Under these programs, we have established GHG emission inventories using established protocols, and in the case of CCX, the emissions have been third-party verified. The EPA discontinued the Climate Leaders program and disbanded CCX in 2011. In 2011, EPA implemented a new mandatory reporting program (eGGRT), and we began reporting GHGs under that new program. GHG emissions we report under the eGGRT program will differ from those we previously reported, because the eGGRT program requires us to use different calculation factors and methods. Since the new eGGRT program does not include smaller facility emissions, we will continue to provide a companywide emission inventory based on the Climate Leaders protocols. Based on the Climate Leaders protocols, in 2011 (the last reported year), our company emitted about 2.1 million metric tonnes (a metric tonne equals 2,205 pounds) of GHG carbon dioxide equivalents, comprising about 0.8 million metric tonnes of direct emissions and 1.3 million metric tonnes of indirect emissions from purchased electricity. The carbon dioxide from burning biomass, which is generally considered to be carbon neutral, is excluded from our GHG inventories.
Carbon tax legislative and regulatory activities that affect our operations generally focus on reducing GHG emissions through some combination of GHG limitations (such as cap and trade or emission standards) and a renewable electricity standard (RES). Although there currently is no national RES in effect, we have GHG-emitting facilities in a number of states that have passed RES statutes, namely California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. We expect the financial impact of RES in these states to be manageable because of the emission levels from these facilities. The state RES statutes and any future national RES could increase our energy costs due to the higher cost of renewable electrical generation facilities, compared with those generating electricity from fossil fuel.

45



The prognosis for enacting national carbon tax legislation into law is uncertain. The effect of any carbon tax legislation on our operations is also uncertain. Furthermore, U.S. legislation and regulation may put our operations at a competitive disadvantage relative to foreign competition if competing countries have not enacted commensurate GHG reduction programs. In addition to possible direct impacts, future legislation and regulation could have indirect impacts on us, such as higher prices for transportation, energy, and other inputs, as well as more protracted air permitting processes, causing delays and higher costs to implement capital projects.
We believe these potential effects on our business are somewhat mitigated, however, since about 66% of our energy comes from renewable wood biomass after cessation of paper production at our St. Helens mill. The carbon dioxide emitted when burning biomass from sustainably managed sources for energy is generally considered to be carbon neutral (not contributing to climate change) because it is recycled in a closed loop, whereby the carbon is removed from the atmosphere by the biomass and then returned to the atmosphere when the biomass is burned. This results in no net increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and significant amounts of carbon are sequestered in forests and forest products. We are also a significant manufacturer of recycled paper. Recycling of paper reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.
Increased interest in biomass as a renewable energy source could increase the demand and costs of wood, our principal raw material and energy source. On the other hand, as incentives for biofuels manufacturing increase, there may be opportunities to locate biorefineries at our mills to produce biofuels as a co-product.
As an owner and operator of real estate, we may be liable under environmental laws for the cleanup of past and present spills and releases of hazardous or toxic substances on or from our properties and operations. We can be found liable under these laws if we knew of or were responsible for the presence of such substances. In some cases, this liability may exceed the value of the property itself. OfficeMax generally indemnifies our operating subsidiaries, Boise White Paper, L.L.C., and Boise Packaging & Newsprint, L.L.C., for hazardous substance releases and other environmental violations that occurred prior to 2004 at the businesses, facilities, and other assets purchased from OfficeMax in 2004. However, OfficeMax may not have sufficient funds to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations when required, and in some cases, we may not be contractually entitled to indemnification by OfficeMax. OfficeMax retained responsibility for environmental liabilities that occurred with respect to businesses, facilities, and other assets not purchased from OfficeMax in 2004.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Critical accounting estimates are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results. These estimates require management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to estimate matters that are inherently uncertain. We review the development, selection, and disclosure of our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our board of directors. Our current critical accounting estimates are as follows:

Pensions

The calculation of pension expense and pension liabilities requires decisions about a number of key assumptions that can significantly affect expense and liability amounts, including discount rates, expected return on plan assets, expected rate of compensation increases, retirement rates, mortality rates, expected contributions, and other factors. The pension assumptions used to measure pension expense and liabilities were determined as follows:

Discount Rate Assumption. The discount rate reflects the current rate at which the pension obligations could be settled on the measurement date — December 31. At December 31, 2012, and for future periods, the discount rate assumption is determined using a hypothetical bond portfolio of AA-graded or better corporate bonds. Previously, the discount rate assumption was determined using a spot rate yield curve constructed to replicate Aa-graded corporate bonds. In all periods, the bonds included in the models reflect anticipated investments that would be made to match the expected monthly benefit payments over time. The plan's projected cash flows were duration-matched to these models to develop an appropriate discount rate. The discount rate we used to calculate our projected benefit obligation and the rate we will use in our calculation of 2013 net periodic benefit cost is 4.25%.

Asset Return Assumption. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was based on a weighted average of the expected returns for the major investment asset classes in which we invest, considering the effects of active portfolio management and expenses paid from plan assets. Expected returns for the asset classes are

46



based on long-term historical returns, inflation expectations, forecasted gross domestic product, earnings growth, and other economic factors. The weights assigned to each asset class were based on the investment strategy. The weighted average expected return on plan assets we will use in our calculation of 2013 net periodic benefit cost is 6.75%.

Rate of Compensation Increases. Pension benefits for all salaried employees and most hourly employees are frozen. There are currently no scheduled increases in pension benefit rates for hourly employees in plans that have not been frozen. The compensation increase assumption is not applicable for all plans.

Retirement and Mortality Rates. These rates were developed to reflect actual and projected plan experience.

Expected Contributions. Plan obligations and expenses are based on existing retirement plan provisions. No assumption is made for future changes to benefit provisions beyond those to which we are presently committed, for example, changes we might commit to in future labor contracts. We have no minimum required contribution in 2013, and we estimate we will contribute at least the required minimum contribution currently estimated to be approximately $3 million in 2014.

We recognize the funded status of our pension plans on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and recognize the actuarial and experience gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in our Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for Boise Inc. or Consolidated Statements of Capital for BZ Intermediate. Actual results that differ from assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect recognized expense in future periods. At December 31, 2012, we had approximately $99.6 million of actuarial losses recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accumulated losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of assets will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active employees, which is between seven to ten years, to the extent that losses are not offset by gains in subsequent years. While we believe that the assumptions used to measure our pension obligations are reasonable, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect our pension obligations and future expense.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to pensions is a critical accounting estimate because it is highly susceptible to change from period to period. As discussed above, the future effects of pension plans on our financial position and results of operations will depend on economic conditions, employee demographics, mortality rates, retirement rates, investment performance, and funding decisions, among other factors. The following table presents selected assumptions used and expected to be used in the measurement of pension expense in the following periods (dollars in millions):
 
Year Ending
December 31,
2013
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011
Pension expense$5.4
 $11.3
 $10.9
      
Assumptions     
Discount rate4.25% 4.50% 5.50%
Expected rate of return on plan assets6.75% 7.00% 7.25%


47



A change of 0.25% in either direction to the discount rate or the expected rate of return on plan assets would have had the following effect on 2012 and 2013 pension expense (dollars in millions):
 Base Expense Increase (Decrease) in Pension Expense (a)
 0.25% Increase 0.25% Decrease
2012 Expense     
Discount rate$11.3
 $(1.5) $1.5
Expected rate of return on plan assets11.3
 (1.0) 1.0
      
2013 Expense     
Discount rate$5.4
 $(1.4) $1.4
Expected rate of return on plan assets5.4
 (1.1) 1.1
____________
(a)
The sensitivities shown above are specific to 2012 and 2013. The sensitivities may not be additive, so the impact of changing multiple factors simultaneously cannot be calculated by combining the individual sensitivities shown.

For more information related to our pension plans, including the general nature of the plans, deferred gains and losses, funding obligations, and cash flows, see Note 10, Retirement and Benefit Plans, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes and separately recognize deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. We are subject to income taxes in both the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense and our tax basis in assets and liabilities. Our deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities represent the tax effect of temporary differences between financial reporting and tax reporting measured at enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. We also recognize only the impact of tax positions that, based on their technical merits, are more likely than not to be sustained upon an audit by the taxing authority.

We make judgments and estimates in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These judgments and estimates occur in the calculation of tax credits, benefits, and deductions and in the calculation of some deferred tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes, as well as the interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. Significant changes to these estimates may result in an increase or decrease in our tax provision in a subsequent period.

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex U.S. and foreign tax regulations, exposures from not filing in some jurisdictions, and transfer pricing exposures from allocation of income between jurisdictions. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate uncertain tax positions, because we have to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We evaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.

Approximately 98% of our unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2012, or $83.2 million, relates to a credit charged to income tax expense for book purposes, but included in our income tax return. The credit relates to our use of alternative fuel mixture to produce energy to operate our business. If the tax credit is recognized for book purposes in the future, as of December 31, 2012, it would reduce our tax expense $83.2 million, which is net of a federal benefit for state taxes. Additional information relating to the inclusion of the alternative fuel mixture credits in taxable income may become available in the next 12 months, which could cause us to change our unrecognized tax benefits from the amounts currently recorded. It is not reasonably possible to know to what extent the total amounts of unrecognized benefits will increase or decrease within the next 12 months.

48




Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. At December 31, 2012, we had $160.1 million of goodwill recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet within our Packaging segment, all of which we recorded in connection with acquiring Tharco and Hexacomb in 2011. At December 31, 2012, the net carrying amount of intangible assets with indefinite lives, which represents the trade names and trademarks acquired from Boise Cascade, L.L.C., in 2008, was $16.8 million, all of which is recorded in our Paper segment. All of our other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

We maintain two reporting units for purposes of our goodwill and intangible asset impairment testing, Packaging and Paper, which are the same as our operating segments discussed in Note 17, Segment Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K. We test goodwill in our Packaging segment and indefinite-lived intangible assets in our Paper segment for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or sooner if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may exceed fair value.

In conducting our goodwill impairment analysis, we utilize the income approach, based on a discounted cash flow model (Level 3 measurement). The fair value was also calculated using the market approach based primarily on comparable company EBITDA multiples (Level 2 measurement) and was compared to and supported the fair value based upon the discounted cash flow approach. We believe that the discounted cash flow model captures our estimates regarding the results of our future prospects; however, we also considered the market's expectations based on observable market information. The discounted cash flow model estimates the projected future cash flows to be generated by our reporting units, discounted to present value using a discount rate for a potential market participant. The market approach estimates fair value based on multiples of EBITDA. For our trademark and trade name intangible asset impairment testing, we use a discounted cash flow approach based on a relief from royalty method (Level 3 measurement). This method assumes that, through ownership of trademarks and trade names, we avoid royalty expense associated with licensing, resulting in cost savings. An estimated royalty rate, determined as a percentage of net sales, is used to estimate the value of the intangible assets. Differences in assumptions used in projecting future cash flows and cost of funds could have a significant impact on the determination of the fair value of our reporting units and intangible assets. The following assumptions are key to our estimates of fair value:

Business Projections. The discounted cash flow model utilizes business projections based on three-year forecasts that are developed internally by management for use in managing the business and reviewed by the board of directors. These projections include significant assumptions such as estimates of future revenues, profits, working capital requirements, operating plans, and capital expenditures. Our forecasts take into consideration recent sales data for existing products, planned timing of capital projects, and key economic indicators to estimate future production volumes, selling prices, and key input costs for our manufactured products. Our pricing assumptions are estimated based upon an assessment of industry supply and demand dynamics for our major products.

Growth Rates. A growth rate is used to calculate the terminal value in the discounted cash flow model. The growth rate is the expected rate at which earnings or revenue is projected to grow beyond the three-year forecast period.

Discount Rates. Future cash flows are discounted at a rate that is consistent with a weighted average cost of capital for a potential market participant. The weighted average cost of capital is an estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. The discount rates selected are based on existing conditions within our industry and reflect adjustments for potential risk premiums in those markets as well as weighting of the market cost of equity versus debt.

EBITDA Multiples. The market approach requires the use of a valuation multiple to calculate the estimated fair value of a reporting unit. We use an EBITDA multiple based on a selection of comparable companies and recent acquisition transactions within our industries.

Based on the results of the first step of the goodwill impairment test, we determined that the fair value of our Packaging reporting unit was substantially in excess of the carrying amount, and therefore, no goodwill

49



impairment existed. As a result, the second step of the goodwill impairment test was not required to be completed. In addition, based on the impairment tests of our intangible assets with indefinite lives, we determined that the fair value of our intangible assets exceeds their carrying value.

If management's estimates of future operating results materially change or if there are changes to other assumptions, the estimated fair value of our identifiable intangible assets and goodwill could change significantly. Such change could result in impairment charges in future periods, which could have a significant noncash impact on our operating results and financial condition. We cannot predict the occurrence of future events that might adversely affect the reported value of our goodwill and intangible assets. As additional information becomes known, we may change our estimates.

Long-Lived Asset Impairment

An impairment of a long-lived asset exists when the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable through future undiscounted cash flows from operations and when the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. Long-lived asset impairment is a critical accounting estimate, as it is susceptible to change from period to period.
We review the carrying value of long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. For purposes of testing for impairment, we group our long-lived assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows from other assets and liabilities. Our asset groupings vary based on the related business in which the long-lived asset is employed and the interrelationship between those long-lived assets in producing net cash flows. Asset groupings could change in the future if changes in the operations of the business or business environment affect the way particular long-lived assets are employed or the interrelationships between assets. To estimate whether the carrying value of an asset or asset group is impaired, we estimate the undiscounted cash flows that could be generated under a range of possible outcomes. To measure future cash flows, we are required to make assumptions about future production volumes, future product pricing, and future expenses to be incurred. In addition, estimates of future cash flows may change based on the availability of fiber, environmental requirements, capital spending, and other strategic management decisions. We estimate the fair value of an asset or asset group based on quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly (the amount for which the asset(s) could be bought or sold in a current transaction with a third party) when available (Level 2 measurement). When quoted market prices are not available, we use a discounted cash flow model to estimate fair value (Level 3 measurement).

In 2012, we recorded an $11.1 million asset impairment charge in connection with ceasing paper production on our one remaining paper machine in St. Helens, Oregon. While this impairment charge reflects our best estimates and assumptions about future asset utilization, we cannot predict the occurrence of future events that might adversely affect the remaining reported values of long-lived assets. The remaining machine, which is owned by Cascades Tissue Group (Cascades), continues to operate on the site, and we continue to lease supporting assets to Cascades. In conducting our recoverability analysis, we estimated future cash flows to be generated by the long-lived assets and utilized quoted market prices for similar assets, where available, in determining fair values. Differences in assumptions used in projecting future cash flows or changes in quoted market prices could have a significant impact on the determination of the fair value of our long-lived assets.
U.S. industry demand for uncoated freesheet paper declined 3.2% in 2012, according to AF&PA. We responded to these declines by reducing paper production on select uncoated freesheet machines in the fourth quarter, as well as ceasing paper production at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill. If the markets for our products deteriorate significantly or if we decide to invest capital differently and if other cash flow assumptions change, it is possible that we will be required to record noncash impairment charges that could have a material effect on our results of operations in the future. Due to the numerous variables associated with our judgments and assumptions relating to the valuation of assets and the effects of changes on these valuations, both the precision and reliability of our estimates are subject to uncertainty. As additional information becomes known, we may change our estimates.

We periodically assess the estimated useful lives of our assets. Changes in circumstances, such as changes to our operational or capital strategy, changes in regulation, or technological advances, may result in the actual useful lives differing from our estimates. Revisions to the estimated useful lives of assets requires judgment and constitutes a change in accounting estimate, which is accounted for prospectively by adjusting or accelerating depreciation and amortization rates.


50



New and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

For a listing of our new and recently adopted accounting standards, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information relating to quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk can be found under the caption "Disclosures of Financial Market Risks" in "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Form 10‑K.

See "Liquidity and Capital Resources, Operating Activities" in "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Form 10‑K for our disclosures about our sensitivities to changes in prices for our major products, production inputs, and interest rates.



51



ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Boise Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share data)
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Sales     
Trade$2,495,092
 $2,364,024
 $2,058,132
Related parties60,271
 40,057
 35,645
 2,555,363
 2,404,081
 2,093,777
      
Costs and expenses     
Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)2,004,044
 1,880,271
 1,634,039
Fiber costs from related parties19,772
 18,763
 25,259
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion152,306
 143,758
 129,926
Selling and distribution expenses121,827
 107,654
 58,107
General and administrative expenses79,748
 60,587
 52,273
St. Helens charges27,559
 
 
Other (income) expense, net2,572
 1,994
 213
 2,407,828
 2,213,027
 1,899,817
      
Income from operations147,535
 191,054
 193,960
      
Foreign exchange gain179
 135
 890
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 (2,300) (22,225)
Interest expense(61,740) (63,817) (64,825)
Interest income160
 269
 306
 (61,401) (65,713) (85,854)
      
Income before income taxes86,134
 125,341
 108,106
Income tax provision(33,984) (50,131) (45,372)
Net income$52,150
 $75,210
 $62,734
      
Weighted average common shares outstanding:     
Basic99,872
 101,941
 80,461
Diluted101,143
 106,746
 84,131
      
Net income per common share:     
Basic$0.52
 $0.74
 $0.78
Diluted$0.52
 $0.70
 $0.75
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


52



Boise Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(dollars in thousands)
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Net income$52,150
 $75,210
 $62,734
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax     
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $76, $0, and $0, respectively50
 (352) 
Cash flow hedges:     
Change in fair value, net of tax of $534, ($2,611), and $0, respectively
850
 (4,165) 
Loss included in net income, net of tax of $1,015, $291, and $131, respectively1,622
 463
 553
Actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost (including related amortization) for defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $11,303, ($24,540), and ($4,892), respectively18,033
 (39,149) (7,744)
Other, net of tax of ($13), ($10), and ($53), respectively103
 63
 (78)
 20,658
 (43,140) (7,269)
      
Comprehensive income$72,808
 $32,070
 $55,465

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


53



Boise Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands)
 December 31
 2012 2011
ASSETS   
    
Current   
Cash and cash equivalents$49,707
 $96,996
Receivables   
Trade, less allowances of $1,382 and $1,343240,459
 228,838
Other8,267
 7,622
Inventories294,484
 307,305
Deferred income taxes17,955
 20,379
Prepaid and other8,828
 6,944
 619,700
 668,084
    
Property   
Property and equipment, net1,223,001
 1,235,269
Fiber farms24,311
 21,193
 1,247,312
 1,256,462
    
Deferred financing costs26,677
 30,956
Goodwill160,130
 161,691
Intangible assets, net147,564
 159,120
Other assets7,029
 9,757
Total assets$2,208,412
 $2,286,070
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

54



Boise Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share data)
 December 31
 2012 2011
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   
    
Current   
Current portion of long-term debt$10,000
 $10,000
Accounts payable185,078
 202,584
Accrued liabilities   
Compensation and benefits70,950
 64,907
Interest payable10,516
 10,528
Other20,528
 22,540
 297,072
 310,559
    
Debt   
Long-term debt, less current portion770,000
 790,000
    
Other   
Deferred income taxes198,370
 161,260
Compensation and benefits121,682
 172,394
Other long-term liabilities73,102
 57,010
 393,154
 390,664
    
Commitments and contingent liabilities
 
    
Stockholders' equity   
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share: 1,000 shares authorized; none issued
 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share: 250,000 shares authorized; 100,503 and 100,272 shares issued and outstanding12
 12
Treasury stock, 21,151 shares held(121,423) (121,421)
Additional paid-in capital868,840
 866,901
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(101,304) (121,962)
Retained earnings102,061
 171,317
Total stockholders' equity748,186
 794,847
    
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$2,208,412
 $2,286,070

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


55



Boise Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(dollars in thousands)
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Cash provided by (used for) operations     
Net income$52,150
 $75,210
 $62,734
Items in net income not using (providing) cash     
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of deferred financing costs and other157,040
 149,715
 137,495
Share-based compensation expense5,983
 3,695
 3,733
Pension expense11,279
 10,916
 9,241
Deferred income taxes33,684
 44,301
 38,884
St. Helens charges28,481
 
 
Other1,868
 1,878
 95
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 2,300
 22,225
Decrease (increase) in working capital, net of acquisitions     
Receivables(9,803) 1,624
 57,255
Inventories8,136
 (22,237) (17,120)
Prepaid expenses(814) (275) 4,690
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(16,505) 3,803
 (6,690)
Current and deferred income taxes(1,938) 4,632
 5,585
Pension payments(35,205) (25,414) (25,174)
Other674
 43
 (3,172)
Cash provided by operations235,030
 250,191
 289,781
Cash provided by (used for) investment     
Acquisition of businesses and facilities, net of cash acquired
 (326,223) 
Expenditures for property and equipment(137,642) (128,762) (111,619)
Purchases of short-term investments
 (3,494) (25,336)
Maturities of short-term investments
 14,114
 24,744
Other1,393
 1,048
 2,941
Cash used for investment(136,249) (443,317) (109,270)
Cash provided by (used for) financing     
Issuances of long-term debt5,000
 275,000
 300,000
Payments of long-term debt(25,000) (256,831) (334,096)
Payments of financing costs(188) (8,613) (12,003)
Repurchases of common stock(2) (121,421) 
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
 284,785
 638
Payments of special dividends(119,653) (47,916) (32,276)
Tax withholdings on net settlements of share-based awards(5,833) (2,775) (1,629)
Other(394) 1,060
 (3,705)
Cash provided by (used for) financing(146,070) 123,289
 (83,071)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(47,289) (69,837) 97,440
Balance at beginning of the period96,996
 166,833
 69,393
Balance at end of the period$49,707
 $96,996
 $166,833

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


56



Boise Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(dollars and shares in thousands) 
 Stockholders' Equity
 Preferred Stock Common Stock Treasury Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Total
  Shares Amount Shares Amount    
Balance at December 31, 2009$
 84,419
 $8
 
 $
 $578,669
 $(71,553) $113,811
 $620,935
Net income              62,734
 62,734
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax            (7,269)   (7,269)
Dividends declared              (32,338) (32,338)
Warrants exercised  85
 
     638
     638
Share-based compensation awards  562
 
     3,733
     3,733
Restricted stock withheld for taxes  (221) 
     (1,629)     (1,629)
Other          31
     31
Balance at December 31, 2010$
 84,845
 $8
 
 $
 $581,442
 $(78,822) $144,207
 $646,835
Net income              75,210
 75,210
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax            (43,140)   (43,140)
Dividends declared              (48,100) (48,100)
Warrants exercised  38,407
 4
     284,781
     284,785
Repurchases of common stock  (21,151) 
 21,151
 (121,421)       (121,421)
Share-based compensation awards  (1,579) 
     3,695
     3,695
Restricted stock withheld for taxes  (250) 
     (2,775)     (2,775)
Other          (242)     (242)
Balance at December 31, 2011$
 100,272
 $12
 21,151
 $(121,421) $866,901
 $(121,962) $171,317
 $794,847
Net income              52,150
 52,150
Other comprehensive income, net of tax            20,658
   20,658
Dividends declared              (121,406) (121,406)
Repurchases of common stock  
 
 
 (2)       (2)
Share-based compensation awards  695
 
     5,983
     5,983
Restricted stock withheld for taxes  (464) 
     (5,833)     (5,833)
Dividends accrued on share-based awards          1,125
     1,125
Other          664
     664
Balance at December 31, 2012$
 100,503
 $12
 21,151
 $(121,423) $868,840
 $(101,304) $102,061
 $748,186

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



57



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC
Consolidated Statements of Income
(dollars in thousands)
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Sales     
Trade$2,495,092
 $2,364,024
 $2,058,132
Related parties60,271
 40,057
 35,645
 2,555,363
 2,404,081
 2,093,777
      
Costs and expenses     
Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)2,004,044
 1,880,271
 1,634,039
Fiber costs from related parties19,772
 18,763
 25,259
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion152,306
 143,758
 129,926
Selling and distribution expenses121,827
 107,654
 58,107
General and administrative expenses79,748
 60,587
 52,273
St. Helens charges27,559
 
 
Other (income) expense, net2,572
 1,994
 213
 2,407,828
 2,213,027
 1,899,817
      
Income from operations147,535
 191,054
 193,960
      
Foreign exchange gain179
 135
 890
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 (2,300) (22,225)
Interest expense(61,740) (63,817) (64,825)
Interest income160
 269
 306
 (61,401) (65,713) (85,854)
      
Income before income taxes86,134
 125,341
 108,106
Income tax provision(33,984) (50,131) (44,529)
Net income$52,150
 $75,210
 $63,577

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


58



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(dollars in thousands)
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Net income$52,150
 $75,210
 $63,577
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax     
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $76, $0, and $0, respectively50
 (352) 
Cash flow hedges:     
Change in fair value, net of tax of $534, ($2,611), and $0, respectively
850
 (4,165) 
Loss included in net income, net of tax of $1,015, $291, and $131, respectively
1,622
 463
 553
Actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost (including related amortization) for defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $11,303, ($24,540), and ($4,892), respectively18,033
 (39,149) (7,744)
Other, net of tax of ($13), ($10), and ($53), respectively103
 63
 (78)
 20,658
 (43,140) (7,269)
      
Comprehensive income$72,808
 $32,070
 $56,308

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



59



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands)
 December 31
 2012 2011
ASSETS   
    
Current   
Cash and cash equivalents$49,707
 $96,996
Receivables   
Trade, less allowances of $1,382 and $1,343
240,459
 228,838
Other8,267
 7,622
Inventories294,484
 307,305
Deferred income taxes17,955
 20,379
Prepaid and other8,828
 6,944
 619,700
 668,084
    
Property   
Property and equipment, net1,223,001
 1,235,269
Fiber farms24,311
 21,193
 1,247,312
 1,256,462
    
Deferred financing costs26,677
 30,956
Goodwill160,130
 161,691
Intangible assets, net147,564
 159,120
Other assets7,029
 9,757
Total assets$2,208,412
 $2,286,070
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

60



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(dollars in thousands)
 December 31
 2012 2011
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL   
    
Current   
Current portion of long-term debt$10,000
 $10,000
Accounts payable185,078
 202,584
Accrued liabilities   
Compensation and benefits70,950
 64,907
Interest payable10,516
 10,528
Other20,528
 22,540
 297,072
 310,559
    
Debt   
Long-term debt, less current portion770,000
 790,000
    
Other   
Deferred income taxes189,823
 152,712
Compensation and benefits121,682
 172,394
Other long-term liabilities73,152
 57,061
 384,657
 382,167
    
Commitments and contingent liabilities
 
    
Capital   
Business unit equity857,987
 925,306
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(101,304) (121,962)
 756,683
 803,344
    
Total liabilities and capital$2,208,412
 $2,286,070

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



61



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(dollars in thousands)
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Cash provided by (used for) operations     
Net income$52,150
 $75,210
 $63,577
Items in net income not using (providing) cash     
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of deferred financing costs and other157,040
 149,715
 137,495
Share-based compensation expense5,983
 3,695
 3,733
Pension expense11,279
 10,916
 9,241
Deferred income taxes33,684
 44,446
 37,882
St. Helens charges28,481
 
 
Other1,868
 1,878
 95
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 2,300
 22,225
Decrease (increase) in working capital, net of acquisitions     
Receivables(9,803) 1,624
 57,255
Inventories8,136
 (22,237) (17,120)
Prepaid expenses(814) (275) 4,690
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(16,505) 3,803
 (6,690)
Current and deferred income taxes(1,938) 4,487
 5,744
Pension payments(35,205) (25,414) (25,174)
Other674
 43
 (3,172)
Cash provided by operations235,030
 250,191
 289,781
Cash provided by (used for) investment     
Acquisition of businesses and facilities, net of cash acquired
 (326,223) 
Expenditures for property and equipment(137,642) (128,762) (111,619)
Purchases of short-term investments
 (3,494) (25,336)
Maturities of short-term investments
 14,114
 24,744
Other1,393
 1,048
 2,941
Cash used for investment(136,249) (443,317) (109,270)
Cash provided by (used for) financing     
Issuances of long-term debt5,000
 275,000
 300,000
Payments of long-term debt(25,000) (256,831) (334,096)
Payments of financing costs(188) (8,613) (12,003)
Payments (to) from Boise Inc., net(124,824) 115,196
 (31,639)
Other(1,058) (1,463) (5,333)
Cash provided by (used for) financing(146,070) 123,289
 (83,071)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(47,289) (69,837) 97,440
Balance at beginning of the period96,996
 166,833
 69,393
Balance at end of the period$49,707
 $96,996
 $166,833

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


62



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC
Consolidated Statements of Capital
(dollars in thousands)
 Capital
 Business Unit Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total
Balance at December 31, 2009$700,143
 $(71,553) $628,590
Net income63,577
   63,577
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax  (7,269) (7,269)
Net equity transactions with Boise Inc.(29,566)   (29,566)
Balance at December 31, 2010$734,154
 $(78,822) $655,332
Net income75,210
   75,210
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax  (43,140) (43,140)
Net equity transactions with Boise Inc.115,942
   115,942
Balance at December 31, 2011$925,306
 $(121,962) $803,344
Net income52,150
   52,150
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
  20,658
 20,658
Net equity transactions with Boise Inc.(119,469)   (119,469)
Balance at December 31, 2012$857,987
 $(101,304) $756,683

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


63



Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Boise Inc. is a large, diverse manufacturer and seller of packaging and paper products. Our operations began on February 22, 2008, when we acquired the packaging and paper assets of Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. (Boise Cascade). We are headquartered in Boise, Idaho, and we operate largely in the United States but also have operations in Europe, Mexico, and Canada. We manufacture and sell corrugated containers and sheets, protective packaging products and papers associated with packaging, such as label and release papers, and newsprint. Additionally, we manufacture linerboard, which when combined with corrugating medium is used in the manufacture of corrugated sheets and containers. The term containerboard is used to describe linerboard, corrugating medium, or a combination of the two.

Our organizational structure is noted below:
Boise Inc.
BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC
Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C.
Packaging SegmentPaper SegmentCorporate and Other Segment

See Note 17, Segment Information, for additional information about our three reportable segments, Packaging, Paper, and Corporate and Other (support services).

The consolidated financial statements included herein are those of the following:
Boise Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC (BZ Intermediate).
BZ Intermediate and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C. (Boise Paper Holdings).

In these consolidated financial statements, unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms "the Company," "we," "us," "our," or "Boise" refer to Boise Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including BZ Intermediate. There are no significant differences between the results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows of Boise Inc. and those of BZ Intermediate other than income taxes and common stock activity. Some amounts in prior periods' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation, none of which were considered material.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation and Use of Estimates

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Boise Inc. and its subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, inventories, goodwill, intangible assets, and asset retirement obligations; assumptions used in retirement benefit obligations; the recognition, measurement,

64



and valuation of income taxes; the determination and allocation of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions; and assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in these estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. The timing of revenue recognition is dependent on shipping terms. Revenue is recorded at the time of shipment for terms designated freight on board (FOB) shipping point. For sales transactions designated FOB destination, revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer's delivery site. Fees for shipping and handling charged to customers for sales transactions are included in "Sales". Costs related to shipping and handling are included in "Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)". We present taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Share-Based Compensation

We recognize compensation expense for awards granted under the Boise Inc. Incentive and Performance Plan (the Plan) based on the fair value on the grant date. We recognize the cost of the equity awards over the period the awards vest. See Note 11, Share-Based Compensation, for more information.

Advertising Costs

We expense advertising costs as incurred. These expenses are generally recorded in "Selling and distribution expenses" in our Consolidated Statements of Income. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, advertising costs were $3.8 million in both periods, compared with $3.0 million in 2010.

Foreign Currency

Local currencies are the functional currencies for our operations outside the United States. Assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates as of the Consolidated Balance Sheet date. Revenue and expense items are remeasured into U.S. dollars using an average exchange rate prevailing during the period. Any resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The foreign exchange gain (loss) reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income resulted from remeasuring transactions into the functional currencies.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid interest-earning investments, including time deposits and certificates of deposit, with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The fair value of these investments approximates their carrying value. Cash totaled $44.9 million and $21.9 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Included in the December 31, 2012 and 2011, amounts were $8.0 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of cash at our operations outside the United States. Cash equivalents totaled $4.8 million and $75.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable are stated at the amount we expect to collect. Trade accounts receivable do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the losses we expect will result from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We determine the allowance based on a combination of actual historical loss experience and an analysis of specific customer accounts. We periodically review our

65



allowance for doubtful accounts and adjustments to the valuation allowance are charged to income. Trade accounts receivable balances that remain outstanding after we have used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. We may, at times, insure or arrange for guarantees on our receivables.

Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, long-term debt, and energy hedges. The recorded values of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair values based on their short-term nature. Our long-term debt is recorded at the face value of those obligations. Our energy hedges are recorded at fair value.

We are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, energy prices, and foreign currency exchange rates. We employ a variety of practices to manage these risks, including operating and financing activities and, where deemed appropriate, the use of derivative instruments. Derivative instruments are used only for risk management purposes and not for speculation or trading. Derivatives are such that a specific debt instrument, contract, or anticipated purchase determines the amount, maturity, and other specifics of the hedge. If a derivative contract is entered into, we either determine that it is an economic hedge or we designate the derivative as a cash flow or fair value hedge. We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedged transactions. For those derivatives that are not designated as economic hedges, such as cash flow or fair value hedges, we

49


formally assess, both at the derivatives’derivatives' inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged items. TheAny ineffective portion of hedging transactions is recognized in income (loss).


We record all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The fair value of these instruments is determined by third parties.us using third-party valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in either “Net"Net income (loss)" or “Other"Other comprehensive income (loss)" as appropriate. The gain or loss on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is included in “Other"Other comprehensive income (loss)" in the period in which changes in fair value occur and is reclassified to income (loss) in the period in which the hedged item affects income (loss), and any ineffectiveness is recognized currently in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). The fair value of the hedged exposure is presumed to be the market value of the hedging instrument when critical terms match. The gain or loss on derivatives designated as fair value hedges and the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are included in"Net income (loss) in the period in which changes in fair value occur.". The gain or loss on derivatives that have not been designated as hedging instruments is included in income (loss) in the period in which changes in fair value occur.


Fair Value Measurements

The table below provides a summaryFair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of our long-term debt obligations as of December 31, 2010. The table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For obligations with variable interest rates, the table sets forth payout amounts based on current rates and does not attempt to project future rates. Changes in market rates of interest affect the fair value of our fixed-rate debt (dollars in millions):

   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   There-
after
   December 31,
2010
 
              Total   Fair
Value
 

Debt

                

Long-term debt (a)

  $43.8    $  129.6    $8.4    $    $    $  600.0    $  781.8    $  843.6  

Fixed-rate debt payments (b)

                

9% senior notes (c)

  $    $    $    $    $    $300.0    $300.0    $337.9  

8% senior notes (c)

                            300.0     300.0     325.8  

Average interest rate (as percentage)

                            8.50     8.50       

Variable-rate debt

payments (b)

  $  43.8    $129.6    $  8.4    $    $    $    $181.8    $179.9  

Average interest rate (as percentage) (d)

   3.06     3.06     3.06                    3.06       

(a)Includes current portion.

(b)These obligations are further explained in Note 11, Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.

(c)The table assumes that accumulated interest is paid semiannually.

(d)Does not include the effect of interest rate derivatives.

Environmental

Our businesses are subject to a wide range of general and industry-specific environmental laws and regulations. In particular, we are affected by laws and regulations covering air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid and hazardous waste management, and site remediation. Compliance with these laws and regulations is a significant factor in the operation of our businesses. We believe

50


that we have created a corporate culture of strong compliance by taking a conservative approach to environmental issues in order to assure that we are operating well within the bounds of regulatory requirements. However, we cannot assure you that we will at all times be in full compliance with environmental requirements, and we cannot assure you that we will not incur fines and penalties in the future. In all periods presented, environmental spending for fines and penalties across all of our segments was immaterial.

We incur, and we expect to incur, substantial capital and operating expenditures to comply with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in civil or criminal fines or penalties or in enforcement actions. Our failure to comply could also result in governmental or judicial orders that stop or interrupt our operations or require us to take corrective measures, install additional pollution control equipment, or take other remedial actions. We spent $4 million in 2010 and expect to spend about the same amount in 2011 for capital environmental compliance requirements. Our estimated environmental expenditures could vary significantly depending upon the enactment of new environmental laws and regulations, including those related to greenhouse gas emissions and industrial boilers.

As an owner and operator of real estate, we may be liable under environmental laws for the cleanup of past and present spills and releases of hazardous or toxic substances on or from our properties and operations. We can be found liable under these laws if we knew of or were responsible for the presence of such substances. In some cases, this liability may exceed the value of the property itself.

On June 4, 2010, the EPA proposed National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters (aka Boiler MACT rules). The recently released Boiler MACT rules will require process modifications and/or installation of air pollution controls on power boilers (principally our biomass-fuel-fired boilers) at our pulp and paper mills, and we are currently reviewing those rules to understand the effect they will have on our operations. The cost of compliance is likely to be significant. Our early estimates indicated compliance could result in additional capital spending of up to $90 million over a three-year period.

Climate change, in its many dimensions (legislative, regulatory, market, and physical), has the potential to significantly affect our business. Boise relies on a sustainably managed supply of woody biomass as our principal raw material and main energy source. About 67% of our energy comes from renewable woody biomass. The carbon dioxide emitted when burning biomass from sustainably managed sources for energy is generally considered to be carbon neutral (does not contribute to climate change) because it is recycled in a closed loop whereby the carbon is removed from the atmosphere by the biomass and then returned to the atmosphere when the biomass is burned, resulting in no net increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Significant amounts of carbon are permanently sequestered in forests and forest products.

Our manufacturing operations emit greenhouse gases (GHGs), which may contribute to global warming and climate change. We are a voluntary member of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Leaders program and the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). Under these programs, we have established GHG emission inventories using established protocols, and in the case of the CCX, the emissions have been third-party verified. In 2009 (the last reported year), our company emitted about 2.0 million metric tonnes of GHG carbon dioxide equivalents, comprising about 0.8 million metric tonnes of direct emissions and 1.2 million metric tonnes of indirect emissions from purchased electricity. A metric tonne is 2,205 pounds. The carbon dioxide from burning biomass, which is generally considered to be carbon neutral, is excluded from our GHG inventories. In 2011, we will begin reporting GHGs for calendar year 2010 under the EPA’s mandatory regulatory program.

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Climate change legislative and regulatory activities that affect our operations generally focus on reducing GHG emissions through some combination of GHG limitations (such as cap and trade or emission standards) and a renewable electricity standard (RES). Three of the five states in which our primary GHG emitting facilities operate (Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington) have an RES. There is currently no national RES in effect. The RES could increase our energy cost due to the higher-cost of renewable electrical generation facilities, compared with those generating electricity from fossil fuel.

