UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012MARCH 31, 2013

 

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM         TO                    

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 001-33776

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

   

98-0526415

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. employer identification number)

111 Duke Street, Suite 5000; Montreal, Quebec; Canada H3C 2M1

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(514) 875-2515

 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yesþ   No¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer  þ             Accelerated filer  ¨  Non-accelerated filer¨  Smaller reporting company  ¨
   

(Do not check if a smaller

    reporting company)

  

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yesþ   No¨

As of October 31, 2012,April 30, 2013, there were 96,208,27294,762,566 shares of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common stock outstanding.

 

 

 


RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   Page
Number
 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1. Financial Statements:

  

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2013 and 2012 and 2011

   1  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Loss) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September  30,March 31, 2013 and 2012 and 2011

   2  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and December 31, 20112012

   3  

Consolidated StatementStatements of Changes in Equity for the NineThree Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2013 and 2012

   4  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the NineThree Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2013 and 2012 and 2011

   5  

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

   6  

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   2921  

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

46
Item 4. Controls and Procedures46
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings46
Item 1A. Risk Factors46
Item 5. Other Information46
Item 6. Exhibits   47  

Item 4.Controls and ProceduresSIGNATURES

47

PART IIOTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

47

Item 1A.Risk Factors

47

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

48

Item 6.Exhibits

   49  

SIGNATURES

50


RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)

 

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

     

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
  2012   2011   2012   2011   2013   2012 

Sales

  $    1,153           $    1,224             $    3,375           $    3,609           $    1,074           $    1,054         

Costs and expenses:

              

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

   895            893              2,616            2,726         

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

   59            55              174            164         

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

   857            836         

Depreciation and amortization

   60            57         

Distribution costs

   131            141              385            415            123            121         

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   41            45              114            122            44            32         

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

   5            17              98            34            40            5         

Net (gain) loss on disposition of assets

   (4)           1               (28)           (3)        

Operating income

   26            72              16            151         

Net gain on disposition of assets

   –            (23)        

Operating (loss) income

   (50)           26         

Interest expense

   (17)           (19)             (51)           (77)           (14)           (16)        

Other income (expense), net

   19            (68)              22            (51)        

Income (loss) before income taxes

   28            (15)             (13)           23         

Income tax benefit (provision)

   3            (27)              12            26         

Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests

   31            (42)             (1)           49         

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

   –            (2)              35            (2)        

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

  $31           $(44)             $34           $47         

Other income, net

   18            13         

(Loss) income before income taxes

   (46)           23         

Income tax benefit

   41            10         

Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests

   (5)           33         

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   –            (10)        

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

  $(5)          $23         

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

          

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

    

Basic

  $0.32           $(0.46)            $0.35           $0.48           $(0.05)          $0.23         

Diluted

   0.32            (0.46)              0.35            0.48            (0.05)           0.23         

Weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding:

           ��  

Basic

   98.1            97.1              98.0            97.1            94.8            97.1         

Diluted

   98.1            97.1               98.1            97.1            94.8            97.1         

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited, in millions)

 

                        
    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

      

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
      2012   2011         2012       2011 

Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests

   $    31        $(42)           $    (1)        $    49    

Other comprehensive income (loss):

          

Change in unamortized prior service costs and credits, net of tax of $0 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012

   –         –               11         –    

Change in unamortized actuarial gains and losses, net of tax of $0 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012

   1         –           (20)        –    

Foreign currency translation

   2         (15)          –         4    

Change in unrecognized gain on hedged transactions, net of tax of $0 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011

   –         1            –         1    

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

   3         (14)           (9)        5    

Comprehensive income (loss) including noncontrolling interests

       34         (56)           (10)        54    

Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests:

          

Net (income) loss

   –         (2)              35         (2)   

Change in unamortized actuarial gains and losses, net of tax of $0 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012

   –         –           5         –    

Foreign currency translation

   –         4            3         (1)   

Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

   –         2                43         (3)   

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

   $    34        $(54)           $   33         $    51    
    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
      2013       2012     

Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests

  $(5)        $     33      

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

    

Change in unamortized prior service costs and credits, net of tax of $0 in both 2013 and 2012

   (1)        2      

Change in unamortized actuarial gains and losses, net of tax of $2 and $0 in 2013 and 2012, respectively

   4         (2)     

Foreign currency translation

   (2)        3      

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

   1         3      

Comprehensive (loss) income including noncontrolling interests

   (4)        36      

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests:

    

Net income

   –         (10)     

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   –         (10)     

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

  $(4)        $     26      

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amount)

 

  September 30,
2012
   December 31,
2011
   March 31,
2013
   December 31,
2012
 

Assets

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $      343             $        369                $      215             $        263             

Accounts receivable, net:

        

Trade

   603             582                586             576             

Other

   123             168                121             121             

Inventories, net

   535             475                584             545             

Assets held for sale

   57             7             

Deferred income tax assets

   112             109                55             56             

Other current assets

   63             59                71             58             

Total current assets

   1,836             1,769                1,632             1,619             

Fixed assets, net

   2,487             2,502                2,386             2,440             

Amortizable intangible assets, net

   69             18                68             69             

Deferred income tax assets

   1,803             1,749                1,957             2,002             

Other assets

   195             260                188             194             

Total assets

   $   6,390             $     6,298                 $   6,231             $     6,324              

Liabilities and equity

        

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $      575             $        544                $      592             $        581             

Current portion of long-term debt

   87             –                3             2             

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

   54             –             

Total current liabilities

   716             544                595             583             

Long-term debt, net of current portion

   538             621                529             532             

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

   1,522             1,524                1,891             1,946             

Deferred income tax liabilities

   76             75                28             75             

Other long-term liabilities

   72             57                69             72             

Total liabilities

   2,924             2,821                3,112             3,208             

Commitments and contingencies

        

Equity:

        

Resolute Forest Products Inc. shareholders’ equity:

        

Common stock, $0.001 par value. 116.9 shares issued and 96.7 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2012; 114.1 shares issued and 97.1 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011

   –             –             

Common stock, $0.001 par value. 117.0 shares issued and 94.8 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012

   –             –             

Additional paid-in capital

   3,729             3,687                3,746             3,730             

Retained earnings

   74             41                33             38             

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (312)            (311)               (613)            (614)            

Treasury stock at cost, 20.2 shares and 17.0 shares as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively

   (39)            –             

Treasury stock at cost, 22.2 shares as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012

   (61)            (61)            

Total Resolute Forest Products Inc. shareholders’ equity

   3,452             3,417                3,105             3,093             

Noncontrolling interests

   14             60                14             23             

Total equity

   3,466             3,477                3,119             3,116             

Total liabilities and equity

   $   6,390             $     6,298                $   6,231             $     6,324             

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSTATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited, in millions)

 

    Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity          
    Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   

Treasury

Stock

   Non-controlling
Interests
  Total
Equity
 

Balance as of December 31, 2011

  $–          $3,687        $41          $(311)              $–          $60           $3,477       

Share-based compensation costs for equity-classified awards

   –           4         –           –                 –           –            4       

Net income (loss)

   –           –         34           –                 –           (35)          (1)      

Acquisition of Fibrek Inc. (2.8 newly-issued shares and 0.5 shares of treasury stock) (Note 2)

   –           38         (1)          –                 6           –            43       

Purchases of treasury stock (3.7 shares) (Note 15)

   –           –         –           –                 (45)          –            (45)      

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest

   –           –         –           –                 –           (3)          (3)      

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

   –           –         –           (1)               –           (8)          (9)      

Balance as of September 30, 2012

  $–          $3,729        $74          $(312)              $(39)         $14           $3,466       
    Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 
   Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity         
    Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   

Treasury

Stock

   Non-controlling
Interests
   Total
Equity
 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

  $–          $3,730        $38          $(614)              $(61)         $23           $3,116       

Share-based compensation costs for equity-classified awards

   –           2         –           –                 –           –            2       

Net loss

   –           –         (5)          –                 –           –            (5)      

Contribution of capital from noncontrolling interest
(Note 11)

   –           –         –           –                 –           5            5       

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest (Note 4 and Note 11)

   –           14         –           –                 –           (14)           –       

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

   –           –         –           1                 –           –            1       

Balance as of March 31, 2013

  $–          $3,746        $33          $(613)              $(61)         $14           $3,119       

As of December 31, 2010, the balance of noncontrolling interests was $278 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests consisted of net income of $2 million, dividends and distribution paid of $19 million, acquisition of a noncontrolling interest of $105 million, disposition of a noncontrolling interest of $99 million, contribution of capital of $15 million and other comprehensive income of $1 million, net of tax, which resulted in a balance of noncontrolling interests of $73 million as of September 30, 2011.

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 
   Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity         
    Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   

Treasury

Stock

   Non-controlling
Interests
   Total
Equity
 

Balance as of December 31, 2011

  $–          $3,687        $41          $(311)              $–          $60           $3,477       

Share-based compensation costs for equity-classified awards

   –           1         –           –                 –           –            1       

Net income

   –           –         23           –                 –           10            33       

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

   –           –         –           3                 –           –            3       

Balance as of March 31, 2012

  $–          $3,688        $64          $(308)              $–          $70           $3,514       

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, in millions)

 

    Nine Months Ended  
September 30,
    Three Months Ended  
March 31,
  2012    2011  2013    2012  

Cash flows from operating activities:

            

Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests

   $(1)        $    49       $(5)         $33     

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

      

Share-based compensation

    4          2        2           1     

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

    174          164    

Depreciation and amortization

    60           57     

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

    89          32        37           5     

Write-downs of inventory

    7          1    

Inventory write-downs related to closures

    4           –     

Deferred income taxes

    (8)         (25)       (41)          (14)    

Net pension contributions

    (71)         (158)       (16)          (18)    

Net gain on disposition of assets

    (28)         (3)       –           (23)    

(Gain) loss on translation of foreign currency denominated deferred income taxes

    (49)         58    

Loss (gain) on translation of foreign currency denominated pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

    39          (36)   

Premium related to debt redemptions

    –          (11)   

Dividends received from equity method investees in excess of income

    2          1    

Loss (gain) on translation of foreign currency denominated deferred income taxes

    35           (30)    

(Gain) loss on translation of foreign currency denominated pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

    (35)          24     

Note payable forgiveness gain (Note 4)

    (12)          –     

Changes in working capital:

            

Accounts receivable

    51          (17)       (9)          56     

Inventories

    (9)         (33)       (43)          (26)    

Other current assets

    9          23        (11)          (5)    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    (11)         (29)       18           (9)    

Other, net

    (6)         (3)       (4)          6     

Net cash provided by operating activities

    192          15    

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

    (20)          57     

Cash flows from investing activities:

            

Cash invested in fixed assets

    (102)         (55)       (40)          (39)    

Disposition of investment in ACH Limited Partnership

    –          296    

Disposition of other assets

    31          19    

Acquisition of Fibrek Inc., net of cash acquired (Note 2)

    (24)         –    

Proceeds from insurance settlements

    –          8    

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

    76          (2)   

Increase in deposit requirements for letters of credit, net

    (12)         (2)   

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

    (31)         264    

Disposition of assets

    2           26     

Decrease in restricted cash

    2           4     

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

    1           (7)    

Net cash used in investing activities

    (35)          (16)    

Cash flows from financing activities:

            

Purchases of treasury stock

    (45)         –   

Dividends and distribution to noncontrolling interests

    (3)         (19)   

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest

    (27)         (15)   

Payments of debt

    (112)         (269)       (1)          –     

Net cash used in financing activities

    (187)         (303)   

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (26)         (24)   

Contribution of capital from noncontrolling interest

    8           –     

Net cash provided by financing activities

    7           –     

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (48)          41     

Cash and cash equivalents:

            

Beginning of period

    369          319        263           369     

End of period

   $343         $295       $215          $410     

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Nature of operations

Resolute Forest Products Inc. (with its subsidiaries and affiliates, either individually or collectively, unless otherwise indicated, referred to as “Resolute Forest Products,” “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company”) is incorporated in Delaware. We are a global leader in the forest products industry, with a diverse range of products, including newsprint, coated and specialty papers, market pulp and wood products. We own or operateindustry; operating pulp and paper mills and wood products facilities in the United States, Canada and South Korea.

On November 7, 2011, we began doing business as Resolute Forest Products. At the annual meetingKorea, and power generation assets in Canada. We offer a diverse range of shareholders on May 23, 2012, the shareholders approved an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to change our corporate name from AbitibiBowater Inc. to Resolute Forest Products Inc., effective May 24, 2012. The ticker symbol for our common stock was changed from “ABH” to “RFP” on the New York Stock Exchange on May 24, 2012products, including newsprint, specialty papers, market pulp and on the Toronto Stock Exchange on May 28, 2012.wood products.

Financial statements

Our interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim reporting. Under those rules, certain footnotes and other financial information that are normally required by United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) may be condensed or omitted. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been made. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The results for the interim period ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011,2012, filed with the SEC on February 29, 2012.March 1, 2013. Certain prior period amounts in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and footnotes have been reclassified to conform to the 20122013 presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on total assets, cash and cash equivalents or net cash provided by operating activities.

Note 2. Acquisition of Fibrek Inc.

Overview

On December 15, 2011, we announced an offer to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of Fibrek Inc. (“Fibrek”), a producer and marketer of virgin and recycled kraft pulp, operating three mills. On May 2, 2012, we acquired a controlling interest in Fibrek and began consolidating the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Fibrek in our consolidated financial statements.

The acquisition of Fibrek grew our overall market pulp segment and our virgin kraft pulp capacity in particular, providing a better overall balance to our product offering. We believe that the integration of Fibrek’s Saint-Félicien, Quebec mill will result in certain operational synergies as it now operates as an integrated facility, with chips supplied from our regional sawmills.