The prognosis for enacting national climate change legislation into law is uncertain. The effect of any climate change legislation on our operations is also uncertain. Furthermore, U.S. legislation and regulation may put our operations at a competitive disadvantage relative to foreign competition if competing countries have not enacted commensurate GHG reduction programs.

The EPA initiated the regulation of GHGs following its “endangerment finding” in December 2009. The EPA has issued final regulations (known as the Tailoring Rule) for GHGs from stationary sources under its Clean Air Act Title V permitting and Prevention of Significant Deterioration programs in 2010. These rules are to be phased in, but they begin taking effect on January 2, 2011. Such rules could lead to longer permitting times and additional costs to reduce GHG emissions at our pulp and paper mills.

Increased interest in biomass as a renewable energy source could increase demand for and the cost of wood, our principal raw material. On the other hand, as incentives for biofuels manufacturing increase, there may be opportunities to locate biorefineries at our paper mills to produce biofuels as a coproduct. We are a significant manufacturer of recycled paper. Recycling of paper reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.

There is considerable uncertainty concerning the physical risks that may be presented by climate change. Predictions range widely and can include more weather extremes (floods and drought), increased storm intensity, and rising sea levels. Climate change could also affect forests supplying our wood both positively and negatively. Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and warmer temperatures could increase forest biomass production. Weather patterns and insects might affect forests either favorably or unfavorably. We cannot predict the effect of climate change on our operations with any degree of certainty until the legislative and regulatory landscape takes shape.

OfficeMax retained responsibility for environmental liabilities that occurred with respect to businesses, facilities, and other assets not purchased by Madison Dearborn from OfficeMax in the 2004 transaction. In addition, OfficeMax generally indemnifies our operating subsidiaries, Boise White Paper, L.L.C., and Boise Packaging & Newsprint, L.L.C., for hazardous substance releases and other environmental violations that occurred prior to the 2004 transaction at the businesses, facilities, and other assets purchased by such subsidiaries. However, OfficeMax may not have sufficient funds to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations when required, and in some cases, we may not be contractually entitled to indemnification by OfficeMax.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Critical accounting estimates are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results. These estimates require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to estimate matters that are inherently uncertain. We review the development, selection, and disclosure of our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our board of directors. Our current critical accounting estimates are as follows:

52


Pensions

We calculate pension expense and liabilities using actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, expected return on plan assets, expected rate of compensation increases, retirement rates, mortality rates, expected contributions, and other factors. We based the assumptions used in this analysis to calculate pension expense on the following factors:

Discount Rate Assumption.    The discount rate reflects the current rate at which the pension obligations could be settled on the measurement date—December 31. The discount rate assumption was determined using a spot rate yield curve constructed to replicate Aa-graded corporate bonds. The Aa-graded bonds included in the yield curve reflect anticipated investments that would be made to match the expected monthly benefit payments over time and do not include all Aa-graded corporate bonds. The plan’s projected cash flows were duration-matched to this yield curve to develop an appropriate discount rate.

Asset Return Assumption.    The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was based on a weighted average of the expected returns for the major investment asset classes. Expected returns for the asset classes are based on long-term historical returns, inflation expectations, forecasted gross domestic product, earnings growth, and other economic factors. The weights assigned to each asset class were based on the investment strategy. The weighted average expected return on plan assets we will use in our calculation of 2011 net periodic benefit cost is 7.25%. In 2010, plan assets performed well above the long-term return assumption.

Rate of Compensation Increases.    Salaried pension benefits are frozen, so the compensation increase assumption is not applicable. Negotiated compensation increases are reflected in the projected benefit obligation for certain hourly employees with salary-related benefits.

Retirement and Mortality Rates.    These rates were developed to reflect actual and projected plan experience.

Expected Contributions.    Plan obligations and expenses are based on existing retirement plan provisions. No assumption is made for future changes to benefit provisions beyond those to which we are presently committed, for example, changes we might commit to in future labor contracts. We estimate that we will be required to contribute approximately $3 million in 2011 and approximately $32 million in 2012.

We recognize the funded status of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and recognize the actuarial and experience gains and losses and the prior service costs and credits as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in our Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for Boise Inc. or Consolidated Statements of Capital for BZ Intermediate. Actual results that differ from assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect recognized expense in future periods. While we believe that the assumptions used to measure our pension obligations are reasonable, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect our pension obligations and future expense.

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A change of 0.25% in either direction to the discount rate or the expected rate of return on plan assets would have had the following effect on 2010 and 2011 pension expense (dollars in millions). These sensitivities are specific to 2010 and 2011. The sensitivities may not be additive, so the impact of changing multiple factors simultaneously cannot be calculated by combining the individual sensitivities shown.

   Base
Expense
   Increase (Decrease)
in Pension Expense
 
    0.25 %
Increase
  0.25%
Decrease
 

2010 Expense

     

Discount rate

  $9.7    $(0.6 $0.6  

Expected rate of return on plan assets

   9.7     (0.8  0.8  

2011 Expense

     

Discount rate

  $12.6    $(1.5 $1.5  

Expected rate of return on plan assets

   12.6     (0.8  0.8  

We believe that the accounting estimate related to pensions is a critical accounting estimate because it is highly susceptible to change from period to period. As discussed above, the future effects of pension plans on our financial position and results of operations will depend on economic conditions, employee demographics, mortality rates, retirement rates, investment performance, and funding decisions, among other factors. The following table presents selected assumptions used and expected to be used in the measurement of pension expense in the following periods (dollars in millions):

  Year Ending
December 31,
2011
  Year Ended December 31 
  2010  2009 

Pension expense

 $12.6  $9.7  $8.7 

Discount rate

  5.50  6.10  6.20

Expected rate of return on plan assets

  7.25  7.25  7.25

The difference between our expected returns and our actual returns affects the amount of expense we recognize in future years. However, under pension accounting rules, this impact is recognized over time. In addition, we are required to adjust our equity in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in our Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for Boise Inc. or Consolidated Statements of Capital for BZ Intermediate to record minimum pension liabilities under accounting rules. In 2010, we recorded a $14.5 million pretax decrease in equity. The amount of expense and minimum pension liability we recognize depends on, among other things, actual returns on plan assets, changes in interest rates that affect our discount rate assumptions, and modifications to our plans.

Pension funding requirements depend in part on returns on plan assets. As of December 31, 2010, our pension assets had a market value of $356 million, compared with $302 million at December 31, 2009. The amount of required contributions will depend, among other things, on actual returns on plan assets, changes in our plan asset return assumptions, changes in interest rates that affect our discount rate assumptions, changes in pension funding requirement laws, and modifications to our plans. Our estimates may change materially depending upon the impact of these and other factors. Changes in the financial markets may require us to make larger than previously anticipated contributions to our pension plans.

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Income Taxes

We account for income taxes and separately recognize deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. Such deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities represent the tax effect of temporary differences between financial reporting and tax reporting measured at enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. We also recognize only the impact of tax positions that, based on their technical merits, are more likely than not to be sustained upon an audit by the taxing authority.

We make judgments and estimates in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These judgments and estimates occur in the calculation of tax credits, benefits, and deductions and in the calculation of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes, as well as the interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. Significant changes to these estimates may result in an increase or decrease in our tax provision in a subsequent period.

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate uncertain tax positions, because we have to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We evaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.

Both Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in their Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

Long-Lived Asset Impairment

An impairment of a long-lived asset exists when the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable through future undiscounted cash flows from operations and when the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. We review the carrying value of long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable.

Long-lived asset impairment is a critical accounting estimate, as it is susceptible to change from period to period. To estimate whether the carrying value of an asset or asset group is impaired, we estimate the undiscounted cash flows that could be generated under a range of possible outcomes. To measure future cash flows, we are required to make assumptions about future production volumes, future product pricing, and future expenses to be incurred. In addition, estimates of future cash flows may change based on the availability of fiber, environmental requirements, capital spending, and other strategic management decisions. We estimate the fair value of an asset or asset group based on quoted market prices (the amount for which the asset(s) could be bought or sold in a current transaction with a third party) when available. When quoted market prices are not available, we use a discounted cash flow model to estimate fair value.

If the markets for our products deteriorate significantly or if we decide to invest capital differently and if other cash flow assumptions change, it is possible that we will be required to record noncash impairment charges that could have a material effect on our results of operations. Due to the numerous variables associated with our judgments and assumptions relating to the valuation of assets and the effects of changes on these valuations, both the precision and reliability of our estimates are subject to uncertainty. As additional information becomes known, we may change our estimates.

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New and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

For a listing of our new and recently adopted accounting standards, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Form 10-K.

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information concerning quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk can be found under the caption “Disclosures of Financial Market Risks” in “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-K.

See “Liquidity and Capital Resources, Operating Activities” in “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-K for our disclosures about our sensitivities to changes in prices for our major products, production inputs, and interest rates.

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ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Boise Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

(dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share data)

  Boise Inc.  Predecessor 
  Year Ended December 31  January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
 
 2010  2009  2008  
 

Sales

     

Trade

 $ 2,058,132   $ 1,935,410   $ 1,990,207   $258,430  

Related parties

  35,645    42,782    80,425    101,490  
                
  2,093,777    1,978,192    2,070,632    359,920  
                
 

Costs and expenses

     

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses

  1,634,039    1,596,214    1,756,826    313,931  

Fiber costs from related parties

  25,259    36,858    54,628    7,662  

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

  129,926    131,500    109,988    477  

Selling and distribution expenses

  58,107    55,524    48,278    9,097  

General and administrative expenses

  52,273    50,250    34,258    6,606  

St. Helens mill restructuring

  180    5,805    29,780      

Alternative fuel mixture credits, net

      (207,607        

Other (income) expense, net

  33    4,005    (2,980  (989
                
  1,899,817    1,672,549    2,030,778    336,784  
                
 

Income from operations

  193,960    305,643    39,854    23,136  
                

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

  890    2,639    (4,696  54  

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

  (43  568    (479    

Loss on extinguishment of debt

  (22,225  (44,102        

Interest expense

  (64,782  (83,263  (91,220  (2

Interest income

  306    367    2,246    161  
                
  (85,854  (123,791  (94,149  213  
                
 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  108,106    181,852    (54,295  23,349  

Income tax (provision) benefit

  (45,372  (28,010  8,772    (563
                

Net income (loss)

 $62,734   $153,842   $(45,523 $22,786  
                
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

     

Basic

  80,461    78,355    73,636      

Diluted

  84,131    83,081    73,636      
 

Net income (loss) per common share:

     

Basic

 $0.78   $1.96   $(0.62 $  

Diluted

  0.75    1.85    (0.62    

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

57


Boise Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars in thousands)

   December 31 
   2010   2009 

ASSETS

    

Current

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $166,833    $69,393  

Short-term investments

   10,621     10,023  

Receivables

    

Trade, less allowances of $603 and $839

   188,588     185,110  

Related parties

   1     2,056  

Other

   3,839     62,410  

Inventories

   261,471     252,173  

Deferred income taxes

   16,658       

Prepaid and other

   5,214     4,819  
          
   653,225     585,984  
          

Property

    

Property and equipment, net

   1,199,035     1,205,679  

Fiber farms and deposits

   18,285     17,094  
          
   1,217,320     1,222,773  
          

Deferred financing costs

   30,396     47,369  

Intangible assets, net

   29,605     32,358  

Other assets

   8,444     7,306  
          

Total assets

  $ 1,938,990    $ 1,895,790  
          

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

58


Boise Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

(dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share data)

   December 31 
   2010  2009 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   

Current

   

Current portion of long-term debt

  $43,750   $30,711  

Income taxes payable

   82    240  

Accounts payable

   

Trade

   178,923    172,518  

Related parties

   291    2,598  

Accrued liabilities

   

Compensation and benefits

   54,574    67,948  

Interest payable

   10,535    4,946  

Other

   16,123    23,735  
         
   304,278    302,696  
         

Debt

   

Long-term debt, less current portion

   738,081    785,216  
         

Other

   

Deferred income taxes

   88,200    32,253  

Compensation and benefits

   121,318    123,889  

Other long-term liabilities

   40,278    30,801  
         
   249,796    186,943  
         

Commitments and contingent liabilities

   

Stockholders’ Equity

   

Preferred stock, $.0001 par value per share:

         

1,000 shares authorized; none issued

   

Common stock, $.0001 par value per share:

   8    8  

250,000 shares authorized;

   

84,845 shares and 84,419 shares issued and outstanding

   

Additional paid-in capital

   581,442    578,669  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (78,822  (71,553

Retained earnings

   144,207    113,811  
         

Total stockholders’ equity

   646,835    620,935  
         

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 1,938,990   $ 1,895,790  
         

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

59


Boise Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(dollars in thousands)

   Boise Inc.     Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31     January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
 
  2010  2009  2008     

Cash provided by (used for) operations

       

Net income (loss)

  $62,734   $153,842   $(45,523   $22,786  

Items in net income (loss) not using (providing) cash

       

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of deferred financing costs and other

   137,495    144,079    119,933      477  

Share-based compensation expense

   3,733    3,518    3,096        

Related-party interest expense

           2,760        

Notes payable interest expense

       9,000    5,512        

Pension and other postretirement benefit expense

   9,537    7,376    8,388      1,826  

Deferred income taxes

   38,884    27,709    (9,363    11  

Change in fair value of energy derivatives

   609    (5,877  7,445      (37

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

   43    (568  479        

St. Helens mill restructuring

           35,998        

(Gain) loss on sales of assets, net

   312    514          (943

Other

   (869  (2,639  4,696      (54

Loss on extinguishment of debt

   22,225    44,102            

Decrease (increase) in working capital, net of acquisitions

       

Receivables

   57,255    (18,579  25,296      (23,522

Inventories

   (17,120  83,037    (28,950    5,343  

Prepaid expenses

   4,690    1,470    (1,044    875  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   (6,690  25,710    (17,801    (10,718

Current and deferred income taxes

   5,585    (372  (1,057    335  

Pension and other postretirement benefit payments

   (25,637  (13,001  (636    (1,826

Other

   (3,005  (609  (1,483    2,326  
                   

Cash provided by (used for) operations

   289,781    458,712    107,746      (3,121
                   

Cash provided by (used for) investment

       

Acquisition of businesses and facilities

       (543  (1,216,459      

Cash released from trust, net

           403,989        

Expenditures for property and equipment

   (111,619  (77,145  (90,597    (10,168

Purchases of short-term investments

   (25,336  (21,643          

Maturities of short-term investments

   24,744    11,615            

Sales of assets

   717    1,031    394      17,662  

Other

   2,224    2,168    (5,703    863  
                   

Cash provided by (used for) investment

   (109,270  (84,517  (908,376    8,357  
                   

Cash provided by (used for) financing

       

Issuances of long-term debt

   300,000    310,000    1,125,700        

Payments of long-term debt

   (334,096  (531,523  (88,250      

Extinguishment of debt

      ��(39,717          

Payments of notes payable

       (52,924          

Payments to stockholders for exercise of conversion rights

           (120,170      

Payments of deferred financing costs

   (12,003  (13,156  (81,898      

Payments of deferred underwriters fees

           (12,420      

Net equity transactions with related parties

                 (5,237

Exercises of warrants

   638                

Payments of special dividend

   (32,276              

Other

   (5,334              
                   

Cash provided by (used for) financing

   (83,071  (327,320  822,962      (5,237
                   

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   97,440    46,875    22,332      (1

Balance at beginning of the period

   69,393    22,518    186      8  
                   

Balance at end of the period

  $166,833   $69,393   $22,518     $7  
                   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

60


Boise Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(dollars and shares in thousands, except share data)

Common
Shares
Outstanding

    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
  Preferred
Stock
  Common
Stock
  Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Income
Accumulated
During
Development
Stage
  Retained
Earnings
(accumulated
deficit)
 
        
 51,750   Balance at December 31, 2007 $233,137   $   $5   $227,640   $   $5,492   $  
                                
 Comprehensive loss:       
 

Net loss

  (45,523                      (45,523
 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax       
 

Cash flow hedges

  (760              (760        
 

Unfunded accumulated benefit obligation

  (84,922              (84,922        
                             
 

Other comprehensive loss

  (85,682              (85,682        
                             
 Comprehensive loss $(131,205      
           
 

Reclassification of income accumulated during development stage

                      (5,492  5,492  
 37,857   

Issuance of common stock for acquisition at $9.15 per share (net of a 12% discount for lack of marketability)

  304,828        4    304,824              
 2,451   Restricted stock granted  3,096            3,096              
 (25)   Restricted stock forfeited                            
 30   Restricted stock vested                            
 

Shares of common stock subject to possible conversion converted to permanent equity

  159,760            159,760              
 (12,347)   

Reclassify shares of common stock subject to possible conversion that were not redeemed to permanent equity

  (120,170      (1  (120,169            
                                
 79,716   Balance at December 31, 2008 $449,446   $   $8   $575,151   $(85,682 $   $(40,031
                                
 Comprehensive income:       
 

Net income

  153,842                        153,842  
 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax       
 Cash flow hedges  207                207          
 Investment gains (losses)  (5              (5        
 

Changes in unfunded accumulated benefit obligation (net of tax of $8,600)

  13,927                13,927          
                             
 

Other comprehensive income

  14,129                14,129          
                             
 Comprehensive income $167,971        
           
 4,602   Restricted stock granted  3,518            3,518              
 (81)   Restricted stock forfeited                            
 182   Restricted stock units vested, net                            
                                
 84,419   Balance at December 31, 2009 $620,935   $   $8   $578,669   $(71,553 $   $113,811  
                                
 Comprehensive income:       
 

Net income

  62,734                        62,734  
 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

       
 

Cash flow hedges

  553                553          
 Investment gains (losses)  6                6          
 

Changes in unfunded accumulated benefit obligation (net of tax of $4,945)

  (7,828              (7,828        
                             
 Other comprehensive income  (7,269              (7,269        
                             
 Comprehensive income $55,465                       
           
        
 Dividends declared  (32,338                      (32,338
 Restricted stock excess tax  31            31              
 85   Warrants exercised  638            638              
 200   Restricted stock granted  3,733            3,733              
 (221)   Restricted stock withheld for taxes  (1,629          (1,629            
 (42)   Restricted stock forfeited                            
 404   Restricted stock units vested, net                            
                                
 84,845   Balance at December 31, 2010 $646,835   $   $8   $581,442   $(78,822 $   $144,207  
                                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

61


BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

(dollars in thousands)

   BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC     Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31     January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
 
  2010  2009  2008   

Sales

       

Trade

  $ 2,058,132   $ 1,935,410   $ 1,990,207     $258,430  

Related parties

   35,645    42,782    80,425      101,490  
                   
   2,093,777    1,978,192    2,070,632      359,920  
                   
 

Costs and expenses

       

Materials, labor, and other operating
expenses

   1,634,039    1,596,214    1,756,826      313,931  

Fiber costs from related parties

   25,259    36,858    54,628      7,662  

Depreciation, amortization, and
depletion

   129,926    131,500    109,988      477  

Selling and distribution expenses

   58,107    55,524    48,278      9,097  

General and administrative expenses

   52,273    50,250    34,318      6,606  

St. Helens mill restructuring

   180    5,805    29,780        

Alternative fuel mixture credits, net

       (207,607          

Other (income) expense, net

   33    4,005    (2,980    (989
                   
   1,899,817    1,672,549    2,030,838      336,784  
                   
 

Income from operations

   193,960    305,643    39,794      23,136  
                   

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

   890    2,639    (4,696    54  

Change in fair value of interest rate
derivatives

   (43  568    (479      

Loss on extinguishment of debt

   (22,225  (66,784          

Interest expense

   (64,782  (74,263  (82,945    (2

Interest income

   306    367    617      161  
                   
   (85,854  (137,473  (87,503    213  
                   
 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   108,106    168,170    (47,709    23,349  

Income tax (provision) benefit

   (44,529  (20,356  5,849      (563
                   

Net income (loss)

  $63,577   $147,814   $(41,860   $22,786  
                   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

62


BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars in thousands)

   December 31 
   2010   2009 

ASSETS

    

Current

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $166,833    $69,393  

Short-term investments

   10,621     10,023  

Receivables

    

Trade, less allowances of $603 and $839

   188,588     185,110  

Related parties

   1     2,056  

Other

   3,839     62,410  

Inventories

   261,471     252,173  

Deferred income taxes

   16,658       

Prepaid and other

   5,214     4,819  
          
   653,225     585,984  
          

Property

    

Property and equipment, net

   1,199,035     1,205,679  

Fiber farms and deposits

   18,285     17,094  
          
   1,217,320     1,222,773  
          

Deferred financing costs

   30,396     47,369  

Intangible assets, net

   29,605     32,358  

Other assets

   8,444     7,306  
          

Total assets

  $  1,938,990    $  1,895,790  
          

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

63


BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC

Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

(dollars in thousands)

   December 31 
   2010   2009 

LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL

    

Current

    

Current portion of long-term debt

  $43,750    $30,711  

Income taxes payable

   82     240  

Accounts payable

    

Trade

   178,923     172,518  

Related parties

   291     2,598  

Accrued liabilities

    

Compensation and benefits

   54,574     67,948  

Interest payable

   10,535     4,946  

Other

   16,123     23,735  
          
   304,278     302,696  
          

Debt

    

Long-term debt, less current portion

   738,081     785,216  
          

Other

    

Deferred income taxes

   79,451     24,563  

Compensation and benefits

   121,318     123,889  

Other long-term liabilities

   40,530     30,836  
          
   241,299     179,288  
          

Commitments and contingent liabilities

    

Capital

    

Business unit equity

   655,332     628,590  
          

Total liabilities and capital

  $  1,938,990    $  1,895,790  
          

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

64


BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(dollars in thousands)

   BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC     Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31     January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
 
  2010  2009  2008   
 

Cash provided by (used for) operations

       

Net income (loss)

  $63,577   $147,814   $(41,860   $22,786  

Items in net income (loss) not using (providing) cash

       

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of deferred financing costs and other

   137,495    144,079    119,933      477  

Share-based compensation expense

   3,733    3,518    3,096        

Pension and other postretirement benefit expense

   9,537    7,376    8,388      1,826  

Deferred income taxes

   37,882    20,020    (6,439    11  

Change in fair value of energy derivatives

   609    (5,877  7,445      (37

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

   43    (568  479        

St. Helens mill restructuring

           35,998        

(Gain) loss on sales of assets, net

   312    514          (943

Other

   (869  (2,639  4,696      (54

Loss on extinguishment of debt

   22,225    66,784            

Decrease (increase) in working capital, net of
acquisitions

       

Receivables

   57,255    (21,503  25,296      (23,522

Inventories

   (17,120  83,037    (28,950    5,343  

Prepaid expenses

   4,690    1,470    (1,103    875  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   (6,690  25,710    (16,785    (10,718

Current and deferred income taxes

   5,744    (422  222      335  

Pension and other postretirement benefit payments

   (25,637  (13,001  (636    (1,826

Other

   (3,005  (609  (1,848    2,326  
                   

Cash provided by (used for) operations

   289,781    455,703    107,932      (3,121
                   

Cash provided by (used for) investment

       

Acquisition of businesses and facilities

       (543  (1,216,459      

Expenditures for property and equipment

   (111,619  (77,145  (90,597    (10,168

Purchases of short-term investments

   (25,336  (21,643          

Maturities of short-term investments

   24,744    11,615            

Sales of assets

   717    1,031    394      17,662  

Other

   2,224    2,168    (5,703    863  
                   

Cash provided by (used for) investment

   (109,270  (84,517  (1,312,365    8,357  
                   

Cash provided by (used for) financing

       

Issuances of long-term debt

   300,000    310,000    1,125,700        

Payments of long-term debt

   (334,096  (531,523  (88,250      

Extinguishment of debt

       (39,717          

Payments (to) from Boise Inc., net

   (31,639  (49,915  271,399        

Payments of deferred financing costs

   (12,003  (13,156  (81,898      

Net equity transactions with related parties

                 (5,237

Other

   (5,333              
                   

Cash provided by (used for) financing

   (83,071  (324,311  1,226,951      (5,237
                   

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   97,440    46,875    22,518      (1

Balance at beginning of the period

   69,393    22,518          8  
                   

Balance at end of the period

  $166,833   $69,393   $22,518     $7  
                   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

65


BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC

Consolidated Statements of Capital

(dollars in thousands)

   Total Capital  Business
Unit Equity
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 

Balance at January 18, 2008 (Inception)

  $   $   $  

Issuance of 1,000 common units

       638,761    638,761      

Comprehensive loss:

    

Net loss

   (41,860  (41,860    

Other comprehensive income loss, net of tax

    

Cash flow hedges

   (760      (760

Unfunded accumulated benefit obligations

   (84,922      (84,922
             

Other comprehensive loss:

   (85,682      (85,682
             

Comprehensive loss

  $(127,542  
       

Net equity transactions with Boise Inc.

   1,825    1,825      
             

Balance at December 31, 2008

  $513,044   $598,726   $(85,682
             

Comprehensive income:

    

Net income

   147,814    147,814      

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

    

Cash flow hedges

   207        207  

Investment gains (losses)

   (5      (5

Changes in unfunded accumulated benefit obligation (net of tax of $8,600)

   13,927        13,927  
             

Other comprehensive income

   14,129        14,129  
             

Comprehensive income

  $161,943    
       

Net equity transactions with Boise Inc.

   (46,397  (46,397    
             

Balance at December 31, 2009

  $628,590   $700,143   $(71,553
             

Comprehensive income:

    

Net income

   63,577    63,577      

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

    

Cash flow hedges

   553        553  

Investment gains (losses)

   6        6 ��

Changes in unfunded accumulated benefit obligation (net of tax of $4,945)

   (7,828      (7,828
             

Other comprehensive income

   (7,269      (7,269
             

Comprehensive income

  $56,308    
       

Net equity transactions with Boise Inc.

   (29,566  (29,566    
             

Balance at December 31, 2010

  $655,332   $    734,154   $(78,822
             

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

66


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.    Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

In this filing, unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or “Boise” refer to Boise Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC (BZ Intermediate). Boise Inc. is a large, diverse United States-based manufacturer of paper and packaging products.

Paper Products

Communication-Based Papers

Imaging papers for the office and home, also known as cut-size office papers.

Printing and converting papers: papers used by commercial printers or converters to manufacture envelopes, forms, and other commercial paper products.

Packaging-Demand-Driven Papers

Label and release papers: These papers include label facestocks, as well as release liners, which our customers combine and convert to labels for use on consumer and commercial packaged products.

Flexible packaging papers: coated and uncoated papers sold to customers that create flexible packaging products for food and nonfood applications.

Corrugating medium: unbleached paperboard, which when corrugated and combined with linerboard, forms corrugated board—the key raw material in the manufacture of corrugated sheets and containers. Corrugating medium is also part of a broader category of products called containerboard.

Market Pulp

Market pulp: pulp sold to customers in the open market for use in the manufacture of paper products.

Packaging Products

Linerboard: paperboard, which when combined with corrugating medium, forms corrugated board—the key raw material in the manufacture of corrugated sheets and containers. Linerboard is also part of a broader category of products called containerboard.

Corrugated sheets: containerboard sheets that are sold primarily to converters that produce a variety of corrugated products.

Corrugated containers: corrugated sheets that have been fed through converting machines to create containers, which are used in the packaging of fresh fruit and vegetables, processed food, beverages, and other industrial and consumer products.

Newsprint: paper commonly used for printing newspapers, other publications, and advertising material.

We own paper mills in the following locations: Jackson, Alabama; International Falls, Minnesota; St. Helens, Oregon; and Wallula, Washington, all of which manufacture imaging, printing, and converting papers. These products are a subset of a larger product category called uncoated freesheet papers. We also classify label and release and flexible packaging products as uncoated freesheet papers. All of these mills, except St. Helens, also manufacture pulp, which is either sold on the market or used in our own operations to manufacture paper.

67


We also own a mill in DeRidder, Louisiana, which produces linerboard and newsprint. Additionally, we own seven plants that manufacture corrugated packaging products. Our plants in Burley, Idaho; Nampa, Idaho; Sparks, Nevada; Salem, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Wallula, Washington, all manufacture corrugated containers. Our plant in Waco, Texas, manufactures corrugated sheets.

Labor

As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately 4,100 employees. Approximately 57% of these employees worked pursuant to collective bargaining agreements. As of December 31, 2010, approximately 50% of our employees were working pursuant to collective bargaining agreements that have expired or will expire within one year.

Our operations began on February 22, 2008, when entities controlled by Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. (Boise Cascade) sold their paper and packaging assets to Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. (the Acquisition). As part of the Acquisition, Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. changed its name to Boise Inc. In this Form 10-K, we use the term “Predecessor” to reference the periods before the Acquisition, including the period when our assets were operated by Boise Cascade. See Note 17, Acquisition of Boise Cascade’s Paper and Packaging Operations, for more information related to the Acquisition.

The following sets forth our operating structure at December 31, 2010:

Boise Inc., headquartered in Boise, Idaho, operates and reports its business in three reportable segments: Paper, Packaging, and Corporate and Other (support services).

68


The accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2008, include the activities of Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. prior to the Acquisition and the operations of the acquired businesses from February 22, 2008, through December 31, 2008. The Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows of the Predecessor for the period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, are presented for comparative purposes.

For the Predecessor period presented, the consolidated financial statements include accounts attributed specifically to the Paper Group and a portion of Boise Cascade’s shared corporate general and administrative expenses. These shared services include, but are not limited to, finance, accounting, legal, information technology, and human resource functions. Some corporate costs related solely to the Predecessor and were allocated totally to these operations. Shared corporate general and administrative expenses not specifically identifiable to the Paper Group were allocated primarily based on average sales, assets, and labor costs. The Predecessor consolidated financial statements do not include an allocation of Boise Cascade’s debt, interest, and deferred financing costs, because none of these items were specifically identified as corporate advances to, or borrowings by, the Predecessor. Boise Cascade used interest rate swaps to hedge variable interest rate risk. Because debt and interest costs are not allocated to the Predecessor, the effects of the interest rate swaps are not included in the consolidated financial statements. During the Predecessor period presented, income taxes, where applicable, were calculated as if the Predecessor were a separate taxable entity. For the period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, the majority of the businesses and assets of the Predecessor were held and operated by limited liability companies, which are not subject to entity-level federal or state income taxation. In addition to the businesses and assets held and operated by limited liability companies, the Predecessor had taxable corporations subject to federal, state, and local income taxes for which taxes were recorded. Information on the allocations and related-party transactions is included in Note 4, Transactions With Related Parties.

2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation and Use of Estimates

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Boise Inc. and its subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include valuation of accounts receivable, inventories, intangible assets, and asset retirement obligations; assumptions used in retirement; the recognition, measurement, and valuation of income taxes; the determination and allocation of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in an acquisition; and assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Volatile credit, equity, foreign currency, and energy markets and declines in consumer spending have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in these estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.

69


Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. The timing of revenue recognition is dependent on shipping terms. Revenue is recorded at the time of shipment for terms designated freight on board (FOB) shipping point. For sales transactions designated FOB destination, revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site. Fees for shipping and handling charged to customers for sales transactions are included in “Sales.” Costs related to shipping and handling are included in “Materials, labor, and other operating expenses.”

Share-Based Compensation

We accrue compensation expense for the restricted stock and restricted stock units (collectively restricted stock) granted under the Boise Inc. Incentive and Performance Plan (the Plan) based on the fair value on the date of the grant. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period for the restricted stock grants that vest over time and ratably over the award period for the restricted stock grants that vest based on the closing price of Boise Inc. stock. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, we recognized $3.7 million, $3.5 million, and $3.1 million, respectively, of compensation expense. Most of these costs were recorded in “General and administrative expenses” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). See Note 14, Stockholders’ Equity and Capital, for a discussion of the Plan and the method we use to calculate compensation expense.

During the Predecessor period presented, equity compensation was granted to the Predecessor’s employees under Boise Cascade’s equity compensation plans. These equity compensation plans were accounted for in the same manner we account for our current plans. During the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, the Predecessor recognized $0.2 million of compensation expense, most of which was recorded in “General and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss).

Research and Development Costs

We expense research and development costs as incurred, and they were immaterial for all periods presented. These expenses are generally recorded in “Materials, labor, and other operating expenses” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

Advertising Costs

We expense advertising costs as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, advertising costs were $3.0 million, $2.7 million, and $2.3 million, respectively. For the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, advertising costs were $1.0 million. These expenses are generally recorded in “Selling and distribution expenses” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid interest-earning investments, including time deposits and certificates of deposit, with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents unless designated as available for sale and classified as an investment. The fair value of these investments approximates their carrying value. Cash equivalents totaled $156.5 million and $65.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

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Short-Term Investments

Investments with original maturities of greater than three months and remaining maturities of less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Our short-term investments are classified as available for sale and are recorded at market value. Changes in market value are reflected in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Unrealized losses determined to be other than temporary are recorded in our Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss). The cost of marketable securities sold is determined based on the specific identification method.

Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable are stated at the amount we expect to collect. Trade accounts receivable do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the losses we expect will result from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We determine the allowance based on a combination of actual historical write-off experience and an analysis of specific customer accounts. We periodically review our allowance for doubtful accounts, and adjustments to the valuation allowance are charged to income. Trade accounts receivable balances that remain outstanding after we have used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. We may, at times, insure or arrange for guarantees on our receivables.

Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, long-term debt, and energy hedges. The recorded values of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair values based on their short-term nature. Our long-term debt is recorded at the face value of those obligations. Our energy hedges are recorded at fair value.

We are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates and energy prices. We employ a variety of practices to manage these risks, including operating and financing activities and, where deemed appropriate, the use of derivative instruments. Derivative instruments are used only for risk management purposes and not for speculation or trading. Derivatives are such that a specific debt instrument, contract, or anticipated purchase determines the amount, maturity, and other specifics of the hedge. If a derivative contract is entered into, we either determine that it is an economic hedge or we designate the derivative as a cash flow or fair value hedge. We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedged transactions. For those derivatives that are not designated as economic hedges, such as cash flow or fair value hedges, we formally assess, both at the derivatives’ inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged items. The ineffective portion of hedging transactions is recognized in income (loss).

We record all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The fair value of these instruments is determined by third parties. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in either “Net income (loss)” or “Other comprehensive income (loss)” as appropriate. The gain or loss on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is included in “Other comprehensive income (loss)” in the period in which changes in fair value occur and is reclassified to income (loss) in the period in which the hedged item affects income (loss), and any ineffectiveness is recognized currently in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). The fair value of the hedged exposure is presumed to be the market value of the hedging instrument when

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critical terms match. The gain or loss on derivatives designated as fair value hedges and the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are included in income (loss) in the period in which changes in fair value occur. The gain or loss on derivatives that have not been designated as hedging instruments is included in income (loss) in the period in which changes in fair value occur.

Customer Rebates and Allowances

We provide rebates to our customers based on the volume of their purchases. We provide the rebates to increase the sell-through of our products. The rebates are recorded as a decrease in “Sales, Trade” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had $13.7 million and $16.1 million, respectively, of rebates payable recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is based on the average cost method of inventory valuation. Manufactured inventories include costs for materials, labor, and factory overhead.

Inventories include the following (dollars in thousands):

   December 31 
   2010   2009 

Finished goods

  $123,329    $120,817  

Work in process

   34,906     22,677  

Fiber

   36,166     34,557  

Other raw materials and supplies

   67,070     74,122  
          
  $ 261,471    $ 252,173  
          

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment acquired in the Acquisition were recorded at estimated fair value on the date of the Acquisition. Property and equipment acquired subsequent to the Acquisition are recorded at cost. Cost includes expenditures for major improvements and replacements and the amount of interest cost associated with significant capital additions. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recognized an immaterial amount of capitalized interest, and for the year ended December 31, 2009, we did not recognize any capitalized interest. During the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, the Predecessor recognized $0.1 million of capitalized interest. We expense all repair and maintenance costs as incurred.When property and equipment are retired, sold, or otherwise disposed of, the asset’s carrying amount and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in income (loss). In all periods presented, we used the straight-line method of depreciation.

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Property and equipment consisted of the following asset classes and the following general range of estimated useful lives (dollars in thousands):

      General Range of
Estimated  Useful
Lives in Years
 
   December 31  
   2010  2009  

Land

  $31,875   $31,875    NA  

Buildings and improvements

   219,345    199,086    9-40  

Machinery and equipment

   1,260,265    1,176,494    3-20  

Construction in progress

   27,667    18,992    NA  
          
   1,539,152    1,426,447   

Less accumulated depreciation

   (340,117  (220,768  NA  
          
  $ 1,199,035   $ 1,205,679   
          

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, was $120.5 million, $120.9 million, and $102.0 million, respectively.

Fiber Farms and Deposits

Costs for activities related to the establishment of a new crop of trees, including planting, thinning, fertilization, pest control, herbicide application, irrigation, and land lease costs, are capitalized, while costs for administration, harvesting, insurance, and property taxes are expensed. The capitalized costs are accumulated by specifically identifiable farm or irrigation blocks. We charge capitalized costs, excluding land, to “Depreciation, amortization, and depletion” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) at the time the fiber is harvested based on actual accumulated costs associated with fiber cut.

We are a party to a number of long-term log and fiber supply agreements. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, our total obligation for log and fiber purchases under contracts with third parties was approximately $81.2 million and $76.4 million, respectively. Except for deposits required pursuant to wood supply contracts, these obligations are not recorded in our consolidated financial statements until contract payment terms take effect. Under most of the log and fiber supply agreements, we have the right to cancel or reduce our commitments in the event of a mill curtailment or shutdown. Future purchase prices under most of these agreements are set quarterly or semiannually based on regional market prices, and the estimate is based on contract terms or first quarter 2011 pricing. Our log and fiber obligations are subject to change based on, among other things, the effect of governmental laws and regulations, our manufacturing operations not operating in the normal course of business, log and fiber availability, and the status of environmental appeals.

Long-Lived Asset Impairment

An impairment of long-lived assets exists when the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable through future undiscounted cash flows from operations and when the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value. We review the carrying value of long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable.

Intangible Assets

Our policy is to assess intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, and immediately if an indicator of possible impairment exists, using a fair-value-based

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approach. We also evaluate the remaining useful lives of our purchased intangible assets to determine whether any adjustments to the useful lives are necessary.

Deferred Software Costs

We defer internal-use software costs that benefit future years. These costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the expected life of the software, typically three to five years. “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets include $5.3 million and $4.1 million of deferred software costs at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We amortized $0.8 million, $1.4 million, and $0.7 million, respectively, of deferred software costs for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008. For the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, amortization of deferred software costs totaled $0.1 million.

Pension Benefits

Several estimates and assumptions are required to record pension costs and liabilities, including discount rate, return on assets, salary increases, and longevity and service lives of employees. We review and update these assumptions annually unless a plan curtailment or other event occurs requiring we update the estimates on an interim basis. While we believe that the assumptions used to measure our pension obligations are reasonable, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect our pension obligations and future expense.

Taxes Collected

We present taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis in our Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss).

New and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2010-06,Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. This ASU amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to require reporting entities to make new disclosures about recurring or nonrecurringestablishes a fair value measurements, including significant transfers into and outhierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs of Level 1 and Level 2valuation techniques used to measure fair value measurements and information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU also clarifies existing fair value measurement disclosure guidance about the level of disaggregation, inputs, and valuation techniques. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2010, and the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. The detailed Level 3 roll-forward disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. We do not expect the adoption of the Level 3 roll-forward disclosures to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operation.

In June 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-17 (Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 167),Consolidations (Topic 810): Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities, which amends the consolidation guidance applicable to variable-interest entities (VIEs). This guidance requires that entities evaluate former qualified special-purpose entities for consolidation, changes the approach to determining a VIE’s primary beneficiary from a quantitative assessment to a qualitative assessment, and increases the frequency of required reassessment to determine whether a company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. It also requires additional year-end and interim disclosures. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2010, and the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. During first quarter 2010, we reassessed our primary beneficiary assertion relating to Louisiana Timber Procurement, L.L.C., our only VIE, after Boise Cascade sold all of its remaining interest in us. This

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analysis, or any since first quarter 2010, did not change our assertions or have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

There were no other accounting standards recently issued that had or are expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

3.    Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, when we had publicly traded shares outstanding, net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated as follows (dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share data):

   Year Ended December 31 
   2010   2009   2008 

Net income (loss)

  $    62,734    $    153,842    $    (45,523

Weighted average number of common shares for basic net income (loss) per share

   80,461     78,355     73,636  

Incremental effect of dilutive common stock equivalents:

      

Common stock warrants (a)

               

Restricted stock and restricted stock units (b)

   3,670     4,726       
               

Weighted average number of shares for diluted net income (loss) per share

   84,131     83,081     73,636  
               

Net income (loss) per share

      

Basic

  $0.78    $1.96    $(0.62
               

Diluted (a) (b)

  $0.75    $1.85    $(0.62
               

(a)For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, warrants to purchase 44.3 million, 44.4 million, and 44.4 million shares of common stock, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share, because the exercise price exceeded the average market price of our common stock.

(b)Restricted stock and restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2008, were not included in the computation of diluted net loss per share, because inclusion of these amounts would be antidilutive.

Net income (loss) per common share is not applicable to BZ Intermediate, because it does not have common shares.

4.    Transactions With Related Parties

From February 22, 2008, through early March 2010, Boise Cascade held a significant interest in us, and our transactions with Boise Cascade were related-party transactions. In early March 2010, Boise Cascade sold all of its remaining investment in us, and accordingly, it is no longer a related party.

The transportation and other outsourcing services revenues described below were earned during January and February 2010. After March 2010, no transactions between Boise Cascade and us are considered related-party transactions, except those concerning Louisiana Timber Procurement Company, L.L.C. (LTP) described below.

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Related-Party Sales

We provide transportation services to Boise Cascade. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, we recorded $0.3 million, $2.3 million, and $3.4 million, respectively, of sales for transportation services in “Sales, Related parties” in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). For the period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, the Predecessor recorded $0.6 million of sales for transportation services to Boise Cascade.

We are party to an outsourcing services agreement under which we provide a number of corporate staff services to Boise Cascade at our cost. These services include information technology, accounting, and human resource services. The agreement, as extended, expires on February 22, 2013. It will automatically renew for one-year terms unless either party provides notice of termination to the other party at least 12 months in advance of the expiration date. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, we recognized $2.3 million, $15.0 million, and $12.1 million, respectively, in “Sales, Related parties” in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and the same amounts in “Costs and expenses” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) related to this agreement within our Corporate and Other segment.

LTP, a variable-interest entity that is 50% owned by Boise Inc. and 50% owned by Boise Cascade, sells wood to Boise Cascade and Boise Inc. at prices designed to approximate market prices. LTP procures saw timber, pulpwood, residual chips, and other residual wood fiber to meet the wood and fiber requirements of Boise Inc. and Boise Cascade. We are the primary beneficiary of LTP, as we have power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of LTP; therefore, we consolidate LTP in our financial statements in our Packaging segment. We reassess this relationship quarterly to ensure that we remain the primary beneficiary of LTP. Although Boise Cascade is no longer a related party to our operations, Boise Cascade continues to be a related party to LTP; therefore, sales between Boise Cascade and LTP are related-party sales in our consolidated financial statements.

As of December 31, 2010, the carrying amounts of LTP’s assets and liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet were both $2.1 million and related primarily to noninventory working capital. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, we recorded $33.0million and $25.5 million, respectively, of LTP sales to Boise Cascade in “Sales, Related parties” in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and approximately the same amount of expenses in “Materials, labor, and other operating expenses.” During the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded $64.9 million of sales to Boise Cascade. The Predecessor sold $10.8 million of wood to Boise Cascade’s wood products business during the period of January 1 through February 21, 2008. These sales are included in “Sales, Related parties” in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) in our Packaging segment.

During the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, the Predecessor sold paper and paper products to OfficeMax Incorporated (OfficeMax) at sales prices that were designed to approximate market prices. Subsequent to the Acquisition, OfficeMax is no longer a related party. For additional information concerning related-party sales to OfficeMax during the Predecessor period, see Note 8, Concentrations of Risk.

Related-Party Costs and Expenses

During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, fiber purchases from related parties were $25.3 million, $36.9 million, and $54.6 million, respectively. During the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, fiber purchases from related parties were $7.7 million. Most of these purchases related to chip and log purchases from Boise Cascade’s wood products business. All of the costs associated with these purchases were recorded as “Fiber costs from related parties” in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Beginning in March 2010,

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“Fiber costs from related parties” represents only LTP’s purchases from Boise Cascade. Fiber purchases from Boise Cascade by Boise Inc. subsequent to February 2010 are recorded as “Materials, labor, and other operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

During the Predecessor period, the Predecessor used services and administrative staff of Boise Cascade. These services included, but were not limited to, finance, accounting, legal, information technology, and human resource functions. The costs not specifically identifiable to the Predecessor were allocated based primarily on average sales, assets, and labor costs. These costs are included in “General and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). The Predecessor believes the allocations are a reasonable reflection of its use of the services. However, had the Predecessor operated on a stand-alone basis, it estimates that its Corporate and Other segment would have reported approximately $2.5 million of segment expenses before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization for the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008.

During the Predecessor period, some of the Predecessor’s employees participated in Boise Cascade’s noncontributory defined benefit pension and contributory defined contribution savings plans. The Predecessor treated its participants in the pension plans as participants in multiemployer plans. The Predecessor recorded costs associated with the employees who participated in these plans in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). For the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, the Statements of Income (Loss) included $3.9 million of expenses attributable to its participation in Boise Cascade’s defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

During the Predecessor period presented, the Predecessor’s employees and former employees also participated in Boise Cascade’s other postretirement healthcare benefit plans. All of the Predecessor’s postretirement healthcare benefit plans were unfunded (see Note 13, Retirement and Benefit Plans). In addition, some of the Predecessor’s employees participated in equity compensation programs.

During the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded $2.8 million of related-party interest expense in “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). This expense is related to the subordinated promissory note we issued to Boise Cascade in connection with the Acquisition. After the Acquisition, the note was transferred to parties unrelated to Boise Cascade or to us. Accordingly, we no longer record the note as a related-party note on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. This note was repaid as part of our October 2009 debt restructuring. For additional information on the debt restructuring, see Note 11, Debt.

5.    Other (Income) Expense

“Other (income) expense, net” includes miscellaneous income and expense items. The components of “Other (income) expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) are as follows (dollars in thousands):

   Boise Inc.        Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31        January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
 
  2010  2009   2008    
 

Changes in supplemental pension plans

  $   $    $(2,914    $  

Sales of assets, net

   312    514            (941

Other, net (a)

     (279  3,491     (66     (48
                     
  $33   $  4,005    $  (2,980    $(989
                     

(a)The year ended December 31, 2009, included $3.5 million of expense related to the indefinite idling of the D2 newsprint machine at our mill in DeRidder, Louisiana, which was recorded in our Packaging segment.

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6.    Income Taxes

For the year ended December 31, 2010, Boise Inc.’s effective tax provision rate was 42.0%. The primary reason for the difference from the federal statutory income tax rate of 35.0% was the effect of state income taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2009, Boise Inc.’s effective tax provision rate was 15.4%. The primary reason for the difference from the federal statutory income tax rate of 35.0% was the release of valuation allowances and the effect of state income taxes. During fourth quarter 2009, Boise Inc. determined that it was more likely than not that its deferred tax assets would be realized due to current-year income from continuing operations and that it would be able to utilize deferred tax assets to offset deferred tax liabilities. Therefore, Boise Inc. recognized the reversal of its entire valuation allowance as an income tax benefit from continuing operations. For the year ended December 31, 2008, Boise Inc.’s effective tax benefit rate was 16.2%. The primary reason for the difference from the federal statutory income tax rate of 35.0% was the valuation allowance recorded during 2008.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, BZ Intermediate’s effective tax provision rate was 41.2%. The primary reason for the difference from the federal statutory income tax rate of 35.0% was the effect of state income taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2009, BZ Intermediate’s effective tax provision rate was 12.1%. The primary reason for the difference from the federal statutory income tax rate of 35.0% was the release of valuation allowances and the effect of state income taxes. During fourth quarter 2009, BZ Intermediate determined that it was more likely than not that its deferred tax assets would be realized due to current-year income from continuing operations and that it would be able to utilize deferred tax assets to offset deferred tax liabilities. Therefore, BZ Intermediate recognized the reversal of its entire valuation allowance as an income tax benefit from continuing operations. For the year ended December 31, 2008, BZ Intermediate’s effective tax benefit rate was 12.3%. The primary reason for the difference from the federal statutory income tax rate of 35.0% was the valuation allowance recorded during 2008.

During the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, the majority of the Predecessor businesses and assets were held and operated by limited liability companies, which were not subject to entity-level federal or state income taxation. For the separate Predecessor subsidiaries that were taxed as corporations, the effective tax rate was 37.6%. During this period, the primary reason for the difference in tax rates was the effect of state income taxes.

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A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal tax benefit (provision) and the reported tax benefit (provision) is as follows (dollars in thousands):

   Boise Inc. 
   Year Ended December 31 
   2010  2009  2008 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $  108,106   $  181,852   $  (54,295

Statutory U.S. income tax rate

   35.0  35.0  35.0

Statutory tax benefit (provision)

  $(37,837 $(63,648 $19,003  

State taxes

   (4,120  (7,432  1,845  

Nondeductible interest on applicable high-yield discount obligations

       (594  (1,167

Valuation allowance

   (307  44,063    (10,884

Nondeductible costs

   (652  (561  (423

Other

   (2,456  162    398  
             

Reported tax benefit (provision)

  $(45,372 $(28,010 $8,772  
             

Effective income tax benefit (provision) rate

   (42.0)%   (15.4)%   16.2
             

   BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC 
   Year Ended December 31 
   2010  2009  2008 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $  108,106   $  168,170   $  (47,709

Statutory U.S. income tax rate

   35.0  35.0  35.0

Statutory tax benefit (provision)

  $(37,837 $(58,859 $16,698  

State taxes

   (4,120  (6,858  1,724  

Valuation allowance

   (307  45,719    (12,540

Nondeductible costs

   (652  (561  (423

Other

   (1,613  203    390  
             

Reported tax benefit (provision)

  $(44,529 $(20,356 $5,849  
             

Effective income tax benefit (provision) rate

   (41.2)%   (12.1)%   12.3
             

The income tax (provision) benefit shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) includes the following (dollars in thousands):

   Boise Inc. 
   Year Ended December 31 
   2010  2009  2008 

Current income tax (provision) benefit

    

Federal

  $(4,253 $274   $(578

State

   (2,236  (563  2  

Foreign

   1    (12  (15
             

Total current

   (6,488  (301  (591
             

Deferred income tax (provision) benefit

    

Federal

   (34,061  (21,282  8,778  

State

   (4,831  (6,427  585  

Foreign

   8          
             

Total deferred

   (38,884  (27,709  9,363  
             

Total (provision) benefit for income taxes

  $  (45,372 $  (28,010 $  8,772  
             

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   BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC 
   Year Ended December 31 
   2010  2009  2008 

Current income tax (provision) benefit

    

Federal

  $(4,455 $274   $(589

State

   (2,194  (599  13  

Foreign

   1    (12  (14
             

Total current

   (6,648  (337  (590
             

Deferred income tax (provision) benefit

    

Federal

   (33,150  (14,567    5,854  

State

   (4,739  (5,452  585  

Foreign

   8          
             

Total deferred

   (37,881  (20,019  6,439  
             

Total (provision) benefit for income taxes

  $  (44,529 $  (20,356 $5,849  
             

During the year ended December 31, 2010, Boise Inc.’s cash paid for taxes, net of refunds received, was $0.7 million. During the year ended December 31, 2009, Boise Inc.’s cash received for taxes, net of payments made, was $3.1 million. During the year ended December 31, 2008, Boise Inc.’s cash paid for taxes, net of refunds received, was $1.4 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, BZ Intermediate’s cash paid for taxes, net of refunds received, was $0.7 million. During the year ended December 31, 2009, BZ Intermediate’s cash received for taxes, net of payments made, was $0.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2008, BZ Intermediate’s cash paid for taxes, net of refunds received, was $32,000.

During the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, cash paid for taxes, net of refunds received, was immaterial.

At December 31, 2010, Boise Inc. had federal net operating losses of $132.8 million, which expire in 2028 and 2029, with a tax value of $46.5 million. At December 31, 2010, Boise Inc. had state net operating loss carryovers, which expire between 2013 and 2029, with a tax value of $4.9 million. At December 31, 2010, Boise Inc. had capital losses of $2.3 million, which will expire between 2013 and 2015, and $4.6 million of alternative minimum tax credits that carry over indefinitely.

At December 31, 2010, BZ Intermediate had federal net operating losses of $133.5 million, which expire in 2028 and 2029, with a tax value of $46.7 million. At December 31, 2010, BZ Intermediate had state net operating loss carryovers, which expire between 2013 and 2029, with a tax value of $4.3 million. At December 31, 2010, BZ Intermediate had capital losses of $2.3 million, which will expire between 2013 and 2015, and $4.8 million of alternative minimum tax credits that carry over indefinitely.

Due to Internal Revenue Code Section 382, changes in our ownership limit the amount of net operating losses that we may utilize in any one year. However, we believe it is more likely than not that our net operating losses will be fully realizable before they expire in 2028 and 2029.

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The components of the net deferred tax liability/asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (dollars in thousands):

   Boise Inc. 
   December 31 
   2010   2009 
   Assets  Liabilities   Assets   Liabilities 

Employee benefits

  $62,215   $517    $61,863    $477  

Property and equipment

       194,572          132,413  

Deferred financing costs

   1,682    140     1,906     2,989  

Intangible assets and other

   321    12,957     224     13,522  

Net operating loss

   57,157         58,564       

Alternative minimum tax

   4,645                

Reserves

   4,027         4,011       

Inventories

   10,488         4,163       

Deferred income

       8,779          6,773  

Unearned income

                 21,860  

State income tax adjustments

   3,265    213     2,344     213  

Valuation allowance

   (890              

Other

   4,521    1,795     3,168     1,788  
                   
  $ 147,431   $218,973    $  136,243    $180,035  
                   

   BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC 
   December 31 
   2010   2009 
   Assets  Liabilities   Assets   Liabilities 

Employee benefits

  $62,215   $517    $61,863    $477  

Property and equipment

       194,572          132,413  

Deferred financing costs

   1,682    140     1,906     2,989  

Intangible assets and other

   321    12,957     224     13,522  

Net operating loss

   56,897         59,456       

Alternative minimum tax

   4,847                

Reserves

   4,027         4,011       

Inventories

   10,488         4,163       

Unearned income

                 21,860  

State income tax adjustments

   3,265    213     2,344     213  

Valuation allowance

   (890              

Other

   4,521    1,767     3,168     1,763  
                   
  $  147,373   $  210,166    $  137,135    $173,237  
                   

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had the following deferred tax balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands):

   Boise Inc. 
   As of December 31 
   2010  2009 

Current deferred tax assets (liabilities), net

  $16,658   $(11,539

Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, net

   (88,200  (32,253
         

Total deferred tax liabilities, net

  $  (71,542 $  (43,792
         

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     BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC 
     As of December 31 
     2010   2009 

Current deferred tax assets (liabilities), net

    $16,658    $(11,539

Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, net

     (79,451   (24,563
            

Total deferred tax liabilities, net

    $(62,793  $(36,102
            

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. During the year ended December 31, 2010, Boise Inc. recorded a full valuation allowance on $0.9 million of deferred tax assets related to capital losses, because we do not expect to generate capital gains before these losses expire. During the year ended December 31, 2009, Boise Inc. released $44.1 million of valuation allowances recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008. During fourth quarter 2009, Boise Inc. determined that it was more likely than not that its deferred tax assets would be realized due to current-year income from continuing operations and that it would be able to utilize deferred tax assets to offset deferred tax liabilities. Therefore, Boise Inc. recognized the reversal of its entire valuation allowance as an income tax benefit from continuing operations. At December 31, 2008, Boise Inc. recorded $10.9 million of valuation allowances against income from continuing operations and $32.9 million and $0.3 million to “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on its Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity against its pension liability and cash flow hedges, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, BZ Intermediate recorded a full valuation allowance on $0.9 million of deferred tax assets related to capital losses, because we do not expect to generate capital gains before these losses expire. During the year ended December 31, 2009, BZ Intermediate released $45.7 million of valuation allowances recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008. During fourth quarter 2009, BZ Intermediate determined that it was more likely than not that its deferred tax assets would be realized due to current-year income from continuing operations and that it would be able to utilize deferred tax assets to offset deferred tax liabilities. Therefore, BZ Intermediate recognized the reversal of its entire valuation allowance as an income tax benefit from continuing operations. At December 31, 2008, BZ Intermediate recorded $12.5 million of valuation allowance against income from continuing operations and $32.9 million and $0.3 million to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which was included in “Business unit equity” on its Consolidated Balance Sheets, against its pension liability and cash flow hedges, respectively.

Pretax income (loss) from domestic and foreign sources is as follows (dollars in thousands):

   Boise Inc. 
   Year Ended December 31 
   2010   2009   2008 

Domestic

  $108,095    $181,843    $(54,306

Foreign

   11     9     11  
               

Pretax income (loss)

  $  108,106    $  181,852    $  (54,295
               

   BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC 
   Year Ended December 31 
   2010   2009   2008 

Domestic

  $108,095    $168,161    $(47,720

Foreign

   11     9     11  
               

Pretax income (loss)

  $  108,106    $  168,170    $  (47,709
               

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At December 31, 2010 and 2009, our foreign subsidiaries had no undistributed earnings that had been indefinitely reinvested.

Uncertain Income Tax Positions

Both Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate recognize tax liabilities and adjust these liabilities when their judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available or as new uncertainties occur.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate increased their unrecognized tax benefit by $87.6 million, which was charged to income tax expense, by excluding the alternative fuel mixture credits from income for tax purposes. If subsequently recognized, this unrecognized tax benefit would reduce Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate tax expense $83.3 million and $83.2 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Exclusion of the alternative fuel mixture credits increased our deferred tax liabilities $11.8 million for Boise Inc., or $12.0 million for BZ Intermediate, for the year ended December 31, 2010, and related primarily to the timing of our recognition of the credit. Exclusion of the alternative fuel mixture credits generated a deferred tax benefit of $82.9 million for Boise Inc., or $82.8 million for BZ Intermediate, for the year ended December 31, 2009 (primarily a net operating loss carryforward).

A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (dollars in thousands):

   Boise Inc. 
   2010  2009 

Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year

  $87,838   $256  

Gross increases related to prior-period tax positions

   169    11  

Gross decrease related to prior-period tax positions

   (529    

Gross increases related to current-period tax positions

   107    87,571  

Settlements

         
         

Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year

  $87,585   $87,838  
         
   BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC 
   2010  2009 

Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year

  $87,820   $256  

Gross increases related to prior-period tax positions

   166    11  

Gross decrease related to prior-period tax positions

   (529    

Gross increases related to current-period tax positions

   107    87,553  

Settlements

         
         

Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year

  $87,564   $87,820  
         

The December 31, 2010, unrecognized tax benefit net of federal benefit for state taxes for Boise Inc. is $83.5 million. Of this amount, $71.2 million is recorded as a credit to long-term deferred taxes to eliminate the benefit associated with the uncertain tax position. The remaining $12.3 million is recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The December 31, 2010, unrecognized tax benefit net of federal benefit for state taxes for BZ Intermediate is $83.4 million. Of this amount, $70.8 million is recorded as a credit to long-term deferred taxes to eliminate the benefit associated with the uncertain tax position. The remaining $12.6 million is recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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Additional guidance may be issued by the IRS in the next 12 months, which could cause us to change our unrecognized tax benefits from the amounts currently recorded. It is not reasonably possible to know to what extent the total amounts of unrecognized benefits will increase or decrease within the next 12 months.

Both Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in their Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Interest expense related to uncertain tax positions was nominal for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008. We did not record any penalties associated with our uncertain tax positions during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 for Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate.

We file federal income tax returns in the U.S. and state income tax returns in various state jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities. BZ Intermediate is a wholly owned, consolidated entity of Boise Inc., and its tax return is filed under the consolidated tax return of Boise Inc. Open tax years for Boise Inc. are 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007.

7.    Leases

We lease our distribution centers, as well as other property and equipment, under operating leases. During the Predecessor period presented, the Predecessor leased its distribution centers, as well as other property and equipment, under operating leases. For purposes of determining straight-line rent expense, the lease term is calculated from the date of possession of the facility, including any periods of free rent and any renewal option periods that are reasonably assured of being exercised. Straight-line rent expense is also adjusted to reflect any allowances or reimbursements provided by the lessor. We do not have any sublease rental income for the periods presented below. Accordingly, our future minimum lease payment requirements have not been reduced by sublease rental income. Rental expense for operating leases is as follows (dollars in thousands):

   Boise Inc.      Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31      January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
 
  2010   2009   2008      
 

Rental expense

  $  15,267    $  16,357    $  13,523      $2,044  

For noncancelable operating leases with remaining terms of more than one year, the minimum lease payment requirements are as follows (dollars in thousands):

   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016 &
Thereafter
 

Minimum payment

  $  11,656    $  10,860    $  8,460    $  6,992    $  6,771    $12,813  

Substantially all lease agreements have fixed payment terms based on the passage of time. Some lease agreements provide us with the option to purchase the leased property. Additionally, some agreements contain renewal options averaging six years, with fixed payment terms similar to those in the original lease agreements.

8.    Concentrations of Risk

Sales to OfficeMax represent a concentration in the volume of business transacted and in revenue generated from these transactions. Sales to OfficeMax were $504.2 million, $545.4 million, and $494.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, representing 24%,

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28%, and 24% of total sales for those periods. For the period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, the Predecessor sales to OfficeMax were $90.1 million and are included in “Sales, Related parties” in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). During the Predecessor period, sales to OfficeMax represented 25% of sales. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had $30.3 million and $34.7 million, respectively, of accounts receivable due from OfficeMax. No other single customer accounted for 10% or more of consolidated trade sales or of total sales.

9.    Intangible Assets

Intangible assets represent primarily the values assigned to trademarks and trade names, customer relationships, and technology. Customer relationships are amortized over approximately ten years, and technology is amortized over approximately five years. Trademarks and trade names are not amortized.

The gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization, and net carrying amount as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, were as follows (dollars in thousands):

   Year Ended December 31, 2010 
   Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net Carrying
Amount
 

Trademarks and trade names

  $16,800    $   $16,800  

Customer relationships

   13,700     (3,882  9,818  

Technology and other

   6,895     (3,908  2,987  
              
  $37,395    $(7,790 $29,605  
              

   Year Ended December 31, 2009 
   Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net Carrying
Amount
 

Trademarks and trade names

  $16,800    $   $16,800  

Customer relationships

   13,700     (2,512  11,188  

Technology and other

   6,895     (2,525  4,370  
              
  $37,395    $(5,037 $32,358  
              

The following table sets forth our intangible asset amortization for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, and for the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008 (dollars in thousands):

   Boise Inc.  Predecessor 
   2010   2009  2008  January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
 

Intangible asset amortization

  $  2,754    $  2,752   $  2,285   $  

Our estimated future intangible asset amortization expense is as follows (dollars in thousands):

   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016 

Amortization expense

  $  2,754    $  2,744    $  1,599    $  1,370    $  1,370    $  1,370  

We did not have any triggering events during 2010; therefore, we performed our annual impairment assessment for our indefinite-lived assets for all of our segments during fourth quarter 2010. Based on the results of our testing, we have concluded that our indefinite-lived intangible

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assets were not impaired. We also performed an undiscounted cash flow analysis during fourth quarter 2010 and determined that the value of our long-lived assets was not impaired. We also evaluated the remaining useful lives of our customer relationships and technology and determined that no adjustments to the useful lives were necessary.

10.    Asset Retirement Obligations

We accrue for asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if sufficient information is available to reasonably estimate the fair value of the obligation. When we record the liability, we capitalize the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its settlement value, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Occasionally, we become aware of events or circumstances that require us to revise our future estimated cash flows. When revisions become necessary, we recalculate our obligation and adjust our asset and liability accounts utilizing appropriate discount rates. Upon settlement of the liability, we will recognize a gain or loss for any difference between the settlement amount and the liability recorded.

At both December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had $10.4 million of asset retirement obligations recorded primarily in “Other long-term liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These liabilities related primarily to landfill closure and closed-site monitoring costs. These liabilities are based on the best estimate of costs and are updated periodically to reflect current technology, laws and regulations, inflation, and other economic factors. During 2009, our estimated future cash flows for retirement obligations relating to items at two of our mills were reduced as a result of discussions with third-party organizations. These changes reduced our expected asset retirement obligations. No assets are legally restricted for purposes of settling asset retirement obligations. The table below describes changes to the asset retirement obligations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 (dollars in thousands):

   December 31 
   2010  2009 

Asset retirement obligation at beginning of period

  $  10,362   $  14,283  

Liabilities incurred

   172      

Accretion expense

   754    1,165  

Payments

   (12  (122

Revisions in estimated cash flows

   (873  (4,964
         

Asset retirement obligation at end of period

  $10,403   $10,362  
         

We have additional asset retirement obligations with indeterminate settlement dates.into three levels. The fair value of these asset retirement obligations cannot be estimated due to the lack of sufficient information to estimate the settlement dates of the obligations. These asset retirement obligations include, for example, (i) removal and disposal of potentially hazardous materials related to equipment and/or an operating facility if the equipment and/or facilities were to undergo major maintenance, renovation, or demolition; (ii) wastewater treatment ponds that may be required to be drained and/or cleaned if the related operating facility is closed; and (iii) storage sites or owned facilities for which removal and/or disposal of chemicals and other related materials are required if the operating facility is closed. We will recognize a liability in the period in which sufficient information becomes available to reasonably estimate the fair value of these obligations.

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11.    Debt

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, our long-term debt and the interest rates on that debt were as follows (dollars in thousands):

   December 31, 2010  December 31, 2009 
   Amount  Interest Rate  Amount  Interest Rate 

Revolving credit facility, due 2013

  $     $    

Tranche A term loan, due 2013

   181,831    3.06   203,706    3.25 

Tranche B term loan, due 2014

           312,221    5.75 

9% senior notes, due 2017

   300,000    9.00   300,000    9.00 

8% senior notes, due 2020

   300,000    8.00         

Current portion of long-term debt

   (43,750  3.06   (30,711  3.97 
           

Long-term debt, less current portion

   738,081    7.48   785,216    6.41 

Current portion of long-term debt

   43,750    3.06   30,711    3.97 
           
  $781,831    7.24 $815,927    6.32
           

As of December 31, 2010, Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate’s debt consisted of the following:

The Revolving Credit Facility: A five-year nonamortizing $250.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility with interest at either the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus an applicable margin, which is currently 275 basis points, or a calculated base rate plus an applicable margin, which is currently 175 basis points (collectively with the Tranche A term loan facility, the Credit Facilities).

The Tranche A Term Loan Facility: A five-year amortizing senior secured loan facility with interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin, which is currently 275 basis points, or a calculated base rate plus an applicable margin, which is currently 175 basis points. The Tranche A term loan facility was originally issued at $250.0 million. At December 31, 2009, our LIBOR applicable margin was 300 basis points, and our calculated base rate applicable margin was 200 basis points.

The 9% Senior Notes: An eight-year nonamortizing $300.0 million senior unsecured debt obligation with annual interest at 9%.

The 8% Senior Notes: A ten-year nonamortizing $300.0 million senior unsecured debt obligation with annual interest at 8%.

The Credit Facilities are secured by a first-priority lien on all of the assets of our subsidiaries that guarantee or are borrowers, and in the event of default, the lenders could terminate their commitments, declare the Credit Facilities, including interest and fees, due and payable, or enforce liens and security interests to collect outstanding amounts due under the Credit Facilities. All borrowings under the Credit Facilities bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin plus a calculated base rate or adjusted Eurodollar rate. The calculated base rate means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greater of (i) the Prime Rate in effect on such day and (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 0.50%. The adjusted Eurodollar rate means LIBOR rounded to the nearest 1/16 of 1.0% and adjusted for any applicable reserve requirements. In addition to paying interest, we pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility at a rate of 0.375% per annum times the daily average undrawn portion of the Revolving Credit Facility (reduced by the amount of letters of credit issued and outstanding), which fee is payable quarterly in arrears. We also pay letter of credit fees of 275 basis points times the average daily maximum outstanding amount of the letters of credit and a fronting fee of 15 basis points to the issuing bank of outstanding letters of credit. These fees are payable quarterly and in arrears.

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At December 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, we had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the average interest rates for our borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility were zero and 3.7%, respectively. The minimum and maximum borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility were zero for the year ended December 31, 2010, and zero and $60.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The weighted average amount of borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, were zero and $8.5 million, respectively. At December 31, 2010, we had availability of $245.4 million, which is net of outstanding letters of credit of $4.6 million. At December 31, 2009, we had availability of $227.8 million, which was net of outstanding letters of credit of $22.2 million.

Debt Refinancing Activities

2010

On October20, 2010, we entered into a Second Amendment to Credit and Guaranty Agreement, which amended various terms of our Credit Facilities. This amendment allows us to make various types of restricted payments, including the payment of dividends, the repurchase of our stock and warrants, and the repayment or repurchase of our senior notes. We paid a special dividend of $0.40 per common share on December 3, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2010. See Note 14, Stockholders’ Equity and Capital, for further information. These restricted payments are limited to a permitted restricted payment amount, which is calculated as the sum of 50% of our net income for distributions together with other amounts, all as described in the amendment. In addition, the amendment eliminates any ongoing requirement that we use our excess cash flow to repay debt.

On March 19, 2010, Boise Paper Holdings and Boise Co-Issuer Company (together, the 8% Senior Notes Issuers), two of our wholly owned indirect subsidiaries, issued a $300 million aggregate principal amount of 8% senior notes due on April 1, 2020 (the 8% Senior Notes) through a private placement that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

In connection with the issuance of the 8% Senior Notes, the 8% Senior Notes Issuers and BZ Intermediate, a wholly owned consolidated entity of Boise Inc. and the parent company of Boise Paper Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries (together the 8% Senior Notes Guarantors) entered into the 8% Senior Notes Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2010. The 8% Senior Notes Registration Rights Agreement required us to register under the Securities Act the 8% Senior Notes due in 2020 (the 8% Exchange Notes) having substantially identical terms to the 8% Senior Notes and to complete an exchange of the privately placed 8% Senior Notes for the publicly registered 8% Exchange Notes. We completed the public registration of the 8% Exchange Notes in June 2010, and in July 2010, we completed an exchange of the privately placed 8% Senior Notes for the publicly registered 8% Exchange Notes having substantially identical terms.

Following the sale of the 8% Senior Notes in March 2010, we used the net proceeds of the sale, as well as cash on hand, to repay the Tranche B term loan facility plus accrued and unpaid interest at par. Upon the repayment of all of the indebtedness outstanding under the Tranche B term loan facility, such debt was canceled.

The issuance of the 8% Senior Notes and the repayment of our Tranche B term loan facility represented a substantial modification to our debt structure. Therefore, we wrote off $22.2 million of previously unamortized deferred financing costs for the Tranche B term loan facility in “Loss on extinguishment of debt” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). We recorded $12.0 million of new deferred financing costs related to the March 2010 debt refinancing.

The 8% Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of the Issuers’ present and future senior indebtedness, senior to all of their future subordinated indebtedness, and

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effectively subordinated to all of our present and future senior secured indebtedness (including all borrowings with respect to the Credit Facilities to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness). The 8% Senior Notes pay interest semiannually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2010.

2009

On October 26, 2009, Boise Paper Holdings and Boise Finance Company (together, the 9% Senior Notes Issuers), two of our wholly owned indirect subsidiaries, issued a $300 million aggregate principal amount of 9% senior notes due on November 1, 2017 (the 9% Senior Notes) through a private placement that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

In connection with the issuance of the 9% Senior Notes, the 9% Senior Notes Issuers and BZ Intermediate, a wholly owned consolidated entity of Boise Inc. and the parent company of Boise Paper Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries (together the 9% Senior Notes Guarantors) entered into the 9% Senior Notes Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2009. The 9% Senior Notes Registration Rights Agreement required us to register under the Securities Act the 9% Senior Notes due in 2017 (the 9% Exchange Notes) having substantially identical terms to the 9% Senior Notes and to complete an exchange of the privately placed 9% Senior Notes for the publicly registered 9% Exchange Notes. We completed the public registration of the 9% Exchange Notes in June 2010, and in July 2010, we completed an exchange of the privately placed 9% Senior Notes for the publicly registered 9% Exchange Notes having substantially identical terms.

Following the sale of the 9% Senior Notes, the 9% Senior Notes Issuers used the net proceeds of the sale, as well as cash on hand, to retire a portion of the existing term loan indebtedness under Boise Paper Holdings’ Credit Facilities pursuant to the amendments of our Credit Facilities (Credit Agreement Amendments). The Credit Agreement Amendments became effective October 26, 2009, at which time Boise Paper Holdings repaid approximately $75 million of outstanding secured debt under its first lien term loan. Boise Paper Holdings used proceeds of the issuance to repurchase, in its entirety, the indebtedness outstanding under its second lien term loan. In consideration of the repurchase of indebtedness under the second lien term loan, Boise Paper Holdings paid a premium of 113% to the lender parties, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Upon the repurchase of all of the indebtedness outstanding under the second lien term loan, such debt was canceled, and the second lien credit agreement was terminated.

On October 26, 2009, Boise Inc. also used cash on hand to repurchase, in its entirety, the outstanding 15.75% note payable due in 2015 that was held by it and not by BZ Intermediate. Boise Inc. purchased the note payable at a purchase price of 70% of the outstanding value of the note payable, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Following the purchase of the note payable, the note was canceled.

The issuance of the 9% Senior Notes and the repurchase of our second lien term loan represented a substantial modification to our debt structure. Therefore, we wrote off the unamortized deferred financing costs for the second lien and recognized various other costs and fees incurred in connection with these transactions in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). We also recorded $13.2 million of deferred financing costs related to the debt restructuring.

We recognized $44.1 million for Boise Inc. and $66.8 million for BZ Intermediate in “Loss on extinguishment of debt,” which consisted of a $27.1 million write-off of second lien deferred financing costs, a $33.9 million premium paid to second lien holders, $5.8 million of other costs and fees, and for Boise Inc., a $22.7 million gain on the repurchase of the notes payable.

The 9% Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of the Issuers’ present and future senior indebtedness, senior to all of their future subordinated indebtedness, and effectively subordinated to all of our present and future senior secured indebtedness (including all

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borrowings with respect to the Credit Facilities to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness). The 9% Senior Notes pay interest semiannually in arrears on May 1 and November 1, commencing on May 1, 2010.

Covenants

The Credit Facilities require BZ Intermediate and its subsidiaries to maintain financial covenant ratios. We are required to have a total leverage ratio of less than 4.75:1.00, stepping down to 4.50:1.00 at September 30, 2011, and a secured leverage ratio of 3.25:1.00, stepping down to 3.00:1.00 at September 30, 2011, and we are required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.50:1.00. The total leverage ratio is defined in our loan agreement at the end of any fiscal quarter as the ratio of (i) consolidated total net debt as defined in our Credit Facilities debt agreement as of such day to (ii) consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the four-fiscal-quarter period ending on such date. The Credit Facilities secured leverage ratio is defined in our First Amendment to our loan agreement as the ratio as of the last day of any fiscal quarter of (i) consolidated first lien secured total net debt as defined in our credit agreement amendments as of such day to (ii) consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the four-fiscal-quarter period ending on such date. The interest coverage ratio is defined in our loan agreement at the end of any fiscal quarter as the ratio of (i) consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the four-fiscal-quarter period then ended to (ii) consolidated interest expense payable in cash for such four-fiscal-quarter period. The Credit Facilities also limit the ability of BZ Intermediate and its subsidiaries to make capital expenditures, generally to $150 million per year.

The 9% and 8% Senior Notes indenture agreements contain covenants which, subject to certain exceptions, limit the ability of the 9% and 8% Senior Notes Issuers and the 9% and 8% Senior Notes Guarantors to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, engage in certain asset sales, make certain types of restricted payments, engage in transactions with affiliates, and create liens on assets of the 9% and 8% Senior Notes Issuers or 9% and 8% Senior Notes Guarantors. Upon a change of control, the 9% and 8% Senior Notes Issuers must offer to repurchase the 9% and 8% Senior Notes at 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the 9% and 8% Senior Notes Issuers sell certain assets and do not use the proceeds from such sales for specified purposes, they must offer to repurchase the 9% and 8% Senior Notes at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Guarantees

Our obligations under our Credit Facilities are guaranteed by each of Boise Paper Holdings’ existing and subsequently acquired domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the Credit Facility Guarantors). The Credit Facilities are secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the real, personal, and mixed property of Boise Paper Holdings and the Credit Facility Guarantors, including 100% of the equity interests of Boise Paper Holdings and each domestic subsidiary of Boise Paper Holdings, 65% of the equity interests of each of Boise Paper Holdings’ foreign subsidiaries (other than Boise Hong Kong Limited so long as Boise Hong Kong Limited does not account for more than $2.5 million of consolidated EBITDA during any fiscal year of Boise Paper Holdings), and all intercompany debt.

The 9% and 8% Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by BZ Intermediate and each existing and future subsidiary of BZ Intermediate (other than their respective issuers). The 9% and 8% Senior Notes Guarantors do not include Louisiana Timber Procurement Company, L.L.C., or foreign subsidiaries.