Our acquisition of Fibrek was achieved in stages. In connection with the offer, between April 11, 2012 and April 25, 2012, we acquired approximately 48.8% of the then outstanding Fibrek shares. On May 2, 2012, we acquired additional shares of Fibrek, after which we owned a controlling interest in Fibrek (approximately 50.1% of the then outstanding Fibrek shares) and Fibrek became a consolidated subsidiary. After May 2, 2012, we acquired additional shares of Fibrek and, as of May 17, 2012, the offer expiry date, we owned approximately 74.6% of the then outstanding Fibrek shares. On July 31, 2012, we completed the second step transaction for the remaining 25.4% of the outstanding Fibrek shares, pursuant to which we distributed aggregate additional consideration of approximately 0.5 million shares and Cdn$10 million ($10 million, based on the exchange rate in effect on July 31, 2012). As aggregate consideration for all of the Fibrek shares purchased, we distributed approximately 3.3 million shares of our common stock and Cdn$63 million ($63 million, based on the exchange rates in effect on each of the dates we acquired the shares of Fibrek) in cash. The remaining portion of the consideration, expected to be approximately Cdn$14 million ($14 million, based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2012), will only be paid out upon settlement or judicial determination of the fair value of claims by dissenting shareholders of Fibrek and was recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2012.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Initial investment

As noted above, we held an equity interest in Fibrek before we obtained control of Fibrek on May 2, 2012 (the “acquisition date”). We accounted for our initial equity investment in Fibrek as an available for sale investment since we had no ability to exert significant influence over Fibrek at any time prior to acquiring a controlling interest on May 2, 2012.

Acquisition of controlling interest

The acquisition of a controlling interest in Fibrek on May 2, 2012 was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 805, “Business Combinations,” which requires recording identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value (except for deferred income taxes and pension and other postretirement benefit (“OPEB”) plan obligations). Additionally, on the acquisition date, we remeasured our initial equity investment in Fibrek at the acquisition-date fair value. The acquisition-date fair value of our previously-held equity interest in Fibrek was $58 million, resulting in a loss of $1 million, which was recorded in “Other income (expense), net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

In connection with the acquisition, we also assumed $121 million of Fibrek’s outstanding indebtedness. For additional information, see Note 11, “Long-Term Debt.”

The following summarizes the fair value as of the acquisition date of all of the consideration transferred through May 2, 2012 to acquire our controlling interest in Fibrek:

(Unaudited, in millions)

Cash

$    36

Common stock issued (1.9 million shares)

24
$    60

The acquisition-date fair value of our common stock issued as part of the consideration transferred for Fibrek was determined based on the closing market price of our common stock on the acquisition date.

The total purchase price was allocated to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on our estimates of their fair values on the acquisition date.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

The following summarizes our allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

(Unaudited, in millions)     

Cash and cash equivalents

  $12  

Accounts receivable

   60  

Inventories

   63  

Other current assets

   2  

Current assets acquired

   137  

Fixed assets

   161  

Amortizable intangible assets

   52  

Other assets

   1  

Total assets acquired

  $    351  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $70  

Short-term bank debt

   36  

Current portion of long-term debt

   2  

Current liabilities assumed

   108  

Long-term debt, net of current portion

   83  

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

   39  

Other long-term liabilities

   1  

Total liabilities assumed

  $231  

Net assets acquired

   120  

Fair value of consideration transferred, including our previously-held interest of $58 million

   60  

Fair value of noncontrolling interest

   60  
   $120  

The fair value of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of the noncontrolling interest approximated the fair value of the net assets acquired. Therefore, no goodwill or gain was recognized at the acquisition date. The acquisition-date fair value of the noncontrolling interest in Fibrek was determined based on the market price we paid for Fibrek’s common stock on the acquisition date.

We identified amortizable intangible assets related to energy contracts, which have a weighted-average amortization period of approximately 23 years. The fair value of the amortizable intangible assets was determined based on the discounted cash flow method.

Fibrek’s results of operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements beginning on the acquisition date and are included in the market pulp segment. The amount of Fibrek’s sales and net loss included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations were $94 million and $15 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and were $168 million and $13 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Additionally, “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included $7 million of transaction costs associated with the acquisition of our controlling interest in Fibrek.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

The following unaudited pro forma information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 represents our results of operations as if the acquisition of Fibrek had occurred on January 1, 2011. This pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have occurred for the periods presented or that may be expected in the future.

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
     

Nine Months Ended  

September 30,  

 
(Unaudited, in millions except per share data)  2012       2011          2012         2011      

Sales

  $1,153        $1,365         $  3,540          $4,037       

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

   31         (30)         30           77       

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.

   0.32         (0.30)         0.31           0.77       

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.

   0.32         (0.30)          0.31           0.77       

The unaudited pro forma net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 excludes $18 million of both our and Fibrek’s transaction costs associated with the acquisition.

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest

Subsequent to the May 2, 2012 acquisition date, we acquired the remaining noncontrolling interest in Fibrek, which we accounted for as equity transactions whereby we adjusted the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest in Fibrek to reflect the change in our ownership interest in Fibrek. As consideration for this additional equity interest in Fibrek, we distributed approximately 1.4 million shares of our common stock and Cdn$27 million ($27 million, based on the exchange rates in effect on each of the dates we acquired the shares of Fibrek) in cash. Transaction costs of approximately $1 million associated with the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in Fibrek were recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2012.

Note 3.2. Closure Costs, Impairment and Other Related Charges

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011March 31, 2013 were comprised of the following:

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)  2012       2011       2012        2011      

Accelerated depreciation

   $        1      $        1        $        1         $        5      

Impairment of assets held for sale

    (7)      –         63          –      

Impairment of long-lived assets

    1       10         1          17      

Severance and other costs

    10       6         33          12      
    $5       $17        $98         $34      
(Unaudited, in millions)  Accelerated
Depreciation
  Pension Plan
Settlement
Gain
  Severance and
Other Costs
  Total        

Indefinite idlings:

            

Paper machine in Calhoun, Tennessee(1)

   $ 35     $   –      $ 2    $ 37      

Kraft mill and paper machine in Fort Frances, Ontario

         –      4     4      

Other

         (1)           (1)      
    $ 35     $ (1)     $ 6    $ 40      

Accelerated depreciation

(1)

Following our acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in Calhoun Newsprint Company (“CNC”), we indefinitely idled a paper machine at the Calhoun mill on March 12, 2013, resulting in accelerated depreciation charges to reduce the carrying value of the assets to reflect their revised estimated remaining useful lives. For additional information regarding our acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in CNC, see Note 4, “Other Income, Net.”

DuringClosure costs, impairment and other related charges for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2012 we recorded accelerated depreciation charges of $1 million related to certain assets. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded accelerated depreciation charges of $1 million related to the permanent closure of our Saint-Prime, Quebec remanufacturing wood products facility. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we also recorded accelerated depreciation charges of $1 million related to the permanent closure of a de-inking line at our Alma, Quebec paper mill, $2 million related to the permanent closure of a paper machine and a thermomechanical pulp line at our Baie-Comeau, Quebec paper mill and $1 million as a resultwere comprised of the decision to cease paperboard production at our Coosa Pines, Alabama paper mill.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

following:

 

Impairment of assets held for sale

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $63 million (including a $7 million writedown of an asset retirement obligation for environmental liabilities) related to assets held for sale in our interest in Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited (our “Mersey operations”) in Nova Scotia to reduce the carrying value of our net assets to fair value less costs to sell. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded a $7 million reversal of these impairment charges to increase the carrying value of our net assets in our Mersey operations to our revised estimate of fair value less costs to sell, without exceeding their net carrying value as of the date the decision to sell was made.

Impairment of long-lived assets

During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $1 million related to the indeterminate idling of a paper machine at our Catawba, South Carolina paper mill. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $7 million related to our Mokpo, South Korea paper mill and $3 million related to certain scrapped equipment at our Calhoun, Tennessee paper mill to reduce the carrying value of the assets to their estimated fair value, which was determined based on the assets’ estimated sale or salvage values. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we also recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $7 million as a result of the decision to cease paperboard production at our Coosa Pines paper mill to reduce the carrying value of the assets to their estimated fair value, which was determined based on the assets’ estimated salvage values.

Severance and other costs

During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded $7 million of severance costs primarily consisting of $3 million related to a restructuring initiative at our Catawba paper mill and $2 million as a result of the indefinite idling of our Oakhill, Nova Scotia sawmill. We also recorded other costs consisting primarily of $3 million related to our idled Mersey newsprint mill. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we also recorded $9 million of severance costs and $7 million for a pension plan curtailment loss as a result of the indefinite idling of our Mersey newsprint mill, $2 million for a pension plan settlement loss related to a workforce reduction at our Mersey operations in the fourth quarter of 2011, $1 million of severance costs and a $3 million pension plan curtailment loss related to a workforce reduction at our Baie-Comeau paper mill in the first quarter of 2012, as well as a $1 million credit adjustment for severance costs and a $2 million pension plan curtailment loss related to the permanent closure in December 2011 of a paper machine at our Kenogami, Quebec paper mill.

During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded $6 million of severance and other costs primarily for an early retirement severance program for employees at our Mokpo paper mill and miscellaneous adjustments to severance liabilities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we also recorded $3 million of severance costs and a $3 million OPEB plan curtailment loss as a result of the decision to cease paperboard production at our Coosa Pines paper mill.
(Unaudited, in millions)  Pension Plan
Curtailment
Losses
  Severance and
Other Costs
 Total          

Restructuring initiative:

        

Baie-Comeau, Quebec paper mill

   $ 2    $ 2   $ 4           

Other

    2     (1)   1           
    $ 4    $ 1   $ 5           

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 4. Assets Held for Sale, Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale and3. Net (Gain) LossGain on Disposition of Assets

Assets held for sale and liabilities associated with assets held for sale

Assets held for sale as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were comprised of the following:

(Unaudited, in millions)  September 30,
2012
  December 31,
2011

Cash and cash equivalents

   $2      $–    

Accounts receivable, net

    6        –    

Inventories, net

    5        –    

Other current assets

    1        –    

Fixed assets, net

    43       7   
    $    57       $    7    

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were comprised of the following:

(Unaudited, in millions)  September 30,
2012
  December 31,
2011

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $18      $–   

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

    36       –   
    $    54      $    –   

As of September 30, 2012, we held for sale our Mersey operations. We expect to complete the sale of these assets within the next twelve months for amounts that equal or exceed their individual carrying values.

As of December 31, 2011, we held for sale our Petit Saguenay, Quebec sawmill and certain parcels of land.

The assets and liabilities held for sale are carried in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.

Net (gain) loss on disposition of assets

During the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2012, we sold a parcelportion of landour Mersey timberlands in Gatineau, QuebecNova Scotia and various other assets for total consideration of $9 million, comprised of a note receivable of $5 million and net cash proceeds of $4$26 million, resulting in a net gain on disposition of assets of $4 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we also sold our Petit Saguenay sawmill, our recycling division’s assets located in Phoenix, Arizona, a portion of our Mersey timberlands and various other assets for proceeds of $27 million, resulting in a net gain on disposition of assets of $24$23 million.

DuringNote 4. Other Income, Net

Other income, net for the three months ended September 30, 2011, we sold our Alabama River, Alabama paper millMarch 31, 2013 and various other assets for proceeds of $11 million, resulting in a net loss on disposition of assets of $1 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we also sold our investment in ACH Limited Partnership (“ACH”), our Kenora, Ontario paper mill and various other assets for proceeds of $304 million, resulting in a net gain on disposition of assets of $4 million.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 5. Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was comprised of the following:

 

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)    2012   2011  2012  2011   2013 2012     

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

   $18        $(60)    $21     $(30)     

Foreign exchange (loss) gain

  $(5   $12      

Post-emergence costs(1)

    (2)        (13)     (7)      (35)            (2)     

Income from equity method investments

    1                   1             1      

Net gains on extinguishment of debt (Note 11)

    –         –      –      4      

Interest income

    –         –           1         1    1      

Acquisition-related loss (Note 2)

    –         –      (1)     –      

Note payable forgiveness gain(2)

   12    –      

Gain on liquidation settlement(3)

   9    –      

Miscellaneous income

    2                   8         1    1      
   $    19        $(68)    $    22     $    (51)       $      18     $      13      

 

(1) 

Primarily represents ongoing legal and other professional fees for the resolution and settlement of disputed creditor claims, as well as costs for other post-emergence activities associated with the creditor protection proceedings, from which we emerged on December 9, 2010.

(2)

On March 11, 2013, we acquired the noncontrolling interest in CNC, which was previously owned 51% by us and included in our consolidated financial statements on a fully consolidated basis. As a result, CNC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours. In connection with this transaction, we recognized a gain on the forgiveness of a $12 million note issued by CNC. The acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in CNC was accounted for as an equity transaction.

(3)

On February 2, 2010, Bridgewater Paper Company Limited (“BPCL”), a subsidiary of ours, filed for administration in the United Kingdom pursuant to the United Kingdom Insolvency Act 1986, as amended. As a result, we became a creditor of BPCL and lost control over their operations. In connection with our claims, we received a liquidation settlement of $9 million in March 2013.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 6.5. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

AccumulatedThe change in our accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (net of tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was comprised of the following:follows:

 

(Unaudited, in millions)  

September 30,

  2012

  December 31,
2011

Unamortized prior service costs(1)

   $          9         $(2)         

Unamortized actuarial losses(2)

        (324)          (309)         

Foreign currency translation(3)

    3          –         
    $(312)         $        (311)         
(Unaudited, in millions)  Unamortized
Prior Service
Credits
  Unamortized
Actuarial
Losses
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
  Total     

Balance as of December 31, 2012

    $ 21       $ (640)      $ 5       $ (614)      

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

    –       –       (2)      (2)      

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss(1)

    (1)            –       3       

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income

    (1)            (2)      1       

Balance as of March 31, 2013

    $ 20       $ (636)      $ 3       $ (613)      

 

(1) 

See the table below for details about these reclassifications.