Prepayments

We may redeem all or a portion of the 9% Senior Notes at any time on or after November 1, 2013, at a premium decreasing to zero by November 1, 2015, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In

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addition, prior to November 1, 2012, the 9% Senior Notes Issuers may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 9% Senior Notes at a redemption price of 109% of the principal amount thereof with the net proceeds of one or more qualified equity offerings.

We may redeem all or a portion of the 8% Senior Notes at any time on or after April 1, 2015, at a premium decreasing to zero by April 1, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, prior to April 1, 2013, the 8% Senior Notes Issuers may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 8% Senior Notes at a redemption price of 108% of the principal amount thereof with the net proceeds of one or more qualified equity offerings.

Other Provisions

Subject to specified exceptions, the Credit Facilities require that the proceeds from certain asset sales, casualty insurance, and certain debt issuances must be used to pay down outstanding borrowings. As of December 31, 2010, required debt principal repayments total as follows (dollars in thousands):

   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015-2016   Thereafter 

Required debt principal repayments

  $ 43,750    $ 129,688    $ 8,393    $    $    $600,000  

Other

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had $30.4 million and $47.4 million, respectively, of costs recorded in “Deferred financing costs” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. As noted above, we repaid the Tranche B term loan facility with the proceeds from the March 2010 debt refinancing, and as a result, we expensed approximately $22.2 million of previously unamortized deferred financing costs. We recorded this charge in “Loss on extinguishment of debt” in our Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss). In addition, $12.0 million of new deferred financing costs related to the debt refinancing are included, net of amortization, in “Deferred financing costs” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The amortization of these costs is recorded in interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the loans. In “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss), we recorded $6.8 million and $11.3 million of amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, cash payments for interest were $51.6 million and $56.9 million, respectively.

12.    Financial Instruments

We are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates and energy prices.

Interest Rate Risk — Debt

With the exception of the Credit Facilities, our debt is fixed-rate debt. At December 31, 2010, the estimated value of our fixed- and variable-rate debt was approximately $63.6 million more than and $1.9 million less than the amount recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, respectively. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on quoted market prices for our debt and the discounted value of our expected future cash payments.

We use interest rate derivative instruments to hedge a portion of our interest rate risk. We have derivatives in place with a cap rate of 5% on a notional amount of $300 million through the period ending March 31, 2011. Initially, some of our derivatives were designated and qualified as cash flow hedging instruments utilizing critical terms match. Effective December 31, 2008, we changed our interest rate election from utilizing LIBOR to utilizing the calculated base rate. As the interest rate on our debt no longer matched the rate on the interest rate derivatives used to hedge a portion of our

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debt, we began accounting for the interest rate derivative instruments as economic hedges. The amounts recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2008, have been amortized to interest expense. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives have been recorded in “Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). The table below summarizes the impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) of the instruments for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 (dollars in thousands):

   Year Ending December 31 
   2010  2009   2008 

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives (a)

  $    (43 $    568    $    (479

Amortization of premiums paid pertaining to interest rate derivatives (b)

   120    746     617  

Amortization of amounts within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to interest rate derivatives (b)

   422    338       

(a)Recorded in “Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

(b)Recorded as part of “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the fair value of the interest rate derivatives was nominal.

Energy Risk

We enter into transactions to hedge the variable cash flow risk of natural gas purchases. At December 31, 2010, these derivatives included three-way collars, call spreads, and swaps. As of December 31, 2010, we had entered into derivative instruments related to the following approximate percentages of our forecasted natural gas purchases:

  January 2011
Through
March 2011
 April 2011
Through
October 2011
 November 2011
Through
March 2012
 April 2012
Through
October 2012
 November 2012
Through

March 2013

Approximate percent hedged

 82% 45% 26% 22% 5%

We have elected to account for these instruments as economic hedges. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we recorded the fair value of the derivatives, or $2.1million and $1.4 million, respectively, in “Accrued liabilities, Other” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, we recorded the change in fair value of the instruments, or $0.6million of expense, $5.9 million of income, and $7.4 million of expense, in “Materials, labor, and other operating expenses” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

Predecessor

During the Predecessor periods presented, Boise Cascade occasionally used interest rate swaps to hedge variable interest rate risk. Because debt and interest costs were not allocated to the Predecessor, the effects of the interest rate swaps were not included in the Predecessor consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements

We record certain of our financial assets and liabilities, which consist of short-term investments and derivative financial instruments that are used to hedge exposures to interest rate and energy risks, at fair value. The fair value hierarchy under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) gives the highest priority to quoted market prices (Level 1) and the lowest priority to

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unobservable inputs (Level 3). In general, and whereWhere applicable, we use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities to determine fair value (Level 1). If quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities are not available to determine fair value, we use quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2). If quoted prices for identical or similar assets are not available or are unobservable, we may use internally developed valuation models, whose inputs include bid prices and third-party valuations utilizing underlying asset assumptions (Level 3). Outstanding financial derivative instruments expose us to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the agreements. We enter into our hedges withmonitor credit ratings of counterparties to the agreements, which are large financial institutions, and we monitor credit ratings to consider the impact, if any, toon the determination of fair value. No significant adjustments were made in any periods presented.


Customer Rebates and Allowances

We provide rebates to our customers based on the volume of their purchases. We provide the rebates to increase the sell-through of our products. The rebates are recorded as a decrease in "Sales, Trade" in our Consolidated Statements of Income. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $20.8 million and $14.5 million, respectively, of rebates payable recorded in "Accounts payable" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.


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Inventory Valuation

The majority of our inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, where cost is based on the average cost method of inventory valuation. Manufactured inventories include costs for materials, labor, and factory overhead. Other inventories are valued at the lower of either standard cost, which approximates cost based on the actual first-in, first-out usage pattern, or market.

Inventories include the following (dollars in thousands):
 December 31
 2012 2011
Finished goods$150,496
 $155,588
Work in process41,575
 41,172
Fiber35,840
 38,469
Other raw materials and supplies66,573
 72,076
 $294,484
 $307,305

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Cost includes expenditures for major improvements and replacements and the amount of interest cost associated with significant capital additions. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, capitalized interest, if any, was immaterial. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. When property and equipment are retired, sold, or otherwise disposed of, the asset's carrying amount and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in "Net income (loss)". In all periods presented, we used the straight-line method of depreciation. We periodically assess the estimated useful lives of our assets. Changes in circumstances, such as changes to our operational or capital strategy, changes in regulation, or technological advances, may result in the actual useful lives differing from our estimates. Revisions to the estimated useful lives of assets requires judgment and constitutes a change in accounting estimate, which is accounted for prospectively by adjusting or accelerating depreciation and amortization rates.

Property and equipment consisted of the following asset classes and the following general range of estimated useful lives (dollars in thousands):
   General Range of Estimated Useful Lives in Years
 December 31 
 2012 2011 
Land$28,899
 $34,735
    
Buildings and improvements260,607
 248,174
 9-40
Machinery and equipment1,479,212
 1,375,069
 3-20
Construction in progress46,538
 44,563
    
 1,815,256
 1,702,541
    
Less accumulated depreciation(592,255) (467,272)    
 $1,223,001
 $1,235,269
    

Weighted average useful lives are approximately 27years for buildings and improvements and 13years for machinery and equipment. Machinery and equipment consists of the following categories of assets and the following estimated useful lives:
Computer hardware and software3-10
Furniture and fixtures3-10
Vehicles3-7
Packaging and papermaking equipment9-20


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Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, was $134.0 million, $129.8 million, and $120.5 million, respectively.

Leases

We assess lease classification as either capital or operating at lease inception or upon modification. We lease some of our locations, as well as other property and equipment, under operating leases. For purposes of determining straight-line rent expense, the lease term is calculated from the date of possession of the facility, including any periods of free rent and any renewal option periods that are reasonably assured of being exercised.

Fiber Farms

Costs for activities related to the establishment of a new crop of trees, including planting, thinning, fertilization, pest control, herbicide application, irrigation, and land lease costs, are capitalized. The capitalized costs are accumulated by specifically identifiable farm or irrigation blocks. We charge capitalized costs, excluding land, to "Depreciation, amortization, and depletion" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income at the time of harvest based on actual accumulated costs associated with the fiber cut. Costs for administration, harvesting, insurance, and property taxes are recognized in "Materials, labor and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income at the time the associated fiber is utilized.

Long-Lived Asset Impairment

An impairment of long-lived assets exists when the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable through future undiscounted cash flows from operations and when the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value. We review the carrying value of long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

We maintain two reporting units for purposes of our goodwill and intangible asset impairment testing, Packaging and Paper, which are the same as our operating segments discussed in Note 17, Segment Information. We test goodwill, recorded in our Packaging segment, and indefinite-lived intangible assets, recorded in our Paper segment, for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or sooner if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may exceed fair value. Additionally, we evaluate the remaining useful lives of our finite-lived purchased intangible assets to determine whether any adjustments to the useful lives are necessary. See Note 7, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for additional information.

Deferred Software Costs

Internal-use software is software that is developed internally, developed or modified solely to meet our needs, and for which, during the software's development or modification, a plan does not exist to market the software externally. We defer internal-use software costs that benefit future years. These costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the expected life of the software, typically three to five years. "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets include $6.4 million of deferred software costs at both December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We amortized $1.6 million, $0.9 million, and $0.8 million of deferred software costs for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Pension Benefits

Several estimates and assumptions are required to record pension costs and liabilities, including discount rate, return on assets, and longevity and service lives of employees. We review and update these assumptions annually unless a plan curtailment or other event occurs, requiring we update the estimates on an interim basis. While we believe the assumptions used to measure our pension obligations are reasonable, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect our pension obligations and future expense.

New and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This ASU

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requires entities to disclose additional information about changes in and significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2013. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.

In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This ASU clarifies which instruments and transactions are subject to the offsetting disclosure requirements established by ASU 2011-11. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2013. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This ASU gives entities testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, a quantitative impairment test is required. This guidance is effective for our annual and interim impairment tests beginning January 1, 2013, with early adoption permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This ASU improves reporting and transparency of offsetting (netting) assets and liabilities and the related effects on the financial statements. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2013. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This ASU gives entities testing goodwill for impairment the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of a reporting unit in step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. If entities determine, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two-step impairment test would be required. Otherwise, further testing would not be needed. We adopted the provisions of this guidance on January 1, 2012, and it had no effect on our financial position and results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This ASU increases the prominence of other comprehensive income in financial statements. Under this ASU, we have the option to present the components of net income and comprehensive income in either one or two consecutive financial statements. The ASU eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity.We adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-05 on January 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance resulted in adding the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This ASU was issued to provide largely identical guidance about fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for entities that disclose the fair value of an asset, a liability, or an instrument classified in shareholders' equity in their consolidated financial statements as that provided in the International Accounting Standards Board's new IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement. This ASU does not extend the use of fair value but, rather, provides guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required or permitted under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-04 on January 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our financial statement disclosures.

There were no other accounting standards recently issued that had or are expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.


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3. St. Helens Charges

In December 2012, we ceased paper production on our one remaining paper machine at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill. The cessation is a result of the machine's inability to compete in the marketplace over the long-term, due primarily to high fiber costs and declining product demand. This reduces our annual uncoated freesheet capacity by almost 60,000 tons and results in the loss of approximately 100 jobs, primarily at the mill. The remaining machine, which is owned by Cascades Tissue Group (Cascades), continues to operate on the site, and we continue to lease Cascades supporting assets.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded $31.7 million of pretax costs in our Paper segment, related primarily to ceasing paper production at the mill. In our Consolidated Statements of Income, we recorded $27.6 million of shutdown costs in "St. Helens charges" and $4.1 million in "Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)" related to inventory write-downs and other one-time costs incurred. At December 31, 20102012, $4.3 million of costs were recorded in "Accrued liabilities, Compensation and benefits", $0.7 million in "Accrued liabilities, Other", and $10.3 million in "Other long-term liabilities" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
An analysis of the St. Helens costs is as follows (in thousands):
 Noncash Cash (a) Total Costs
Asset write-down$11,144
(b)$
 $11,144
Inventory write-down1,982
 
 1,982
Employee-related costs
 4,334
 4,334
Pension curtailment loss1,060
 
 1,060
Increase in asset retirement obligations (Note 15)
 10,256
 10,256
Other
 2,969
 2,969
 $14,186
 $17,559
 $31,745
____________
(a)
We expect to pay approximately $7.3 million of the $17.6 million of cash costs in early 2013 and the remaining cash costs over a longer term.
(b)During third quarter 2012, we assessed the St. Helens long-lived assets for impairment. Our assessment was based upon, among other things, our estimates of the amount of future net cash flows to be generated by the long-lived assets and our estimates of the current fair value of the assets (Level 3 inputs). Considerable management judgment is necessary to evaluate estimated future cash flows. The assumptions used in our impairment evaluations are consistent with our operating plans.

4. Acquisitions

On March 1, 2011, we acquired Tharco Packaging, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Tharco) for $201.3 million (Tharco Acquisition), and on December 1, 2011, we acquired Hexacomb Corporation and its affiliated companies and all of the honeycomb packaging-related assets of Pregis Mexico (Hexacomb) for $124.9 million (Hexacomb Acquisition). We acquired 100% of the outstanding stock and voting equity interests of both Tharco and Hexacomb. The financial results for Tharco and Hexacomb are included in our Packaging segment.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded approximately $1.8 million of purchase price adjustments that decreased goodwill. These adjustments related primarily to changes in deferred tax liabilities that resulted from further analysis of the tax basis of acquired assets and liabilities and other tax adjustments.


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5. Net Income Per Common Share

Net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Net income per common share is not applicable to BZ Intermediate because it does not have common shares. Boise Inc.'s basic and diluted net income per share is calculated as follows (dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share data):
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Net income$52,150
 $75,210
 $62,734
Weighted average number of common shares for basic net income per common share (a)99,872
 101,941
 80,461
Incremental effect of dilutive common stock equivalents:     
Restricted stock and restricted stock units999
 2,502
 3,670
Performance units268
 87
 
Common stock warrants (b)
 2,214
 
Stock options (c)4
 2
 
Weighted average number of common shares for diluted net income per common share101,143
 106,746
 84,131
      
Net income per common share:     
Basic$0.52
 $0.74
 $0.78
Diluted$0.52
 $0.70
 $0.75
____________
(a)
During the year ended December 31, 2011, 40.3 million warrants were exercised, resulting in the issuance of 38.4 million additional common shares. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the exercise added 25.7 million to the number of weighted average shares included in basic net income per share.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, 21.2 million common shares were repurchased, resulting in a 5.1 million decrease in the number of weighted average shares included in basic and diluted net income per share.
(b)For the year ended December 31, 2010, the warrants were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the exercise price exceeded the average market price of our common stock. The warrants were accounted for under the treasury stock method.
(c)
We excluded 0.8 million and 0.3 million of stock options from the computation of diluted net income per common share because they were antidilutive for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We had no stock options outstanding during 2010.


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6. Income Taxes

A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal tax provision and the reported tax provision is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 Boise Inc. BZ Intermediate
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010 2012 2011 2010
Income before income taxes$86,134
 $125,341
 $108,106
 $86,134
 $125,341
 $108,106
Statutory U.S. income tax rate35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
            
Statutory tax provision$30,147
 $43,870
 $37,837
 $30,147
 $43,870
 $37,837
Foreign rate differential(165) 3
 
 (165) 3
 
State taxes3,340
 4,839
 4,120
 3,340
 4,839
 4,120
Valuation allowance225
 146
 307
 225
 146
 307
Nondeductible costs985
 1,476
 652
 985
 1,476
 652
Other(548) (203) 2,456
 (548) (203) 1,613
Income tax provision$33,984
 $50,131
 $45,372
 $33,984
 $50,131
 $44,529
            
Effective income tax provision rate39.5% 40.0% 42.0% 39.5% 40.0% 41.2%

The income tax provision shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income includes the following (dollars in thousands):
 Boise Inc. BZ Intermediate
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010 2012 2011 2010
Current income tax provision (benefit)           
Federal$(599) $2,249
 $4,253
 $(599) $2,047
 $4,454
State832
 3,472
 2,236
 832
 3,529
 2,194
Foreign67
 109
 (1) 67
 109
 (1)
Total current$300
 $5,830
 $6,488
 $300
 $5,685
 $6,647
            
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)           
Federal$29,985
 $40,778
 $34,061
 $29,985
 $40,980
 $33,151
State3,705
 3,524
 4,831
 3,705
 3,467
 4,739
Foreign(6) (1) (8) (6) (1) (8)
Total deferred$33,684
 $44,301
 $38,884
 $33,684
 $44,446
 $37,882
Income tax provision (a)$33,984
 $50,131
 $45,372
 $33,984
 $50,131
 $44,529
___________
(a)In January 2013, the U.S. President signed into law the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which extended many tax provisions that would have otherwise expired in 2012. Our income tax provision at December 31, 2012, does not include the effect of this law; however, the effect, if any, would not be significant. We will record the effect, if any, of the extended tax provisions in first quarter 2013.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, refunds received, net of cash paid for taxes, was $0.5 million. During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, cash paid for taxes, net of refunds received, was $1.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

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The following details the scheduled expiration dates of our tax effected net operating loss (NOL) and tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

 Boise Inc. BZ Intermediate
 2013 Through 2022 2023 Through 2032 Indefinite Total 2013 Through 2022 2023 Through 2032 Indefinite Total
U.S. federal and non-U.S. NOLs$4,432
 $35,820
 $
 $40,252
 $4,432
 $35,920
 $
 $40,352
State taxing jurisdiction NOLs351
 3,380
 
 3,731
 351
 3,380
 
 3,731
U.S. federal, non-U.S., and state tax credit carryforwards196
 589
 4,053
 4,838
 196
 589
 4,053
 4,838
U.S. federal capital loss carryforwards1,232
 
 
 1,232
 1,232
 
 
 1,232
Total$6,211
 $39,789
 $4,053
 $50,053
 $6,211
 $39,889
 $4,053
 $50,153

Internal Revenue Code Section 382 imposes limitations on our ability to use net operating losses if we experience "ownership changes." In general terms, ownership change may result from transactions increasing the ownership of specified shareholders by greater than 50 percentage points over a three year period. We cannot give any assurance we will not undergo any ownership change at a time when these limitations would have a significant effect. To the extent we are not able to use net operating losses in any given year, the unused limitation amount may be carried over to later years. We believe it is more likely than not that our net operating losses will be fully realized before they expire.


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Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. The components of our net deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2012 and 2011, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 Boise Inc. BZ Intermediate
 December 31
 2012 2011 2012 2011
Deferred tax assets       
Employee benefits (a)$68,375
 $84,453
 $68,375
 $84,453
Deferred financing costs1,584
 1,593
 1,584
 1,593
Intangible assets and other310
 122
 310
 122
Net operating loss carryforwards (b)61,106
 61,262
 60,999
 61,155
Alternative minimum tax4,053
 4,877
 4,053
 4,877
Asset retirement obligations8,025
 3,933
 8,025
 3,933
Inventories7,752
 11,875
 7,752
 11,875
State income tax adjustments4,894
 4,701
 4,894
 4,701
Other9,130
 10,000
 9,130
 10,000
Gross deferred tax assets165,229
 182,816
 165,122
 182,709
Valuation allowance (c)(5,296) (5,340) (5,296) (5,340)
Net deferred tax assets$159,933
 $177,476
 $159,826
 $177,369
        
Deferred tax liabilities       
Property and equipment$266,120
 $244,230
 $266,120
 $244,230
Intangible assets and other60,195
 61,416
 60,195
 61,416
Deferred income9,647
 9,647
 908
 908
Other4,386
 3,064
 4,471
 3,148
Deferred tax liabilities$340,348
 $318,357
 $331,694
 $309,702
        
As reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets       
Current deferred tax assets, net$17,955
 $20,379
 $17,955
 $20,379
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities198,370
 161,260
 189,823
 152,712
Total deferred tax liabilities, net (d)$180,415
 $140,881
 $171,868
 $132,333
___________
(a)
The decrease relates to the tax effect of changes in recorded pension liabilities. See Note 10, Retirement and Benefit Plans, for more information.
(b)
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, net operating losses exclude $9.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, of tax benefits that arose directly from tax deductions related to equity compensation in excess of compensation recognized for financial reporting. To the extent such net operating losses are utilized, stockholders' equity will be increased.
(c)
Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In 2012 and 2011, we recorded a $5.3 million valuation allowance. In 2012, $4.1 million of the valuation allowance relates to foreign net operating loss carryforwards, and the remaining $1.2 million relates to a valuation allowance recorded in full on deferred tax assets relating to capital losses. In 2011, $4.3 million of the valuation allowance relates to foreign net operating loss carryforwards and credits acquired as part of the Hexacomb acquisition. The remaining $1.0 million valuation allowance recorded during 2011 relates to a valuation allowance recorded in full on deferred tax assets relating to capital losses. We do not expect to generate capital gains before the losses expire. If or when recognized, the tax benefits relating to the reversal of any of or all of the valuation allowance will be recognized as a reduction of income tax expense.
(d)
As of December 31, 2012, we had not recognized U.S. deferred income taxes on our cumulative total of undistributed earnings for non-U.S. subsidiaries. Determining the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to investments in these non-U.S. subsidiaries that are indefinitely reinvested is not practicable. We currently intend to indefinitely reinvest those earnings in operations outside the United States.


74



Pretax income from domestic and foreign sources is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 Boise Inc. BZ Intermediate
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010 2012 2011 2010
Domestic$85,287
 $125,072
 $108,095
 $85,287
 $125,072
 $108,095
Foreign847
 269
 11
 847
 269
 11
Income before income taxes$86,134
 $125,341
 $108,106
 $86,134
 $125,341
 $108,106

Uncertain Income Tax Positions

A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 Boise Inc. BZ Intermediate
 2012 2011 2010 2012 2011 2010
Beginning balance$90,989
 $87,585
 $87,838
 $90,968
 $87,564
 $87,820
Gross increases related to prior-period tax positions189
 409
 169
 189
 409
 166
Gross decreases related to prior-period tax positions(2,284) (228) (529) (2,284) (228) (529)
Gross increases related to current-period tax positions
 3,223
 107
 
 3,223
 107
Settlements
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance (a)$88,894
 $90,989
 $87,585
 $88,873
 $90,968
 $87,564
___________
(a)
The unrecognized tax benefit, net of federal benefit for state taxes of $4.1 million, was $84.8 million at December 31, 2012. If that amount were recognized it would decrease our annual effective tax rate. Of this amount, $56.6 million ($56.5 million for BZ Intermediate) is recorded as a credit to long-term deferred taxes to eliminate the benefit associated with the uncertain tax position. The remaining $28.3 million ($28.4 million for BZ Intermediate) is recorded in "Other long-term liabilities" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Included in the $84.8 million is a credit related to our use of alternative fuel mixture to produce energy to operate our business of $83.2 million. Additional information relating to the inclusion of the alternative fuel mixture credits in taxable income may become available in the next 12 months, which could cause us to change our unrecognized tax benefits from the amounts currently recorded. It is not reasonably possible to know to what extent the total amounts of unrecognized benefits will increase or decrease within the next 12 months.

We recognize tax liabilities and adjust these liabilities when our judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available or as new uncertainties occur. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Interest expense and penalties relating to uncertain tax positions were nominal for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

BZ Intermediate is a wholly owned, consolidated entity of Boise Inc., and its tax return is filed under the consolidated tax return of Boise Inc. We file federal income tax returns in the U.S., state income tax returns in various state jurisdictions, and foreign income tax returns in various foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities. Tax years beginning in 2009 are subject to examination by taxing authorities, although net operating loss and credit carryforwards from all years are subject to examinations and adjustments for at least three years following the year in which utilized. Some foreign tax jurisdictions are open for the 2008 tax year.


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7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. At December 31, 2012, we had $160.1 million of goodwill recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet in our Packaging segment.

Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 Goodwill
Balance at January 1, 2011$
Goodwill acquired162,169
Foreign currency translation adjustments(478)
Balance at December 31, 2011161,691
Additions (reductions) (a)(1,799)
Foreign currency translation adjustments238
Balance at December 31, 2012$160,130
___________
(a)     Represents purchase price adjustments related to the Tharco and Hexacomb acquisitions.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are comprised of customer relationships, trademarks and trade names, technology, and noncompete agreements. At December 31, 2012, the net carrying amount of intangible assets with indefinite lives, which represents trade names and trademarks, was $16.8 million, all of which is recorded in our Paper segment. All of our other intangible assets amortize based on their estimated useful lives. Foreign intangible assets are affected by foreign currency translation.

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The gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization, net carrying amount, and weighted average useful life of our intangible assets were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 As of December 31, 2012
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying
Amount
 Weighted Average Useful Life (in Years)
Customer relationships$120,077
 $(16,485) $103,592
 15
Trademarks and trade names28,400
 (2,634) 25,766
 15
Technology and other7,760
 (6,771) 989
 5
Noncompete agreements835
 (418) 417
 3
Total finite-lived intangible assets$157,072
 $(26,308) 130,764
 13
Indefinite-lived trademarks and trade names    16,800
  
Total intangible assets (excluding goodwill)    $147,564
  
        
 As of December 31, 2011
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying
Amount
 Weighted Average Useful Life (in Years)
Customer relationships$119,646
 $(8,275) $111,371
 15
Trademarks and trade names28,400
 (623) 27,777
 15
Technology and other7,760
 (5,265) 2,495
 5
Noncompete agreements835
 (158) 677
 3
Total finite-lived intangible assets$156,641
 $(14,321) 142,320
 13
Indefinite-lived trademarks and trade names    16,800
  
Total intangible assets (excluding goodwill)    $159,120
  

The following table sets forth our intangible asset amortization (dollars in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Intangible asset amortization$11,952
 $6,533
 $2,754
Based on current intangibles subject to amortization, our estimated future intangible asset amortization expense is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 and After
Amortization expense$10,375
 $10,122
 $10,122
 $10,113
 $10,021
 $80,011

Impairment Testing

We maintain two reporting units for purposes of our goodwill and intangible asset impairment testing, Packaging and Paper, which are the same as our operating segments discussed in Note 17,Segment Information. We test the goodwill, recorded in our Packaging segment, and the indefinite-lived intangible assets, recorded in our Paper segment, for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or sooner if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may exceed fair value. Additionally, we evaluate the remaining useful lives of our finite-lived purchased intangible assets to determine whether any adjustments to the useful lives are necessary. We completed our test in fourth quarter, and there is no indication of goodwill or intangible asset impairment.


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8. Debt

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our long-term debt and the interest rates on that debt were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 December 31, 2012 December 31, 2011
 Amount Interest Rate Amount Interest Rate
Revolving credit facility, due 2016$5,000
 2.21% $
 %
Tranche A term loan, due 2016175,000
 2.22
 200,000
 2.30
9% senior notes, due 2017300,000
 9.00
 300,000
 9.00
8% senior notes, due 2020300,000
 8.00
 300,000
 8.00
Long-term debt780,000
 7.05
 800,000
 6.95
Current portion of long-term debt(10,000) 2.22
 (10,000) 2.30
Long-term debt, less current portion$770,000
 7.11% $790,000
 7.01%

In 2011, Boise Paper Holdings, as borrower, and BZ Intermediate, as guarantor, entered into a $700 million five-year senior secured credit agreement (Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of lenders. The Credit Agreement consists of a five-year amortizing $200 million Tranche A term loan facility (the Term Loan Facility) and a five-year nonamortizing $500 million revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the Credit Facilities).

As of December 31, 2012, our debt consisted of the following:
The Revolving Credit Facility: A five-year nonamortizing $500 million senior secured revolving credit facility with variable annual interest. In addition to paying interest, we pay an annual commitment fee for undrawn amounts at a rate of either 0.35% or 0.50% depending on our total leverage ratio.
The Tranche A Term Loan Facility: A five-year amortizing $200 million senior secured loan facility with variable annual interest.
The 9% Senior Notes: An eight-year nonamortizing $300 million senior unsecured debt obligation with fixed annual interest of 9%.
The 8% Senior Notes: A ten-year nonamortizing $300 million senior unsecured debt obligation with fixed annual interest of 8%.

Credit Facilities

Under our Credit Facilities we elect whether interest on our Term Loan and, separately, interest under any Revolving Credit Facility is based on an alternative base rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), plus an applicable spread based on our total leverage ratio. Our total leverage ratio is essentially our total net debt divided by our four trailing quarters of Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Based on our current one-month LIBOR election, at December 31, 2012, the interest rate on our Credit Facilities was LIBOR plus 200 basis points and we pay interest on the Credit Facilities monthly in arrears.

At December 31, 2012, we had $5.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility. No amounts were outstanding at December 31, 2011. During 2012, the maximum borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility were $5.0 million, and the weighted average amount of borrowings outstanding during the year was $0.1 million. At December 31, 2012, we had availability of $487.7 million, which is net of outstanding letters of credit of $7.3 million. At December 31, 2012, the average interest rate for our outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility was 2.21%.

We are required to maintain the following financial covenant ratios under the Credit Agreement:

Interest expense coverage ratio must be 2.50 or more based on four consecutive fiscal quarters.
Senior secured leverage ratio must be 2.75 or less as of the end of any fiscal quarter.
Total leverage ratio must be 4.50 or less as of the end of any fiscal quarter.

The Credit Facilities also contain representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants,

78



events of default, and indemnifications customary for loan agreements for similar secured financings, including limits on the ability of Boise Paper Holdings and its subsidiaries to make restricted payments, acquisitions, and capital expenditures.

In the event of default, the lenders could terminate their commitments, declare the Credit Facilities, including interest and fees, due and payable, or enforce liens and security interests to collect outstanding amounts due under the Credit Facilities. In addition, the Credit Facilities require the proceeds from asset sales, subject to specified exceptions and casualty insurance, be used to pay down outstanding borrowings. At December 31, 2012, we were in compliance with these covenants. In third quarter 2012, we made $25.0 million of long-term debt payments on our Tranche A Term Loan Facility, $17.5 million of which were voluntary and eliminate our required principal payment obligations until December 31, 2013.

The obligations of Boise Paper Holdings under our Credit Facilities are guaranteed by each of BZ Intermediate's and Boise Paper Holdings' existing and subsequently acquired domestic and foreign subsidiaries, subject to materiality limitations (collectively, the Credit Facility Guarantors). The Credit Facilities are secured by all intercompany debt and a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the real, personal, and mixed property of Boise Paper Holdings and the Credit Facility Guarantors, including a first-priority security interest in 100% of the equity interests of Boise Paper Holdings and each domestic subsidiary of Boise Paper Holdings and, if requested by the administrative agent, 65% of the equity interests of our foreign subsidiaries.

8% and 9% Senior Notes

The 8% and 9% Senior Notes (together, the Senior Notes) are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of our present and future senior indebtedness, senior to all of our future subordinated indebtedness and effectively subordinated to all of our present and future senior secured indebtedness (including all borrowings with respect to the Credit Facilities to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness). Interest on the Senior Notes is due semiannually.

The Senior Notes indenture agreements contain covenants which, subject to exceptions, limit the ability of the Senior Notes issuers and guarantors to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, engage in some asset sales, make specified types of restricted payments, engage in transactions with affiliates, and create liens on assets of the Senior Notes issuers or guarantors. Upon a change of control, the Senior Notes issuers must offer to repurchase the Senior Notes at 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the Senior Notes issuers sell specified types of assets and do not use the proceeds from such sales for specified purposes, they must offer to repurchase the Senior Notes at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Our 9% Senior Notes are callable at any time on or after November 1, 2013, at 104.5% of the principal amount, decreasing to par by November 1, 2015, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Our 8% Senior Notes are callable at any time on or after April 1, 2015, at 104% of the principal amount, decreasing to par by April 1, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by BZ Intermediate and each existing and future subsidiary of BZ Intermediate (other than their respective issuers). The Senior Notes Guarantors do not include Louisiana Timber Procurement Company, L.L.C., or our foreign subsidiaries.

Other

As of December 31, 2012, required debt principal repayments were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Thereafter
Required debt principal repayments (a)$10,000
 $20,000
 $30,000
 $120,000
 $300,000
 $300,000
____________
(a)
Debt maturities in 2013 include repayment of $5.0 million of borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility based on our intent to repay in 2013.


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At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $26.7 million and $31.0 million, respectively, of costs recorded in "Deferred financing costs" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. When we entered into the Credit Agreement in November 2011, we capitalized $7.9 million of financing costs, which we recorded in "Deferred financing costs" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We record the amortization of deferred financing costs in interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the loans. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, we recorded $4.5 million, $5.8 million, and $6.8 million, respectively, of amortization expense in "Interest expense" in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

During 2011 and 2010, we substantially modified our debt structures, and as a result, we expensed $2.3 million in 2011 and $22.2 million in 2010 in "Loss on extinguishment of debt" in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, cash payments for interest were $57.3 million, $58.1 million, and $51.6 million, respectively.

With the exception of the Credit Facilities, our debt is fixed-rate debt. At December 31, 2012, the book value of our fixed-rate debt was $600.0 million, and the fair value was estimated to be $660.5 million. The difference between the book value and fair value is due to the difference between the period-end market interest rate and the stated rate of our fixed-rate, long-term debt. We estimated the fair value of our fixed-rate debt using quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs), discussed further in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

9. Financial Instruments

Our primary objective in holding derivative financial instruments is to manage cash flow risk. We do not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

Energy Risk

We enter into transactions to hedge the variable cash flow risk of natural gas purchases. At December 31, 2012, these derivatives included caps and call spreads, which we account for as economic hedges, and swaps, which are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges. As of December 31, 2012, we had entered into derivative instruments related to the following approximate percentages of our forecasted natural gas purchases:

 January 2013
Through
March 2013
 April 2013
Through
October 2013
 November 2013
Through
March 2014
 April 2014
Through
October 2014
 November 2014
Through
March 2015
 April 2015
Through
October 2015
 November 2015
Through
March 2016
Approximate percent hedged87% 75% 53% 48% 43% 37% 13%

Economic Hedges

For derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, the gain or loss on the derivatives is recognized in "Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)" in the Consolidated Statements of Income. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recognized an insignificant amount of expense and/or income related to natural gas contracts we account for as economic hedges.

Cash Flow Hedges

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and is recognized in "Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)" or "Interest expense" in our Consolidated Statements of Income in the period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges are assessed both at inception and quarterly thereafter to ensure they are effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the related underlying exposures. The fair value of the instruments is reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings if the hedge ceases to be highly effective or if the hedged transaction is no longer probable. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $1.2 million and $3.7 million of losses, respectively, net of tax recorded in

80



"Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets related to our natural gas contracts.

The effects of our cash flow hedging instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 (Gain) Loss Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Into Earnings
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 (a)
 2011 2010 2012 2011 2010
Natural gas contracts$(1,384) $6,776
 $
 $2,637
 $754
 $
Interest rate contracts
 
 
 
 
 422
Total$(1,384) $6,776
 $
 $2,637
 $754
 $422
____________
(a)
Based on December 31, 2012, pricing, the estimated loss, net of tax, to be recognized in earnings during the next 12 months is $1.2 million.

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the fair value of our financial instruments was determined based on applicable interest rates such as LIBOR, interest rate curves, and NYMEXNew York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) price quotations under the terms of the contracts, using current market information as of the reporting date. Our certificates of deposit, interest rateThe derivatives and energy derivatives arewere valued by us using third-party valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities. Accordingly, all of our fair value measurements use Level 2 inputs.

All of our derivative instruments are recorded in "Accrued liabilities, Other" and "Other long-term liabilities" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We offset asset and liability balances, by counterparty, where legal right of offset exists. The following table provides a summary of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the inputs used to develop these estimated fair values underpresents the fair value hierarchy discussed aboveof these instruments (dollars in thousands):

   Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2010, Using:
 
   Total   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 
Assets:        

Certificates of deposit (a)

  $10,621    $    $10,621    $  

Interest rate derivatives (b)

                    
                    
  $ 10,621    $    $10,621    $  
                    

Liabilities:

        
                    

Energy derivatives (c)

  $2,056    $    $2,056    $  
                    

   Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2009, Using:
 
   Total   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 
Assets:        

Certificates of deposit (a)

  $10,023    $    $10,023    $  

Interest rate derivatives (b)

   163          163       
                    
  $ 10,186    $    $10,186    $  
                    

Liabilities:

        
                    

Energy derivatives (c)

  $1,447    $    $1,447    $  
                    

(a)Recorded in “Short-term investments” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(b)Recorded in “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(c)Recorded in “Accrued liabilities, Other” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

93


 Level 2: Significant Other Observable Inputs
 December 31
 2012 2011
Natural gas contracts   
Cash flow hedges$2,365
 $6,022
Economic hedges2,197
 2,370
Total$4,562
 $8,392

Tabular Disclosure of the Fair Values of Derivative Instruments and the Effect of Those Instruments(dollarsinstruments in thousands)an asset position at

   Fair Values of Derivative Instruments 
   Asset Derivatives   Liability Derivatives 
   December 31, 2010 
   Balance
Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value
   Balance
Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value
 

Derivatives designated as economic hedging instruments (a)

        

Natural gas contracts

   Other assets    $     Accrued liabilities    $2,056  
              

Total derivatives

    $      $  2,056  
              

   Fair Values of Derivative Instruments 
   Asset Derivatives   Liability Derivatives 
   December 31, 2009 
   Balance
Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value
   Balance
Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value
 

Derivatives designated as economic hedging instruments (a)

        

Interest rate contracts

   Other assets    $163     Accrued liabilities    $  

Natural gas contracts

   Other assets          Accrued liabilities     1,447  
              

Total derivatives

    $  163      $  1,447  
              

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) for the Year Ended

December 31, 2010

 

Derivatives
Designated
as Cash

Flow
Hedging
Instruments (b)

 Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
OCI on Derivative
(Effective Portion)
  

Location of Gain
or (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
Into Income
(Effective Portion)

 Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
Into Income
(Effective Portion)
  

Derivatives
Designated
as Economic
Hedging
Instruments (a)

 

Location of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative

 Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
 

Interest rate contracts

 $   

Interest expense

 $(422 

Interest rate contracts

 

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

 $(43
    

Natural gas contracts

 

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses

  (609
               
 $    $(422   $(652
               

94


The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) for the Year Ended

December 31, 2009

 

Derivatives
Designated
as Cash

Flow
Hedging
Instruments (b)

 Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
OCI on Derivative
(Effective
Portion)
  

Location of Gain
or (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
Into Income
(Effective Portion)

 Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
Into Income
(Effective Portion)
  

Derivatives
Designated
as Economic
Hedging
Instruments (a)

 

Location of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative

 Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
 

Interest rate contracts

 $   

Interest expense

 $(338 

Interest rate contracts

 

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

 $568  
    

Natural gas contracts

 

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses

  5,877  
               
 $    $(338   $6,445  
               

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) for the Year Ended

December 31, 2008

 

Derivatives
Designated
as Cash

Flow
Hedging
Instruments (b)

 Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
OCI on Derivative
(Effective Portion)
  

Location of Gain
or (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
Into Income
(Effective Portion)

 Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
Into Income
(Effective Portion)
  

Derivatives
Designated
as Economic
Hedging
Instruments (a)

 

Location of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative

 Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
 

Interest rate contracts

 $(760 

Interest expense

 $   

Interest rate contracts

 

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

 $(479
    

Natural gas contracts

 

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses

  (7,445
               
 $(760  $     $(7,924
               

(a)See discussion above for additional information on our purpose for entering into derivatives designated as economic hedges and our overall risk management strategies.