The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were comprised of the following:

(Unaudited, in millions)Amounts
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

Affected Line in the Consolidated Statements of

Operations

Unamortized Prior Service Credits

Amortization of prior service credits

$ (1)     Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization (1)
–      Income tax benefit

$ (1)     Net of deferred income taxestax

Unamortized Actuarial Losses

Amortization of zero asactuarial losses

$  6      Cost of both September 30, 2012sales, excluding depreciation and December 31, 2011.amortization (1)
(2)     Income tax benefit

$  4      Net of tax

Total Reclassifications

$  3      Net of tax

(2)(1) 

NetThese items are included in the computation of deferred income taxnet periodic benefit of $127 million as of both September 30, 2012cost related to our pension and December 31, 2011. Net of unamortized actuarial losses of $13 million and $8 million attributable to noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

(3)

No tax effect was recorded for foreign currency translation since the investmentother postretirement benefit (“OPEB”) plans summarized in foreign net assets is deemed indefinitely invested. Net of noncontrolling interests of $1 million of foreign exchange losses and $2 million of foreign exchange gains as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.Note 10, “Employee Benefit Plans.”

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 7.6. Net (Loss) Income (Loss) Per Share

The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted net (loss) income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders was 98.1 million and 98.094.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively,March 31, 2013 and 97.1 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders was 98.1 million for bothMarch 31, 2012.

For the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2013 and 2012, and 97.1 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Nono adjustments to net (loss) income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders were necessary to calculate basic and diluted net (loss) income (loss) per share for all periods presented.share.

For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the dilutive impact of 0.8 millionMarch 31, 2013, option shares of 1.5 million and 0.4 million equity-classified restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and deferred stock units (“DSUs”) of 0.8 million were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share as the impact would have been antidilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the dilutive impact of 0.9 million option shares and 0.4 million equity-classified RSUs and DSUs on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted net income (loss) per share was nominal. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the dilutive impact of 0.5 million option shares and 0.1 million equity-classified RSUs on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted net (loss) income per share was nominal.

Note 8.7. Inventories, Net

Inventories, net as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and December 31, 20112012 were comprised of the following:

 

(Unaudited, in millions)  

September 30,

2012

  

December 31,

2011

  March 31,
2013
  December 31,
2012

Raw materials and work in process

   $     174          $    152          $     198          $    181       

Finished goods

    183           168           209           188       

Mill stores and other supplies

    178           155           177           176       
   $535          $475          $     584          $    545       

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2012,March 31, 2013, we recorded charges of $7$4 million for write-downs of inventory primarily as a result of the indefinite idling of our Mersey newsprint mill. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded charges of $1 million for write-downs of inventory as a result of the decision to cease paperboard production at our Coosa Pines paper mill.machine in Calhoun. These charges were included in “Cost of sales, excluding depreciation amortization and cost of timber harvested”amortization” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Note 9. Restricted Cash

In connection with the sale of our investment in Manicouagan Power Company (“MPCo”) in December 2009, we provided certain undertakings and indemnities to Alcoa Canada Ltd., our former partner in MPCo, including an indemnity for potential tax liabilities arising from the transaction. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we maintained a reserve of approximately Cdn$5 million ($5 million, based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2012) and Cdn$83 million ($81 million, based on the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2011), respectively, to secure those obligations. The decrease in the reserve was due to the partial release of a tax indemnity in the second quarter of 2012. This reserve was included as restricted cash in “Other assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 10.8. Severance Related Liabilities

The activity in our severance related liabilities for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 was as follows:

 

(Unaudited, in millions)  

2012

Initiatives

 

2011

Initiatives

 Total  

2013

Initiatives

  

2012

Initiatives

 

2011

Initiatives

 Total

Balance as of December 31, 2011

    $    –    $    11    $    11  

Balance as of December 31, 2012

    $    –      $    13    $    2    $    15  

Charges

    20   1   21     2     3      5 

Payments

    (11)  (9)  (20)         (8)  (1)  (9)

Transfer to liabilities associated with assets held for sale

    (6)     (6)

Balance as of September 30, 2012

    $    3    $      3    $      6  

Balance as of March 31, 2013

    $    2      $      8    $    1    $    11  

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2012,March 31, 2013, we recorded employee termination costs primarily as a result of the indefinite idling of our Mersey newsprint mill, a restructuring initiative at our Catawba paper machine in Calhoun and the indefinite idling of the kraft mill and workforce reductions at our Baie-Comeaua paper mill and certain other paper mills.machine in Fort Frances. The majority of the remaining severance liability is expected to be paid in 2012.2013.

Employee termination costs were included in “Cost of sales, excluding depreciation amortization and cost of timber harvested,amortization,” “Selling, general and administrative expenses” or “Closure costs, impairment and other related charges” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The severance accruals were included in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 11.9. Long-Term Debt

Overview

Long-term debt, including current portion, as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2011,2012 was comprised of the following:

 

(Unaudited, in millions)  September 30,
2012
  December 31,
2011
  March 31,
2013
   December 31,
2012
 

10.25% senior secured notes due 2018:

          

Principal amount

   $     586         $      586           $       501           $   501          

Unamortized premium

    32          35            26            27          

Total senior secured notes due 2018

    618          621            527            528          

Fibrek debt:

      

Other debt:

    

PSIF – Investissement Quebec loan

    3          –            2            3          

Capital lease obligation

    4          –            3            3          

Total Fibrek debt

    7          –         

Total other debt

   5            6          

Total debt

    625          621            532            534          

Less: Current portion of long-term debt

    (87)          –            (3)           (2)         

Long-term debt, net of current portion

   $538         $621           $529           $532          

10.25% seniorSenior secured notes due 2018

Our 10.25% senior secured notes (the “2018 Notes”) have a maturity date of October 15, 2018. Interest is payable on the notes on April 15 and October 15 of each year until maturity. The fair value of the 2018 Notes was $673$580 million and $649$576 million as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2011,2012, respectively, and was determined by reference to quoted market prices.prices (Level 1).

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

On April 24, 2013, we commenced a tender offer, in connection with which we also solicited consents from tendering holders of 2018 Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

amend the terms of the governing indenture to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default under the indenture and to release the collateral securing the obligations under the 2018 Notes. On October 10, 2012,May 8, 2013, we redeemed $85completed a private offering of $600 million ofaggregate principal amount of our 5.875% senior notes due 2023 (the “2023 Notes”) and used the 2018 Notes at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. This $85net proceeds to repurchase $497 million of principal amount of thetendered 2018 Notes was included in “Current portion of long-term debt” and the remaining balance of the 2018 Notes of $533 million was included in “Long-term debt, net of current portion” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2012.

In June 2011, we redeemed $94 million and $85 million of principal amount of the 2018 Notes at a redemption price of 105% and 103%, respectively, of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. As a result of these redemptions, during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded net gains on extinguishment of debt of approximately $4 million, which were included in “Other income (expense), net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.Notes. For additional information, see Note 15, “Subsequent Events.”

ABL Credit Facility

Our senior secured credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility”), as amended, has a maturity date of October 28, 2016 and provides an asset-based revolving credit facility of up to $600 million at any time, subject to borrowing base availability. As of September 30, 2012,March 31, 2013, we had no borrowings and $54 million of letters of credit outstanding under the ABL Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2012,March 31, 2013, we had $529$537 million of availability under the ABL Credit Facility, which was comprised of $264$302 million for the U.S. borrowers (Resolute Forest Products Inc., Resolute FP US Inc. and AbiBow Recycling LLC) and $265$235 million for the Canadian borrower (Resolute FP Canada Inc.).

Fibrek Debt

As discussed inOn April 29, 2013, we entered into an agreement to add a lender and to increase the aggregate commitments of the ABL Credit Facility by $65 million to $665 million. For additional information, see Note 2, “Acquisition of Fibrek Inc.,15, “Subsequent Events. we assumed Fibrek’s outstanding indebtedness on the acquisition date. On July 18, 2012, Fibrek’s term loan and credit facility were repaid in full, plus accrued and unpaid interest, totaling $97 million and the related agreements were cancelled and terminated.

PSIF – Investissement Quebec

On February 23, 2007, Fibrek obtained a Cdn$6 million interest-freeOur loan granted by Investissement Quebec through the Soutien à l’industrie forestière program (“PSIF”) to support investments made in the forest industry. The loan is interest-free and payable in monthly installments over a maximum of four years, starting December 31, 2010. Under the loan agreement, Fibrekwe must comply with certain restrictive covenants, including the requirement to meet certain financial ratios. As of September 30, 2012,March 31, 2013, the fair value of the loan approximated its carrying value of $3$2 million. The fair value was determined by discounting the cash flows using a current interest rate (4.4%) for financial instruments with similar characteristics and maturities (Level 3).

Capital lease obligation

Fibrek hasWe have a capital lease obligation for a warehouse, which can be renewed for 20 years at Fibrek’sour option. Minimal payments are determined by an escalatory price clause.

Promissory Note

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we also repaid in full a $90 million secured promissory note issued in connection with the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in Augusta Newsprint Company.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 12.10. Employee Benefit Plans

Pension and OPEB plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost relating to our pension and OPEB plans for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2013 and 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

Pension Plans:

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

     

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   Pension Plans     OPEB Plans 
(Unaudited, in millions)  2012   2011   2012   2011       2013        2012            2013            2012      

Service cost

  $      8         $10          $     26        $     28        $    $9           $1         $1       

Interest cost

   79          82           231         248         70      76            4          5       

Expected return on plan assets

   (86)         (86)          (253)        (260)        (78)     (84)           –          –       

Amortization of actuarial loss

   1          –           1         –      

Curtailments and settlement

   –          –            14         –      

Amortization of actuarial losses

        –            –          –       

Amortization of prior service credits

   (1)     –            –          –       

Settlement and curtailments

   (1)     4             –          –       
  $      2         $     6           $     19        $     16        $    $5            $5         $6       

OPEB Plans:

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

       

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
(Unaudited, in millions)  2012   2011       2012   2011 

Service cost

  $       1         $1          $       2        $       3      

Interest cost

   5          5           15         16      

Curtailment

   –          –            –         3      
   $6         $     6           $     17        $     22      

EventsEvent impacting net periodic benefit cost for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2012

In June 2012, we announced the indefinite idling of part of our Mersey operations, which resulted in the elimination of approximately 176 positions. A curtailment loss of $7 million was included in the net periodic benefit cost of our pension plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

In the fourth quarter of 2011, as a result of a workforce reduction at our Mersey operations, approximately 97 positions were eliminated. A settlement loss of $2 million was included in the net periodic benefit cost of our pension plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

In March 2012, we announcedincurred a curtailment loss of $4 million primarily due to the announcement of a workforce reduction at our Baie-Comeau paper mill, which resulted in the elimination of approximately 90 positions. A curtailmentThis loss of $3 million was included in the net periodic benefit cost of our pension plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

As a result of the permanent closure in December 2011 of a paper machine at our Kenogami paper mill, approximately 112 positions were eliminated. A curtailment loss of $2 million was included in the net periodic benefit cost of our pension plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

The cost of these curtailments and settlement was included in “Closure costs, impairment and other related charges” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the respective periods.

Event impacting net periodic benefit cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2011

In February 2011, as a result of the decision to cease paperboard production at our Coosa Pines paper mill, approximately 137 positions were eliminated. A curtailment loss of $3 million was included in the net periodic benefit cost of our OPEB plans, which was recorded in “Closure costs, impairment and other related charges” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2011.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2012.

Defined contribution plans

The expense for our defined contribution plans totaled $5 million and $6 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 2011, respectively, and $16 million and $17 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.2012.

Canadian pension funding relief

Based on agreementsOn April 26, 2013, we reached before we emerged froman agreement in principle with our stakeholders in Quebec, the creditor protection proceedings,provincial government, and its pension regulator concerning the provinces of Quebec and Ontario adopted in 2011 specific regulations, which we refer to as the “funding relief regulations,” to implementpreviously-disclosed funding relief measures, with respectsolvency deficit and corrective measures related to aggregate solvency deficits in our material Canadian registered pension plans, which we refer to as the “affected plans.” These plans represented approximately 80% of our unfunded pension obligations as of December 31, 2011. The funding relief regulations are described in For additional information, see Note 18, “Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans – Canadian pension funding relief,15, “Subsequent Events. to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011. The regulations provide that corrective measures would be required if the aggregate solvency ratio in the affected plans falls below a prescribed level under the target specified by the regulations as of December 31 in any year through 2014. Thereafter, supplemental contributions would be required if the aggregate solvency ratio in the affected plans falls below a prescribed level under the target specified by the regulations as of December 31 in any year on or after 2015 for the remainder of the period covered by the regulations.

Upon obtaining actuarial valuations, in the second quarter of 2012, we determined that the aggregate solvency ratio in the affected plans had not met the minimum solvency level prescribed in the regulations as of December 31, 2011. Accordingly, the regulations require that we propose, by March 2013, corrective measures designed to attain the target solvency ratio prescribed in the regulations within five years. The difference between the solvency status as of December 31, 2011 and the target specified under the funding relief regulations represents the portion of the solvency deficit that is subject to corrective measures, and amounts to approximately Cdn$500 million ($500 million, based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2012). The solvency deficit is highly sensitive to changes in interest rates on government treasury securities; a 1% increase in the applicable discount rate, which is correlated to treasury security yields, would decrease the solvency deficit by approximately $450 million and vice versa.

We continue to work with other plan stakeholders, including employees, retirees, unions and the provincial governments of Quebec and Ontario to address these corrective measures.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 13.11. Income Taxes

The income tax benefit (provision) attributable to (loss) income (loss) before income taxes differs from the amounts computed by applying the United States federal statutory income tax rate of 35% for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2013 and 2012 and 2011 as a result of the following:

 

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

     

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
(Unaudited, in millions)  2012   2011   2012   2011       2013         2012      

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $  28       $(15)          $  (13)      $  23      

(Loss) income before income taxes

  $(46)     $23       

Income tax benefit (provision):

          

Expected income tax (provision) benefit

   (9)       5            5        (8)     

Income tax benefit:

    

Expected income tax benefit (provision)

   16       (8)      

Changes resulting from:

              

Valuation allowance

   (7)       (3)           (35)       (4)        35       3       

Adjustments for unrecognized tax benefits

   –       4       

Foreign exchange

   (1)      7       

Reorganization-related and other tax adjustments

   6        –            16        10         –       (3)      

Adjustment for unrecognized tax benefits

   2        1            6        45      

Foreign exchange

   8        (30)           11        (16)     

Research and development tax incentives

   1        –            4        –         –       2       

State income taxes and foreign tax rate differences

   3        (1)           4        –         (3)      2       

Other, net

   (1)       1             1        (1)        (6)      3       
  $    3       $  (27)           $  12       $  26        $41      $10       

The increase in the valuation allowance duringDuring the three months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, we reversed $35 million of valuation allowance, primarily related to Fibrek’s operations where we do not recognize tax benefits. The increaseavailable U.S. capital losses which are now expected to be utilized in the valuation allowance duringfuture, as a result of the nine months ended September 30, 2012 primarily related to costs associated withacquisition of the indefinite idling of our Mersey operations where we do not recognize tax benefits. The increasenoncontrolling interest in our valuation allowance during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 primarily related to our Mokpo, South Korea operations where we do not recognize tax benefits.