(b)As of January 1, 2009, we no longer have interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. The amounts recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet have been amortized to interest expense. During the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, these derivatives were accounted for as economic hedges.

December 31, 2012, were not material. We did not have any derivative instruments in an asset position at December 31, 2011.


13.
10. Retirement and Benefit Plans


Some of our employees participate in noncontributory defined benefit pension plans, contributory defined contribution savings plans, and deferred compensation plans, and postretirement healthcare benefit plans.


Defined Benefit Plans

Some


The majority of our pension benefit plans are frozen; however, approximately 400 hourly employees participate in noncontributorycontinue to accrue benefits under our defined benefit pension plans that were either transferred to us or spun off from Boise Cascade. The salaried defined benefit pension plan is available only to employees who were formerly employed by OfficeMax (known atplans. When frozen, the time as Boise Cascade Corporation) before November 2003. The pension benefit for salaried employees iswas based primarily on the employees’employees' years of service and highest five-year average compensation. The benefit for hourly employees is generally based on a fixed amount per year of service. Expenses attributable to

95


participation in noncontributory defined benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009,2012, 2011, and 2008,2010, were $11.3 million, $10.9 million, and the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, were $9.7$9.2 million $8.7 million, $8.3 million, and $1.8 million,, respectively.

In December 2008, we amended our defined benefit pension plan for salaried employees (the Salaried Plan). This amendment froze the accumulation of benefits and years of service for participants of the Salaried Plan effective April 15, 2009. This amendment also froze benefits in the Boise Inc. Supplemental Plan (SUPP) and the Boise Inc. Supplemental Early Retirement Plan for Executive Officers (SERP). Because the Salaried Plan had unrecognized losses, the curtailment gain associated with this amendment was applied to partially offset those losses. However, we recognized a $2.9 million gain on our SUPP and SERP plans, because the curtailment gain exceeded our existing unrecognized losses. This gain was recognized in “Other (income) expense, net” in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2008.



81



Defined Contribution Plans


Some of our employees participate in contributory defined contribution savings plans, which cover most of our salaried and hourly employees. Expenses related to matching contributions attributable to participation in contributory defined contribution savings plans for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009,2012, 2011, and 2008,2010, were $17.7 million, $14.3 million, and the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, were $12.0$12.0 million $10.0 million, $8.4 million, and $2.1 million,, respectively. Salaried employees hired after October 31, 2003, who are otherwise eligible to participate in these plans are eligible for additional discretionary company matching contributions based on a percentage approved each plan year. Beginning April 16, 2009, theThe company contributions for eligible salaried employees consistedconsist of a nondiscretionary, nonmatching base contribution, of 3% of eligible compensation plus a matching contribution. In addition, the CompanyWe may also make additional discretionary matching and/or nonmatching contributions each year. The company contribution structure for hourly employees varies.

varies according to location and union arrangements.


Deferred Compensation Plans


Some of our employees participate in deferred compensation plans, in which key managers and nonaffiliated directors may irrevocably elect to defer a portion of their base salary and bonus or director’sdirector's fees until termination of employment or beyond. A participant’s account is credited with imputed interest at a rate equal to 130% of Moody’s composite average of yields on corporate bonds. In addition, participantsParticipants other than directors may elect to receive their company contributions in the deferred compensation plan in lieu of any company contribution in the contributory defined contribution savings plan. The deferred compensation plans are unfunded; therefore, benefits are paid from our general assets of the Company.assets. At December 31, 20102012 and 2009,2011, we had $1.8$5.9 million and $0.9$3.7 million, respectively, of liabilities attributable to participation in our deferred compensation plan on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Sheets.



82



Postretirement Benefit Plans

Some of our and the Predecessor’s employees participated in Boise Cascade’s postretirement healthcare benefit plans. The type of retiree healthcare benefits and the extent of coverage vary based on employee classification, date of retirement, location, and other factors. All of the postretirement healthcare plans are unfunded. The postretirement benefit plans have a December 31 measurement date.

96


Obligations and Funded Status of Postretirement Benefits and PensionsDefined Benefit Pension Plans


The following table, which includes only company-sponsored plans, reconciles the beginning and ending balances of our projected benefit obligations for our pension benefits and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for our other benefits. It also shows the fair value of plan assets and aggregate funded status of our plans. The funded status changesplans change from year to year based on the plan asset investment return, from plan assets, contributions, and benefit payments, and the discount rate used to measure the liabilityliability. The following table, which includes only company-sponsored defined benefit plans, reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. We recognize the unfunded status of our defined benefit pension plans on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and we recognize changes in funded status in the year changes occur through our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (dollars in thousands):

   Pension Benefits  Other Benefits 
   2010  2009  2010  2009 

Change in benefit obligation

     

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $423,962   $396,692   $772   $2,490  

Service cost

   5,041    6,891    3    4  

Interest cost

   25,272    24,314    32    47  

Amendments

       145          

Actuarial (gain) loss

   34,636    9,138    (69  (1,725

Closure and curtailment gain

   345              

Liabilities transferred

           (63    

Benefits paid

   (14,212  (13,218  (1  (44
                 

Benefit obligation at end of year

  $    475,044   $    423,962   $    674   $772  
                 

Change in plan assets

     

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

  $301,522   $248,084   $   $  

Actual return on plan assets

   43,417    54,358          

Employer contributions

   25,174    12,298          

Benefits paid

   (14,212  (13,218        
                 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

  $355,901   $301,522   $   $  
                 

Over (under) funded status

  $(119,143 $(122,440 $(674 $(772
                 

Amounts recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheet

     

Current liabilities

  $(254 $(143 $(142 $(182

Noncurrent liabilities

   (118,889  (122,297  (532  (590
                 

Net amount recognized

  $(119,143 $(122,440 $(674 $(772
                 

Amounts recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” (pretax) in Boise Inc.’s Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity or BZ Intermediate’s Consolidated Statement of Capital consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

   Pension Benefits   Other Benefits 
   2010   2009   2010  2009 

Net (gain) loss

  $75,021    $62,334    $(275 $(413

Prior service cost

   422     473           
                   

Net amount recognized

  $ 75,443    $ 62,807    $(275 $(413
                   

 December 31
 2012 2011
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$558,416
 $475,044
Service cost2,732
 3,969
Interest cost24,596
 25,582
Actuarial loss (a)14,162
 69,768
Closure and curtailment loss1,060
 
Benefits paid and settlements(26,965) (15,947)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year$574,001
 $558,416
    
Change in fair value of plan assets   
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year$390,082
 $355,901
Actual return on plan assets60,613
 24,714
Employer contributions35,205
 25,414
Benefits paid(18,551) (15,947)
Settlements(8,414) 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year$458,935
 $390,082
    
Underfunded status$115,066
 $168,334
    
Amounts recognized on our consolidated balance sheets   
Current liabilities$309
 $294
Noncurrent liabilities114,757
 168,040
Net amount recognized$115,066
 $168,334
    
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   
Actuarial net loss$109,796
 $139,061
Prior service cost
 71
Net loss recognized$109,796
 $139,132
____________
(a)
The actuarial loss in 2012 is due primarily to a decrease in the weighted average discount rate from 4.50% to 4.25%, compared with a decrease from 5.50% to 4.50% in 2011.
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $475.0$574.0 million and $423.8$558.4 million as of December 31, 20102012 and 2009.2011, respectively. All of our defined benefit pension plans have accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets.

97







83



Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss


The components of net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income) loss (pretax) are as follows (dollars in thousands):

  Pension Benefits  Other Benefits 
  Boise Inc.  Predecessor  Boise Inc.  Predecessor 
  Year Ended
December 31
  January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
  Year Ended
December 31
  January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
 
 2010  2009  2008   2010  2009  2008  

Service cost

 $5,041   $6,891   $9,226   $1,566   $3   $4   $3   $  

Interest cost

  25,272    24,314    20,881    3,458    32    47    98    18  

Expected return on plan assets

  (23,242  (23,269  (20,398  (3,452                

Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss

  1,774    315        (21  (150  (1,344      (12

Amortization of prior service costs and other

  51    36        194                  

Plan settlement curtailment (gain) loss

  345        (1,749                    
                                

Company-sponsored plans

  9,241    8,287    7,960    1,745    (115  (1,293  101    6  

Multiemployer plans

  411    382    327    75                  
                                

Net periodic benefit costs

 $9,652   $8,669   $8,287   $1,820   $  (115 $(1,293 $  101   $6  
                                

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss

        

Net (gain) loss

 $14,461   $(21,951 $84,600   $   $(12 $(1,715 $(42 $  

Prior service cost

      145    364                      

Amortization of actuarial gain (loss)

  (1,774  (315                        

Amortization of prior service cost

  (51  (36          150    1,344          
                                

Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss

  12,636    (22,157  84,964        138    (371  (42    
                                

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income) loss

 $22,288   $  (13,488 $93,251   $1,820   $23   $  (1,664 $59   $6  
                                

In 2011, we

 Year Ended December 31
2012 2011 2010
Service cost$2,732
 $3,969
 $5,041
Interest cost24,596
 25,582
 25,272
Expected return on plan assets(27,286) (24,581) (23,242)
Amortization of actuarial loss10,107
 5,595
 1,774
Amortization of prior service cost5
 51
 51
Plan settlement curtailment loss1,125
 300
 345
Net periodic benefit cost$11,279
 $10,916
 $9,241
      
Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss     
Actuarial net (gain) loss$(19,158) $69,635
 $14,461
Prior service credit(66) (300) 
Amortization of actuarial loss(10,107) (5,595) (1,774)
Amortization of prior service cost(5) (51) (51)
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss(29,336) 63,689
 12,636
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income) loss$(18,057) $74,605
 $21,877

We estimate net periodic pension expensebenefit cost to be recognized in 2013 will be $12.6 million. The 2011 net periodic pension expense will include $5.6$5.4 million of net loss and $0.1 million of prior service cost that will be amortized from “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on Boise Inc.’s Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity or BZ Intermediate’s Consolidated Statement of Capital.

.


Assumptions

The assumptions used in accounting for the plans are estimates of factors that will determine, among other things, the amount and timing of future benefit payments.


The following table presents the assumptions used in the measurement of our benefits obligation:

   Pension Benefits  Other Benefits 
   December 31  February 22,
2008
  December 31  February 22,
2008
 
   2010  2009  2008   2010  2009  2008  

Weighted average:

         

Discount rate

   5.50  6.10  6.20  6.50  4.20  4.60  5.70  5.50

Rate of compensation increase

       4.25  4.25        

 December 31
 2012 2011
Weighted average:   
Discount rate4.25% 4.50%
Rate of compensation increase% %

The following table presents the assumptions used in the measurement of net periodic benefit cost:

   Pension Benefits  Other Benefits 
   Boise Inc.  Predecessor  Boise Inc.  Predecessor 
   Year Ended
December 31
  January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
  Year Ended
December 31
  January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
 
  2010  2009  2008   2010  2009  2008  

Weighted average assumptions as of the last day in the presented period:

         

Discount rate

   6.10  6.20  6.50  6.40  4.60  5.70  5.70  5.50

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

   7.25  7.25  7.25  7.25        

Rate of compensation increase

       4.25  4.25        

98


 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Weighted average assumptions as of the last day in the presented period:     
Discount rate4.50% 5.50% 6.10%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets7.00% 7.25% 7.25%
Rate of compensation increase% % %

Discount Rate Assumption. The discount rate reflects the current rate at which the pension obligations could be settled on the measurement date —date: December 31. In all periods presented,At December 31, 2012, the discount rate assumption used to calculate the benefit obligation was determined using a hypothetical bond portfolio of AA-graded or better corporate bonds. At December 31, 2011, and for the periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the discount rate assumption used to calculate the benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost was determined using a spot rate yield curve constructed to replicate Aa-graded corporate bonds. The Aa-gradedIn all periods, the bonds included in the yield curvemodels reflect anticipated investments that would be made to match the expected monthly benefit payments over time and do not include all Aa-graded corporate bonds.time. The plan’splan's projected cash flows were duration-matched to this yield curvethese models to develop an appropriate discount rate. The discount rate we will use in our calculation of

2013 net periodic benefit cost is 4.25%.


84




Asset Return Assumption. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was based on a weighted average of the expected returns for the major investment asset classes.classes in which we invest, considering the effects of active portfolio management and expenses paid from plan assets. Expected returns for the asset classes are based on long-term historical returns, inflation expectations, forecasted gross domestic product, earnings growth, and other economic factors. The weights assigned to each asset class were based on the investment strategy. The weighted average expected return on plan assets we will use in our calculation of 20112013 net periodic benefit cost is 7.25%6.75%. In 2010,2012, plan assets performed well abovebetter than the long-term return assumption.assumption due to improved equity and debt market conditions.


Rate of Compensation Increases.    Salaried Pension benefits for all salaried employees and most hourly employees are frozen. There are currently no scheduled increases in pension benefits are frozen, so thebenefit rates for hourly employees in plans that have not been frozen. The compensation increase assumption is not applicable. Negotiated compensation increases are reflected in the projected benefit obligationapplicable for certain hourly employees with salary-related benefits. Historically, this assumption reflected long-term actual experience, the near-term outlook, and assumed inflation.all plans.

The following table presents our assumed healthcare cost trend rates at December 31, 2010 and 2009:

   2010  2009 

Weighted average assumptions:

   

Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year

   8.10  8.50

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

   6.50  6.50

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

   2025   2025 

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates affect the amounts reported for the healthcare plans. At December 31, 2010, a one-percentage-point change in our assumed healthcare cost trend rate would not significantly affect our total service or interest costs or our postretirement benefit obligation.


Investment Policies and Strategies


At December 31, 2010, 51%2012, 24% of our pension plan assets were invested in U.S. equity securities, 48%27% were invested in international equity securities, 27% were invested in long-duration fixed-income securities, 20% were invested in intermediate-duration fixed-income securities, and 1%2% were invested in private equity, cash, and other. The general investment objective for all of our plan assets is to optimize growth of the pension plan trust assets, while minimizing the risk of significant losses in order to enable the plans to satisfy their benefit payment obligations over time. The objectives take into account the long-term nature of the benefit obligations, the liquidity needs of the plans, and the expected risk/return trade-offs of the asset classes in which the plans may choose to invest. TheOur Retirement Funds Investment Committee is responsible for establishing and overseeing the implementation of our investment policy. Russell Investments (Russell) oversees the active management of our pension investments in order to achieve broad diversification in a cost-effective manner. At December 31, 2010,2012, our investment policy governing our relationship with Russell allocated 48%28% to long-duration fixed-income securities, 33%20% to intermediate-duration fixed-income securities, 24% to U.S. equity securities, 14%and 28% to international equity securities, and 5% to private equity securities. Our arrangement with Russell requiresallows monthly rebalancing to the policy targets noted above.


Investment securities, in general, are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit, and overall market volatility risk, all of which are subject to change. Due to the level of risk associated

99


with certainsome investment securities, it is reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term, and such changes could materially affect the reported amounts.


Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets


The defined benefit plans hold an interest in the Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Master Pension Trust (Master Trust). The assets in the Master Trust are invested in a commingledcommon and collective trust whose funds are invested in U.S. equities, international equities, and fixed-income securities managed by Russell Trust Company. The Master Trust also invests in private equity securities managed by Pantheon Ventures Inc.



85



The following table setstables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, discussed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the pension plan assets, by major asset category, at fair value at December 31, 20102012 and 20092011 (dollars in thousands):

   December 31, 2010 
   Quoted Prices
in Active
Market for
Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2) (a)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
   Total 

Equity securities:

        

Large cap U.S. equity securities (b)

  $    $112,602    $    $112,602  

Small- and mid-cap U.S. equity securities (c)

        21,021          21,021  

International equity securities (d)

        49,172          49,172  

Fixed-income securities (e)

        169,992          169,992  

Private equity securities (f)

             2,225     2,225  
                    

Total securities at fair value

        352,787     2,225     355,012  
                    

Receivables and accruals, net

         889  
           

Total fair value of plan assets

        $ 355,901  
           

   December 31, 2009 
   Quoted Prices
in Active
Market for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2) (a)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   Total 

Equity securities:

        

Large cap U.S. equity securities (b)

  $    $99,614    $    $99,614  

Small- and mid-cap U.S. equity securities (c)

        21,262          21,262  

International equity securities (d)

        35,861          35,861  

Fixed-income securities (e)

        144,011          144,011  
                    

Total securities at fair value

        300,748          300,748  
                    

Receivables and accruals, net

         774  
           

Total fair value of plan assets

        $ 301,522  
           

100


 December 31, 2012
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2) (a)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Cash equivalents$
 $225
 $
 $225
Equity securities:       
Large-cap U.S. equity securities (b)
 90,024
 
 90,024
Small- and mid-cap U.S. equity securities (c)
 17,998
 
 17,998
International equity securities (d)
 126,010
 
 126,010
Fixed-income securities (e)
 217,456
 
 217,456
Private equity securities (f)
 
 6,346
 6,346
Total securities at fair value
 451,713
 6,346
 458,059
Receivables and accrued expenses      876
Total fair value of plan assets      $458,935

 December 31, 2011
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2) (a)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Equity securities:       
Large-cap U.S. equity securities (b)$
 $112,609
 $
 $112,609
Small- and mid-cap U.S. equity securities (c)
 19,426
 
 19,426
International equity securities (d)
 65,265
 
 65,265
Fixed-income securities (e)
 188,287
 
 188,287
Private equity securities (f)
 
 3,531
 3,531
Total securities at fair value
 385,587
 3,531
 389,118
Receivables and accrued expenses      964
Total fair value of plan assets      $390,082
____________
(a)Investments are mutual funds managed by Russell Trust Company. The funds are valued at the net asset value (NAV) provided by Russell Trust Company, the administrator of the funds. We use NAV as a practical expedient for fair value. The NAV is based on the value of the assets owned by the fund, less liabilities at year-end. While the underlying assets are actively traded on an exchange, the funds are not. We have the ability to redeem these funds with a one-day notice, except as disclosed below in note (e).

(b)Our investments in this category are invested in the Russell Equity I Fund. The fund seeks higher long-term returns that exceed the Russell 1000 Index by investing in common stocks that rank among the largest 1,000 companieslarge-capitalization stock in the U.S. stock market.

(c)Our investments in this category are invested in the Russell Equity II Fund. The fund seeks high, long-term returns that exceed the Russell 2500 Index by investing in the smaller capitalizationmid- and small-capitalization stocks of the U.S. stock market.

(d)OurAt December 31, 2012 and 2011, our investments in this category are invested inincluded the Russell International Fund with Active Currency at December 31, 2010, and were invested inCurrency. The fund benchmarks against the Russell International Fund in 2009. Both funds benchmark against the MSCI European, Australasia,Developed ex-U.S. Large Cap Index Net and Far East (EAFE) Indexseeks favorable total returns and seek high, long-term returns comparable to the broad international stock market by investingadditional diversification through investment in non-U.S. companies from the developed countries around the world.equity securities and active currency management. The funds participatefund participates primarily in the stock markets of Europe and the Pacific Rim. The Russell International Fund with Active Currency places additional emphasis onRim and seeks to opportunistically addingadd value through active investment in foreign currencies.

(e)Our In addition, at December 31, 2012, our investments in this category included the Russell World Equity and the Russell Emerging Markets Funds. The Russell World Equity Fund benchmarks against the Russell Developed Large Cap Index and seeks higher returns through access to the large-cap segment of both U.S. and international developed equities. The Russell Emerging Markets Fund benchmarks against the Russell Emerging Markets Index and is designed to maintain a broadly diversified exposure to emerging market countries.

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(e)In 2012, the Russell Long Credit Fixed income Fund (Long Credit Fund) was converted to a fund of funds structure and offers six Liability Driven Investment (LDI) fixed-income funds with horizons ranging from six to 16 years. Our investments at December 31, 2012, included the six LDI funds, which are investeddesigned to reduce defined benefit plan funded status volatility by more closely matching the interest rate sensitivity of plan liabilities. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our investments in this category included the Russell Long Duration Fixed Income Fund (Long Duration Fund) and Russell Long Credit Fixed Income Fund (Long Credit Fund). The Long Duration Fund, which seeks to achieve above-average consistency in performance relative to the Barclays Capital U.S. Long Government/Credit Bond Index by combining manager styles and strategies with different payoffs over various phases of an investment cycle. TheAt December 31, 2011, our investments included the Long Credit Fund, which seeks to achieve above-average consistency in performance relative to the Barclays Capital Long Credit Index and is used with other bond funds, such as the Long Duration Fund, to gain additional credit exposure to asset portfolios. Both fundsFunds in this category are designed to provide maximum total return through diversified strategies, including sector rotation, modest interest rate timing, security selection, and tactical use of high-yield and emerging markets bonds. Investments in this category may be redeemed monthly with four days' notice.

(f)Our investments in this category are invested in the Pantheon Global Secondary Fund IV, LP. The fund specializes in investments in the private equity secondary market and occasionally directly in private companies to maximize capital growth. Fund investments are carried at fair value as determined quarterly using the market approach to estimate the fair value of private investments. The market approach utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions, type of security, size of the position, degree of liquidity, restrictions on the disposition, latest round of financing data, current financial position, and operating results, among other factors. In circumstances where fair values are not provided with respect to any of the company’scompany's fund investments, the investment advisor will seek to determine the fair value of such investments based on information provided by the general partners or managers of such funds or from other sources. Notwithstanding the above, the variety of valuation bases adopted and quality of management data of the ultimate underlying investee companies means that there are inherent difficulties in determining the value of the investments. Amounts realized on the sale of these investments may differ from the calculated values.


The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the pension plan’splans' Level 3 assets for the periodyears ended December 31, 20102012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):

   Year Ended
December 31,
2010
 

Balance, beginning of year

  $  

Purchases

   2,205  

Unrealized gain

   20  
     

Balance, end of year

  $2,225  
     


 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011
Balance, beginning of year$3,531
 $2,225
Purchases2,400
 720
Sales(375) 
Unrealized gain790
 586
Balance, end of year$6,346
 $3,531

Funding and Cash Flows

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009,


We fund our pension assets had a market valueplans with amounts sufficient to meet legal funding requirements, plus any additional amounts we may determine to be appropriate considering the funded status of $356the plans, tax deductibility, cash flow from operations, and other factors. In 2012, we contributed $35.2 million to our plans, which exceeded our 2012 minimum pension contribution requirements. We have no required minimum contribution in 2013 and $302 million, respectively. Assuming a rate of return on plan assets of 7.25% in 2011 and 2012, we estimate that we will contribute at least the required minimum currently estimated to be approximately $3 million in 2014. The required to contribute approximately $3 million in 2011 and approximately $32 million in 2012. The amount of required contributions will depend,minimum contribution depends on, among other things, on actual returns on plan assets, changes in interest rates that affect our discount rate assumptions, changes in pension funding requirement laws, and modifications to our plans. Our estimates may change materially depending upon the impacteffect of these and other factors. Changes in the financial markets

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may require us to make larger than previously anticipated contributions to our pension plans. We may also elect to make additional voluntary contributions in any year, which could reduce the amount of required contributions in future years. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we made $25.0 million of cash contributions to our qualified pension plans. Additionally, we made certain benefit payments to our nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans totaling $0.6 million.


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The following benefit payments (dollars in thousands), which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, and are expected to be paid.paid to plan participants (dollars in thousands). Qualified pension benefit payments are paid from plan assets, while nonqualified pension and other benefit payments are paid by the Company.

   Pension Benefits   Other Benefits 

2011

  $16,840    $125  

2012

   19,299     88  

2013

   21,554     76  

2014

   23,919     71  

2015

   26,012     56  

Years 2016-2020

   158,784     138  

 Pension Benefits
2013$21,787
201424,145
201526,204
201628,046
201729,998
Years 2018-2022172,273


14.     Stockholders’ Equity and Capital

Boise Inc.

Preferred Stock.    We are authorized to issue 1.0 million shares of preferred stock with such designations, voting, and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the board of directors. No shares were issued or outstanding at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

Common Stock.    We are authorized to issue 250.0 million shares of common stock, of which 84.8 million shares were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010. Of these shares outstanding, 4.2 million shares were restricted stock (discussed below). At December 31, 2009, we had 84.4 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding, of which 6.5 million shares were restricted stock. The common stock outstanding does not include restricted stock units.

On February 5, 2008, stockholders owning 12.5 million shares exercised their conversion rights and voted against the Acquisition. Such stockholders were entitled to receive their per-share interest in the proceeds from our initial public offering, which had been held in trust. Of these 12.5 million shares, 12.3 million shares were presented for conversion. The remaining shares not presented remain outstanding. In connection with the Acquisition, we paid $120.2 million from our cash held in trust to these stockholders. The remaining cash held in trust was used to effect the Acquisition.

Warrants.    In connection with our public offering in June 2007, we issued 41.4 million units (the Units). Each Unit consists of one share of our common stock and one Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Warrant (the Warrants). Each Warrant entitled the holder to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $7.50 and expires on June 18, 2011. We may redeem the Warrants, at a price of $0.01 per Warrant, upon 30 days’ notice while the Warrants are exercisable, only in the event that the last sale price of the common stock is at least $14.25 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading-day period ending on the third day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is given.

Simultaneously with the consummation of our public offering, our then chairman and our chief executive officer each privately purchased 1.5 million warrants for an aggregate total of 3.0 million warrants (the Insider Warrants) at $1.00 per warrant (for an aggregate purchase price of $3.0 million). The amount paid for the Insider Warrants approximated fair value on the date of issuance. All of the proceeds received from these purchases were placed in cash held in trust. The Insider

102


Warrants purchased were identical to the Warrants underlying the Units issued in the public offering, except that the Insider Warrants may not be called for redemption and may be exercisable on a “cashless basis,” at the holder’s option, so long as such securities are held by such purchaser or his affiliates. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, 44.3 million and 44.4 million warrants were outstanding. At December 31, 2010, 2.3 million of the original Insider Warrants continued to be held by insiders. If all outstanding warrants were exercised at the $7.50 exercise price, we would receive cash proceeds of approximately $315 million.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.    We evaluate share-based compensation for awards granted under

11. Share-Based Compensation

Our shareholders have approved the Boise Inc. Incentive and Performance Plan (the Plan), which authorizes awards of share-based compensation, such as restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units payable in stock, and stock options. These awards are at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of our board of directors, and they vest and expire in accordance with terms established at the time of grant. All awards under the Plan are eligible to participate in dividend or dividend equivalent payments, if any, which we accrue to be paid when the awards vest.
Shares issued pursuant to awards under the Plan are from our authorized but unissued shares or from treasury shares. The maximum number of shares approved for grant under the Plan is 17.2 million shares. As of December 31, 2012, 9.0 millionshares remained available for future issuance under the Plan. Share-based compensation costs in BZ Intermediate's financial statements represent expenses for restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, and performance units of Boise Inc., which have been pushed down to BZ Intermediate for accounting purposes.

Restricted Stock and Performance Units

Members of management and our directors have been granted restricted stock and restricted stock units (collectively restricted stock), the majority of which are subject to an EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation, amortization, and depletion) goal and all of which are subject to service-based vesting restrictions. These awards generally vest over a three-year period. The fair values of our restricted stock awards were based on the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant, and compensation expense is recorded over each award's vesting period.

In 2012 and 2011, pursuant to the Plan, we also granted performance units to members of management. The number of performance units awarded is subject to adjustment based on the two-year average return on net operating assets (RONOA). Because the RONOA component contains a performance condition, we record compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period based on the most probable number of shares expected to vest. Any shares not vested are forfeited. We based the fair value of these awards on the closing market price of our common stock on the grant date, and we record compensation expense over the awards' vesting period.

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The following summarizes the activity of our outstanding service- and market-condition restricted stock awards and performance units awarded under the Plan as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, and changes during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 (number of shares in thousands):

 
Service-Condition Vesting Awards
(Restricted Stock Awards and Performance Units)
 Market-Condition Vesting Awards
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2010 (a)6,331
 $0.74
 1,884
 $1.75
Granted250
 5.81
 
 
Vested (b)(3,009) 0.77
 (4) 1.75
Forfeited(43) 4.26
 (2) 1.75
Outstanding at December 31, 2010 (a)3,529
 $1.04
 1,878
 $1.75
Granted658
 8.52
 
 
Vested (b)(1,128) 1.94
 
 
Forfeited(535) 1.19
 (1,878) 1.75
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 (a)2,524
 $2.55
 
 $
Granted760
 8.04
 
 
Vested (b)(2,133) 1.46
 
 
Forfeited(26) 5.51
 
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 (a)1,125
 $7.20
 
 $
____________
(a)Outstanding awards included all nonvested and nonforfeited awards.
(b)
Total fair value of awards upon vesting for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, was $17.5 million, $9.7 million, and $16.3 million, respectively.

Stock Options

In 2012 and 2011, we granted approximately 508,000 and 363,000 nonqualified stock options to members of management. The stock options generally vest and become exercisable over three years. Our stock options generally have a contractual term of ten years, meaning the option must be exercised by the holder before the tenth anniversary of the grant date.No options were vested and exercisable at December 31, 2012.
The following is a summary of our stock option activity (number of options in thousands):
 Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Life (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
 $
    
Granted363
 8.53
    
Forfeited(30) 8.55
    
Outstanding at December 31, 2011333
 $8.53
  9.2 $
Granted508
 8.22
      
Forfeited
 
      
Outstanding at December 31, 2012841
 $8.34
  8.8  $

The weighted average fair value of the stock options granted during 2012 and 2011 was $3.97 and $4.20, respectively. We recognize compensation expense over each award's vesting period. We calculated the fair value using a Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model based on the market price of our common stock at the grant date and the assumptions specific to the underlying options. We based the expected volatility assumption on our historic stock performance and the volatility of related industry stocks. As the 2011 grantswere our first issuances of stock options and our equity shares have been traded for a relatively short period of time, we did not have sufficient

89



historical data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected life. Therefore, we used the simplified method as allowed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We based the risk-free interest rate upon yields of U.S. Treasury issues with terms similar to the expected life of the options.

The following table presents the range of assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock options:
 Year Ended December 31
 2012  2011
Black-Scholes-Merton assumptions:            
Expected volatility50.00% - 50.10%  47.50% - 47.85%
Expected life (years)5.91 - 6.00  5.88 - 6.25
Risk-free interest rate1.08% - 1.39%  1.66% - 2.48%
Expected dividend yield          
Compensation expense

Most of our share-based compensation expense was recorded in "General and administrative expenses" in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Total recognized share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock, performance units, and stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Service-condition restricted stock awards and performance units$5,039
 $3,415
 $2,663
Market-condition restricted stock awards
 (98) 1,070
Stock options944
 378
 
Total share-based compensation expense$5,983
 $3,695
 $3,733

The unrecognized compensation expense for all share-based awards is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 As of December 31, 2012
 Unrecognized Compensation Expense Remaining Weighted Average Recognition Period (in years)
Service-condition restricted stock awards and performance units$4,528
 1.5
Stock options1,752
 1.9
Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense$6,280
 1.6
We evaluate share-based compensation expense for awards granted under the Plan on a quarterly basis based on our estimate of expected restricted stock forfeiture,forfeitures, review of recent forfeiture activity, and expected future turnover. We recognize the effect of adjusting the forfeiture rate for all expense amortization in the period that we change the forfeiture estimate. The effect of forfeiture adjustments during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, was zero.

In April 2009, our stockholders approved a Plan Amendment that increased the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan from 5.2 million to 17.2 million.

Service-Condition Vesting Awards.    In March 2010, pursuant to the Plan, we granted 0.2 million shares of restricted stock to our nonemployee directors. The shares will vest fully on March 15, 2011. Any shares not vested on or before March 15, 2011, will be forfeited.

In March 2009, pursuant to the Plan, we granted to directors and members of management 4.6 million shares of restricted stock and 1.2 million restricted stock units (collectively restricted stock). The 2.0 million shares of restricted stock granted to the directors vested on March 15, 2010. The grants to members of management vested or will vest as follows: one-fifth on March 15, 2010, one-fifth on March 15, 2011, and three-fifths on March 15, 2012. Any shares not vested on or before March 15, 2012, will be forfeited.

In May 2008, directors and members of management were granted awards of 0.4 million and 0.8 million shares, respectively, of restricted stock subject to service-condition vesting. The restricted stock granted to directors vested on March 2, 2009. Additionally, one-third of the management grants subject to service-condition vesting restrictions also vested on March 2, 2009. The remaining grants subject to service-condition vesting restrictions vested equally on February 28, 2010, and February 28, 2011. Any shares not vested on or before February 28, 2011, were forfeited.

Market-Condition Vesting Awards.    In May 2008, members of management were granted restricted stock subject to market-based vesting restrictions tied to our stock price. These shares did not vest and were forfeited on March 1, 2011.

Compensation Expense.    We recognize compensation expense for the restricted stock based on the fair value on the date of the grant, as described below. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period for the restricted stock grants that vest over time and ratably over the award period for the restricted stock grants that vest based on the closing price of Boise Inc. stock, as discussed above. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, we recognized $3.7 million, $3.5 million, and $3.1 million, respectively, of compensation expense. Most of these costs were recordedinsignificant in “General and administrative expenses” in our Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss).

all periods presented.


Fair Value Measurement.    The fair value of service-condition restricted stock is determined based on the number of shares or units granted and the quoted price of our stock at the date of grant and is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The fair value on the date of grant was $5.46 per share for the 2010 restricted stock grant, $0.43 per share for the 2009 restricted stock grant, and $4.16 per share for the 2008 grant. Compensation expense is adjusted if the service condition is not met.

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Market-based restrictions represent a more difficult threshold to meet before payout, with greater uncertainty that the market condition will be satisfied; these awards have a lower fair value than those that vest based primarily on the passage of time. However, compensation expense is required to be recognized for these awards regardless of when, if ever, the market condition is satisfied. We determined the fair value on the date of grant of the market-condition awards based on the stock price of Boise Inc. at $10 per share and $12.50 per share to be approximately $2.03 per share and $1.57 per share, respectively. The fair value of market-condition restricted stock or units was estimated at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation. We assumed a risk-free rate of 2.59%, an expected stock volatility of 58.60%, and a stock price for Boise Inc.’s common shares of $4.16 per share. The $4.16-per-share value was based on Boise Inc.’s closing stock price on the date of grant. Expense was recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period.

The following summarizes the activity of our outstanding service- and market-condition restricted stock and units awarded under the Plan as of December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, and changes during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 (number of shares and aggregate fair value in thousands):

  Service-Condition Vesting Awards  Market-Condition Vesting Awards 
  Number of
Shares
  Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
  Aggregate
Fair Value
  Number of
Shares
  Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
   Aggregate
Fair Value
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

     $   $       $    $  

Granted

  1,185    4.16    4,927    1,929    1.75     3,368  

Vested (a)

  (30  4.16    (125             

Forfeited

  (12  4.16    (48  (13  1.75     (23
                   

Outstanding at December 31, 2008 (b)

  1,143   $4.16   $4,754    1,916   $1.75    $3,345  
                   

Granted

  5,841    0.43    2,512               

Vested (a)

  (604  4.16    (2,511             

Forfeited

  (49  1.27    (63  (32  1.75     (56
                   

Outstanding at December 31, 2009 (b)

  6,331   $0.74   $4,692    1,884   $1.75    $3,289  
                   

Granted

  250    5.81    1,450               

Vested (a)

  (3,009  0.77    (2,304  (4  1.75     (7

Forfeited

  (43  4.26    (180  (2  1.75     (3
                   

Outstanding at December 31, 2010 (b) (c)

  3,529   $1.04   $3,658    1,878   $1.75    $3,279  
                   

(a)We repurchase for cash any fractional shares as they vest. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, we repurchased 25.22 shares, 24.33 shares, and no shares, respectively.

(b)Outstanding awards included all nonvested and nonforfeited awards

(c)The weighted average remaining contractual term is approximately 1.3 years for the service-condition awards and 0.3 years for the market-condition awards as of December 31, 2010.

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At December 31, 2010, we had approximately $1.4 million and $0.2 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to the nonvested service- and market-condition restricted stock grants, respectively, under the Plan. The total compensation cost for the grants is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years and 3.0 years for the service- and market-condition awards, respectively, based on the original grant date. Unrecognized compensation expense is calculated net of estimated forfeitures. The table below shows compensation expense recognized during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, both in total and broken out between service- and market-condition awards (dollars in thousands):

   Year Ended December 31 
   2010   2009   2008 

Total compensation expense

  $    3,733    $    3,517    $    3,096  

Relates to grant-date fair value of service-condition awards vested through period end

   2,663     2,440     2,198  

Relates to market-condition awards

   1,070     1,077     898  

The net income tax benefit associated with restricted stockshare-based payment awards was $0.8$2.6 million $0.3, $2.0 million, and $0.4$0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.


12. Stockholders' Equity and Capital

Common Stock and Preferred Stock

We are authorized to issue 250.0 million shares of common stock, of which 100.5 million shares were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2011, we had 100.3 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding, of which 1.5 million shares were restricted stock. The common stock outstanding does not include restricted stock units, performance units, or stock options under our share-based compensation plans. For additional information see Note 11, Share-Based Compensation.


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We are also authorized to issue 1.0 million shares of preferred stock, with such rights and preferences as our board of directors may determine, without further shareholder action. No preferred shares were issued or outstanding at December 31, 2012 or 2011.

Share Repurchase Plan

In 2011, we announced our intent to repurchase up to $150 million of our common stock through a variety of methods, including in the open market, privately negotiated transactions, or through structured share repurchases. In 2011, we repurchased 21.2 million common shares for an average price of $5.74 per common share. We recorded the share repurchases in "Treasury stock" on Boise Inc.'s Consolidated Balance Sheets and "Repurchases of common stock" on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we repurchased 441 common shares for an average price of $6.63 per common share. Our board of directors reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate or suspend the share repurchase plan at any time.

Dividends

In 2012, 2011, and 2010, 2009,we paid special cash dividends of $1.20, $0.40, and 2008,$0.40 per common share, or total dividends of $119.7 million, $47.9 million, and $32.3 million, respectively.