CNC. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded favorable reorganization-related and other tax adjustments of $6 million and $16 million, respectively, compared to favorable reorganization-related and other tax adjustments of $10 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. These items represent adjustments associated with our previously reported tax balance sheet accounts.

During the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2012, we recorded benefits of $4 million for previously unrecognized tax benefits, of $2 million and $6 million, respectively, following the conclusion of auditstax examinations related to prior years. Duringyear research and development tax incentive claims.

As a result of the threecontribution of capital from the noncontrolling interest and nine months ended September 30, 2011,the subsequent acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in CNC, we recognized certainestablished a deferred income tax benefits related to uncertainprovision of $3 million. Since this acquisition was accounted for as an equity transaction, as discussed in Note 4, “Other Income, Net,” the recording of this deferred tax positions pursuant to FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes,”provision resulted in a reduction of “Additional paid-in capital” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as effectively settled, as certain tax authority examinations were completed.of March 31, 2013.

Note 14.12. Commitments and Contingencies

We are involved in various legal proceedings relating to contracts, commercial disputes, taxes, environmental issues, employment and workers’ compensation claims, Aboriginal claims and other matters. We periodically review the status of these proceedings with both inside and outside counsel. Although the final outcome of any of these matters is subject to many variables and cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty, we establish reserves for a matter (including legal costs expected to be incurred) when we believe an adverse outcome is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. We believe that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, but it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any given quarter or year.

Effective July 31, 2012, we completed the second step transaction pursuant to which we acquired the remaining 25.4% of the outstanding Fibrek Inc. (“Fibrek”) shares, following the approval of Fibrek’s shareholders on July 23, 2012, and the issuance of a final order of the Quebec Superior Court in Canada approving the arrangement on July 27, 2012. Certain former shareholders of Fibrek exercised (or purported to exercise) rights of dissent in respect of the transaction, asking for a judicial determination of the fair value of their claim under the Canada Business Corporations Act. No consideration has to date been paid to the former Fibrek shareholders who exercised (or purported to exercise) rights of dissent. Any such consideration will only be paid out upon settlement or judicial determination of the fair value of their claims and will be paid entirely in cash. Accordingly, we cannot presently determine the amount that ultimately will be paid to former holders of Fibrek shares in connection with the proceedings, but we have reserved approximately Cdn$14 million ($14 million, based on the exchange rate in effect on March 31, 2013) for the eventual payment of those claims.

On June 12, 2012, we filed a motion for directives with the Quebec Superior Court in Canada, the court with jurisdiction in our 2010 creditor protection proceedings under theCompanies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) (the “CCAA”), seeking an order to prevent pension regulators in each of Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador from declaring partial

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

wind-ups of pension plans relating to employees of former Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. and Bowater Incorporated operations in these provinces,New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, or a declaration that any claim for accelerated reimbursements of deficits arising from a partial wind-up is a barred claim under the creditor protection proceedings. These plans are subject to the funding relief regulations described in Note 12, “Employee18, “Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Canadian pension funding, to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 and we contend, among other things, that any such declaration, if issued, would be inconsistent with the court’s sanction order confirming the plan of reorganization and the terms of our emergence from the creditor protection proceedings. A partial wind-up would likely shorten the

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

period in which any deficit within those plans, which could exceed $150 million, would have to be funded. The pension regulators filed contestationsfunded if we do not obtain the relief sought. No hearing date has been set to our motion in August 2012.

On March 31, 2010, the Canadian court in the CCAA proceedings dismissed a motion for declaratory judgment brought by the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, awarding costs in our favor, and thus confirmed our position that the five orders the province issued under section 99 of its Environmental Protection Act on November 12, 2009 were subject to the stay of proceedings pursuant to the creditor protection proceedings. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s orders could have required us to proceed immediately with the environmental remediation of various sites we formerly owned or operated, some of which the province expropriated in December 2008. The Quebec Court of Appeal denied the province’s request for leave to appeal on May 18, 2010. An appeal of that decision is now pending before the Supreme Court of Canada, which heard the matter on November 16, 2011. If leave to appeal is ultimately granted and the appeal is allowed, we could be required to make additional environmental remediation payments without regard to the creditor protection proceedings, which payments could have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

On July 31, 2012, we completed the second step transaction for the remaining 25.4% of the outstanding Fibrek shares. We expect to pay additional consideration to former holders of Fibrek shares that have exercised dissenters’ rights in respect of the transaction. Any such consideration will only be paid out upon settlement or judicial determination of the fair value of claims by dissenting shareholders of Fibrek. For additional information, see Note 2, “Acquisition of Fibrek Inc.”date.

Information on our commitments and contingencies is presented in Note 20, “Commitments and Contingencies,” included in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011. Except as updated above, there have2012. There has been no material developmentsdevelopment to the commitments and contingencies described in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Note 15. Share Capital

On May 22, 2012, our board approved a share repurchase program of up to 10% of our common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of up to $100 million. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, we repurchased 2.6 million and 3.7 million shares, respectively, at a cost of $33 million and $45 million, respectively.

On November 6, 2012, we distributed 14,758,828 shares of our common stock from the disputed claim share reserve established in connection with our December 2010 emergence from the creditor protection proceedings. Following this distribution, 4,015,994 shares remain in the disputed claim share reserve. In accordance with the terms of the plans of reorganization, further supplemental interim distributions of the shares held in reserve will be made to unsecured creditors as claims are resolved. Distributions from the disputed claim share reserve are not dilutive, as the shares in the reserve were issued and have been outstanding since emergence.2012.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 16.13. Segment Information

We manage our business based on the products we manufacture. Accordingly, our reportable segments correspond to our primary product lines: newsprint, coated papers, specialty papers, market pulp and wood products.

None of the income or loss items following “Operating (loss) income” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations are allocated to our segments, since those items are reviewed separately by management. For the same reason, closure costs, impairment and other related charges, employee termination costs, net (gain) lossgain on disposition of assets and other discretionary charges or credits are not allocated to our segments. We allocate depreciation expense to our segments, although the related fixed assets are not allocated to segment assets. Additionally, all selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding employee termination costs and certain discretionary charges and credits, are allocated to our segments.

Information about certain segment data for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2013 and 2012 and 2011 was as follows:

 

(Unaudited, in millions) Newsprint Coated
Papers
 Specialty
Papers
 Market
Pulp (1)
 Wood
Products
 Corporate
and Other
 Consolidated
Total

Sales

              

Third quarter 2012

  $         404   $    109   $    279   $    233    $    128     $    –       $       1,153     

Third quarter 2011

   468    140    316    175     125      –        1,224     

First nine months 2012

   1,236    358    839    571     371      –        3,375     

First nine months 2011

   1,359    406    966    522     356      –        3,609     

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

  

Third quarter 2012

  $      18   $        9   $      11   $      13    $8     $    –       $         59     

Third quarter 2011

   18    9    12        8      –        55     

First nine months 2012

   54    28    35    31     26      –        174     

First nine months 2011

   55    26    36    22     25      –        164     

Operating income (loss)(2)

              

Third quarter 2012

  $      26   $        3   $      26   $     (22)    $6     $  (13)      $         26     

Third quarter 2011

   18    18    27    36     (3)      (24)       72     

First nine months 2012

   79    6    68    (50)     12      (99)       16     

First nine months 2011

   63    44    38    73     (20)      (47)       151     
(Unaudited, in millions)  Newsprint  Coated
Papers
 Specialty
Papers
  Market
Pulp (1)
  Wood
Products
  Corporate
and Other
  Consolidated
Total

Sales

                    

First quarter 2013

   $         356    $    102   $    238    $    240     $    138      $    –        $       1,074     

First quarter 2012

    416     128    272     127      111        –         1,054     

Depreciation and amortization

  

First quarter 2013

   $      18    $        9   $      10    $13     $9      $1        $         60     

First quarter 2012

    18     10    12          9       –         57     

Operating (loss) income(2)

                    

First quarter 2013

   $(2)     $(3)  $9    $(4)     $16      $  (66)       $(50)    

First quarter 2012

    21      (1)   15     (21)      (6)       18         26     

 

(1) 

Market pulp sales excluded inter-segment sales of $12$5 million and $7$11 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2013 and 2012, and 2011, respectively, and $31 million and $33 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

(2) 

Corporate and other operating loss for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2013 and 2012 and 2011 included the following significant items:

 

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(Unaudited, in millions)  2012   2011   2012   2011   2013  2012 

Net gain (loss) on disposition of assets

  $     4       $(1)        $    28        $    3     

Net gain on disposition of assets

   $       –      $     23     

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

   (5)       (17)         (98)        (34)        (40)       (5)    

Write-downs of inventory

   –        –          (7)        (1)    

Inventory write-downs related to closures

    (4)       –    

Employee termination costs

   –        (5)         (3)        (12)        –       (2)    

Transaction costs in connection with our acquisition of Fibrek

   –        –          (7)        –     

Transaction costs

    (3)       (4)    

Start up costs of idled mill

   (5)       –          (5)        –         (15)       –    
  $   (6)      $   (23)        $  (92)       $ (44)       $  (62)      $12     

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 17.14. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

The following information is presented in accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X and the public information requirements of Rule 144 promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with Resolute Forest Products Inc.’s 2018 Notes that are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by all of our 100% owned material U.S. subsidiaries except for Fibrek’s U.S. subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The 2018 Notes are not guaranteed by our foreign subsidiaries and our less than 100% owned U.S. subsidiaries and Fibrek’s U.S. subsidiaries (the “Non-guarantor Subsidiaries”).

The following condensed consolidating financial information sets forth the Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2013 and 2012, and 2011, the Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and December 31, 20112012 and the Statements of Cash Flows for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2013 and 2012 and 2011 for Resolute Forest Products Inc. (the “Parent”), the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis and the Non-guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis. The condensed consolidating financial information reflects the investments of the Parent in the Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-guarantor Subsidiaries, as well as the investments of the Guarantor Subsidiaries in the Non-guarantor Subsidiaries, using the equity method of accounting. The principal consolidating adjustments are elimination entries to eliminate the investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOMECONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

 
(Unaudited, in millions)  Parent   Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
   Consolidated  Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated 

Sales

   $    –          $    718          $    797          $    (362)         $    1,153         $    –         $    847         $    688         $    (461)        $    1,074       

Costs and expenses:

               

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

   –          631          626          (362)         895       

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

   –          23          36          –          59       

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

  –         778         533         (454)        857       

Depreciation and amortization

  –         25         35         –         60       

Distribution costs

   –          36          95          –          131         –         43         82       �� (2)        123       

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   6          10          25          –          41         5         12         27         –         44       

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

   –          4          1          –          5         –         37         3         –         40       

Net gain on disposition of assets

   –          –          (4)         –          (4)      

Operating (loss) income

   (6)         14          18          –          26         (5)        (48)        8         (5)        (50)      

Interest expense

   (57)         (1)         (1)         42          (17)        (32)        –         (2)        20         (14)      

Other income, net

   –          47          14          (42)         19         –         34         4         (20)        18       

Parent’s equity in income of subsidiaries

   72          –          –          (72)         –         21         –         –         (21)        –       

Income before income taxes

   9          60          31          (72)         28       

(Loss) income before income taxes

  (16)        (14)        10         (26)        (46)      

Income tax benefit (provision)

   22          (35)         16          –          3         11         36         (7)        1         41       

Net income including noncontrolling interests

   31          25          47          (72)         31       

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

   –          –          –          –          –       

Net income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.

   $    31          $    25          $    47          $    (72)         $    31       

Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests

  (5)        22         3         (25)        (5)      

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

  –         –         –         –         –       

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

  $   (5)        $    22         $    3         $    (25)        $    (5)      

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

  $   (4)        $    23         $    3         $    (26)        $    (4)      

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOMECONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

 
(Unaudited, in millions)  Parent   Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
   Consolidated   Parent   Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
   Consolidated 

Sales

   $      –      $    2,163           $    2,328           $    (1,116)         $    3,375      $      –      $        716           $        734           $      (396)          $    1,054   

Costs and expenses:

                    

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

   –      1,918           1,814           (1,116)         2,616   

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

   –      69           105           –           174   

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

   –      654           578           (396)          836   

Depreciation and amortization

   –      24           33           –           57   

Distribution costs

   –      106           279           –           385      –      32           89           –           121   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   18      33           63           –           114           15           11           –           32   

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

   –      4           94           –           98      –      –           5           –             

Net gain on disposition of assets

   –      –           (28)          –           (28)     –      –           (23)          –           (23)  

Operating (loss) income

   (18)     33           1           –           16      (6)     (9)          41           –           26   

Interest expense

   (163)     (3)          (6)          121          (51)     (54)     (1)          (1)          40           (16)  

Other income, net

   –      130           13           (121)         22      –      43           10           (40)          13   

Parent’s equity in income of subsidiaries

   150      –           –           (150)         –      61      –           –           (61)          –   

(Loss) income before income taxes

   (31)     160           8           (150)         (13)  

Income before income taxes

        33           50           (61)          23   

Income tax benefit (provision)

   65      (65)          12           –           12      22      (15)          3           –           10   

Net income including noncontrolling interests

   34      95           20           (150)         (1)     23      18           53           (61)          33   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

   –      –           35           –           35   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   –      –           (10)          –           (10)  

Net income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.

   $    34      $         95           $         55           $       (150)         $        34      $    23      $         18           $         43           $      (61)          $        23   

Comprehensive income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.

   $    26      $         18           $         46           $      (64)          $        26   

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011

 

 
(Unaudited, in millions)  Parent  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
   Consolidated 

Sales

  $        –   $    808          $811           $(395)          $1,224    

Costs and expenses:

          

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

  –    686           602           (395)           893    

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

  –    22           33           –             55    

Distribution costs

  –    38           103           –             141    

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  18    22           5           –             45    

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

  –    4           13           –             17    

Net (gain) loss on disposition of assets

  –    (1)          2           –             1    

Operating (loss) income

  (18)   37           53           –             72    

Interest expense

  (53)   (1)          (3)          38             (19)   

Other income (expense), net

  –    31           (61)          (38)            (68)   

Parent’s equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries

     –           –            (6)            –     

(Loss) income before income taxes

  (65)   67           (11)          (6)            (15)   

Income tax benefit (provision)

  21    (21)          (27)          –              (27)   

Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests

  (44)   46           (38)          (6)            (42)   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

  –    –           (2)          –              (2)   

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

  $    (44)  $46          $(40)          $    (6)           $(44)   
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET 

As of March 31, 2013

 

 
(Unaudited, in millions)  Parent   Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
   Consolidated 

Assets

          

Current assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $            –     $       122       $         93         $            –         $       215    

Accounts receivable, net

        436       271         –         707    

Accounts receivable from affiliates

   19     368       117         (504)        –    

Inventories, net

        221       372         (9)        584    

Deferred income tax assets

        11       44         –         55    

Note and interest receivable from parent

        342       –         (342)        –    

Note receivable from subsidiary

   41     –       –         (41)        –    

Other current assets

        22       49         –         71    

Total current assets

   60     1,522       946         (896)        1,632    

Fixed assets, net

        908       1,478         –         2,386    

Amortizable intangible assets, net

        –       68         –         68    

Deferred income tax assets

        593       1,362         2         1,957    

Notes receivable from affiliates

        530       –         (530)        –    

Note receivable from parent

        270       –         (270)        –    

Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries

   4,928     2,038       –         (6,966)        –    

Other assets

        119       69         –         188    

Total assets

   $    4,988     $    5,980       $    3,923         $   (8,660)        $    6,231    

Liabilities and equity

          

Current liabilities:

          

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $         25     $       212       $       355         $            –         $       592    

Current portion of long-term debt

        –       3         –         3    

Accounts payable to affiliates

   384     120       –         (504)        –    

Note and interest payable to subsidiary

   342     –       –         (342)        –    

Note payable to parent

        –       41         (41)        –    

Total current liabilities

   751     332       399         (887)        595    

Long-term debt, net of current portion

   527     2       –         –         529    

Long-term debt due to subsidiary

   270     –       –         (270)        –    

Long-term debt due to affiliate

        –       530         (530)        –    

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

        561       1,330         –         1,891    

Deferred income tax liabilities

        –       28         –         28    

Other long-term liabilities

        28       41         –         69    

Total liabilities

   1,548     923       2,328         (1,687)        3,112    

Total equity

   3,440     5,057       1,595         (6,973)        3,119    

Total liabilities and equity

   $    4,988     $    5,980       $    3,923         $   (8,660)        $    6,231    

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

 

(Unaudited, in millions) Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated

Sales

   $      –     $    2,376     $    2,364     $    (1,131)      $    3,609  

Costs and expenses:

          

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

        2,025     1,832     (1,131)      2,726  

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

        67     97          164  

Distribution costs

        118     297          415  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   19     45     58          122  

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

        18     16          34  

Net gain on disposition of assets

        (1)   (2)        (3)

Operating (loss) income

   (19)   104    66        151 

Interest expense

   (164)   (6)   (16)   109    (77)

Other income (expense), net

   12    99    (53)   (109)   (51)

Parent’s equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries

   164            (164)    

Income (loss) before income taxes

   (7)   197    (3)   (164)   23 

Income tax benefit (provision)

   54    (18)   (10)       26 

Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests

   47    179    (13)   (164)   49 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

           (2)       (2)

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

   $    47     $       179     $        (15   $       (164   $         47  

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET 

As of September 30, 2012

 

 
(Unaudited, in millions)  Parent   Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
   Consolidated 

Assets

          

Current assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $            2     $       194       $       147         $            –         $       343    

Accounts receivable, net

        339       387         –         726    

Accounts receivable from affiliates

        –       370         (370)        –    

Inventories, net

        175       360         –         535    

Assets held for sale

        –       57         –         57    

Deferred income tax assets

        27       85         –         112    

Notes and interest receivable from parent

        1,358       –         (1,358)        –    

Note receivable from affiliate

        8       –         (8)        –    

Note receivable from a subsidiary

   41     –       –         (41)        –    

Other current assets

        23       40         –         63    

Total current assets

   43     2,124       1,446         (1,777)        1,836    

Fixed assets, net

        896       1,591         –         2,487    

Amortizable intangible assets, net

        –       69         –         69    

Deferred income tax assets

        522       1,281         –         1,803    

Notes receivable from affiliate

        33       –         (33)        –    

Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries

   5,961     2,088       –         (8,049)        –    

Other assets

        97       98         –         195    

Total assets

   $    6,004     $    5,760       $    4,485         $   (9,859)        $    6,390    

Liabilities and equity

          

Current liabilities:

          

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $         28     $       160       $       387         $            –         $       575    

Current portion of long-term debt

   85     –       2         –         87    

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

        –       54         –         54    

Accounts payable to affiliates

   212     158       –         (370)        –    

Notes and interest payable to subsidiaries

   1,358     –       –         (1,358)        –    

Note payable to affiliate

        –       8         (8)        –    

Note payable to parent

        –       41         (41)        –    

Total current liabilities

   1,683     318       492         (1,777)        716    

Long-term debt, net of current portion

   533     –       5         –         538    

Long-term debt due to affiliate

        –       33         (33)        –    

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

        444       1,078         –         1,522    

Deferred income tax liabilities

        –       76         –         76    

Other long-term liabilities

        34       38         –         72    

Total liabilities

   2,216     796       1,722         (1,810)        2,924    

Total equity

   3,788     4,964       2,763         (8,049)        3,466    

Total liabilities and equity

   $    6,004     $    5,760       $    4,485         $   (9,859)        $    6,390    

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2011

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2012

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2012

 
(Unaudited, in millions)  Parent   Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
   Consolidated   Parent   Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
   Consolidated 

Assets

                    

Current assets:

                    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $            –     $       128       $       241         $            –         $       369       $            5     $       171       $         87         $            –         $       263    

Accounts receivable, net

        349       401         –         750            383       366         (52)        697    

Accounts receivable from affiliates

        –       302         (302)        –            262       211         (473)        –    

Inventories, net

        172       303         –         475            221       328         (4)        545    

Assets held for sale

        –       7         –         7    

Deferred income tax assets

        27       82         –         109            11       45         –         56    

Notes and interest receivable from parent

        1,238       –         (1,238)        –            593       –         (593)        –    

Note receivable from affiliate

        11       –         (11)        –    

Note receivable from a subsidiary

   41     –       –         (41)        –    

Notes receivable from affiliates

        9       138         (147)        –    

Note receivable from subsidiary

   41     –       –         (41)        –    

Other current assets

        16       43         –         59            18       40         –         58    

Total current assets

   41     1,941       1,379         (1,592)        1,769       46     1,668       1,215         (1,310)        1,619    

Fixed assets, net

        938       1,564         –         2,502            908       1,532         –         2,440    

Amortizable intangible assets, net

        –       18         –         18            –       69         –         69    

Deferred income tax assets

        524       1,225         –         1,749            595       1,406         1         2,002    

Notes receivable from affiliate

        33       –         (33)        –    

Note receivable from affiliate

        531       –         (531)        –    

Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries

   5,805     2,076       –         (7,881)        –       4,850     2,089       –         (6,939)        –    

Other assets

        101       159         –         260            98       96         –         194    

Total assets

   $    5,846     $    5,613       $    4,345         $    (9,506)        $    6,298       $    4,896     $    5,889       $    4,318         $    (8,779)        $    6,324    

Liabilities and equity

                    

Current liabilities:

                    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $         15     $       166       $       363         $             –         $       544       $         11     $       198       $       424         $         (52)        $       581    

Current portion of long-term debt

        –       2         –         2    

Accounts payable to affiliates

   220     82       –         (302)        –       336     135       2         (473)        –    

Notes and interest payable to subsidiaries

   1,238     –       –         (1,238)        –       593     –       –         (593)        –    

Note payable to affiliate

        –       11         (11)        –    

Notes payable to affiliates

        138       9         (147)        –    

Note payable to parent

        –       41         (41)        –            –       41         (41)        –    

Total current liabilities

   1,473     248       415         (1,592)        544       940     471       478         (1,306)        583    

Long-term debt

   621     –       –         –         621    

Long-term debt, net of current portion

   528     3       1         –         532    

Long-term debt due to affiliate

        –       33         (33)        –            –       531         (531)        –    

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

        475       1,049         –         1,524            559       1,387         –         1,946    

Deferred income tax liabilities

        –       75         –         75            –       75         –         75    

Other long-term liabilities

        34       23         –         57            36       36         –         72    

Total liabilities

   2,094     757       1,595         (1,625)        2,821       1,468     1,069       2,508         (1,837)        3,208    

Total equity

   3,752     4,856       2,750         (7,881)        3,477       3,428     4,820       1,810         (6,942)        3,116    

Total liabilities and equity

   $    5,846     $    5,613       $    4,345         $    (9,506)        $    6,298       $    4,896     $    5,889       $    4,318         $    (8,779)        $    6,324    

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

(Unaudited, in millions)  Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated  Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $     –  $    126          $      66          $    $192 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   $    –   $    (50)          $      30          $    –    $(20)

Cash flows from investing activities:

                          

Cash invested in fixed assets

       (29)           (73)                (102)       (12)           (28)                (40)

Disposition of other assets

       –           31                31 

Acquisition of Fibrek, net of cash acquired

       –           (24)                (24)

Disposition of assets

       –           2                2 

Decrease in restricted cash

       –           76                76        –           2                 2 

Increase in deposit requirements for letters of credit, net

       –           (12)                (12)

Advances from (to) affiliate

    47   (31)           (16)                 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    47   (60)           (18)                (31)

Decrease in deposit requirements for letters of credit, net

       –           1                1 

Advances (to) from affiliates

    (5)  5            –                  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (5)  (7)           (23)                (35)

Cash flows from financing activities:

                          

Purchases of treasury stock

    (45)  –           –                (45)

Dividends to noncontrolling interest

       –           (3)                (3)

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest

       –           (27)                (27)

Payments of debt

       –           (112)                (112)       –           (1)                (1)

Net cash used in financing activities

    (45)  –           (142)                (187)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    2   66           (94)                (26)

Contribution of capital from noncontrolling interest

       8           –                 8 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

       8           (1)                7 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (5)  (49)           6                 (48)

Cash and cash equivalents:

                          

Beginning of period

       128           241                369     5   171           87                263 

End of period

   $2  $    194          $    147          $    –    $343    $  $122          $93          $    $215 
                        

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

(Unaudited, in millions)  Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated  Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $  $    108           $    (93)          $    $15 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $    –  $    48           $    9           $    $57 

Cash flows from investing activities:

                          

Cash invested in fixed assets

       (21)           (34)                (55)       (10)           (29)                (39)

Disposition of investment in ACH

       –           296                296 

Disposition of other assets

       11           8                19 

Proceeds from insurance settlements

       –           8                8 

Increase in restricted cash

       –           (2)                (2)

Disposition of assets

       –           26                26 

Decrease in restricted cash

       –           4                4 

Increase in deposit requirements for letters of credit, net

       –           (2)                (2)       –           (7)                (7)

Advances from (to) affiliate

       150           (150)                 

Net cash provided by investing activities

       140           124                264 

Net cash used in investing activities

       (10)           (6)                (16)

Cash flows from financing activities:

                          

Dividends and distribution to noncontrolling interests

       –           (19)                (19)

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest

       –           (15)                (15)

Payments of debt

       (269)           –                 (269)

Net cash used in financing activities

       (269)           (34)                (303)       –            –                  

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

       (21)           (3)                (24)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

       38            3                 41 

Cash and cash equivalents:

                          

Beginning of period

       164            155                 319        128            241                 369 

End of period

   $    –  $    143           $    152           $    –    $295    $  $166           $    244           $    $410 

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 18.15. Subsequent Events

The following significant events occurred subsequent to September 30, 2012:March 31, 2013:

 

Concerning the previously-disclosed funding relief measures, solvency deficit and corrective measures related to our material Canadian registered pension plans, we have been working with our stakeholders, including employees, retirees and unions, and also the provincial governments of Quebec and Ontario and the related pension regulators, to address the matter. On April 26, 2013, we reached an agreement in principle with our stakeholders in Quebec, the provincial government, and its pension regulator. Under the agreement in principle, we would agree to make incremental contributions beyond the basic funding requirements under the existing framework in order to secure longer-term funding stability. We have started the process of engagement with our Ontario stakeholders and the provincial government of Ontario and its pension regulator.

On May 8, 2013, we completed a private offering of $600 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.875% senior notes due 2023. The 2023 Notes are unsecured and are guaranteed by substantially all of our U.S. subsidiaries, all of which also guaranteed our 2018 Notes. The 2023 Notes were sold at an offering price of 99.062% of the principal amount and, as a result, will be recorded in “Long-term debt” in our consolidated balance sheet at their fair value of $594 million, which reflects a discount of $6 million that will be amortized to “Interest expense” in our consolidated statement of operations, using the effective interest method over the term of the notes. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning November 15, 2013. In connection with the issuance of the notes, we incurred fees of approximately $10 million, which will be recorded as deferred financing costs in “Other assets” in our consolidated balance sheet and will be amortized to “Interest expense” in our consolidated statement of operations over the term of the notes.