Dividends.    Our


Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends continues to beis restricted by our Credit Facilities, as amended,the indentures governing our Senior Notes, and by Delaware law and state regulatory authorities. Under Delaware law, our board of directors may not authorize payment of a dividend unless it is either paid out of our capital surplus, as calculated in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law, or if we do not have a surplus, it is paid out of our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. Under our Credit Facilities as amended,and the indentures governing our Senior Notes, a dividend may now be paid if it does not exceed our permitted restricted payment amount, which is calculated as the sum of 50% of our net income for distributions, together with other amounts as specified in the amendedour Credit Facilities. At December 31, 2012, the available restricted payment amount under our 8% Senior Notes indenture, which is more restrictive than our Credit Agreement and our 9% Senior Notes indenture, was approximately $106.9 million. To the extent we do not have adequate surplus or net profits, or available restricted payment amounts, we will be prohibited from paying dividends.

Warrants

In 2011, warrant holders exercised

We paid a special40.3 million warrants, resulting in the issuance of 38.4 million additional common shares and cash dividendproceeds of $0.40 per common share on December 3, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2010. The total dividend payout was approximately $32.3 million.

105

$284.8 million. There are no further warrants outstanding or exercisable.



91



Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated


An analysis of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) includesand the followingrelated tax effects follows (dollars in thousands):

   Investment
Gains
(Losses)
  Cash
Flow
Hedges
  Unfunded Accumulated
Benefit Obligation
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
     
    Actuarial
Loss (a)
  Prior Service
Cost (a)
  

Balance at December 31, 2007, net of taxes

  $   $   $   $   $  
                     

Current-period changes, before taxes

       (760  (84,558  (364  (85,682

Reclassifications to earnings, before taxes

                     

Income taxes

                     
                     

Balance at December 31, 2008, net of taxes

  $   $(760 $(84,558 $(364 $(85,682
                     

Current-period changes, before taxes

   (5      23,665    (145  23,515  

Reclassifications to earnings, before taxes

       338    (1,029  36    (655

Income taxes

       (131  (8,656  56    (8,731
                     

Balance at December 31, 2009, net of taxes

  $(5 $(553 $(70,578 $(417 $(71,553
                     

Current-period changes, before taxes

   6        (14,449      (14,443

Reclassifications to earnings, before taxes

       422    1,625    51    2,098  

Income taxes

       131    4,964    (19  5,076  
                     

Balance at December 31, 2010, net of taxes

  $1   $   $ (78,438 $(385 $(78,822
                     

. See Note
9, Financial Instruments, and Note 10, Retirement and Benefit Plans, for additional information regarding the amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

       Benefit Plans  
 Investment Gains (Losses) Foreign Currency Translation Cash Flow Hedges 
Actuarial
Loss (a)
 
Prior Service
Cost
 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
            
Balance at December 31, 2009, net of taxes$(5) $
 $(553) $(70,578) $(417) $(71,553)
            
Current-period changes, before taxes6
 
 
 (14,449) 
 (14,443)
Reclassifications to earnings, before taxes
 
 422
 1,625
 51
 2,098
Income taxes
 
 131
 4,964
 (19) 5,076
Balance at December 31, 2010, net of taxes$1
 $
 $
 $(78,438) $(385) $(78,822)
            
Current-period changes, before taxes(1) (352) (6,776) (69,555) 300
 (76,384)
Reclassifications to earnings, before taxes
 
 754
 5,569
 51
 6,374
Income taxes
 
 2,320
 24,685
 (135) 26,870
Balance at December 31, 2011, net of taxes$
 $(352) $(3,702) $(117,739) $(169) $(121,962)
            
Current-period changes, before taxes
 126
 1,384
 19,281
 61
 20,852
Reclassifications to earnings, before taxes
 
 2,637
 10,074
 10
 12,721
Income taxes
 (76) (1,549) (11,262) (28) (12,915)
Balance at December 31, 2012, net of taxes$
 $(302) $(1,230) $(99,646) $(126) $(101,304)
____________
(a)
Accumulated losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of assets will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active employees, which is between seven to ten years, to the extent that losses are not offset by gains in subsequent years. The 2011 net periodic pension expense will include $5.6 million ofestimated net loss and $0.1 million of prior service cost that will be amortized from “Accumulated"Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on Boise Inc.’s Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity or BZ Intermediate’s Consolidated Statement of Capital." into pension expense in 2013 is $8.6 million.


BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC


BZ Intermediate has authorized 1,000 voting common units, all of which were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010, 2009,2012 and 2008,2011, with a par value of $0.01.$0.01. All of these units have been issued to Boise Inc. BZ Intermediate refers to its capital as “Business"Business unit equity”equity" on its Consolidated Balance Sheets, and this represents its equity transactions with Boise Inc., net income (loss) from the operations of its subsidiaries, the effect of changes in other comprehensive income, and restricted stock. Share-based compensation costs in BZ Intermediate’sstock-based compensation.

13. Concentrations of Risk

Business

Our largest customer is OfficeMax Incorporated (OfficeMax). Although we expect our long-term business relationship with OfficeMax to continue, the relationship exposes us to a significant concentration of business and financial statements represent expenses for restricted stock of Boise Inc.risk. In 2012, our sales to OfficeMax were $493.9 million, which have been pushed down to BZ Intermediate for accounting purposes and are explained in more detail above.

represents Predecessor19%

During the Predecessor period presented, equity compensation was granted to the Predecessor’s employees under Boise Cascade’s equity compensation plans. During the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, the Predecessor recognized $0.2 million of compensation expense, most of which was recorded in “General and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

15.    Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits, Net

The U.S. Internal Revenue Code allowed an excise tax credit for taxpayers using alternative fuels in the taxpayer’s trade or business. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded $207.6 million in “Alternative fuel mixture credits, net” in our Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss). As of December 31, 2009, we recorded a receivable of $56.6 million in “Receivables, Other”

106


on our Consolidated Balance Sheet for alternative fuel mixture credits. We received this credit in March 2010 after we filed our 2009 federal income tax return. Eligibility for new credits expired on December 31, 2009.

In mid October 2010, the Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel released a memo providing further clarification on the cellulosic biofuel producer credit (CBPC). This guidance clarifies that companies may elect to apply for the $1.01-per-gallon CBPC for any black liquor that was produced in 2009 and not claimed as alternative fuel mixture credits. We became eligible for the alternative fuel mixture credit at our mills at varying dates throughout first quarter 2009 and would be eligible to claim the CBPC credit for black liquor produced prior to becoming eligible for the alternative fuel mixture credits. However, this credit is taxable, may only be used to offset a portion of taxable income, and has a relatively short carry-forward period. We continue to evaluate the impact of filing for the CBPC on our specific tax situation.

16.    St. Helens Mill Restructuring

In November 2008, we announced the restructuring of our paper mill in St. Helens, Oregon. The restructuring was primarilytotal annual sales revenue and 35% of the result of declining product demand coupled with continuing high costs.

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, we recorded a pretax charge of $0.2 million, $5.8 million, and $29.8 million, respectively, associated with the restructuring in “St. Helens mill restructuring” in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Additionally in 2008, we recognized $7.8 million related to the write-down of inventory, which was recorded in “Materials, labor, and other operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). All of these costs are recordedannual sales revenue in our Paper segment. In the future, net cash expendituresApproximately 38% of our total uncoated freesheet sales volume was purchased by OfficeMax in decommissioning and other costs are not expected to be material.2012. At December 31, 20102012 and 2009,2011, we had $0.1$39.5 million and $0.5$35.3 million, respectively, of severance liabilities includedaccounts receivable due from OfficeMax, which represents 16% and 15%, respectively, of our total company receivables.


On February 20, 2013, OfficeMax announced it had signed a definitive merger agreement with its competitor, Office Depot. Our agreement with OfficeMax provides that it would survive the merger with respect to the office paper requirements of the legacy OfficeMax business. We cannot predict how the merger, if finalized,

92



would affect the financial condition of the combined company, the paper requirements of the legacy OfficeMax business, or the effects the combined company would have on the pricing and competition for office papers. Significant reductions in “Accrued liabilities, Compensationpaper purchases from OfficeMax (or the post-merger entity) would cause us to expand our customer base and benefits”could potentially decrease our profitability if new customer sales required either a decrease in our pricing and/or an increase in our cost of sales. Any significant deterioration in the financial condition of OfficeMax (or the post-merger entity) affecting the ability to pay or causing a significant change in the willingness to continue to purchase our products could have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.


OfficeMax was our only customer that accounted for more than 10% of our total revenues, sales volumes, or accounts receivable in 2012.

Labor
At December 31, 2012, we had approximately 5,400 employees and approximately 50% of these employees worked pursuant to collective bargaining agreements. Approximately 4% of our employees work pursuant to collective bargaining agreements that will expire within the next twelve months.

17.    Acquisition
14. Leases

We lease some of Boise Cascade’s Paperour locations, as well as other property and Packaging Operations

On February 22, 2008, Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. completedequipment, under operating leases. For purposes of determining straight-line rent expense, the Acquisitionlease term is calculated from the date of possession of the Paper Groupfacility, including any periods of free rent and other assets and liabilities relatedany renewal option periods that are reasonably assured of being exercised. Straight-line rent expense is also adjusted to reflect any allowances or reimbursements provided by the operationlessor. We had an insignificant amount of the paper, packaging and newsprint, and transportation businesses of the Paper Group and part of the headquarters operations of Boise Cascade for cash and securities. Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. acquired four pulp and paper mills, one paper mill, five corrugated container plants, a corrugated sheet feeder plant, and two paper distribution facilities, all locatedsublease rental income in the U.S. Subsequent to the Acquisition, Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. changed its name to Boise Inc.

107


The purchase price was paid with cash, the issuance of shares ofperiods presented below. Accordingly, our common stock, and a note payable. These costs, including direct transaction costs and purchase price adjustments, are summarizedfuture minimum lease payment requirements have not been reduced by sublease rental income. Rental expense for operating leases is as follows (dollars in thousands):

   February 22,
2008
 

Cash paid to Boise Cascade

  $1,252,281  

Cash paid to Boise Cascade for financing and other fees

   24,915  

Less: cash contributed by Boise Cascade

   (38,000
     

Net cash

   1,239,196  
     

Equity at $9.15 average price per share

   346,395  

Lack of marketability discount

   (41,567
     

Total equity

   304,828  
     

Note payable to Boise Cascade at closing

   41,000  

Working capital adjustment

   17,334  
     

Total note payable to Boise Cascade

   58,334  
     

Fees and expenses

   61,785  
     

Total purchase price

  $1,664,143  
     

The following table summarizes

 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010
Rental expense$29,367
 $23,855
 $15,267
For noncancelable operating leases with remaining terms of more than one year, minimum lease payment requirements are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 
2018 &
Thereafter
Minimum payment$22,680
 $21,688
 $18,092
 $15,037
 $10,228
 $11,065

Substantially all lease agreements have fixed payment terms based on the passage of time. Some lease agreements provide us with the option to purchase the leased property. Additionally, some agreements contain renewal options averaging approximately five years, with fixed payment terms similar to those in the original lease agreements.

15. Asset Retirement Obligations

We accrue for asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if sufficient information is available to reasonably estimate the fair value allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumedobligation. Fair value estimates are determined using Level 3 inputs in the Acquisition as adjustedfair value hierarchy. The fair value of our asset retirement obligations is measured using expected future cash outflows discounted using the company's credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. When we record the liability, we capitalize the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its settlement value, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Occasionally, we become aware of events or circumstances that require us to revise our future estimated cash flows. When revisions become necessary, we recalculate our obligation and adjust our asset and liability accounts utilizing appropriate discount rates. Upon settlement of the liability, we will recognize a gain or loss for any difference between the settlement amount and the liability recorded.


93



At December 31, 2012 and 2011, asset retirement obligations related predominantly to landfill closure, wastewater treatment pond dredging, and closed-site monitoring costs and were recorded primarily in "Other long-term liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These liabilities are based on the best estimate of costs and are updated periodically to reflect current technology, laws and regulations, inflation, and other economic factors. No assets are legally restricted for purposes of settling asset retirement obligations. The table below describes changes to the asset retirement obligations (dollars in thousands):

   February 22,
2008,

Fair Value
 

Current assets

  $571,936 

Property and equipment

   1,306,070 

Fiber farms and deposits

   11,006 

Intangible assets:

  

Trademarks and trade names

   16,800 

Customer list

   13,700 

Technology

   6,860 

Deferred financing costs

   81,898 

Other long-term assets

   4,465 

Current liabilities

   (246,928

Long-term liabilities

   (101,664
     

Total purchase price

  $1,664,143  
     

Upon completion


 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011
Asset retirement obligation at beginning of period$10,041
 $10,403
Liabilities incurred (Note 3)10,256
 
Accretion expense387
 812
Payments(30) (29)
Revisions in estimated cash flows41
 (1,145)
Asset retirement obligation at end of period$20,695
 $10,041

We have additional asset retirement obligations with indeterminate settlement dates. The fair value of these asset retirement obligations cannot be estimated due to the lack of sufficient information to estimate the settlement dates of the transaction,obligations. These asset retirement obligations include, for example, (i) removal and disposal of potentially hazardous materials related to equipment and/or an operating facility if the equipment and/or facilities were to undergo major maintenance, renovation, or demolition and (ii) storage sites or owned facilities for which removal and/or disposal of chemicals and other related materials are required if the operating facility is closed. We will recognize a liability in the period in which sufficient information becomes available to reasonably estimate the fair value of these obligations.

16. Transactions With Related Parties

For the period of February 22, 2008, through March 2010, Boise Cascade owned 37.9 million, or 49%, ofheld a significant equity interest in us, and our outstanding shares.transactions with Boise Cascade were recorded as related-party transactions. In early March 2010, Boise Cascade sold all of its remaining interestinvestment in us.

us, and accordingly, it is no longer a related party. As a result, beginning in March 2010, transactions (discussed below) of Louisiana Timber Procurement Company, L.L.C. (LTP) represent the only significant related-party activity recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements.


Related-Party Sales

LTP is a variable-interest entity that is 50% owned by Boise Inc. and 50% owned by Boise Cascade. LTP procures sawtimber, pulpwood, residual chips, and other residual wood fiber to meet the wood and fiber requirements of Boise Inc. and Boise Cascade in Louisiana. We are the primary beneficiary of LTP, as we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of LTP. Therefore, we consolidate LTP in our financial statements in our Packaging segment. The carrying amounts of LTP's assets and liabilities (which relate primarily to noninventory working capital items) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets were $4.0 million at December 31, 2012, and $3.3 million at December 31, 2011. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, we recorded $60.3 million, $40.1 million, and $33.0 million, respectively, of LTP sales to Boise Cascade in "Sales, Related parties" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and approximately the same amount of expenses in "Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)." The sales were at prices designed to approximate market prices.

We have an outsourcing services agreement under which we provide a number of corporate staff services to Boise Cascade at our cost. The agreement, as extended, expires on February 22, 2014. It will automatically renew for one-year terms unless either party provides notice of termination to the other party at least 12 months in advance of the expiration date. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded $2.4 million of revenues in "Sales, Related parties" in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Services we provide to Boise Cascade under this agreement include transportation, information technology, accounting, and human resource services.


94



Related-Party Costs and Expenses

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, fiber purchases from related parties were $19.8 million, $18.8 million, and $25.3 million, respectively. In 2012 and 2011, most of these purchases related to chip and log purchases by LTP from Boise Cascade's wood products business. In 2010, the purchases included both direct chip and log purchases from Boise Cascade while they were a related party and LTP's purchases from Boise Cascade. All of the costs associated with these purchases were recorded as "Fiber costs from related parties" in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Fiber purchases from Boise Cascade subsequent to February 2010 are recorded as "Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

18.
17. Segment Information

Boise Inc., headquartered in Boise, Idaho, operates

We operate and reports itsreport our business in three reportable segments: Packaging, Paper, Packaging, and Corporate and Other (support services). These segments represent distinct businesses that are managed separately because of differing products and services. Each of these businesses requires distinct operating and marketing strategies. Management reviews the performance of the Company based on these segments.

108


The segments follow the accounting principles described in Note Paper.    2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Packaging. We manufacture and sell linerboard, corrugated containers and sheets, protective packaging products, and newsprint. We sell these products using our own sales personnel, independent brokers, and distribution partners. Our newsprint is sold primarily to newspaper publishers in the southern and southwestern U.S.

Paper. We manufacture and sell a range of papers, including communication-based papers, packaging-demand-drivenpackaging-based papers, and market pulp. Many of these paperThese products arecan be either commodity products, while others havepapers or papers with specialized or custom features, thatsuch as colors, coatings, high brightness, or recycled content, which make these productsthem specialty or premium and specialty grades. Our premium grades include 100% recycled, high-bright, and colored cut-size office papers, and our specialty grades include custom-developed papers for such uses as label and release and flexible papers used for food wrap and other applications.products. We ship to customers both directly from our mills and through distribution centers. In 2010,2012, approximately 38% of our uncoated freesheet paper sales volume, including approximately 61%63% of our office papers sales volume, was sold to OfficeMax.

Packaging.    Our Packaging segment manufactures and sells corrugated packaging products, linerboard, and newsprint. Our containerboard and corrugated products are sold byOfficeMax, our own sales personnel and by brokers. Our newsprint is sold by our own sales personnel primarily to newspaper publishers in the southern U.S.largest customer.

Corporate and Other.    Other. Our Corporate and Other segment includes primarily corporate support services, related assets and liabilities, and foreign exchange gains and losses. This segment also includes transportation assets, such as rail cars and trucks, which we use to transport our products from our manufacturing sites. We provide transportation services not only to our own facilities but also, on a limited basis, to third parties when geographic proximity and logistics are favorable. Rail cars and trucks are generally leased. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, and the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008,Sales in this segment sales relatedrelate primarily to our rail and truck business were $65.4 million, $63.8 million, $67.7 million, and $8.5 million, respectively.business.

The segments’

Each segments' profits and losses are measured on operating profits before change in fair value of interest rate derivatives, interest expense and interest income. Specified operating expenses are accounted for in the Corporate and Other segment and are allocated to the segments. For many of these allocated expenses, the related assets and liabilities remain in the Corporate and Other segment.

The segments follow the accounting principles described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Export sales to foreign unaffiliated customers were $212.2 million in 2010, $180.3 million in 2009, $212.8 million in 2008, Segment operating results for Boise Inc. and $40.8 million during the Predecessor period of January 1 through February 21, 2008, respectively. InBZ Intermediate are identical for all periods presented, net sales were generated domestically, and long-lived assets were held by domestic operations.

except for insignificant differences in income tax provisions.



95



Segment sales to external customers by product line are as follows (dollars in millions):

   Boise Inc.  Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31  January 1
Through
February 21,
2008
 
  2010   2009   2008  

Paper

        

Uncoated freesheet

  $  1,309.8    $  1,289.8    $  1,240.9   $224.2  

Containerboard (medium)

   0.1     0.1     0.2    0.1  

Market pulp and other

   84.7     73.5     101.9    20.1  
                   
   1,394.6     1,363.4     1,343.0    244.4  
                   
 

Packaging

        

Containerboard (linerboard)

   94.2     88.6     88.6    16.5  

Newsprint

   121.7     98.4     203.2    29.8  

Corrugated containers and sheets

   388.0     347.7     324.3    53.1  

Other

   65.3     51.2     84.3    13.7  
                   
   669.2     585.9     700.4    113.1  
                   
 

Corporate and Other

   30.0     28.9     27.2    2.4  
                   
  $2,093.8    $1,978.2    $2,070.6   $359.9  
                   

109


 Year Ended December 31
2012 2011 2010
Packaging     
Linerboard$76.6
 $110.2
 $94.2
Newsprint134.3
 132.7
 121.7
Corrugated containers and sheets833.9
 627.0
 388.0
Other82.6
 76.3
 65.3
 1,127.5
 946.2
 669.2
Paper     
Uncoated freesheet1,334.3
 1,334.5
 1,309.8
Corrugating medium1.0
 0.3
 0.1
Market pulp and other60.4
 91.8
 84.7
 1,395.6
 1,426.5
 1,394.6
      
Corporate and Other32.3
 31.4
 30.0
 $2,555.4
 $2,404.1
 $2,093.8

Sales to foreign unaffiliated customers during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, were$260.8 million,$242.1 million, and $212.2 million, respectively.At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the net carrying value of long-lived assets held by foreign operations were $11.7 million and $12.1 million, respectively.

An analysis of our operations by segment is as follows (dollars in millions):

Boise Inc. 
  Sales  Income
(Loss)
Before
Taxes
  Depre-
ciation,
Amorti-
zation,
and
Depletion
  EBITDA (d)  Capital
Expendi-
tures
  Assets 
  Trade  Related
Parties
  Inter-
segment
  Total      

Year Ended December 31, 2010

         

Paper

 $1,394.6   $   $63.7   $1,458.3   $151.5   $87.4   $238.9   $67.8   $1,187.9  

Packaging

  636.2    33.0    2.7    671.9    65.0    38.6    103.6    38.6    505.6  

Corporate and Other

  27.3    2.7    35.4    65.4    (21.6)(a)   3.9    (17.7)(a)   5.2    245.5  
                                    
  2,058.1    35.7    101.8    2,195.6    194.9    129.9    324.8    111.6    1,939.0  
                                    

Intersegment eliminations

          (101.8  (101.8                    

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

                                    

Loss on extinguishment of debt

                  (22.2)(a)       (22.2)(a)         

Interest expense

                  (64.8                

Interest income

                  0.3                  
                                    
 $  2,058.1   $35.7   $   $  2,093.8   $108.1   $129.9   $302.6   $111.6   $  1,939.0  
                                    

  Sales  Income
(Loss)
Before
Taxes
  Depre-
ciation,
Amorti-
zation,
and
Depletion
  EBITDA (d)  Capital
Expendi-
tures
  Assets 
  Trade  Related
Parties
  Inter-
segment
  Total      

Year Ended December 31, 2009

         

Paper

 $  1,363.4   $   $56.6   $  1,420.0   $262.7(b)  $85.2   $347.8(b)  $51.0   $  1,249.8  

Packaging

  560.4    25.5    2.5    588.4    67.1(b)   42.2    109.3(b)   23.1    497.9  

Corporate and Other

  11.6    17.3    34.9    63.8    (21.5)(b)   4.1    (17.3)(b)   3.0    148.1  
                                    
  1,935.4    42.8    94.0    2,072.2    308.3    131.5    439.8    77.1    1,895.8  
                                    

Intersegment eliminations

          (94.0  (94.0                    

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

                  0.6                  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

                  (44.1)(b)       (44.1)(b)         

Interest expense

                  (83.3                

Interest income

                  0.4                  
                                    
 $1,935.4   $42.8   $   $1,978.2   $181.9   $131.5   $395.7   $77.1   $1,895.8  
                                    

Year Ended December 31, 2008

         

Paper

 $1,343.0   $   $60.7   $1,403.7   $32.7(c)  $71.7   $104.3(c)  $42.8   $1,310.4  

Packaging

  635.5    64.9    3.3    703.7    21.1(c)   35.1    56.2(c)   43.5    558.3  

Corporate and Other

  11.7    15.5    40.5    67.7    (18.6)(c)   3.2    (15.4)(c)   4.3    119.6  
                                    
  1,990.2    80.4    104.5    2,175.1    35.2    110.0    145.1    90.6    1,988.3  
                                    

Intersegment eliminations

          (104.5  (104.5                    

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

                  (0.5                

Interest expense

                  (91.2                

Interest income

                  2.2                  
                                    
 $1,990.2   $80.4   $   $2,070.6   $(54.3 $110.0   $145.1   $90.6   $1,988.3  
                                    

110

  Sales Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes 
Depreciation,
Amortization, and Depletion
 
EBITDA 
(c)
 Capital Expenditures (d) Assets
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Trade 
Related
Parties
 
Inter-
segment
 Total     
Packaging $1,067.2
 $60.3
 $2.6
 $1,130.1
 $101.6
 $60.9
 $162.5
 $61.3
 $958.0
Paper 1,395.6
 
 72.7
 1,468.3
 73.9
(a)87.7
 161.6
(a)71.1
 1,144.7
Corporate and Other 32.3
 
 36.6
 68.9
 (27.8) 3.7
 (24.1) 5.3
 105.7
Intersegment eliminations 
 
 (112.0) (112.0) 
 
 
 
 
  $2,495.1
 $60.3
 $
 $2,555.4
 147.7
 $152.3
 300.0
 $137.6
 $2,208.4
Interest expense         (61.7)        
Interest income         0.2
         
          $86.1
    $300.0
    
  Sales Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes 
Depreciation,
Amortization, and Depletion
 
EBITDA 
(c)
 Capital Expenditures (d) Assets
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Trade 
Related
Parties
 
Inter-
segment
 Total     
Packaging $906.2
 $40.1
 $3.5
 $949.7
 $105.0
(b)$50.5
 $155.5
(b)$49.2
 $957.3
Paper 1,426.5
 
 70.0
 1,496.5
 112.1
  89.5
 201.5
 74.2
 1,190.9
Corporate and Other 31.4
 
 36.9
 68.3
 (25.9)(b)3.7
 (22.1)(b)5.3
 138.0
Intersegment eliminations 
 
 (110.4) (110.4) 
 
 
 
 
  $2,364.0
 $40.1
 $
 $2,404.1
 191.2
 $143.8
 334.9
 $128.8
 $2,286.1
Loss on extinguishment of debt         (2.3)   (2.3)    
Interest expense         (63.8)        
Interest income         0.3
         
          $125.3
    $332.6
    

96

Predecessor 
   Sales  Income
(Loss)
Before
Taxes
  Depre-
ciation,
Amorti-
zation,
and
Depletion
   EBITDA (d)  Capital
Expendi-
tures
 
   Trade   Related
Parties
   Inter-
segment
  Total      

January 1 Through February 21, 2008

            

Paper

  $  154.4    $90.0    $9.1   $  253.5   $20.7   $0.3    $21.1   $5.0  

Packaging

   102.2     10.9     0.4    113.5    5.7    0.1     5.7    5.2  

Corporate and Other

   1.8     0.6     6.1    8.5    (3.2  0.1     (3.1    
                                    
   258.4     101.5     15.6    375.5    23.2    0.5     23.7    10.2  
                                    

Intersegment eliminations

             (15.6  (15.6                 

Interest income

                     0.2               
                                    
  $258.4    $101.5    $   $359.9   $23.4   $0.5    $23.7   $10.2  
                                    



  Sales Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes 
Depreciation,
Amortization, and Depletion
 
EBITDA 
(c)
 Capital Expenditures (d) Assets
Year Ended December 31, 2010 Trade 
Related
Parties
 
Inter-
segment
 Total     
Packaging $636.2
 $33.0
 $2.7
 $671.9
 $65.0
 $38.6
 $103.6
 $38.6
 $505.6
Paper 1,394.6
 
 63.8
 1,458.3
 151.5
 87.4
 238.9
 67.8
 1,187.9
Corporate and Other 27.4
 2.7
 35.3
 65.4
 (21.7)
4.0
 (17.7)
5.1
 245.4
Intersegment eliminations 
 
 (101.8) (101.8) 
 
 
 
 
  $2,058.1
 $35.6
 $
 $2,093.8
 194.9
 $129.9
 324.8
 $111.6
 $1,939.0
Loss on extinguishment of debt         (22.2)   (22.2)    
Interest expense         (64.8)        
Interest income         0.3
         
          $108.1
    $302.6
    
____________
(a)
Included $22.2$31.7 million of charges related primarily to ceasing paper production on our one remaining paper machine at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill.
(b)
Included $2.2 million of expense recorded in the Corporate and Other segment associated with the refinancing of our debt.

(b)Included $5.8 million of expense recorded in the Paper segment associated with the restructuring of the St. Helens, Oregon, mill.

Included $5.9 million of income related to the impact of energy hedges, of which $4.8 million was recorded in the Paper segment and $1.1 million was recorded in the Packaging segment.

Included $149.9 million of income recorded in the Paper segment, $61.6 million of income recorded in the Packaging segment, and $3.9 million of expenses recorded in the Corporate and Other segment relating to alternative fuel mixture credits. These amounts are net of fees and expenses and before taxes.

Included $44.1 million of expense recorded in the Corporate and Other segment associated with the restructuring of our debt for Boise Inc. or $66.8 million of expense recorded in the Corporate and Other segment associated with the restructuring of our debt for BZ Intermediate. The difference is due to the gain recognized by Boise Inc. related to the notes payable, which were held by Boise Inc.

(c)Included $37.6 million of expense recorded in the Paper segment associated with the restructuring of the St. Helens, Oregon, mill.

Included $7.4 million of expense related to the impact of energy hedges, of which $6.1 million was recorded in the Paper segment and $1.3 million was recorded in the Packaging segment.

Included $5.5 million of expense recorded in the Packaging segment related to lost production and costs incurred as a result of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Included $10.2 million related to inventory purchase accounting adjustments, of which $7.4 million was recorded in the Paper segment and $2.8 million was recorded in the Packaging segment.

Included $19.8 million of expense recorded in the Packaging segment related to the outage at the DeRidder, Louisiana, mill.inventory purchase price adjustments.

Included $3.1 million of transaction-related costs, of which $1.6 million was recorded in our Packaging segment and $1.5 million was recorded in our Corporate and Other segment. Transaction-related costs include expenses associated with transactions, whether consummated or not, and do not include integration costs.
Included a $2.9 million gain on changes in supplemental pension plans recorded in the Corporate and Other segment.

(d)(c)

EBITDA represents income (loss) before interest (interest expense and interest income, and change in fair value of interest rate derivatives)income), income tax provision, (benefit), and depreciation, amortization, and depletion. EBITDA is the primary measure used by our chief operating decision makersmaker to evaluate segment operating performance and to decide how to allocate resources to segments. We believe EBITDA is useful to investors because it provides a means to evaluate the operating performance of our segments and our company on an ongoing basis using criteria that are used by our internal decision makers and because it is frequently used by investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies with substantial financial leverage.companies. We believe EBITDA is a meaningful measure because it presents a transparent view of our recurring operating performance and allows management to readily view operating trends, perform analytical comparisons, and identify strategies to improve operating performance. For example, we believe that the inclusion of items such as taxes, interest expense, and interest income distorts management’smanagement's ability to assess and view the core operating trends in our segments. EBITDA, however, is not a measure of our liquidity or financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be considered as an alternative to

111


net income, (loss), income (loss) from operations, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. The use of EBITDA instead of net income (loss) or segment income (loss) has limitations as an analytical tool, including the inability to determine profitability; the exclusion of interest expense, interest income, change in fair value of interest rate derivatives, and associated significant cash requirements; and the exclusion of depreciation, amortization, and depletion, which represent significant and unavoidable operating costs, given the level of our indebtedness and the capital expenditures needed to maintain our businesses. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results. Our measures of EBITDA are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation.


The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA (dollars in millions):

   Boise Inc.     Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31     January 1
Through
February 22,
2008
 
  2010  2009  2008     
 

Net income (loss)

  $62.7   $153.8   $(45.5   $22.8  

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

       (0.6  0.5        

Interest expense

   64.8    83.3    91.2        

Interest income

   (0.3  (0.4  (2.2    (0.2

Income tax provision (benefit)

   45.4    28.0    (8.8    0.6  

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

   129.9    131.5    110.0      0.5  
                   

EBITDA

  $ 302.6   $ 395.7   $ 145.1     $23.7  
                   
   BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC     Predecessor 
   Year Ended December 31     January 1
Through
February 22,
2008
 
     2010      2009      2008       
 

Net income (loss)

  $63.6   $147.8   $(41.9   $22.8  

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

       (0.6  0.5        

Interest expense

   64.8    74.3    82.9        

Interest income

   (0.3  (0.4  (0.6    (0.2

Income tax provision (benefit)

   44.5    20.4    (5.8    0.6  

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

   129.9    131.5    110.0      0.5  
                   

EBITDA

  $302.6   $373.0   $145.1     $23.7  
                   

 Boise Inc. BZ Intermediate
 Year Ended December 31
 2012 2011 2010 2012 2011 2010
Net income$52.2
 $75.2
 $62.7
 $52.2
 $75.2
 $63.6
Interest expense61.7
 63.8
 64.8
 61.7
 63.8
 64.8
Interest income(0.2) (0.3) (0.3) (0.2) (0.3) (0.3)
Income tax provision34.0
 50.1
 45.4
 34.0
 50.1
 44.5
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion152.3
 143.8
 129.9
 152.3
 143.8
 129.9
EBITDA$300.0
 $332.6
 $302.6
 $300.0
 $332.6
 $302.6

(d)This figure represents "Expenditures for property and equipment" and excludes cash used for "Acquisition of businesses and facilities, net of cash acquired" as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


97

19.


18. Commitments, Guarantees, Indemnifications, and Legal Proceedings


Commitments

Commitments

We have financial commitments for lease payments and for the purchase of wood fiber and utilities. In addition, we have other financial obligations that we enter intoarise in the normalordinary course of our businessbusiness. These include long-term debt, lease payments,and derivative instruments (discussed in Note 8, Debt, Note 9, Financial Instruments, and Note 14, Leases) and obligations to purchase goods and services and(discussed below).


We are a party to make capital improvements to our facilities.

Oura number of long-term log and fiber supply agreements. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our total estimated obligation for log and fiber purchases under contracts with third parties was approximately$65.6 million and $75.5 million, respectively. The estimate is based on contract terms or first quarter 2013 pricing.Purchase prices under most of these agreements are discussed further in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, our lease commitments are discussed further in Note 7, Leases, and our long-term debtset quarterly or semiannually based on regional market prices. Except for deposits required pursuant to wood supply contracts, these obligations are discussed furthernot recorded in Note 11, Debt.

our consolidated financial statements until contract payment terms take effect. Under most of the log and fiber supply agreements, we have the right to cancel or reduce our commitments if our requirements decrease.


We enter into utility contracts for thehave financial obligations to purchase of electricity and natural gas. We also purchase these services under utility tariffs. The contractual and tariff arrangementsgas for our manufacturing locations. These obligations include multiple-year purchase commitments and minimum annual purchase requirements. At December 31, 20102012 and 2009,2011, we had approximately $27.2$27.4 million and $36.8$26.5 million, respectively, of utility purchase commitments. These payment obligationscommitments were valuedestimated at prices in effect on December 31, 20102012 or 2009,2011, respectively, or determined pursuant to contractual terms, if available. Because we consume the energy in the manufacture of our products, these obligations represent the face value of the contracts, not resale value.

112



Guarantees and Indemnifications

Guarantees

We provide guarantees, indemnifications, and other assurances to othersthird parties in the normal course of our business. See Note 11, Debt,These include tort indemnifications, environmental assurances, and representations and warranties in merger and acquisition agreements. At December 31, 2012, we are not aware of any material liabilities arising from any guarantee, indemnification, or financial assurance we have provided. If we determined such a liability was probable and subject to reasonable determination, we would accrue for a description of the guarantees, including the approximate terms of the guarantees, how the guarantees arose, the events or circumstancesit at that would require us to perform under the guarantees, and the maximum potential undiscounted amounts of future payments we could be required to make.

time.


Legal Proceedings


We are a party to routine proceedings that arise in the course of our business. Webusiness; however, we are not currently a party to any legal proceedings or environmental claims that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity, either individually or in the aggregate.



98

20.


19. Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited, dollars in millions, except per-share and stock price information)

   Boise Inc. 
   2010 
   First
Quarter (a)
  Second
Quarter
   Third
Quarter
   Fourth
Quarter
 

Net sales

  $494.1   $521.6    $554.1    $524.0  

Income from operations

   18.6    38.2     77.0     60.2  

Net income (loss)

   (12.7  13.3     35.9     26.2  

Net income (loss) per common share:

       

Basic

   (0.16  0.17     0.45     0.32  

Diluted

   (0.16  0.16     0.43     0.31  

Common stock dividends per share

                 0.40  

Common stock prices (f)

   6.13    7.40     7.36     8.10  

High

   4.60    4.91     4.96     6.40  

Low

       
   Boise Inc. 
   2009 
   First
Quarter (b)
  Second
Quarter (c)
   Third
Quarter (d)
   Fourth
Quarter (e)
 

Net sales

  $500.3   $479.4    $508.3    $490.3  

Income from operations

   21.4    96.6     93.5     94.2  

Net income (loss)

   (0.9  50.9     48.2     55.7  

Net income (loss) per common share:

       

Basic

   (0.01  0.65     0.61     0.70  

Diluted

   (0.01  0.60     0.57     0.66  

Common stock dividends per share

                   

Common stock prices (f)

       

High

   0.75    2.47     5.40     6.29  

Low

   0.24    0.51     1.41     4.71  

113


   BZ Intermediate Holdings 
   2010 
   First
Quarter (a)
  Second
Quarter
   Third
Quarter
   Fourth
Quarter
 

Net sales

  $494.1   $521.6    $554.1    $524.0  

Income from operations

   18.6    38.2     77.0     60.2  

Net income (loss)

   (11.8  13.3     36.0     26.1  
   BZ Intermediate Holdings 
   2009 
   First
Quarter (b)
  Second
Quarter (c)
   Third
Quarter (d)
   Fourth
Quarter (e)
 

Net sales

  $500.3   $479.4    $508.3    $490.3  

Income from operations

   21.4    96.6     93.5     94.2  

Net income

   1.4    54.2     50.2     42.1  

 2012
 
First
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter (a)
 
Fourth
Quarter (a)
Net sales$644.8
 $637.8
 $645.2
 $627.5
Income from operations49.7
 37.7
 21.3
 38.8
Net income21.3
 13.7
 3.6
 13.5
Net income per common share:       
Basic0.22
 0.14
 0.04
 0.14
Diluted0.21
 0.14
 0.04
 0.13
Common stock dividends per share0.48
 
 
 0.72
Common stock prices (d)       
High8.49
 8.21
 8.93
 9.06
Low7.25
 6.48
 6.86
 7.63
        
 2011
 
First
Quarter (b)
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter (c)
Net sales$568.8
 $603.1
 $631.7
 $600.4
Income from operations48.1
 34.4
 62.6
 45.9
Net income18.7
 11.9
 28.4
 16.3
Net income per common share:       
Basic0.23
 0.11
 0.25
 0.16
Diluted0.21
 0.11
 0.24
 0.15
Common stock dividends per share
 0.40
 
 
Common stock prices (d)       
High9.55
 9.82
 8.12
 7.12
Low8.10
 6.75
 4.42
 4.71
____________
(a)
Third quarter and fourth quarter 2012 included $31.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of charges related primarily to ceasing paper production on our one remaining paper machine at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill.
(b)
First quarter 20102011 included $3.3$2.2 million of expense related to the impact of energy hedges, $2.8 million of which was recorded in the Paper segment and $0.5 million in the Packaging segment.inventory purchase price accounting adjustments.

First
(c)
Fourth quarter 20102011 included $22.2$2.3 million of expense recorded in the Corporate and Other segment associated with the refinancing of our debt.entering into a new credit agreement.