We commenced a tender offer on April 24, 2013, in connection with which we also solicited consents from tendering holders of 2018 Notes to amend the terms of the governing indenture to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default under the indenture and to release the collateral securing the obligations under the 2018 Notes. The tender offer and consent solicitation included an early tender deadline of May 7, 2013. As more fully discussed in Note 11, “Long-Term Debt,” on October 10, 2012, we redeemed $85of the early tender deadline, approximately $497 million ofaggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes.

On October 29, 2012, the province of Quebec informed us that it had granted an additional extensionNotes (99% of the effective dateoutstanding principal amount) had been tendered. Using proceeds from the sale of the 2023 Notes, we exercised on May 8, 2013, our option to require uspurchase the 2018 Notes tendered before the early tender deadline. Consistent with the terms of the tender offer, we purchased the tendered 2018 Notes for aggregate consideration of $583 million, including accrued and unpaid interest of $4 million, and in connection with that purchase, we entered into a supplemental indenture to transfer property of our Jim-Gray hydroelectric facility andimplement the associated installationchanges to the province for no consideration following2018 Notes indenture and to release the non-renewalcollateral securing the 2018 Notes, as described above. As a result, in the second quarter of our water power lease on January 1, 2012. As extended, the transfer would be effective as of February 15, 2013. The province’s actions are not consistent with our understanding of the water power lease in question. We continue to evaluate our legal options. At this time, we believe that the remaining useful life of the assets remains unchanged. The carrying value of the hydroelectric assets and the intangible assets associated with the Jim-Gray installation as of September 30, 2012 was approximately $94 million. If we are unable to renew the water rights at this facility,2013, we will reevaluate the remaining useful liferecord a net loss on extinguishment of these assets,debt of $58 million, which may resultwill be recorded in accelerated depreciation and amortization charges at that time. Additional information regarding our Jim-Gray hydroelectric facility is presented in Note 4, “Amortizable Intangible Assets, Net,” and Note 12, “Fixed Assets, Net,” included“Other income, net” in our consolidated financial statementsstatement of operations. The tender offer remains outstanding and will continue through May 21, 2013.

On April 29, 2013, we entered into an agreement with the administrative agent for the year ended December 31, 2011.

On November 6, 2012, we announced that we will permanently closeABL Credit Facility and Bank of America, N.A., Canadian Branch, in order to add Bank of America as a paper machine at our Laurentide, Quebec paper mill, effective November 26, 2012, due to an important drop in demandlender thereunder, and an increase in market capacityalso increased the aggregate commitments of the paper grade producedABL Credit Facility by that paper machine.

$65 million to $665 million, subject to borrowing base limitations. These transactions closed on May 8, 2013, concurrent with the closing of the offering of the 2023 Notes.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition andis intended to help the reader understand Resolute Forest Products, our results of operations, (“MD&A”) ofcash flows and financial condition. The discussion is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes contained inItem 1 – Financial Statements.

When we refer to “Resolute Forest Products,” “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company,” we mean Resolute Forest Products Inc. (withwith its subsidiaries and affiliates, either individually or collectively, unless otherwise indicated, referred to as “Resolute Forest Products,” “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company”) provides information that we believe is useful in understanding our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. This discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements”). On November 7, 2011, we began doing business as Resolute Forest Products. At the annual meeting of shareholders on May 23, 2012, the shareholders approved an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to change our corporate name from AbitibiBowater Inc. to Resolute Forest Products Inc., effective May 24, 2012. The ticker symbol for our common stock was changed from “ABH” to “RFP” on the New York Stock Exchange on May 24, 2012 and on the Toronto Stock Exchange on May 28, 2012.indicated.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Use of Third-Party DataCAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATIONAND USEOF THIRD-PARTY DATA

Statements in this Quarterly Reportquarterly report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) that are not reported financial results or other historical information of Resolute Forest Products are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. They include, for example, statements relating to: ourto our: efforts to reach resolution concerning the funding relief measures related to the material Canadian registered pension plans; efforts to continue to reduce costs and increase revenues and profitability, including our cost reduction initiatives; ourcost-reduction initiatives regarding selling, general and administrative expenses; business and operating outlook; our assessment of market conditions; our liquidity outlook (including the impact of the solvency deficit in certain of our Canadian pension plans), our prospects, growth strategies and strategies for achieving our goals generally, including the strategies described under “Business Strategy and Outlook” below; and the industry in which we operate.operate; strategies for achieving our goals generally; and our ability to repurchase or redeem our 10.25% senior secured notes due 2018 with the proceeds from the sale of our 5.875% senior notes due 2023. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “should,” “would,” “could,” “will,” “may,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “attempt,” “project” and other terms with similar meaning indicating possible future events or potential impact on our business or Resolute Forest Products’ shareholders.

The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance. These statements are based on management’s current assumptions, beliefs and expectations, all of which involve a number of business risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future financial condition, results of operations and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q include, but are not limited to, the potential risks associated with our acquisition of Fibrek Inc. (“Fibrek”), including thatand uncertainties set forth under the businesses of Resolute Forest Products and Fibrek may not be integrated successfully or such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected and disruption from the transaction may make it more difficultheading “Risk Factors” in Exhibit 99.4 to maintain relationships with customers, employees and suppliers, and the risks enumerated under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual ReportResolute’s current report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011,8-K filed with the United StatesU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”SEC) on February 29, 2012 (the “2011 Annual Report”).April 24, 2013.

All forward-looking statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section and in our other filings with the SEC and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Market and industry data

Information about industry or general economic conditions contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q is derived from third-party sources and certain trade publications (“Third-Party Data”) that we believe are widely accepted and accurate; however, we have not independently verified this information and cannot provide assurances of its accuracy.

Business StrategyOVERVIEW

Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry, with a diverse range of products, including newsprint, commercial printing papers, market pulp and Outlookwood products, which are marketed in close to 80 countries. We own or operate over 40 pulp and paper mills and wood products facilities in the U.S., Canada and South Korea, and power generation assets in Canada. By capacity, we are the largest producer of newsprint in the world, the largest producer of uncoated mechanical papers in North America and the biggest Canadian volume producer of wood products east of the Rockies. We are also a significant North American producer in coated papers and market pulp.

We report our activities in five business segments: newsprint, coated papers, specialty papers, market pulp and wood products. See “Results of Operations” below for further information about our business segments.

We are guided by our vision and values, focusing on safety, profitability, accountability, sustainability and teamwork. Asteamwork, and we believe that the following elements best define us:

Competitive cost structure – as a result of aggressive cost reductions and mill rationalizations, today we compete as a leading, lower-cost North American producer. When compared to the company that filed for creditor protection in 2009, today we have dramatically lower fixed costs and a significantly lower breakeven point.

Synergistic and diversified asset base– in implementing our mill rationalization efforts, we operate our best assets, closing or selling the higher cost ones. Our harvesting rights and extensive network of Canadian sawmills not only makes us a significant lumber producer in eastern North America, but also give us the benefit of integration from the harvested log all the way through the paper roll or pulp bale. In the U.S., we source primarily from the low-cost southeastern fiber basket.

Financial strength – we make disciplined capital management a priority, and we strive to maintain a conservative capital structure.

Our Business

For information relating to our business, including our products, strategy, sustainable performance and development, and power generation assets, refer to our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “2012 annual report”). There has not been any material change in our business since December 31, 2012.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

First Quarter Overview

We recorded an operating loss of $50 million in the first quarter, compared to operating income of $26 million in the first quarter of 2012. Excluding special items, operating income was $12 million, compared to $14 million in the year-ago period.

Our net loss in the first quarter was $5 million, or net income of $28 million, excluding special items, on sales of $1,074 million. This compares to net income of $23 million in the first quarter of 2012, or $7 million, excluding special items, on sales of $1,054 million.

We generated a net loss per common share of $0.05, compared to net income of $0.23 per share in the first quarter of 2012. Excluding special items, earnings per diluted share was $0.30, compared to $0.07 in the year-ago period.

Fibrek Inc.’s (“Fibrek”) results of operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements, in the market pulp segment, since May 2, 2012, the date we acquired a controlling interest. The amount of Fibrek’s sales and operating income included in our results for the first quarter were $102 million and $7 million, respectively.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

   

 

Operating

income

  

  

   

 

Net

income

  

  

   EPS      

(in millions, except per share amounts)

   (loss)     (loss)       

GAAP

  $    (50)      $    (5)      $     (0.05)    

Adjustments for special items

      

Charge on non-cash translation of Canadian dollar net monetary assets

   –        7        0.07     

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

   40        25        0.27     

Inventory write-downs related to closures

   4        2        0.02     

Start-up costs of idled mill

   15        11        0.12     

Transaction costs

   3        3        0.03     

Other income, net

   –        (15)       (0.16)    

GAAP, as adjusted for special items

  $12       $28       $0.30     

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

   
 
Operating
income
  
  
   

 

Net

income

  

  

   EPS      

(in millions, except per share amounts)

   (loss)     (loss)       

GAAP

  $    26       $    23       $      0.23     

Adjustments for special items

      

Gain on non-cash translation of Canadian dollar net monetary assets

   –        (15)       (0.15)    

Severance

   2        1        0.01     

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

   5        4        0.04     

Net gain on disposition of assets

   (23)       (12)       (0.12)    

Post-emergence expenses

   –        1        0.01     

Transaction costs

   4        4        0.04     

Other income, net

   –        (2)       (0.02)    

Non-cash charge for reorganization-related and other tax adjustments

   –        3        0.03     

GAAP, as adjusted for special items

  $14       $7       $0.07     

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

RESULTSOF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Results

Selected Quarterly Financial Information

    Three Months Ended  
March 31,
 
(in millions, except per share amounts)  2013   2012 

Sales

  $    1,074           $    1,054       

Operating (loss) income per segment

    

Newsprint

   (2)           21       

Coated papers

   (3)           (1)      

Specialty papers

   9            15       

Market pulp

   (4)           (21)      

Wood products

   16            (6)      

Corporate / other

   (66)           18       

Total

   (50)           26       

Net (loss) income

   (5)           23       

Net (loss) income per common share

    

Basic

  $(0.05)          $0.23       

Diluted

  $(0.05)           0.23       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $215           $410       

Total assets

   6,231            6,336       

Adjusted EBITDA1

  $72           $71       

Adjusted EBITDA margin1

   6.7%         6.7%    

1.Earnings before interest expense, income taxes and depreciation, or “EBITDA”, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are not financial measures recognized under generally accepted accounting principles, or “GAAP”. EBITDA is calculated as net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests from the consolidated statements of operations, adjusted for interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA means EBITDA, excluding special items such as foreign exchange translation gains and losses, employee termination costs, closure costs, impairment and other related charges, inventory write-downs related to closures, start up costs of idled mills, gains and losses on dispositions of assets, post-emergence costs, transaction costs and other charges or credits that are excluded from our segments’ performance from GAAP operating income (loss). Adjusted EBITDA margin is adjusted EBITDA expressed as a percentage of sales. We believe that using measures such as EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin is useful because they are consistent with the indicators management uses internally to measure the Company’s performance and it allows the reader to more easily compare our ongoing operations and financial performance from period to period.

    Three Months Ended  
March 31,
 
(in millions)  2013   2012 

Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests

  $    (5)      $    33        

Interest expense

   14        16        

Income tax benefit

   (41)       (10)       

Depreciation and amortization

   60        57        

EBITDA

  $28       $96        

Foreign exchange translation loss (gain)

   5        (12)       

Employee termination costs

   –         2        

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

   40        5        

Inventory write-downs related to closures

   4        –         

Start up costs of idled mill

   15        –         

Net gain on disposition of assets

   –         (23)       

Post-emergence costs

   –         2        

Transaction costs

   3        4        

Other income, net

   (23)       (3)       

Adjusted EBITDA

  $72       $71        

First quarter 2013 vs. first quarter 2012

Operating (loss) income variance analysis

LOGO

Sales

Sales rose by $20 million, or 1.9%, to $1,074 million, with the addition of Fibrek’s sales ($102 million) and gains in overall pricing outweighing the decline in volume ($97 million). The volume reduction is due mainly to our 2012 efforts to adjust to market dynamics by focusing our production in our most cost-effective mills, as a result of aggressive cost reductionswhich we operated four fewer machines overall compared to the year-ago period. In 2012 and since then, we:

idled and subsequently sold our Mersey, Nova Scotia, newsprint mill, rationalizations, today we competewhich can no longer be used to make paper;

restarted a high-gloss paper machine in Dolbeau, Quebec;

closed a high-gloss paper machine in Laurentide, Quebec;

indefinitely idled the pulp mill and high-bright and book paper machine in Fort Frances, Ontario;

indeterminately idled a coated paper machine in Catawba, South Carolina;

indefinitely idled a newsprint machine at our Calhoun, Tennessee, mill;

are currently in the final stages of restarting our Gatineau, Quebec, newsprint mill.

We gained $15 million in overall pricing over the first quarter of 2012, reflecting a $104 per thousand board feet increase in average transaction price in the wood products segment ($36 million), offset by a $26 per metric ton drop in average transaction price in newsprint ($15 million) and lower levels in specialty papers ($4 million) and market pulp, in large part as a leading, lower-cost North American producer, counting on efficient operations, strong economiesresult of scalea significant decrease in pricing for fluff pulp ($4 million).

Compared to the first quarter of 2012, we took approximately 116,000 metric tons less downtime in our newsprint, specialty and access to competitive sourcesmarket pulp segments, including 39,000 metric tons associated with machines that were closed or idled later in 2012. Inventories rose 59,000 metric tons in market pulp because of energyFibrek, and fiber. Our corporate strategy includes, on the one hand, a gradual retreat from certain paper grades, and on the other, using our strong financial position to act on opportunities to diversify and grow. That strategy focuses on three core themes: operational excellence, disciplined use of capital and strategic initiatives.37,000 metric tons in newsprint.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

Operational excellenceCost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization, which we refer to as “COS”, increased by $21 million, reflecting an $11 million improvement after adjusting for the effect of Fibrek ($78 million) and the lower volume ($46 million). It was favorably affected by:

our continued asset optimization and labor restructuring initiatives ($13 million);

timing of annual outage at our Coosa Pines, Alabama, mill ($8 million), which has been delayed to the second quarter; and

the idling of the Mersey facility last June ($6 million).

But costs were unfavorably affected by higher mill start-up costs and increases in certain other manufacturing costs, as more fully described in the segment variances below.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization increased by $3 million, mainly as a result of the acquisition of Fibrek’s assets.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses, which we refer to as “SG&A”, rose by $12 million in the quarter, primarily because in the first quarter of 2012 we recorded a refund of certain group benefit premiums paid in prior years ($9 million).

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

We aimrecorded closure costs, impairment and other related charges of $40 million, $35 million more than in the year-ago period. This reflects mainly accelerated depreciation and severance charges associated with the idling of a newsprint machine at our Calhoun mill.

Net gain on disposition of assets

The lower net gain on disposition of assets reflects the sale, in the first quarter of 2012, of timberlands in Nova Scotia ($22 million).

Net (loss) income variance analysis

Net loss was $5 million, or $0.05 per share, a decrease of $28 million, or $0.28 per share, compared to improve our performance and margins by: (i) leveraging our lower-cost position, (ii) maintaining a stringent focus on reducing costs and optimizing our diversified asset base, (iii) maximizingnet income of $23 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, in the benefitsfirst quarter of our access2012.

Interest expense

Interest expense decreased by $2 million, to virgin fiber and managing our exposure to volatile recycled fiber, (iv) pursuing our strategy of not building inventory and (v) capitalizing on our economical access to international markets to compensate for$14 million, reflecting the secular decline in North American newsprint demand.

Corporate initiatives

We make capital management a priority. Building on our focus to reduce manufacturing costs, we will continue our efforts to decrease overhead and spend our capital in a disciplined, strategic and focused manner, concentrated on our most successful sites.

Reducing debt and associated interest charges is one of our primary financial goals. We believe this improves our financial flexibility and supports the implementation of our strategic objectives. On October 10, 2012, we redeemed $85 million oflower principal amount of the 2018 Notes (as defined and discussed below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources”).

On May 22, 2012, our board approved a share repurchase programsenior secured notes because of up to 10% of our common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of up to $100 million. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, we repurchased 2.6$85 million and 3.7 million shares, respectively, at a cost of $33 million and $45 million, respectively.

Strategic initiatives

We believe there will be continued consolidationredemption in the paper and forest products industry as we and our competitors continue to explore ways to increase efficiencies and grow into more favorable markets. We believe in taking an opportunistic approach to strategic opportunities, pursuing only those that reduce our cost position, improve our product diversification, provide synergies or allow us to expand into future growth markets.

On December 15, 2011, we announced an offer to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of Fibrek, a producer and marketer of virgin and recycled kraft pulp, operating three mills. As of May 17, 2012, the offer expiry date, we had acquired 74.6% of the then outstanding Fibrek shares. On July 31, 2012, we completed the second step transaction for the remaining 25.4% of the outstanding Fibrek shares. As aggregate consideration for all of the Fibrek shares purchased, we distributed approximately 3.3 million shares of our common stock and Cdn$63 million ($63 million, based on the exchange rates in effect on each of the dates we acquired the shares of Fibrek) in cash. We expect to pay additional consideration to former holders of Fibrek shares that have exercised dissenters’ rights in respect of the transaction. Any such consideration will only be paid out upon settlement or judicial determination of the fair value of claims by dissenting shareholders of Fibrek and was recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet included in our Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30,October 2012. For additional information regarding our acquisition of Fibrek, see Note 2, “Acquisition of Fibrek Inc.,” to our Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Business and Financial Review

Overview

Through our subsidiaries, we manufacture newsprint, coated and specialty papers, market pulp and wood products. We operate pulp and paper manufacturing facilities in Canada, the United States and South Korea, as well as wood products manufacturing facilities in Canada and hydroelectric facilities in Quebec, Canada.

As discussed further below, newsprint, coated papers and specialty papers, particularly supercalendered high gloss papers and lightweight and directory grades, experienced decreases in North American demand in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. Global shipments of market pulp increased during the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, particularly in China, but market pricing fell substantially. Our wood products segment benefited from a significant increase in market pricing in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

The average value of the Canadian dollar was US$1.01 and US$1.00 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to US$1.02 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Fibrek’s results of operations have been included in our Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements beginning May 2, 2012, which is the date on which we acquired a controlling interest, and are included in the market pulp segment. The amount of Fibrek’s sales, operating loss and net loss included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations included in our Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (“Consolidated Statements of Operations”) were $94 million, $13 million and $15 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and were $168 million, $12 million and $13 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Fibrek’s operating loss was primarily due to the lost production and costs associated with the Saint-Félicien, Quebec mill’s five week outage for annual maintenance and necessary work to improve its operational and environmental performance.

Consolidated Results of Operations

                                                                        
    Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)

   2012     2011    Change    2012     2011     Change  

Sales

  $1,153    $1,224   $(71 $3,375    $3,609    $(234

Operating income

   26     72    (46  16     151     (135

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

   31     (44  75    34     47     (13

Net income (loss) per share attributable to
Resolute Forest Products Inc. – basic

   0.32     (0.46  0.78    0.35     0.48     (0.13

Net income (loss) per share attributable to
Resolute Forest Products Inc. – diluted

   0.32     (0.46  0.78    0.35     0.48     (0.13

Significant items that (unfavorably) favorably
impacted operating income:

   

        

Product pricing and foreign exchange – excluding Fibrek

  

   $(9     $(18

Shipments – excluding Fibrek

  

    (156      (384

Sales – Fibrek

            94              168  

Change in sales

      (71      (234

Change in cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and
cost of timber harvested – excluding Fibrek

   

    91        264  

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of
timber harvested – Fibrek

   

       (93            (154

Change in cost of sales, excluding depreciation,
amortization and cost of timber harvested

   

    (2      110  

Change in depreciation, amortization
and cost of timber harvested

   

    (4      (10

Change in distribution costs

      10        30  

Change in selling, general and administrative expenses

  

    4        8  

Change in closure costs, impairment and
other related charges

   

    12        (64

Change in net (gain) loss on disposition of assets

  

       5              25  
            $(46           $(135

Three months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011

Sales

Excluding Fibrek’s sales of $94 million in the third quarter of 2012, sales on a comparable basis decreased $165 million, or 13.5%, from $1,224 million in the third quarter of 2011 to $1,059 million in the third quarter of 2012. The decrease was primarily due to lower shipments in all of our product lines, an unfavorable currency exchange on our Canadian dollar denominated sales and lower transaction prices, particularly for market pulp, largely offset by higher transaction prices for wood products. The impact of each of these items is discussed further below under “Segment Results of Operations.”

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

OperatingOther income, net

OperatingOther income, decreased $46net, rose by $5 million, to $26 million in$18 million. The change stems from the third quarterforgiveness of 2012 compared to $72 million in the third quarter of 2011. As discussed above, operating income in the third quarter of 2012 included a $13 million operating loss related to Fibrek. The above table presents the major items that impacted operating income. A brief explanation of these major items follows.

Excluding Fibrek’s results, cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested, on a comparable basis decreased $91 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to lower volumes ($89 million), a favorable currency exchange ($9 million, primarily due to the Canadian dollar) and lower costs for labor and benefits ($13 million, primarily due to asset optimization and restructuring initiatives) and energy ($10 million), partially offset by the timing of annual maintenance outages ($6 million), start-up costs of an idled mill ($5 million) and higher costs for regular maintenance ($3 million), chemicals ($3 million), wood and fiber ($3 million) and other unfavorable cost variances.

Distribution costs decreased $10 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to lower shipment volumes, partially offset by Fibrek’s distribution costs of $8 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $4 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to a reduction of $3 million of professional and consulting service fees and $4 million of corporate employee termination costs recorded in the third quarter of 2011, partially offset by $2 million of Fibrek’s selling, general and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2012.

We recorded $5 million of closure costs, impairment and other related charges in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $17 million in the third quarter of 2011. We recorded a net gain on disposition of assets of $4 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to a net loss on disposition of assets of $1 million in the third quarter of 2011. These items are discussed further below under “Segment Results of Operations – Corporate and Other.”

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

Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. in the third quarter of 2012 was $31 million of net income, or $0.32 per diluted common share, an improvement of $75 million, or $0.78 per diluted common share, compared to $44 million of net loss, or $0.46 per common share, in the third quarter of 2011. The improvement was due to a decrease in interest expense, an increase in other income (expense), net, an increase in the income tax benefit, all of which are discussed below, and a decrease in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, offset by a decrease in operating income, as discussed above.

Nine months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011

Sales

Excluding Fibrek’s sales of $168 million in the first nine months of 2012, sales on a comparable basis decreased $402 million, or 11.1%, from $3,609 million in the first nine months of 2011 to $3,207 million in the same period of 2012. The decrease was primarily due to lower shipments in all of our product lines, an unfavorable currency exchange on our Canadian dollar denominated sales and lower transaction prices, particularly for market pulp, largely offset by higher transaction prices for specialty papers and wood products. The impact of each of these items is discussed further below under “Segment Results of Operations.”

Operating income

Operating income decreased $135 million to $16 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to operating income of $151 million in the same period of 2011. As discussed above, operating income in the first nine months of 2012 included a $12 million operating loss related to Fibrek. The above table presents the major items that impacted operating income. A brief explanation of these major items follows.

Excluding Fibrek’s results, cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested, on a comparable basis decreased $264 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, primarily due to lower volumes ($221 million), a favorable currency exchange ($41 million, primarily due to the Canadian dollar) and lower costs for natural gas ($15 million) and labor and benefits ($27 million, primarily due to asset optimization and restructuring initiatives). These lower costs were

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

partially offset by start-up costs of an idled mill ($5 million) and higher costs for energy ($6 million, primarily due to a 2010 retroactive energy rebate recorded in the second quarter of 2011, as discussed below, and the lost income from the hydroelectric facilities of ACH Limited Partnership (“ACH”), which were sold in the second quarter of 2011), chemicals ($7 million), maintenance ($12 million), wood and fiber ($2 million) and other unfavorable cost variances. In the second quarter of 2011, we were approved for participation in the Northern Industrial Electricity Rate Program (“NIER Program”) in which we earn rebates on electricity purchased and consumed by our paper mills in the province of Ontario from April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2013, provided we comply with the conditions of the program. During the second quarter of 2011, we recorded a rebate of approximately $19 million, of which approximately $8 million represented a retroactive rebate from 2010.

Distribution costs decreased $30 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, primarily due to lower shipment volumes, partially offset by Fibrek’s distribution costs of $15 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $8 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, primarily due to an $11 million refund in the first nine months of 2012 of certain group benefit premiums paid in prior years and $11 million of corporate employee termination costs recorded in 2011. These lower costs were partially offset by $7 million of transaction costsnote payable in connection with our acquisition of Fibrek and $5 million of Fibrek’s selling, general and administrative expensesour former joint venture partner’s interest in the first nine months of 2012.

We recorded $98 million of closure costs, impairment and other related charges in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $34 million in the same period of 2011. We recorded a net gain on disposition of assets of $28 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $3 million in the same period of 2011. These items are discussed further below under “Segment Results of Operations – Corporate and Other.Calhoun Newsprint Company (or “CNC

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

Net income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. in the first nine months of 2012 was $34 million, or $0.35 per diluted common share, a decrease of $13 million, or $0.13 per diluted common share, compared to $47 million, or $0.48 per diluted common share, in the same period of 2011. The decrease was due to the decrease in operating income, as discussed above,), and a decrease in$9 million distribution from the income tax benefit, which is discussed below,liquidation of a former U.K. subsidiary, offset by a decrease in interest expense, as well as an increase in other income (expense), net, which are discussed below, and an increase in net$5 million loss attributable to noncontrolling interests. The increase in net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests was primarily due to our partner’s share of the impairment, severance and other charges related to the assets held for sale in our interest in Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited (our “Mersey operations”) in Nova Scotia.

Non-operating items – three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011

Interest expense

Interest expense decreased $2 million from $19 million in the third quarter of 2011 to $17 million in the third quarter of 2012. Interest expense decreased $26 million from $77 million in the first nine months of 2011 to $51 million in the same period of 2012. These decreases were primarily due to the redemption of $264 million of the 2018 Notes (as defined under “Liquidity and Capital Resources”) in the second and fourth quarters of 2011.

Other income (expense), net

Other income (expense), net in the third quarter of 2012 and 2011 was $19 million of other income and $68 million of other expense, respectively, primarily comprised of foreign currency exchange gains of $18 million and foreign currency exchange losses of $60 million, respectively, and costs for the resolution and settlement of disputed creditor claims and other post-emergence activities associated with the creditor protection proceedings of $2 million and $13 million, respectively. Other income (expense), net in the first nine months of 2012 and 2011 was $22 million of other income and $51 million of other expense, respectively, primarily comprised of foreign currency exchange gains of $21 million and foreign currency exchange losses of $30 million, respectively, and costs for the resolution and settlement of disputed creditor claims and other post-emergence activities associated with the creditor protection proceedings of $7 million and $35 million, respectively. Foreign exchange gains and losses included in other income (expense), net are a result ofon the translation of Canadian dollar net monetary assets to U.S. dollars. The foreign exchange gainsThis compares to a $12 million gain on the translation of Canadian dollar net monetary assets to U.S. dollars in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 were due to a stronger U.S. dollar versus the Canadian dollar as of September 30, 2012 compared to a weaker U.S. dollar versus the Canadian dollar as of September 30, 2011. Other income (expense), net for the first nine months of 2012 and 2011 included interest income of $3 million and $1 million, respectively. Other expense, net, for the first nine months of 2011, also included net gains on extinguishment of debt of $4 million.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Income tax benefit (provision)

In the third quarter of 2012, an2012.