Fourth quarter 2011 included $1.4 million of transaction-related costs that were recorded in our Packaging segment. Transaction-related costs include expenses associated with transactions, whether consummated or not, and do not include integration costs.
(b)First quarter 2009 included $3.6 million of expense recorded in the Paper segment associated with the restructuring of the St. Helens, Oregon, mill.

First quarter 2009 included $2.2 million of expense related to the impact of energy hedges, $1.8 million of which was recorded in the Paper segment and $0.4 million in the Packaging segment.

(c)Second quarter 2009 included $57.0 million of income recorded in the Paper segment, $19.9 million of income recorded in the Packaging segment, and $1.6 million of expenses recorded in the Corporate and Other segment relating to alternative fuel mixture credits. These amounts are net of fees and expenses and before taxes.

Second quarter 2009 included $1.1 million of expense recorded in the Paper segment associated with the restructuring of the St. Helens, Oregon, mill.

Second quarter 2009 included $3.5 million of income related to the impact of energy hedges, $2.8 million of which was recorded in the Paper segment and $0.7 million in the Packaging segment.

(d)Third quarter 2009 included $42.9 million of income recorded in the Paper segment, $19.4 million of income recorded in the Packaging segment, and $2.7 million of expenses recorded in the Corporate and Other segment relating to alternative fuel mixture credits. These amounts are net of fees and expenses and before taxes.

Third quarter 2009 included $1.4 million of expense recorded in the Paper segment associated with the restructuring of the St. Helens, Oregon, mill.

Third quarter 2009 included $3.6 million of income related to the impact of energy hedges, $2.9 million of which was recorded in the Paper segment and $0.7 million in the Packaging segment.

(e)Fourth quarter 2009 included $50.1 million of income recorded in the Paper segment, $22.2 million of income recorded in the Packaging segment, and $0.4 million of income recorded in the Corporate and Other segment relating to alternative fuel mixture credits. These amounts are net of fees and expenses and before taxes.

Fourth quarter 2009 included $44.1 million of loss on extinguishment of debt for Boise Inc., or $66.8 million of loss on extinguishment of debt for BZ Intermediate, as a result of the October 2009 debt restructuring. The difference is due to the gain recognized by Boise Inc. related to the notes payable, which were held by Boise Inc.

Fourth quarter 2009 included $1.0 million of income related to the impact of energy hedges, $0.9 million of which was recorded in the Paper segment and $0.1 million in the Packaging segment.

(f)Our common stock began trading on February 25, 2008,trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol BZ. Common stock prices are based on daily closing prices.

114


21.    Subsequent Events

On February 21, 2011, our wholly owned subsidiary, Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the Agreement) to purchase all of the outstanding stock of Tharco Packaging, Inc. (Tharco) for $200 million of cash consideration, subject to adjustments set forth in the Agreement. This acquisition, which closed on March 1, 2011, expands our presence in packaging markets; extends our geographical reach from the Pacific Northwest to California, Colorado, Arizona, and Georgia; and increases our containerboard integration to over 85% from approximately 70%. We obtained appropriate consents from our lenders to enable the acquisition under our Credit Facilities.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, Tharco had total revenue of $261 million and


The net sales, income from operations, of $18 million. The remaining disclosures required by GAAPand net income for business combinations have not been madeBZ Intermediate are substantially the same as the quarterly results for the Tharco acquisition because the initial accounting for the acquisition has not been completed.

Boise Inc. included above.


99

22.


20. Consolidating Guarantor and Nonguarantor Financial Information


Our 9% and 8% senior notes (Senior Notes) were issued by Boise Paper Holdings and co-issuers (Boise Co-Issuer Company and Boise Finance Company). The Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis byBZ Intermediate and each of its existing and, to the extent they become guarantors under the Credit Facilities, future subsidiaries (other than: (i) the co-issuers, Boise Paper Holdings Boise Co-Issuer Company, and Boise Finance Company;the co-issuers; (ii) Louisiana Timber Procurement Company, L.L.C.; and (iii) our foreign subsidiaries)subsidiaries, including those acquired as part of the Hexacomb Acquisition). Each of the co-issuers of the senior subordinated notes and each of the subsidiaries of BZ Intermediate that is a guarantor thereof is 100% owned, directly or indirectly by Boise Paper Holdings.

The following consolidating financial statements present the results of operations, comprehensive income, financial position, and cash flows of (i) BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC (parent); (ii) Boise Paper Holdings and co-issuers; (iii) guarantor subsidiaries; (iv) nonguarantor subsidiaries; and (v) eliminations to arrive at the information on a consolidated basis.

115

Other than these consolidated financial statements and footnotes for Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate, financial statements and other disclosures concerning the guarantors have not been presented. Management believes that such information is not material to investors and because the cancellation provisions of the guarantor subsidiaries guarantees are customary and do not permit a guarantor subsidiary to opt out of the obligation prior to or during the term of the debt. Under these cancellation provisions, each guarantor subsidiary is automatically released from its obligations as a guarantor upon the sale of the subsidiary or substantially all of its assets to a third party, the designation of the subsidiary as an unrestricted subsidiary for the purposes of the covenants included in the indentures, the release of the indebtedness under the indentures, or if the issuers exercise their legal defeasance option or discharge their obligations in accordance with the indentures.



100



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)

For the Year Ended December 31, 20102012

(dollars in thousands)

  BZ
Intermediate
Holdings LLC
(Parent)
  Co-issuers  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Sales

      

Trade

 $   $11,994   $2,039,308   $6,830   $   $2,058,132  

Intercompany

              110,619    (110,619    

Related parties

      2,364    333    32,948        35,645  
                        
      14,358    2,039,641    150,397    (110,619  2,093,777  
                        

Costs and expenses

      

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses

      14,039    1,580,221    150,398    (110,619  1,634,039  

Fiber costs from related parties

          25,259            25,259  

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

      3,454    126,472            129,926  

Selling and distribution expenses

          57,873    234        58,107  

General and administrative expenses

      21,949    30,324            52,273  

St. Helens mill restructuring

          180            180  

Other (income) expense, net

      225    69    (261      33  
                        
      39,667    1,820,398    150,371    (110,619  1,899,817  
                        

Income (loss) from operations

      (25,309  219,243    26        193,960  
                        

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

      871    19            890  

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

      (43              (43

Loss on extinguishment of debt

      (22,225              (22,225

Interest expense

      (64,782              (64,782

Interest expense — intercompany

      (212      (16  228      

Interest income

      299    7            306  

Interest income — intercompany

      16    212        (228    
                        
      (86,076  238    (16      (85,854
                        

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates

      (111,385  219,481    10        108,106  

Income tax (provision) benefit

      (43,187  (1,350  8        (44,529
                        

Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of affiliates

      (154,572  218,131    18        63,577  

Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates

  63,577    218,149            (281,726    
                        

Net income (loss)

 $63,577   $63,577   $218,131   $18   $(281,726 $63,577  
                        

116

 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Sales           
Trade$
 $14,956
 $2,431,516
 $48,620
 $
 $2,495,092
Intercompany
 
 5,213
 113,566
 (118,779) 
Related parties
 
 
 60,271
 
 60,271
 
 14,956
 2,436,729
 222,457
 (118,779) 2,555,363
            
Costs and expenses           
Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)
 13,817
 1,916,907
 192,099
 (118,779) 2,004,044
Fiber costs from related parties
 
 
 19,772
 
 19,772
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion
 2,978
 146,449
 2,879
 
 152,306
Selling and distribution expenses
 
 120,845
 982
 
 121,827
General and administrative expenses
 28,313
 45,971
 5,464
 
 79,748
St. Helens charges
 
 27,559
 
 
 27,559
Other (income) expense, net
 1,136
 1,049
 387
 
 2,572
 
 46,244
 2,258,780
 221,583
 (118,779) 2,407,828
            
Income (loss) from operations
 (31,288) 177,949
 874
 
 147,535
            
Foreign exchange gain
 145
 10
 24
 
 179
Interest expense
 (61,693) 
 (47) 
 (61,740)
Interest expense—intercompany
 (191) 
 (55) 246
 
Interest income
 48
 60
 52
 
 160
Interest income—intercompany
 55
 191
 
 (246) 
 
 (61,636) 261
 (26) 
 (61,401)
            
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates
 (92,924) 178,210
 848
 
 86,134
Income tax provision
 (32,431) (1,500) (53) 
 (33,984)
            
Income (loss) before equity in net income of affiliates
 (125,355) 176,710
 795
 
 52,150
Equity in net income of affiliates52,150
 177,505
 
 
 (229,655) 
Net income$52,150
 $52,150
 $176,710
 $795
 $(229,655) $52,150


101



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)

For the Year Ended December 31, 20092011

(dollars in thousands)

  BZ
Intermediate
Holdings LLC
(Parent)
  Co-issuers  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Sales

      

Trade

 $   $   $1,930,526   $4,884   $   $1,935,410  

Intercompany

          5    90,906    (90,911    

Related parties

      14,966    2,317    25,499        42,782  
                        
      14,966    1,932,848    121,289    (90,911  1,978,192  
                        

Costs and expenses

      

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses

      14,080    1,551,756    121,289    (90,911  1,596,214  

Fiber costs from related parties

          36,858            36,858  

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

      3,583    127,917            131,500  

Selling and distribution expenses

          55,318    206        55,524  

General and administrative expenses

      18,286    31,964            50,250  

St. Helens mill restructuring

          5,805            5,805  

Alternative fuel mixture credits, net

      3,933    (211,540          (207,607

Other (income) expense, net

      695    3,540    (230      4,005  
                        
      40,577    1,601,618    121,265    (90,911  1,672,549  
                        

Income (loss) from operations

      (25,611  331,230    24        305,643  
                        

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

      1,529    1,110            2,639  

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

      568                568  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

      (66,784              (66,784

Interest expense

      (74,263              (74,263

Interest expense — tercompany

      (171      (15  186      

Interest income

      364    3            367  

Interest income — intercompany

      15    171        (186    
                        
      (138,742  1,284    (15      (137,473
                        

Income (loss) before income taxes

      (164,353  332,514    9        168,170  

Income tax (provision) benefit

      (19,546  (810          (20,356
                        

Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of affiliates

      (183,899  331,704    9        147,814  

Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates

  147,814    331,713            (479,527    
                        

Net income (loss)

 $147,814   $147,814   $331,704   $9   $(479,527 $147,814  
                        

117

 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Sales           
Trade$
 $14,657
 $2,340,570
 $8,797
 $
 $2,364,024
Intercompany
 
 40
 100,536
 (100,576) 
Related parties
 
 
 40,057
 
 40,057
 
 14,657
 2,340,610
 149,390
 (100,576) 2,404,081
            
Costs and expenses           
Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)
 13,835
 1,837,170
 129,842
 (100,576) 1,880,271
Fiber costs from related parties
 
 
 18,763
 
 18,763
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion
 3,091
 140,563
 104
 
 143,758
Selling and distribution expenses
 
 107,302
 352
 
 107,654
General and administrative expenses
 25,452
 34,688
 447
 
 60,587
Other (income) expense, net
 1,600
 730
 (336) 
 1,994
 
 43,978
 2,120,453
 149,172
 (100,576) 2,213,027
            
Income (loss) from operations
 (29,321) 220,157
 218
 
 191,054
            
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
 (390) 453
 72
 
 135
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 (2,300) 
 
 
 (2,300)
Interest expense
 (63,814) 
 (6) 3
 (63,817)
Interest expense—intercompany
 (188) 
 (15) 203
 
Interest income
 260
 9
 
 
 269
Interest income—intercompany
 18
 188
 
 (206) 
 
 (66,414) 650
 51
 
 (65,713)
            
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates
 (95,735) 220,807
 269
 
 125,341
Income tax provision
 (48,372) (1,662) (97) 
 (50,131)
            
Income (loss) before equity in net income of affiliates
 (144,107) 219,145
 172
 
 75,210
Equity in net income of affiliates75,210
 219,317
 
 
 (294,527) 
Net income$75,210
 $75,210
 $219,145
 $172
 $(294,527) $75,210




102



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)

For the Year Ended December 31, 20082010

(dollars in thousands)

  BZ
Intermediate
Holdings LLC
(Parent)
  Co-issuers  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Sales

      

Trade

 $   $   $1,979,955   $10,252   $   $1,990,207  

Intercompany

          1    102,006    (102,007    

Related parties

      12,092    3,450    64,883        80,425  
                        
      12,092    1,983,406    177,141    (102,007  2,070,632  
                        

Costs and expenses

      

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses

      11,166    1,670,526    177,141    (102,007  1,756,826  

Fiber costs from related parties

          54,628            54,628  

Depreciation, amortization, and depletion

      2,707    107,281            109,988  

Selling and distribution expenses

          48,032    246        48,278  

General and administrative expenses

      18,450    15,868            34,318  

St. Helens mill restructuring

          29,780            29,780  

Other (income) expense, net

      (2,666  (36  (278      (2,980
                        
      29,657    1,926,079    177,109    (102,007  2,030,838  
                        

Income (loss) from operations

      (17,565  57,327    32        39,794  
                        

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

      (3,187  (1,509          (4,696

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

      (479              (479

Interest expense

      (82,945              (82,945

Interest expense — intercompany

      (136      (21  157      

Interest income

      611    6            617  

Interest income — intercompany

      21    136        (157    
                        
      (86,115  (1,367  (21      (87,503
                        

Income (loss) before income taxes

      (103,680  55,960    11        (47,709

Income tax (provision) benefit

      7,393    (1,542  (2      5,849  
                        

Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of affiliates

      (96,287  54,418    9        (41,860

Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates

  (41,860  54,427            (12,567    
                        

Net income (loss)

 $(41,860 $(41,860 $54,418   $9   $(12,567 $(41,860
                        

118

 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Sales           
Trade$
 $11,994
 $2,039,308
 $6,830
 $
 $2,058,132
Intercompany
 
 
 110,619
 (110,619) 
Related parties
 2,364
 333
 32,948
 
 35,645
 
 14,358
 2,039,641
 150,397
 (110,619) 2,093,777
            
Costs and expenses           
Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation)
 14,039
 1,605,480
 125,139
 (110,619) 1,634,039
Fiber costs from related parties
 
 

 25,259
 
 25,259
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion
 3,454
 126,472
 
 
 129,926
Selling and distribution expenses
 
 57,873
 234
 
 58,107
General and administrative expenses
 21,949
 30,324
 
 
 52,273
Other (income) expense, net
 225
 249
 (261) 
 213
 
 39,667
 1,820,398
 150,371
 (110,619) 1,899,817
            
Income (loss) from operations
 (25,309) 219,243
 26
 
 193,960
            
Foreign exchange gain
 871
 19
 
 
 890
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 (22,225) 
 
 
 (22,225)
Interest expense
 (64,825) 
 
 
 (64,825)
Interest expense—intercompany
 (212) 
 (16) 228
 
Interest income
 299
 7
 
 
 306
Interest income—intercompany
 16
 212
 
 (228) 
 
 (86,076) 238
 (16) 
 (85,854)
            
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates
 (111,385) 219,481
 10
 
 108,106
Income tax (provision) benefit
 (43,187) (1,350) 8
 
 (44,529)
            
Income (loss) before equity in net income of affiliates
 (154,572) 218,131
 18
 
 63,577
Equity in net income of affiliates63,577
 218,149
 
 
 (281,726) 
Net income$63,577
 $63,577
 $218,131
 $18
 $(281,726) $63,577

103



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidating Balance Sheets at Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 20102012

(dollars in thousands)

  BZ
Intermediate
Holdings LLC
(Parent)
  Co-issuers  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

ASSETS

      

Current

      

Cash and cash equivalents

 $   $166,410   $6   $417   $   $166,833  

Short-term investments

      10,621                10,621  

Receivables

      

Trade, less allowances

      1,004    187,502    82        188,588  

Intercompany

          2    1,634    (1,636    

Related parties

              1        1  

Other

      331    3,504    4        3,839  

Inventories

      15    261,456            261,471  

Deferred income taxes

      16,651        7        16,658  

Prepaid and other

      4,697    517            5,214  
                        
      199,729    452,987    2,145    (1,636  653,225  
                        

Property

      

Property and equipment, net

      5,952    1,193,083            1,199,035  

Fiber farms and deposits

          18,285            18,285  
                        
      5,952    1,211,368            1,217,320  
                        

Deferred financing costs

      30,396                30,396  

Intangible assets, net

          29,605            29,605  

Investments in affiliates

  655,332    1,479,253            (2,134,585    

Other assets

      5,175    3,269            8,444  
                        

Total assets

 $655,332   $  1,720,505   $  1,697,229   $2,145   $  (2,136,221 $  1,938,990  
                        

119


 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Net income$52,150
 $52,150
 $176,710
 $795
 $(229,655) $52,150
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax           
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 50
 
 50
Cash flow hedges:           
Change in fair value
 850
 
 
 
 850
Loss included in net income
 1,622
 
 
 
 1,622
Actuarial gain and prior service cost (including related amortization) for defined benefit pension plans
 18,033
 
 
 
 18,033
Other
 103
 
 
 
 103
Equity in other comprehensive income of affiliates20,658
 50
 
 
 (20,708) 
 20,658
 20,658
 
 50
 (20,708) 20,658
            
Comprehensive income$72,808
 $72,808
 $176,710
 $845
 $(250,363) $72,808



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidating Balance Sheets at Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 (continued)2011


(dollars in thousands)

  BZ
Intermediate
Holdings LLC
(Parent)
  Co-issuers  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL

  

     

Current

      

Current portion of long-term debt

 $   $43,750   $   $   $   $43,750  

Income taxes payable

      (818  898    2        82  

Accounts payable

      

Trade

      13,513    163,710    1,700        178,923  

Intercompany

      2    1,634        (1,636    

Related parties

              291        291  

Accrued liabilities

      

Compensation and benefits

      23,081    31,493            54,574  

Interest payable

      10,535                10,535  

Other

      5,336    10,645    142        16,123  
                        
      95,399    208,380    2,135    (1,636  304,278  
                        

Debt

      

Long-term debt, less current portion

      738,081                738,081  
                        

Other

      

Deferred income taxes

      78,959    492            79,451  

Compensation and benefits

      121,318                121,318  

Other long-term liabilities

      31,416    9,114            40,530  
                        
      231,693    9,606            241,299  
                        

Commitments and contingent liabilities

  

    

Capital

      

Business unit equity

  655,332    655,332    1,479,243    10    (2,134,585  655,332  
                        

Total liabilities and capital

 $655,332   $ 1,720,505   $ 1,697,229   $2,145   $  (2,136,221 $  1,938,990  
                        

120

 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Net income$75,210
 $75,210
 $219,145
 $172
 $(294,527) $75,210
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax           
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 (352) 
 (352)
Cash flow hedges:           
Change in fair value
 (4,165) 
 
 
 (4,165)
Loss included in net income
 463
 
 
 
 463
Actuarial loss and prior service cost (including related amortization) for defined benefit pension plans
 (39,149) 
 
 
 (39,149)
Other
 63
 
 
 
 63
Equity in other comprehensive loss of affiliates(43,140) (352) 
 
 43,492
 
 (43,140) (43,140) 
 (352) 43,492
 (43,140)
            
Comprehensive income (loss)$32,070
 $32,070
 $219,145
 $(180) $(251,035) $32,070


104



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidating Balance Sheets at Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 20092010

(dollars in thousands)

  BZ
Intermediate
Holdings LLC
(Parent)
  Co-issuers  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

ASSETS

      

Current

      

Cash and cash equivalents

 $   $69,071   $33   $289   $   $69,393  

Short-term investments

      10,023                10,023  

Receivables

      

Trade, less allowances

          185,087    23        185,110  

Intercompany

              1,254    (1,254    

Related parties

      1,626        430        2,056  

Other

      828    61,581    1        62,410  

Inventories

      18    252,155            252,173  

Prepaid and other

      4,049    770            4,819  
                        
      85,615    499,626    1,997    (1,254  585,984  
                        

Property

      

Property and equipment, net

      6,408    1,199,271            1,205,679  

Fiber farms and deposits

          17,094            17,094  
                        
      6,408    1,216,365            1,222,773  
                        

Deferred financing costs

      47,369                47,369  

Intangible assets, net

          32,358            32,358  

Investments in affiliates

  628,590    1,522,807            (2,151,397    

Other assets

      4,106    3,200            7,306  
                        

Total assets

 $628,590   $  1,666,305   $  1,751,549   $1,997   $  (2,152,651 $  1,895,790  
                        

121

 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Net income$63,577
 $63,577
 $218,131
 $18
 $(281,726) $63,577
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax           
Cash flow hedges:           
Loss included in net income
 553
 
 
 
 553
Actuarial loss and prior service cost (including related amortization) for defined benefit pension plans
 (7,744) 
 
 
 (7,744)
Other
 (78) 
 
 
 (78)
Equity in other comprehensive loss of affiliates(7,269) 
 
 
 7,269
 
 (7,269) (7,269) 
 
 7,269
 (7,269)
            
Comprehensive income$56,308
 $56,308
 $218,131
 $18
 $(274,457) $56,308


105



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidating Balance Sheets at December 31, 2009 (continued)2012

(dollars in thousands)

  BZ
Intermediate
Holdings LLC
(Parent)
  Co-issuers  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL

  

     

Current

      

Current portion of long-term debt

 $   $30,711   $   $   $   $30,711  

Income taxes payable

      (2,058  2,296    2        240  

Accounts payable

      

Trade

      11,983    158,795    1,740        172,518  

Intercompany

          1,254        (1,254    

Related parties

      17    2,445    136        2,598  

Accrued liabilities

      

Compensation and benefits

      23,789    44,159            67,948  

Interest payable

      4,946                4,946  

Other

      13,558    10,058    119        23,735  
                        
      82,946    219,007    1,997    (1,254  302,696  
                        

Debt

      

Long-term debt, less current portion

      785,216                785,216  
                        

Other

      

Deferred income taxes

      24,283    280            24,563  

Compensation and benefits

      123,889                123,889  

Other long-term liabilities

      21,381    9,455            30,836  
                        
      169,553    9,735            179,288  
                        

Commitments and contingent liabilities

  

    

Capital

      

Business unit equity

  628,590    628,590    1,522,807        (2,151,397  628,590  
                        

Total liabilities and capital

 $628,590   $  1,666,305   $  1,751,549   $1,997   $  (2,152,651 $  1,895,790  
                        

122

 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
ASSETS           
            
Current           
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $40,801
 $516
 $8,390
 $
 $49,707
Receivables           
Trade, less allowances
 1,458
 230,178
 8,823
 
 240,459
Intercompany
 2,234
 1,580
 2,670
 (6,484) 
Other
 2,880
 4,266
 1,121
 
 8,267
Inventories
 3
 291,065
 3,416
 
 294,484
Deferred income taxes
 17,955
 
 
 
 17,955
Prepaid and other
 6,952
 1,021
 855
 
 8,828
 
 72,283
 528,626
 25,275
 (6,484) 619,700
            
Property           
Property and equipment, net
 7,930
 1,203,384
 11,687
 
 1,223,001
Fiber farms
 
 24,311
 
 
 24,311
 
 7,930
 1,227,695
 11,687
 
 1,247,312
            
Deferred financing costs
 26,677
 
 
 
 26,677
Goodwill
 
 153,576
 6,554
 
 160,130
Intangible assets, net
 
 133,115
 14,449
 
 147,564
Investments in affiliates756,683
 1,778,531
 
 
 (2,535,214) 
Intercompany notes receivable
 3,400
 1,524
 
 (4,924) 
Other assets
 5,992
 902
 135
 
 7,029
Total assets$756,683
 $1,894,813
 $2,045,438
 $58,100
 $(2,546,622) $2,208,412

106



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidating Statements of Cash FlowsBalance Sheets at

For the Year Ended December 31, 20102012

(continued)

(dollars in thousands)

  BZ
Intermediate
Holdings LLC
(Parent)
  Co-issuers  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Cash provided by (used for) operations

      

Net income (loss)

 $63,577   $63,577   $218,131   $18   $(281,726 $63,577  

Items in net income (loss) not using (providing) cash

      

Equity in net (income) loss of affiliates

  (63,577  (218,149          281,726      

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of deferred financing costs and other

      11,023    126,472            137,495  

Share-based compensation expense

      3,733                3,733  

Pension and other postretirement benefit expense

      9,537                9,537  

Deferred income taxes

      37,677    213    (8      37,882  

Change in fair value of energy derivatives

          609            609  

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

      43                43  

(Gain) loss on sales of assets, net

      2    310            312  

Other

      (850  (19          (869

Loss on extinguishment of debt

      22,225                22,225  

Decrease (increase) in working capital

      

Receivables

      1,225    55,662    (12  380    57,255  

Inventories

      3    (17,123          (17,120

Prepaid expenses

      4,437    253            4,690  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

      6,760    (13,208  138    (380  (6,690

Current and deferred income taxes

      7,142    (1,398          5,744  

Pension and other postretirement benefit payments

      (25,637              (25,637

Other

      (606  (2,399          (3,005
                        

Cash provided by (used for) operations

      (77,858  367,503    136        289,781  
                        

Cash provided by (used for) investment

      

Expenditures for property and equipment

      (3,711  (107,908          (111,619

Purchases of short-term investments

      (25,336              (25,336

Maturities of short-term investments

      24,744                24,744  

Sales of assets

          717            717  

Other

      868    1,356            2,224  
                        

Cash provided by (used for) investment

      (3,435  (105,835          (109,270
                        

Cash provided by (used for) financing

      

Issuances of long-term debt

      300,000                300,000  

Payments of long-term debt

      (334,096              (334,096

Payments of deferred financing costs

      (12,003              (12,003

Payments (to) from Boise Inc., net

  (31,639                  (31,639

Due to (from) affiliates

  31,639    230,064    (261,695  (8        

Other

      (5,333              (5,333
                        

Cash provided by (used for) financing

      178,632    (261,695  (8      (83,071
                        

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

      97,339    (27  128        97,440  

Balance at beginning of the period

      69,071    33    289        69,393  
                        

Balance at end of the period

 $   $166,410   $6   $417   $   $166,833  
                        

123

 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL           
            
Current           
Current portion of long-term debt$
 $10,000
 $
 $
 $
 $10,000
Accounts payable           
Trade
 18,547
 160,152
 6,379
 
 185,078
Intercompany
 571
 2,090
 3,842
 (6,503) 
Accrued liabilities           
Compensation and benefits
 22,206
 47,605
 1,139
 
 70,950
Interest payable
 10,516
 
 
 
 10,516
Other
 3,773
 14,033
 2,703
 19
 20,528
 
 65,613
 223,880
 14,063
 (6,484) 297,072
            
Debt           
Long-term debt, less current portion
 770,000
 
 
 
 770,000
Intercompany notes payable
 
 
 4,924
 (4,924) 
 
 770,000
 
 4,924
 (4,924) 770,000
            
Other           
Deferred income taxes
 132,841
 53,497
 3,485
 
 189,823
Compensation and benefits
 121,606
 76
 
 
 121,682
Other long-term liabilities
 48,070
 24,932
 150
 
 73,152
 
 302,517
 78,505
 3,635
 
 384,657
            
Commitments and contingent liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
            
Capital           
Business unit equity857,987
 857,987
 1,743,053
 35,779
 (2,636,819) 857,987
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(101,304) (101,304) 
 (301) 101,605
 (101,304)
 756,683
 756,683
 1,743,053
 35,478
 (2,535,214) 756,683
            
Total liabilities and capital$756,683
 $1,894,813
 $2,045,438
 $58,100
 $(2,546,622) $2,208,412

107



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries

Consolidating Statements of Cash FlowsBalance Sheets at

For the Year Ended December 31, 20092011

(dollars in thousands)

  BZ
Intermediate
Holdings LLC
(Parent)
  Co-issuers  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Cash provided by (used for) operations

      

Net income (loss)

 $147,814   $147,814   $331,704   $9   $(479,527 $147,814  

Items in net income (loss) not using (providing) cash

      

Equity in net (income) loss of affiliates

  (147,814  (331,713          479,527      

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of deferred financing costs and other

      16,162    127,917            144,079  

Share-based compensation expense

      3,518                3,518  

Pension and other postretirement benefit expense

      7,376                7,376  

Deferred income taxes

      19,863    157            20,020  

Change in fair value of energy derivatives

          (5,877          (5,877

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

      (568              (568

(Gain) loss on sales of assets, net

      19    495            514  

Other

      (1,529  (1,110          (2,639

Loss on extinguishment of debt

      66,784                66,784  

Decrease (increase) in working capital, net of aquisitions

      

Receivables

      1,800    (24,744  978    463    (21,503

Inventories

      4    83,033            83,037  

Prepaid expenses

      (1,340  2,040    770        1,470  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

      13,723    13,435    (985  (463  25,710  

Current and deferred income taxes

      (395  (27          (422

Pension and other postretirement benefit payments

      (13,001              (13,001

Other

      754    (1,363          (609
                        

Cash provided by (used for) operations

      (70,729  525,660    772        455,703  
                        

Cash provided by (used for) investment

      

Acquisition of businesses and facilities

          (543          (543

Expenditures for property and equipment

      (2,789  (74,356          (77,145

Purchases of short-term investments

      (21,643              (21,643

Maturities of short-term investments

      11,615                11,615  

Sales of assets

      1    1,030            1,031  

Other

      1,357    811            2,168  
                        

Cash provided by (used for) investment

      (11,459  (73,058          (84,517
                        

Cash provided by (used for) financing

      

Issuances of long-term debt

      310,000                310,000  

Payments of long-term debt

      (531,523              (531,523

Extinguishment of debt

      (39,717              (39,717

Payments (to) from Boise Inc., net

  (49,915                  (49,915

Payments of deferred financing costs

      (13,156              (13,156

Due to (from) affiliates

  49,915    405,789    (452,576  (3,128        
                        

Cash provided by (used for) financing

      131,393    (452,576  (3,128      (324,311
                        

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

      49,205    26    (2,356      46,875  

Balance at beginning of the period

      19,866    7    2,645        22,518  
                        

Balance at end of the period

 $   $69,071   $33   $289   $   $69,393  
                        

124

 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
ASSETS           
            
Current           
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $82,532
 $9,737
 $4,727
 $
 $96,996
Receivables           
Trade, less allowances
 1,183
 220,621
 7,034
 
 228,838
Intercompany
 40
 21
 2,099
 (2,160) 
Other
 2,477
 5,064
 81
 
 7,622
Inventories
 3
 304,490
 2,812
 
 307,305
Deferred income taxes
 20,379
 
 
 
 20,379
Prepaid and other
 4,467
 2,588
 (111) 
 6,944
 
 111,081
 542,521
 16,642
 (2,160) 668,084
            
Property           
Property and equipment, net
 5,652
 1,217,520
 12,097
 
 1,235,269
Fiber farms
 
 21,193
 
 
 21,193
 
 5,652
 1,238,713
 12,097
 
 1,256,462
            
Deferred financing costs
 30,956
 
 
 
 30,956
Goodwill
 
 156,305
 5,386
 
 161,691
Intangible assets, net
 
 143,986
 15,134
 
 159,120
Investments in affiliates803,344
 1,817,537
 
 
 (2,620,881) 
Intercompany notes receivable
 3,400
 
 
 (3,400) 
Other assets
 5,805
 3,948
 4
 
 9,757
Total assets$803,344
 $1,974,431
 $2,085,473
 $49,263
 $(2,626,441) $2,286,070

108



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries
Consolidating Balance Sheets at

December 31, 2011 (continued)

(dollars in thousands)
 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL           
            
Current           
Current portion of long-term debt$
 $10,000
 $
 $
 $
 $10,000
Accounts payable           
Trade
 19,566
 176,575
 6,443
 
 202,584
Intercompany
 
 2,119
 1
 (2,120) 
Accrued liabilities           
Compensation and benefits
 24,581
 39,457
 869
 
 64,907
Interest payable
 10,528
 
 
 
 10,528
Other
 8,626
 13,769
 185
 (40) 22,540
 
 73,301
 231,920
 7,498
 (2,160) 310,559
            
Debt           
Long-term debt, less current portion
 790,000
 
 
 
 790,000
Intercompany notes payable
 
 
 3,400
 (3,400) 
 
 790,000
 
 3,400
 (3,400) 790,000
            
Other           
Deferred income taxes
 94,822
 53,365
 4,525
 
 152,712
Compensation and benefits
 172,305
 89
 
 
 172,394
Other long-term liabilities
 40,659
 16,261
 141
 
 57,061
 
 307,786
 69,715
 4,666
 
 382,167
            
Commitments and contingent liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
            
Capital           
Business unit equity925,306
 925,306
 1,783,838
 34,051
 (2,743,195) 925,306
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(121,962) (121,962) 
 (352) 122,314
 (121,962)
 803,344
 803,344
 1,783,838
 33,699
 (2,620,881) 803,344
            
Total liabilities and capital$803,344
 $1,974,431
 $2,085,473
 $49,263
 $(2,626,441) $2,286,070

109



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended December 31, 20082012

(dollars in thousands)

  BZ
Intermediate
Holdings LLC
(Parent)
  Co-issuers  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Cash provided by (used for) operations

      

Net income (loss)

 $(41,860 $(41,860 $54,418   $9   $(12,567 $(41,860

Items in net income (loss) not using (providing) cash

      

Equity in net (income) loss of affiliates

  41,860    (54,427          12,567      

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of deferred financing costs and other

      12,652    107,281            119,933  

Share-based compensation expense

      3,096                3,096  

Pension and other postretirement benefit expense

      8,388                8,388  

Deferred income taxes

      (6,289  (150          (6,439

Change in fair value of energy derivatives

          7,445            7,445  

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives

      479                479  

St. Helens mill restructuring

          35,998            35,998  

Other

      3,187    1,509            4,696  

Decrease (increase) in working capital, net of aquisitions

      

Receivables

      6,201    20,991    (2,686  790    25,296  

Inventories

      (2  (28,948          (28,950

Prepaid expenses

      8    (346  (765      (1,103

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

      8,958    (27,933  2,980    (790  (16,785

Current and deferred income taxes

      (1,409  1,629    2        222  

Pension and other postretirement benefit payments

      (636              (636

Other

      (426  (1,422          (1,848
                        

Cash provided by (used for) operations

      (62,080  170,472    (460      107,932  
                        

Cash provided by (used for) investment

      

Acquisition of businesses and facilities

      100,152    (1,316,606  (5      (1,216,459

Expenditures for property and equipment

      (4,200  (86,397          (90,597

Sales of assets

          394            394  

Other

      (3,099  (2,604          (5,703
                        

Cash provided by (used for) investment

      92,853    (1,405,213  (5      (1,312,365
                        

Cash provided by (used for) financing

      

Issuances of long-term debt

      1,125,700                1,125,700  

Payments of long-term debt

      (88,250              (88,250

Payments (to) from Boise Inc., net

  271,399                    271,399  

Payments of deferred financing costs

      (81,898              (81,898

Due to (from) affiliates

  (271,399  (966,459  1,234,748    3,110          
                        

Cash provided by (used for) financing

      (10,907  1,234,748    3,110        1,226,951  
                        

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

      19,866    7    2,645        22,518  

Balance at beginning of the period

                        
                        

Balance at end of the period

 $   $19,866   $7   $2,645   $   $22,518  
                        

125

 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Cash provided by (used for) operations           
Net income$52,150
 $52,150
 $176,710
 $795
 $(229,655) $52,150
Items in net income not using
(providing) cash
           
Equity in net income of affiliates(52,150) (177,505) 
 
 229,655
 
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of deferred financing costs and other
 7,712
 146,449
 2,879
 
 157,040
Share-based compensation expense
 5,983
 
 
 
 5,983
Pension expense
 10,219
 1,060
 
 
 11,279
Deferred income taxes
 33,581
 108
 (5) 
 33,684
St. Helens charges
 
 28,481
 
 
 28,481
Other
 224
 1,640
 4
 
 1,868
Decrease (increase) in working capital           
Receivables
 (1,973) (9,297) (2,857) 4,324
 (9,803)
Inventories
 
 8,896
 (760) 
 8,136
Prepaid expenses
 (1,966) 1,567
 (415) 
 (814)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 (3,579) (11,964) 3,362
 (4,324) (16,505)
Current and deferred income taxes
 (1,650) 
 (288) 
 (1,938)
Pension payments
 (35,205) 
 
 
 (35,205)
Other
 3,510
 (4,368) 1,532
 
 674
Cash provided by (used for) operations
 (108,499) 339,282
 4,247
 
 235,030
Cash provided by (used for) investment           
Expenditures for property and equipment
 (4,677) (132,190) (775) 
 (137,642)
Other
 146
 1,182
 65
 
 1,393
Cash used for investment
 (4,531) (131,008) (710) 
 (136,249)
Cash provided by (used for) financing           
Issuances of long-term debt
 5,000
 
 
 
 5,000
Payments of long-term debt
 (25,000) 
 
 
 (25,000)
Payments of financing costs
 (188) 
 
 
 (188)
Payments (to) from Boise Inc., net(124,824) 
 
 
 
 (124,824)
Due to (from) affiliates124,824
 91,737
 (217,495) 934
 
 
Other
 (250) 
 (808) 
 (1,058)
Cash provided by (used for) financing
 71,299
 (217,495) 126
 
 (146,070)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 (41,731) (9,221) 3,663
 
 (47,289)
Balance at beginning of the period
 82,532
 9,737
 4,727
 
 96,996
Balance at end of the period$
 $40,801
 $516
 $8,390
 $
 $49,707

110



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)
 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Cash provided by (used for) operations           
Net income$75,210
 $75,210
 $219,145
 $172
 $(294,527) $75,210
Items in net income not using
(providing) cash
           
Equity in net income of affiliates(75,210) (219,317) 
 
 294,527
 
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of deferred financing costs and other
 9,048
 140,563
 104
 
 149,715
Share-based compensation expense
 3,695
 
 
 
 3,695
Pension expense
 10,916
 
 
 
 10,916
Deferred income taxes
 43,904
 542
 
 
 44,446
Other
 408
 1,542
 (72) 
 1,878
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 2,300
 
 
 
 2,300
Decrease (increase) in working capital, net of acquisitions           
Receivables
 (884) 3,471
 (1,487) 524
 1,624
Inventories
 12
 (22,346) 97
 
 (22,237)
Prepaid expenses
 233
 (437) (71) 
 (275)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 6,724
 (3,744) 1,347
 (524) 3,803
Current and deferred income taxes
 2,920
 1,250
 317
 
 4,487
Pension payments
 (25,414) 
 
 
 (25,414)
Other
 (3,660) 281
 3,422
 
 43
Cash provided by (used for) operations
 (93,905) 340,267
 3,829
 
 250,191
Cash provided by (used for) investment           
Acquisitions of business and facilities, net of cash acquired
 
 (292,600) (33,623) 
 (326,223)
Expenditures for property and equipment
 (3,633) (125,129) 
 
 (128,762)
Purchases of short-term investments
 (3,494) 
 
 
 (3,494)
Maturities of short-term investments
 14,114
 
 
 
 14,114
Other
 (390) 1,743
 (305) 
 1,048
Cash provided by (used for) investment
 6,597
 (415,986) (33,928) 
 (443,317)
Cash provided by (used for) financing           
Issuances of long-term debt
 275,000
 
 
 
 275,000
Payments of long-term debt
 (256,831) 
 
 
 (256,831)
Payments of financing costs
 (8,613) 
 
 
 (8,613)
Payments (to) from Boise Inc., net115,196
 
 
 
 
 115,196
Due to (from) affiliates(115,196) (3,771) 85,450
 33,517
 
 
Other
 (2,355) 
 892
 
 (1,463)
Cash provided by financing
 3,430
 85,450
 34,409
 
 123,289
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 (83,878) 9,731
 4,310
 
 (69,837)
Balance at beginning of the period
 166,410
 6
 417
 
 166,833
Balance at end of the period$
 $82,532
 $9,737
 $4,727
 $
 $96,996

111



BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and Subsidiaries
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2010
(dollars in thousands)
 
BZ
Intermediate
Holdings
LLC
(Parent)
 Boise Paper Holdings and Co-issuers 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Cash provided by (used for) operations           
Net income$63,577
 $63,577
 $218,131
 $18
 $(281,726) $63,577
Items in net income not using
(providing) cash
           
Equity in net income of affiliates(63,577) (218,149) 
 
 281,726
 
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of deferred financing costs and other
 11,023
 126,472
 
 
 137,495
Share-based compensation expense
 3,733
 
 
 
 3,733
Pension expense
 9,241
 
 
 
 9,241
Deferred income taxes
 37,677
 213
 (8) 
 37,882
Other
 (805) 900
 
 
 95
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 22,225
 
 
 
 22,225
Decrease (increase) in working capital           
Receivables
 1,225
 55,662
 (12) 380
 57,255
Inventories
 3
 (17,123) 
 
 (17,120)
Prepaid expenses
 4,437
 253
 
 
 4,690
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 6,760
 (13,208) 138
 (380) (6,690)
Current and deferred income taxes
 7,142
 (1,398) 
 
 5,744
Pension payments
 (25,174) 
 
 
 (25,174)
Other
 (773) (2,399) 
 
 (3,172)
Cash provided by (used for) operations
 (77,858) 367,503
 136
 
 289,781
Cash provided by (used for) investment           
Acquisitions of businesses and facilities
 
 
 
 
 
Expenditures for property and equipment
 (3,711) (107,908) 
 
 (111,619)
Purchases of short-term investments
 (25,336) 
 
 
 (25,336)
Maturities of short-term investments
 24,744
 
 
 
 24,744
Other
 868
 2,073
 
 
 2,941
Cash used for investment
 (3,435) (105,835) 
 
 (109,270)
Cash provided by (used for) financing           
Issuances of long-term debt
 300,000
 
 
 
 300,000
Payments of long-term debt
 (334,096) 
 
 
 (334,096)
Payments of financing costs
 (12,003) 
 
 
 (12,003)
Payments (to) from Boise Inc., net(31,639) 
 
 
 
 (31,639)
Due to (from) affiliates31,639
 230,064
 (261,695) (8) 
 
Other
 (5,333) 
 
 
 (5,333)
Cash provided by (used for) financing
 178,632
 (261,695) (8) 
 (83,071)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 97,339
 (27) 128
 
 97,440
Balance at beginning of the period
 69,071
 33
 289
 
 69,393
Balance at end of the period$
 $166,410
 $6
 $417
 $
 $166,833


112



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Boise Inc.:


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Boise Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 20102012 and 2009,2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, (loss), stockholders’comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-yearthree‑year period ended December 31, 2010.2012. We also have audited Boise Inc.’s.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010,2012, based on criteria established inInternal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Boise Inc.’s's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanyingManagement’s Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting based on our 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 consolidated 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’scompany'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’scompany's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’scompany'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.

126


In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Boise Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20102012 and 2009,2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010,2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, Boise Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010,2012, based on criteria established inInternal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.




/s/ KPMG LLP


Boise, Idaho

March 2, 2011

127

February 26, 2013

113



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


The Board of Directors

of

Boise Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and subsidiaries (formerly known as Aldabra Holding Sub LLC)(the Company) as of December 31, 20102012 and 2009,2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, (loss),comprehensive income, capital, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and for the period from January 18, 2008 (inception) through December 31, 2008.2012. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’sCompany's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our 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 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20102012 and 2009,2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and for the period from January 18, 2008 (inception) through December 31, 2008,2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.




/s/ KPMG LLP


Boise, Idaho

March 2, 2011

128

February 26, 2013

114

Independent Auditors’ Report

The Board of Directors

of Boise Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the period from January 1, 2008 through February 21, 2008, of Boise Paper Products and subsidiaries. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes 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, 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of Boise Paper Products and subsidiaries operations and their cash flows for the period from January 1, 2008 through February 21, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Boise, Idaho

February 23, 2009

129




ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE


We have had no disagreements with our independent accountants regarding accounting or financial disclosure matters.


ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


We have attached the certifications of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer with this Form 10-K. Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, require that we include these certifications with this report. This section includes information concerning the disclosure controls and procedures referred to in the certifications and ourin management's report on internal control over financial reporting. You should read this section in conjunction with the certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.


Introduction


We maintain “disclosure"disclosure controls and procedures," as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) defines such term. We have designed these controls and procedures to reasonably assure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Form 10-K,10‑K, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the periods specified in the SEC’sSEC's rules and forms. We have also designed our disclosure controls to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our senior management, including the chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financial officer (CFO), as appropriate, to allow them to make timely decisions regarding our required disclosures.


We also maintain “internal"internal control over financial reporting." The SEC defines such internal control as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, a public company’scompany's CEO and CFO, and effected by the company’scompany's board of directors, management, and other personnel, 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, or U.S. GAAP. This control includes policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactiontransactions and disposition of our assets, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on theour financial statements.


Limitation on the Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures


Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and/or internal controls will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that we have detected all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our Company. Further, the design of any control system is based in part upon assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of this inherent limitation in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected even when effective disclosure controls and internal controls are in place.

130



Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


Our management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.10‑K. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in meeting the objectives for which they were designed and were operating at a reasonable assurance level.



115



Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We had


There have been no changes toin our internal controlscontrol over financial reporting or other factors during the quarter and year and quarter ended December 31, 2010,2012, that have materially affected, materially, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, materially, our internal controls.

Management’scontrol over financial reporting.


Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management’s


Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is located on the following page of this Form 10-K,10‑K, and KPMG LLP’sLLP's Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on internal control over financial reporting is located in “Part"Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”Data" of this Form 10-K.

131

10‑K.


116

Management’s




Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


The management of Boise Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.


Management assessed our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.2012. Management based its assessment on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).


Based upon this assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010.

2012.


The effectiveness of the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010,2012, has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report, which is included herein.

132


117



ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION

None.

133


PART III

ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION


None.

118



PART III

Part III of this Form 10-K incorporates portions of the Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Shareholders' meeting. We will file our definitive proxy statement with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2012.

ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


Information concerning our directors is incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the section of our definitive proxy statementProxy Statement entitled “Proposals"Proposals to Be Voted on,On, Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors.” We will file our definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) no later than 120 days after December 31, 2010.

"


Information concerning our executive officers is set forth in “Part"Part I, Item 1. Business”Business" of this Form 10-K under the caption “Executive"Executive Officers of the Registrant.

"


Information concerning family relationships between our directors or executive officers is incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the section of our definitive proxy statementProxy Statement entitled “Transactions With Related Persons, Promoters, and Certain Control Persons.” We will file our definitive proxy statement with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2010.

"Corporate Governance —Related-Person Transactions."


Information concerning compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act and our corporate governance is incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the sections of our definitive proxy statementProxy Statement entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”"Stock Ownership" and “Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters.” We will file our definitive proxy statement with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2010.

"Corporate Governance."


Our board of directors adopted a Code of Ethics that applies not only to our directors but also to all of our employees, including our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and principal accounting officer. A copy of our Code of Ethics is available, free of charge, by visiting our website at www.boiseinc.com and selectingInvestorsAbout Boise Inc.,Corporate Governance, and thenCode of Ethics.

If we amend or grant a waiver of one or more of the provisions of our Code of Ethics, we intend to disclose the amendment or waiver by posting the required information on our website within four business days following such amendment or waiver. No waivers of our Code of Ethics have been granted to date.


Information concerning material changes to the procedures by which our securityholders may recommend nominees to our board of directors is incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the section of our definitive proxy statementProxy Statement entitled “Solicitation of Proxies"Information About Our Annual Shareholders' Meeting and Voting.” We will file our definitive proxy statement with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2010.

"


Mr. Berger, our Audit Committee chair, is a financial expert as that term is defined in Regulation S-K, Item 407(d)(5). Further information concerning our Audit Committee is incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the sections of our definitive proxy statementProxy Statement entitled “Corporate Governance Principles"Board Structure" and Board Matters” and “Audit"Audit Committee Matters.” We will file our definitive proxy statement with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2010.

134


Report."

ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


Information concerning compensation of our executive officers and directors is incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the sections of our definitive proxy statementProxy Statement entitled “Executive Compensation”"Executive Compensation" and “Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters.” We will file our definitive proxy statement with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2010.

"Board Compensation."

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

A description of


Information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and equity compensation plan information areis incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the sections of our definitive proxy statementProxy Statement entitled “Security Ownership”"Stock Ownership" and “Executive Compensation.” We will file our definitive proxy statement with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2010.

"Equity Compensation Plan Information."

119




ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

A description of


Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the section of our definitive proxy statementProxy Statement entitled “Transactions With Related Persons, Promoters, and Certain Control Persons.” We will file our definitive proxy statement with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2010.

"Corporate Governance — Related-Person Transactions."

ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES


Information with respect toconcerning fees paid to, and services rendered by, our principal accountant and our policies and procedures for preapproving those services is incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the section of our definitive proxy statementProxy Statement entitled “Audit"Audit Committee Matters.” We will file our definitive proxy statement with the SEC no later than Report."


120 days after December 31, 2010.

135




PART IV

PART IV

ITEM 15.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)The following documents are filed as a part of this Form 10-K:

(1)Consolidated Financial Statements

The Consolidated Financial Statements, the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms are presented in “Part"Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”Data" of this Form 10-K.

Boise Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.
Boise Inc. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.
Boise Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20102012 and 2009.

2011.

Boise Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, and the Predecessor Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) for the period of January 1 through February 21, 2008.

Boise Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009,2012, 2011, and 2008, and the Predecessor Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period of January 1 through February 21, 2008.

2010.

Boise Inc. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009,2012, 2011, and 2008.

2010.

BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.
BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.
BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20102012 and 2009.

2011.

BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, and the Predecessor Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) for the period of January 1 through February 21, 2008.

BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009,2012, 2011, and 2008, and the Predecessor Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period of January 1 through February 21, 2008.

2010.

BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC Consolidated Statements of Capital for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009,2012, 2011, and 2008.

2010.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Firm — KPMG LLP.

Independent Auditors’ Report—KPMG LLP.

Management’sManagement's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

(2)Financial Statement Schedules

All financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable, not required, or shown in the consolidated financial statements and notes in “Part"Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”Data" of this Form 10-K.

(3)Exhibits

A list of the exhibits required to be filed or furnished as part of this reportForm 10-K is set forth in the Index to Exhibits and is incorporated by reference.

(b)See Index to Exhibits.

136




121



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

BOISE INC. BZ INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS LLC

/s/    Samuel K. Cotterell

B
ERNADETTE M. MADARIETA
 

/s/    Samuel K. Cotterell

B
ERNADETTE M. MADARIETA

Samuel K. Cotterell

Senior Bernadette M. Madarieta

Bernadette M. Madarieta
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

(As Duly Authorized Officer and Chief
Accounting Officer)

Controller
 

Samuel K. Cotterell

Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Controller

(As Duly Authorized Officer and Chief Accounting Officer)

(As Duly Authorized Officer and Chief Accounting Officer)

Dated: March 2, 2011

Date: February 26, 2013
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on March 2, 2011,February 26, 2013, by the following persons on behalf of the registrants and in the capacities indicated.

  

Signature

Capacity
   

Capacity

(i)

 Principal Executive Officer: 
 
 /s/ Alexander ToeldteALEXANDER TOELDTE Chief Executive Officer
________________________________
 Alexander Toeldte 
 

(ii)

 
(ii)Principal Financial Officer: 
 
 /s/ SamuelSAMUEL K. CotterellCOTTERELL Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
________________________________
 Samuel K. Cotterell 
 

(iii)

 
(iii)Principal Accounting Officer: 
 
 /s/    Samuel K. CotterellBERNADETTE M. MADARIETA Senior Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerController
 Samuel K. Cotterell________________________________ 
 

(iv)

Bernadette M. Madarieta
 Directors:
  
(iv)Directors:
 /s/ CarlCARL A. AlbertALBERT /s/ HeinrichHEINRICH R. LenzLENZ
________________________________________________________________
 Carl A. Albert Heinrich R. Lenz
 /s/ JonathanJONATHAN W. BergerBERGER /s/ Alexander ToeldteALEXANDER TOELDTE
________________________________________________________________
 Jonathan W. Berger Alexander Toeldte
 /s/ Jack GoldmanJACK GOLDMAN /s/ JasonJASON G. WeissWEISS
________________________________________________________________
 Jack Goldman Jason G. Weiss
 /s/ Nathan D. Leight 
Nathan D. Leight

137



122



BOISE INC.

BZ INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS LLC
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Filed or Furnished With the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2010.

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

 Incorporated by Reference Filed
Herewith
 
               Form              Exhibit
Number
 Filing
    Date    
 
2.1  Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 7, 2007, between Boise Cascade, L.L.C., Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise White Paper, L.L.C., Boise Packaging & Newsprint, L.L.C., Boise Cascade Transportation Holdings Corp., Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp., and Aldabra Sub LLC DEFM14A  1/23/08 
2.2  Amendment No. 1 to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 18, 2007, between Boise Cascade, L.L.C., Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise White Paper, L.L.C., Boise Packaging & Newsprint, L.L.C., Boise Cascade Transportation Holdings Corp., Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp., and Aldabra Sub LLC DEFM14A  1/23/08 
2.3  Amendment No. 2 to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated February 22, 2008, between Boise Cascade, L.L.C., Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise White Paper, L.L.C., Boise Packaging & Newsprint, L.L.C., Boise Cascade Transportation Holdings Corp., Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp., and Aldabra Sub LLC 8-K 10.2 2/28/08 
3.1  Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Boise Inc. 8-K 3.1 2/28/08 
3.2  Bylaws of Boise Inc., amended and restated effective as of July 11, 2008 8-K 3.1 7/14/08 
3.3  Certificate of Formation of Aldabra Holding Sub LLC (now BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC) and amendment S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.3 5/18/10 
3.4  Limited Liability Company Agreement of Aldabra Holding Sub LLC (now BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC) effective as of February 12, 2008, and amendment S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.4 5/18/10 
3.5  Certificate of Formation of Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., and amendment S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.5 5/18/10 
3.6  Limited Liability Company Agreement of Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., effective February 22, 2008, and amendment S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.6 5/18/10 
3.7  Certificate of Incorporation of Boise Finance Company S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.7 5/18/10 
3.8  Bylaws of Boise Finance Company S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.8 5/18/10 

138

2012.

Exhibit
Number
 Exhibit Description  Incorporated by Reference  
Filed or Furnished
Herewith
   Form  
Exhibit
Number
  
Filing
Date
  
      
2.1 
Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 7, 2007, between Boise Cascade, L.L.C., Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise White Paper, L.L.C., Boise Packaging & Newsprint, L.L.C., Boise Cascade Transportation Holdings Corp., Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp., and Aldabra Sub LLC

 DEFM14A   1/23/2008  
      
2.2 Amendment No. 1 to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 18, 2007, between Boise Cascade, L.L.C., Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise White Paper, L.L.C., Boise Packaging & Newsprint, L.L.C., Boise Cascade Transportation Holdings Corp., Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp., and Aldabra Sub LLC DEFM14A   1/23/2008  
      
2.3 Amendment No. 2 to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated February 22, 2008, between Boise Cascade, L.L.C., Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise White Paper, L.L.C., Boise Packaging & Newsprint, L.L.C., Boise Cascade Transportation Holdings Corp., Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp., and Aldabra Sub LLC 8-K 10.2 2/28/2008  
           
2.4 Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 21, 2011, among Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., the Sellers party thereto, Tricor (Tharco) Equity Holdings, Inc., as the Seller Representative, and Tharco Packaging, Inc. 10-Q 2 5/2/2011  
      
2.5 Purchase Agreement dated October 2, 2011, between Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., and Pregis Corporation (For the purchase of Pregis Corporation's Hexacomb protective packaging business) 10-K 2.5 2/28/2012  
      
3.1 Boise Inc. - Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation 8-K 3.1 2/28/2008  
      
3.2 Boise Inc. - Bylaws, amended and restated effective as of July 11, 2008 8-K 3.1 7/14/2008  
           
3.3 BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC (formerly Aldabra Holding Sub LLC) - Certificate of Formation and amendment 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.3 5/18/2010  
           
3.4 BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC (formerly Aldabra Holding Sub LLC) - Limited Liability Company Agreement effective as of February 12, 2008, and amendment 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.4 5/18/2010  
           
3.5 Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C. - Certificate of Formation and amendment 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.5 5/18/2010  
           
3.6 Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C. - Limited Liability Company Agreement effective February 22, 2008, and amendment 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.6 5/18/2010  
           
3.7 Boise Finance Company - Certificate of Incorporation 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.7 5/18/2010  
           
3.8 Boise Finance Company - Bylaws 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.8 5/18/2010  
           
3.9 Boise Co-Issuer Company - Certificate of Incorporation 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.9 5/18/2010  
           
3.10 Boise Co-Issuer Company - Bylaws 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.10 5/18/2010  
           
3.11 Boise Packaging & Newsprint, L.L.C. - Certificate of Formation and amendment 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.11 5/18/2010  

123

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

 Incorporated by Reference Filed
Herewith
 
               Form              Exhibit
Number
 Filing
    Date    
 
3.9  Certificate of Incorporation of Boise Co-Issuer Company S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.9 5/18/10 
3.10  Bylaws of Boise Co-Issuer Company S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.10 5/18/10 
3.11  Certificate of Formation of Boise Packaging & Newsprint, L.L.C., and amendment S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.11 5/18/10 
3.12  Operating Agreement of Boise Packaging & Newsprint, L.L.C., effective as of September 20, 2004, and amendment S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.12 5/18/10 
3.13  Certificate of Formation of Boise White Paper, L.L.C., and amendment S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.13 5/18/10 
3.14  Operating Agreement of Boise White Paper, L.L.C., effective as of September 20, 2004, and amendment S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.14 5/18/10 
3.15  Certificate of Incorporation of Birch Creek Funding Corporation (now Boise White Paper Sales Corp.) and amendment S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.15 5/18/10 
3.16  Bylaws of Boise White Paper Sales Corp. S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.16 5/18/10 
3.17  Certificate of Incorporation of Boise Cascade Transportation, Inc. (now Boise White Paper Holdings Corp.) and amendments S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.17 5/18/10 
3.18  Bylaws of Boise White Paper Holdings Corp. S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.18 5/18/10 
3.19  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of International Falls Power Company and amendment S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.19 5/18/10 
3.20  Amended and Restated Bylaws of International Falls Power Company S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.20 5/18/10 
3.21  Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Minnesota, Dakota & Western Railway Company S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.21 5/18/10 
3.22  Amended and Restated Bylaws of Minnesota, Dakota & Western Railway Company S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.22 5/18/10 
3.23  Certificate of Incorporation of Bemis Corporation S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

 3.23 5/18/10 

139



           
3.12 Boise Packaging & Newsprint, L.L.C. - Operating Agreement effective as of September 20, 2004, and amendment 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.12 5/18/2010  
           
3.13 Boise White Paper, L.L.C. - Certificate of Formation and amendment 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.13 5/18/2010  
           
3.14 Boise White Paper, L.L.C. - Operating Agreement effective as of September 20, 2004, and amendment 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.14 5/18/2010  
           
3.15 Boise White Paper Sales Corp. (formerly Birch Creek Funding Corporation) - Certificate of Incorporation and amendment 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.15 5/18/2010  
           
3.16 Boise White Paper Sales Corp. - Bylaws 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.16 5/18/2010  
           
3.17 Boise White Paper Holdings Corp. (formerly Boise Cascade Transportation, Inc.) - Certificate of Incorporation and amendments 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.17 5/18/2010  
           
3.18 Boise White Paper Holdings Corp. - Bylaws 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.18 5/18/2010  
           
3.19 International Falls Power Company - Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and amendment 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.19 5/18/2010  
           
3.20 International Falls Power Company - Amended and Restated Bylaws 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.20 5/18/2010  
           
3.21 Minnesota, Dakota & Western Railway Company - Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.21 5/18/2010  
           
3.22 Minnesota, Dakota & Western Railway Company - Amended and Restated Bylaws 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.22 5/18/2010  
           
3.23 Bemis Corporation - Certificate of Incorporation 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.23 5/18/2010  
           
3.24 Bemis Corporation - Bylaws 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.24 5/18/2010  
           
3.25 B C T, Inc. - Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and amendment 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.25 5/18/2010  
           
3.26 B C T, Inc. - Amended and Restated Bylaws 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.26 5/18/2010  
           
3.27 Boise Cascade Transportation Holdings Corp. - Certificate of Incorporation 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.27 5/18/2010  
           
3.28 Boise Cascade Transportation Holdings Corp. - Bylaws 
S-4
(Reg. No.
333-166926)
 3.28 5/18/2010  
           
3.29 Tharco Packaging, Inc. - Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation 10-Q 3.1 5/2/2011  
           
3.30 Tharco Packaging, Inc. - Bylaws, amended as of March 1, 2011 10-Q 3.2 5/2/2011  
           
3.31 Tharco Containers, Inc. - Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation 10-Q 3.3 5/2/2011  
           
3.32 Tharco Containers, Inc. - Amended and Restated Bylaws, amended as of March 1, 2011 10-Q 3.4 5/2/2011  
           
3.33 Tharco Containers Texas, Inc. - Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation 10-Q 3.5 5/2/2011  
           
3.34 Tharco Containers Texas, Inc. - Bylaws, amended as of March 1, 2011 10-Q 3.6 5/2/2011  
           

124

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

 Incorporated by Reference  Filed
Herewith
 
               Form              Exhibit
Number
  Filing
    Date    
  
3.24  Bylaws of Bemis Corporation S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

  3.24    5/18/10   
3.25  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of B C T, Inc., and amendment S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

  3.25    5/18/10   
3.26  Amended and Restated Bylaws of B C T, Inc. S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

  3.26    5/18/10   
3.27  Certificate of Incorporation of Boise Cascade Transportation Holdings Corp. S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

  3.27    5/18/10   
3.28  Bylaws of Boise Cascade Transportation Holdings Corp. S-4

(Reg. No.

333-166926)

  3.28    5/18/10   
4.1  Specimen Unit Certificate S-1  4.1    3/19/07   
4.2  Specimen Common Stock Certificate S-1

POS AM

No. 1

  4.2    6/13/08   
4.3  Specimen Warrant Certificate S-1

POS AM

No. 1

  4.3    6/13/08   
4.4  Warrant Agreement dated June 19, 2007, between Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. (now Boise Inc.) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company 10-Q  4.1    5/4/10   
4.5  Investor Rights Agreement dated February 22, 2008, between Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. (now Boise Inc.), Boise Cascade, L.L.C., Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C., certain directors and officers of Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp., the Aldabra Shareholders, and each other Person who becomes a party to this Agreement after February 22, 2008 8-K  4.1    2/28/08   
4.6  Indenture dated October 26, 2009, between Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise Finance Company, the Guarantors set forth therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee 8-K  4.1    10/28/09   
4.7  Form of 9% Senior Note due 2017 8-K  4.1    10/28/09   
4.8  Indenture dated March 19, 2010, between Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise Co-Issuer Company, the Guarantors set forth therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee 8-K  4.1    3/22/10   
4.9  Form of 8% Senior Note due 2020 8-K  4.1    3/22/10   
9  None    

140



3.35 Design Packaging, Inc. - Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation 10-Q 3.7 5/2/2011  
           
3.36 Design Packaging, Inc. - Bylaws 10-Q 3.8 5/2/2011  
           
3.37 Boise Packaging Holdings Corp. - Certificate of Incorporation 10-K 3.37 2/28/2012  
           
3.38 Boise Packaging Holdings Corp. - Bylaws 10-K 3.38 2/28/2012  
           
3.39 Hexacomb Corporation - Restated Articles of Incorporation 10-K 3.39 2/28/2012  
           
3.40 Hexacomb Corporation - Bylaws 10-K 3.40 2/28/2012  
           
4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate 
S-1
POS AM
No. 1
 4.2 6/13/2008  
           
4.2 Investor Rights Agreement dated February 22, 2008, between Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. (now Boise Inc.), Boise Cascade, L.L.C., Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C., certain directors and officers of Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp., the Aldabra Shareholders, and each other Person who becomes a party to this Agreement after February 22, 2008 8-K 4.1 2/28/2008  
           
4.3 Indenture (9% Senior Notes due 2017) dated October 26, 2009, between Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise Finance Company, the Guarantors set forth therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee - Together with First Supplemental Indenture dated March 19, 2010, Second Supplemental Indenture dated March 8, 2011, Third Supplemental Indenture dated November 30, 2011, and Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated January 17, 2012 10-K 4.6 2/28/2012  
           
4.4 Form of 9% Senior Note due 2017 8-K 4.1 10/28/2009  
           
4.5 
Indenture (8% Senior Notes due 2020) dated March 19, 2010, between Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise Co-Issuer Company, the Guarantors set forth therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee - Together with First Supplemental Indenture dated March 8, 2011, Second Supplemental Indenture dated November 30, 2011, and Third Supplemental Indenture dated January 17, 2012

 10-K 4.8 2/28/2012  
           
4.6 Form of 8% Senior Note due 2020 8-K 4.1 3/22/2010  
           
9 None        
           
10.1 (a) Paper Purchase Agreement dated June 25, 2011, between Boise White Paper, L.L.C., and OfficeMax Incorporated 10-Q/A 10 10/24/2011  
           
10.2 Credit Agreement dated as of November 4, 2011, among BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC, as guarantor, Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., as borrower, and a syndicate of lenders including JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., individually and as administrative agent 10-K 10.11 2/28/2012  
           
10.3 Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of November 4, 2011, among BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC, Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., the subsidiaries of Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C. party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank. N.A., as administrative agent - Together with Supplement No. 1 dated November 30, 2011, and Supplement No. 2 dated January 17, 2012 10-K 10.12 2/28/2012  
           
10.4 Outsourcing Services Agreement dated February 22, 2008, between Boise Cascade, L.L.C. and Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C. 10-K 10.20 3/2/2011  
           
10.5 Intellectual Property License Agreement dated February 22, 2008, between Boise Cascade, L.L.C. and Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C. 8-K 10.18 2/28/2008  
           
10.6 Form of Indemnification Agreement between Boise Inc. and its Directors and Elected Officers 8-K 99.1 11/2/2010  
           
10.7 * Severance Agreement dated December 9, 2010, between Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C. and Alexander Toeldte 8-K 99.1 12/14/2010  
           
10.8 * Form of 2010 Officer Severance Agreement 10-K 10.24 3/2/2011  
           
10.9 * Boise Inc. Directors Deferred Compensation Plan effective April 4, 2008 10-Q 10 5/5/2008  
           
10.10 * Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C. Deferred Compensation Plan effective February 22, 2008, amended as of October 27, 2009 10-K 10.26 2/25/2010  
           
10.11 * Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C. Supplemental Life Plan effective February 22, 2008 10-K 10.35 2/24/2009  
           

125

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

 Incorporated by Reference Filed
Herewith
               Form              Exhibit
Number
 Filing
    Date    
 
10.1  Form of Promissory (PIK) Note dated February 22, 2008, issued in connection with the Acquisition 8-K 10.3 2/28/08 
10.2  Letter Agreement dated May 22, 2008, adjusting amount of Promissory (PIK) Note dated February 22, 2008 8-K 99.1 5/29/08 
10.3  Securities Purchase Agreement dated August 4, 2009, between certain Affiliated Funds and Boise Inc.    X
10.4  Form of Subscription Agreements between Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp., Graubard Miller, and each of Nathan D. Leight and Jason G. Weiss S-1 10.11 3/19/07 
10.5 (a)  Amended and Restated Paper Purchase Agreement dated April 28, 2004, between Boise White Paper, L.L.C., and Boise Cascade Corporation (now OfficeMax Incorporated), together with the Assignment Assumption and Consent Agreement dated October 29, 2004, between Boise Cascade Corporation (now OfficeMax Incorporated), Boise White Paper, L.L.C., OfficeMax Contract, Inc., and OfficeMax North America, Inc. 8-K 10.1 2/28/08 
10.6  Registration Rights Agreement dated October 26, 2009, between Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise Finance Company, the Guarantors set forth therein, and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.    X
10.7  

Registration Rights Agreement dated March 19, 2010, between Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Boise

Co-Issuer Company, the Guarantors set forth therein, and Banc of America Securities LLC

 8-K 99.1 3/22/10 
10.8  Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated February 22, 2008, between Aldabra Sub LLC (subsequently merged with and into Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C.), Aldabra Holding Sub LLC, certain subsidiaries of Aldabra Sub LLC (as Guarantors), Various Lenders, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. (as Joint Lead Arranger, Joint Bookrunner, Administrative Agent, and Collateral Agent), Toronto Dominion (Texas) LLC (as Syndication Agent), Bank of America, N.A. and Cobank, ACB (as Co-Documentation Agents), and Lehman Brothers Inc. (as Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Bookrunner) — $975,000,000 Senior Secured First Priority Credit Facilities    X
10.9  First Amendment to Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated October 13, 2009, between the Company, the Guarantors set forth therein, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Administrative and Collateral Agent, and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.    X

141


Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

 Incorporated by Reference  Filed
Herewith
 
               Form              Exhibit
Number
  Filing
    Date    
  
10.10  Second Amendment to Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated October 20, 2010, between Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Administrative Agent, and the Guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto 8-K  99.1    10/25/10   
10.11  Second Lien Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated February 22, 2008, between Aldabra Sub LLC (subsequently merged with and into Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C.), Aldabra Holding Sub LLC, certain subsidiaries of Aldabra Sub LLC (as Guarantors), Various Lenders, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. (as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent), Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. (as Joint Lead Arranger, Joint Bookrunner, and Syndication Agent), and Lehman Brothers Inc. (as Joint Lead Arranger, Joint Bookrunner, and Documentation Agent) — $260,700,000 Senior Secured Second Priority Credit Facility     X  
10.12  First Amendment to Second Lien Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated October 13, 2009, between the Company, the Guarantors set forth therein, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as Administrative and Collateral Agent, Barclays Bank PLC, and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.     X  
10.13  Pledge and Security Agreement (First Lien) dated February 22, 2008, between each of the Grantors party thereto and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. (as Collateral Agent) 8-K  10.7    2/28/08   
10.14  Trademark Security Agreement (First Lien) dated February 22, 2008, between Aldabra Sub LLC (subsequently merged with and into Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C.), Aldabra Holding Sub LLC, certain subsidiaries of Aldabra Sub LLC (as Guarantors), and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. (as Collateral Agent) 8-K  10.9    2/28/08   
10.15  

Patent Security Agreement (First Lien) dated

February 22, 2008, between Aldabra Sub LLC (subsequently merged with and into Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C.), Aldabra Holding Sub LLC, certain subsidiaries of Aldabra Sub LLC (as Guarantors), and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. (as Collateral Agent)

 8-K  10.11    2/28/08   
10.16  Tranche A Term Loan Note dated February 22, 2008, issued to The Bank of Nova Scotia in the amount of $12,500,000 8-K  10.13    2/28/08   
10.17  Tranche A Term Loan Note dated February 22, 2008, issued to RZB Finance LLC in the amount of $2,500,000 8-K  10.14    2/28/08   

142


Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

 Incorporated by Reference  Filed
Herewith
 
               Form              Exhibit
Number
  Filing
    Date    
  
10.18    Revolving Loan Note dated February 22, 2008, issued to The Bank of Nova Scotia in the amount of $12,500,000 8-K  10.15    2/28/08   
10.19    Revolving Loan Note dated February 22, 2008, issued to RZB Finance LLC in the amount of $2,500,000 8-K  10.16    2/28/08   
10.20    Outsourcing Services Agreement dated February 22, 2008, between Boise Cascade, L.L.C., and Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C.     X  
10.21    Intellectual Property License Agreement dated February 22, 2008, between Boise Cascade, L.L.C., and Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C. 8-K  10.18    2/28/08   
10.22    Form of Indemnification Agreement between Boise Inc. and its Directors and Elected Officers 8-K  99.1    11/2/10   
10.23 *  Severance Agreement dated December 9, 2010, between Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., and Alexander Toeldte 8-K  99.1    12/14/10   
10.24 *  

Form of 2010 Officer Severance Agreement

     X  
10.25 *  Boise Inc. Directors Deferred Compensation Plan effective April 4, 2008 10-Q  10    5/5/08   
10.26 *  Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Deferred Compensation Plan effective February 22, 2008, amended as of October 27, 2009 10-K  10.26    2/25/10   
10.27 *  Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Supplemental Life Plan effective February 22, 2008 10-K  10.35    2/24/09   
10.28 *  Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Financial Counseling Program effective February 22, 2008 10-K  10.36    2/24/09   
10.29 *  Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Supplemental Pension Plan (SUPP) effective February 22, 2008 10-K  10.37    2/24/09   
10.30 *  Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C., Supplemental Early Retirement Plan (SERP) for Certain Elected Officers effective February 22, 2008 10-K  10.38    2/24/09   
10.31 *  Boise Inc. Incentive and Performance Plan effective February 22, 2008, amended as of April 29, 2010 8-K  99.1    5/3/10   
10.32 *  Form of 2008 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Officers) 8-K  99.1    5/6/08   
10.33 *  Form of 2008 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Officers) 8-K  99.2    5/6/08   
10.34 *  Form of 2009 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Officers) 8-K  99.2    4/24/09   
10.35 *  Form of 2009 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Officers) 8-K  99.3    4/24/09   
10.36 *  Form of 2009 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Nonemployee Directors) 10-Q  10.4    5/5/09   

143




Exhibit
Number

10.12 *
 

Exhibit Description

Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C. Supplemental Pension Plan (SUPP) effective February 22, 2008
 Incorporated by Reference10-K 10.37Filed
Herewith
2/24/2009 
              Form               Exhibit
Number
  Filing
    Date    
  
10.13 *Boise Paper Holdings, L.L.C. Supplemental Early Retirement Plan (SERP) for Certain Elected Officers effective February 22, 200810-K10.382/24/2009
10.37
10.14 *Boise Inc. Incentive and Performance Plan effective February 22, 2008, amended as of April 29, 20108-K99.15/3/2010
10.15 *Form of 2009 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Officers)8-K99.24/24/2009
10.16 * Form of 2009 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Nonemployee Directors)(Officers)8-K99.34/24/2009  
10-Q   10.5   5/5/09  
10.3810.17 * Form of 2010 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Nonemployee Directors) 10-Q10-Q10.35/4/2010
   10.3   5/4/10  
10.3910.18 * Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement dated November 1, 2010, with Robert A. Warren (Special award upon Mr. Warren’sWarren's election as executive vice president and chief operating officer)8-K99.211/2/2010
10.19 *Form of 2011 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Nonemployee Directors)10-Q10.55/2/2011
10.20 *Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement dated January 1, 2011, with Samuel K. Cotterell (Special award upon Mr. Cotterell's election as senior vice president and chief financial officer)10-K10.403/2/2011
10.21 *Form of 2011 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (2011 Supplemental Award to Officers)8-K99.13/1/2011
10.22 *Form of 2011 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (2011 Supplemental Award to Officers)8-K99.23/1/2011
10.23 *Form of 2011 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (2011 Regular Award to Officers)8-K99.13/18/2011
10.24 *Form of 2011 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (2011 Regular Award to Officers)8-K99.23/18/2011
10.25 *Form of 2011 Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement (2011 Regular Award to Officers)8-K99.33/18/2011
10.26 *Form of 2011 Performance Unit Award Agreement (2011 Regular Award to Officers)8-K99.43/18/2011
10.27 *Form of 2012 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Nonemployee Directors)10-K10.392/28/2012
10.28 *Form of 2012 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Officers)8-K99.12/21/2012
10.29 *Form of 2012 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Officers)8-K99.22/21/2012
10.30 *Form of 2012 Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement (Officers)8-K99.32/21/2012
10.31 *Form of 2012 Performance Unit Award Agreement (Officers)8-K99.42/21/2012
10.32 *Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement dated December 17, 2012, with Judith M. Lassa (Special award upon Ms. Lassa's election as executive vice president and chief operating officer)  8-K   99.2X
   11/2/10  
10.4010.33 * 

Form of 2013 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Nonemployee Directors)

X
10.34 *Form of 2013 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement dated January 1, 2011, with Samuel K. Cotterell

(Special award upon Mr. Cotterell’s election as senior vice president and chief financial officer)

X
10.41 *Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated March 15, 2011 (Officers) 8-K 99.1 99.12/25/2013
   3/1/11  
10.4210.35 * Form of Restricted Stock2013 RONOA Performance Unit Award Agreement dated March 15, 2011 (Officers) 8-K 99.2 99.22/25/2013
   3/1/11  
10.36 *Form of 2013 Total Stockholder Return Performance Unit Award Agreement (Officers)8-K99.32/25/2013
11 Presented in Footnote 3,4, Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share, to Consolidated Financial Statements    
12 

BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     X
 
13 None    
14 (b) Boise Inc. Code of Ethics  
16Inapplicable

126



18 None    
21 List of Subsidiaries     X
 
22 None    
23.123 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC - KPMG LLP     X
23.2Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — KPMG LLP  X
23.3Consent of Independent Auditor — KPMG LLP  X 
24 Inapplicable    
31.1 CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC     X
 
31.2 CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC     X
 
32 Section 906 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Boise Inc. and BZ Intermediate Holdings LLC     X

144


Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

Incorporated by ReferenceFiled
Herewith
              Form               Exhibit
Number
  Filing
    Date    
  
33 Inapplicable    
34 Inapplicable    
35 Inapplicable    
99Inapplicable
100 None    
101Financial Statements in XBRL FormatX
____________

*Indicates exhibits that constitute management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.

(a)Confidential information in this exhibit has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a confidential treatment request under Rule 406 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(b)
Our Code of Ethics can be found on our website at www.boiseinc.com by selectingInvestorsAbout Boise Inc.,Corporate Governance, and thenCode of Ethics.

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