Income taxes

We recorded a $41 million income tax benefit in the first quarter of $3 million was recorded2013, on incomea loss before income taxes of $28$46 million, resulting in an effective tax rate for the first quarter of (11)%89%. OurThe effective tax rate reflects the favorable effects of a $35 million reversal of valuation allowances, primarily related to available U.S. capital losses that we will now be able to use as a result of the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in CNC, partly offset by the thirdunfavorable impacts related to various non-deductible items and other tax adjustments. In the first quarter of 2012, was impacted by $6 million of favorable reorganization-related and other tax adjustments as well as foreign exchange related items of $8 million, partially offset by an increase in our valuation allowance, primarily related to Fibrek’s operations where we do not recognize tax benefits. In the first nine months of 2012,recorded an income tax benefit of $12$10 million was recorded on a loss before income taxes of $13 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 92%. Our effective tax rate in the first nine months of 2012 was impacted by $16 million of favorable reorganization-related and other tax adjustments, foreign exchange related items of $11 million and a $6 million benefit for previously unrecognized tax benefits, partially offset by an increase in our valuation allowance, mostly related to costs associated with the indefinite idling of our Mersey operations where we do not recognize tax benefits.

In the third quarter of 2011, an income tax provision of $27 million was recorded on a loss before income taxes of $15 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of (180)%. Our effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2011 was primarily impacted by unfavorable foreign exchange related items of $30 million. In the first nine months of 2011, an income tax benefit of $26 million was recorded on income before income taxes of $23 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of (113)(43)%. OurThe effective tax rate in the first nine monthsquarter of 20112012 was favorably impacted by tax benefits of $45 millionfavorable adjustments related to the settlement of uncertainresearch and development tax positions and $10 million ofincentives, as well as foreign exchange related items, partly offset by an unfavorable reorganization-related and other tax adjustments, partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange related itemsadjustment.

Some of $16 million. For additional information, see Note 13, “Income Taxes,” to our Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our effective tax rateCanadian subsidiaries, including our principal Canadian operating subsidiary, use the U.S. dollar as functional currency but determine taxable income in Canadian dollars. This can be subject tocause frequent and substantial variations fromto our effective tax rate compared to the weighted-average of both domestic and foreign statutory tax rates. This results from foreign exchange related items of our Canadian subsidiaries having a functional currency (U.S. dollar) different from the currency used to determine taxable income (Canadian dollar). As a result,rates because the foreign exchange gains and losses used to calculate the income tax provision of our Canadian subsidiaries are determined on a different basis from the foreign exchange gains and losses included in our consolidated financial statements. Due to the variability and volatility of foreign exchange rates, we are unable to estimate the impact of future changes in exchange rates on our effective tax rate.

Noncontrolling interests

We recorded income of $10 million attributable to noncontrolling interests in the first quarter of 2012, primarily representing our former joint venture partner’s share of the gain from the sale of timberlands in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Segment Results of OperationsEarnings

We manage our business based on the products that we manufacture. Accordingly, ourOur reportable segments correspond to our primaryprincipal product lines: newsprint, coated papers, specialty papers, market pulp and wood products. None

We do not allocate any of the income or loss items following “Operating“operating (loss) income” in our Consolidated Statementsconsolidated statements of Operations are allocatedoperations to our segments sincebecause those items are reviewed separately by management. ForSimilarly, we do not allocate to the same reason,segments closure costs, impairment and other related charges, employee termination costs, net (gain) lossgain on dispositionsdisposition of assets, andas well as other discretionary charges or credits are not allocatedcredits. We also exclude certain corporate items from the segments, and present those separately as corporate and other, consistent with how management analyzes the results.

We allocate depreciation and SG&A to our segments. Additionally, all selling, general and administrative expenses, excludingthe segments, with the exception of employee termination costs and certain other discretionary charges and credits, are allocatedwhich we present under corporate and other.

NEWSPRINT

Highlights

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions, except where otherwise stated)  2013   2012 

Sales

  $    356         $    416       

Operating (loss) income 1

   (2)         21       

EBITDA2

   16          39       

(in thousands of metric tons)

    

Shipments

   563          633       

Downtime

   55          85       

Inventory at end of period

   110          73       

1.Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests is equal to operating (loss) income in this segment.
2.EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is reconciled below. For more information on the calculation and reason we include this measure, see note 1 under “Results of Operations – Consolidated Earnings – Selected Quarterly Financial Information” above.

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions)  2013   2012 

Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests

  $    (2)        $    21       

Depreciation and amortization

   18         18       

EBITDA

   16         39       

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Industry trends

LOGO

Source: Pulp & Paper Products Council (or “PPPC”)

Total North American newsprint demand declined 10% in the first quarter of 2013. Demand from newspapers and other end-users, mainly commercial printers, was down 11% and 8%, respectively. At 91%, however, the average operating rate in the industry remained elevated on a shipment-to-capacity basis. Global demand for newsprint was down 4% in the first quarter, including an 8% decline in Latin America, a 7% and 5% decline in Eastern and Western Europe, respectively, and a 3% decline in India. Exports from North American producers were up 8% compared to our segments. Depreciation expense is also allocated to our segments. For additional information regarding our segments, see Note 16, “Segment Information,” to our Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.the first quarter of 2012, representing an increase of nearly 40,000 metric tons.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

NewsprintFirst quarter 2013 vs. first quarter 2012

                                                                        
   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2012    2011    Change    2012    2011    Change  

Average price (per metric ton)

 $655   $663   $(8 $655   $660   $(5

Average cost (per metric ton)

 $613   $638   $(25 $613   $629   $(16

Shipments (thousands of metric tons)

  617    706    (89  1,889    2,059    (170

Downtime (thousands of metric tons)

  50    13    37    206    66    140  

Inventory at end of period (thousands of metric tons)

  75    81    (6  75    81    (6

(Unaudited, in millions)

                        

Segment sales

 $404   $468   $(64 $1,236   $1,359   $(123

Segment operating income

  26    18    8    79    63    16  

Significant items that (unfavorably) favorably impacted
segment operating income:

   

     

Product pricing and foreign exchange

   $(5   $(10

Shipments

          (59          (113

Change in sales

    (64    (123

Change in cost of sales, excluding depreciation,
amortization and cost of timber harvested

   

   64      127  

Change in depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

          1  

Change in distribution costs

    7      14  

Change in selling, general and administrative expenses

  

      1            (3
          $8           $16  

Three months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011Operating (loss) income variance analysis

 

SegmentLOGO

Sales

Newsprint sales decreased $64$60 million, or 13.7%14%, from $468to $356 million, primarily as a result of a 70,000 metric ton decrease in shipments ($45 million) and a $26 per metric ton reduction in average transaction price ($15 million).

The decline in shipments reflects our efforts to adjust to market dynamics by focusing our production in our most cost-effective mills, including closing the Mersey facility in June and idling a newsprint machine at the Calhoun mill in March of this year. We took 9,000 metric tons less downtime this quarter (net of 21,000 tons associated with the Mersey mill) and our inventory rose by 37,000 metric tons. Our export volume represented 46% of total shipments, compared to 43% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2011 to $404 million in the third quarter of 2012, primarily due to lower shipment volumes to export markets. Shipments in the third quarter of 2012 decreased 89,000 metric tons, or 12.6%, compared to the third quarter of 2011.2012.

In the third quarter of 2012, downtime at our facilities was primarily due to market conditions and capital improvements.

Segment operating income increased $8 million to $26 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $18 million in the third quarter of 2011. The above table presents the items that impacted segment operating income. A brief explanation of the major items follows.

Segment costCost of sales, excluding depreciation amortization and costamortization

Segment COS improved by $30 million, or $10 million when removing the impact of timber harvested, decreased $64lower volume. In addition to a $2 million favorable effect from a lower average Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar in the third quarterperiod, manufacturing costs improved by $8 million, reflecting lower fixed costs following the closure of 2012 compared toMersey, favorable chip pricing in Quebec and the third quarterbenefit of 2011, primarily due to lower volumes ($34 million),mill labor restructurings and other efficiency initiatives, offset in part by additional maintenance costs, and higher steam and power costs as a favorable currency exchange ($4 million, primarily due to the Canadian dollar)result of higher natural gas prices and lowerhigher wood costs for labor and benefits ($13 million, primarily due to asset optimization and restructuring initiatives), wood and fiber ($7 million, primarily due to lower recycled newspaper prices) and energy ($7 million), partially offset by other unfavorable cost variances.

Segment distribution costs decreased $7 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to lower shipment volumes.U.S.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011COATED PAPERS

Highlights

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions, except where otherwise stated)  2013   2012 

Sales

  $    102         $    128       

Operating loss1

   (3)         (1)      

EBITDA2

   6          9       
   

(in thousands of short tons)

    

Shipments

   126          162       

Downtime

   36          12       

Inventory at end of period

   19          22       

1.Net loss including noncontrolling interests is equal to operating loss in this segment.
2.EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is reconciled below. For more information on the calculation and reason we include this measure, see note 1 under “Results of Operations – Consolidated Earnings – Selected Quarterly Financial Information” above.

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions)  2013   2012 

Net loss including noncontrolling interests

  $    (3)        $    (1)      

Depreciation and amortization

   9          10       

EBITDA

   6          9       

Industry trends

 

Segment sales decreased $123 million, or 9.1%, from $1,359 millionLOGO

Source: PPPC

North American total demand for coated mechanical paper was down 5% in the first nine months of 2011 to $1,236 million in the same period of 2012, primarily due to lower shipment volumes to export markets. Shipments in the first nine months of 2012 decreased 170,000 metric tons, or 8.3%, compared to the same period of 2011.

In the first nine months of 2012, downtime at our facilities was primarily market related.

Segment operating income increased $16 million to $79 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $63 million in the same period of 2011. The above table presents the items that impacted segment operating income. A brief explanation of the major items follows.

Segment cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested, decreased $127 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, primarily due to lower volumes ($62 million), a favorable currency exchange ($19 million, primarily due to the Canadian dollar), lower costs for wood and fiber ($18 million, primarily due to lower recycled newspaper prices), labor and benefits ($23 million, primarily due to asset optimization and restructuring initiatives), natural gas ($6 million) and other favorable cost variances, partially offset by higher costs for energy ($8 million, primarily due to the 2010 NIER Program retroactive rebate of $5 million recorded in the second quarter, of 2011 and the lost income from the hydroelectric facilities of ACH, which were sold in the second quarter of 2011).

Segment distribution costs decreased $14 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, primarily due to lower shipment volumes.

Newsprint Third-Party Data: North American newsprint demand declined 0.6% and global newsprint demand declined 2.7% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. In the first nine months of 2012, North American net exports of newsprint were 26.3% lower than the same period of 2011. In particular, exports to Asiawith shipments from North American producers have fallen 38.3%. Inventoriesdown 10%, about 90,000 short tons, and imports up 12%, or about 12,000 short tons, mostly from Western Europe. Accordingly, the industry shipment-to-capacity ratio fell to 87% for North American mills as of September 30, 2012 were 201,000 metric tons, which is 5.2% higher than as of September 30, 2011. The North American operating rate for newsprint was 92% in the first nine months of 2012,quarter, compared to 93% in the same period in 2011.an average of 94% for 2012.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

Coated PapersFirst quarter 2013 vs. first quarter 2012

                                                            
   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2012    2011    Change    2012    2011    Change  

Average price (per short ton)

 $792   $837   $(45 $788   $818   $(30

Average cost (per short ton)

 $768   $730   $38   $774   $730   $44  

Shipments (thousands of short tons)

  138    167    (29  454    497    (43

Downtime (thousands of short tons)

  34        34    51    2    49  

Inventory at end of period (thousands of short tons)

  17    31    (14  17    31    (14

(Unaudited, in millions)

                        

Segment sales

 $109   $140   $(31 $358   $406   $(48

Segment operating income

  3    18    (15  6    44    (38

Significant items that (unfavorably) favorably impacted
segment operating income:

   

     

Product pricing

   $(7   $(13

Shipments

          (24          (35

Change in sales

    (31    (48

Change in cost of sales, excluding depreciation,
amortization and cost of timber harvested

   

   14      10  

Change in depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

          (2

Change in distribution costs

    1      1  

Change in selling, general and administrative expenses

  

      1            1  
          $(15         $(38

Three months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011Operating loss variance analysis

 

SegmentLOGO

Sales

Coated paper sales decreased $31$26 million, or 22.1%20%, from $140 million in the third quarter of 2011 to $109 million in the third quarter of 2012 due to lower shipment volumes and lower transaction prices.

In the third quarter of 2012, downtime at our facility was primarily related to the$102 million. The indeterminate idling of a paper machine at our Catawba South Carolina paper mill onin June 30, 2012.

Segment operating income decreased $15 million to $3 million in the third quarter of 2012 comparedaccounts for the 36,000 short tons (33,000 metric tons) of lower volume ($28 million). The idled machine represents a reduction of approximately 146,000 short tons (132,000 metric tons) of capacity on an annualized basis. Compared to $18 million in the third quarter of 2011. The above table presents the items that impacted segment operating income. A brief explanation of the major items follows.year-ago period, average transaction price improved $20 per short ton ($2 million).

Segment costCost of sales, excluding depreciation amortization and cost of timber harvested, decreased $14 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to lower volumes ($12 million) and lower costs for labor and benefits ($1 million, as a result of restructuring initiatives at the Catawba paper mill) and other favorable cost variances.amortization

Segment distribution costsCOS decreased $1 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to lower shipment volumes.

Nine months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011

Segment sales decreased $48 million, or 11.8%, from $406$21 million in the first nine monthsquarter, or $4 million when adjusted for the impact of 2011 to $358 millionvolume. This reflects favorable power costs and labor and maintenance cost savings following the Catawba machine idling, offset in part by higher costs of chemicals and fiber.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

SPECIALTY PAPERS

Highlights

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions, except where otherwise stated)  2013   2012 

Sales

  $    238         $    272       

Operating income 1

   9          15       

EBITDA2

   19          27       

(in thousands of short tons)

    

Shipments

   323          363       

Downtime

   9          40       

Inventory at end of period

   74          80       

1.Net income including noncontrolling interests is equal to operating income in this segment.
2.EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is reconciled below. For more information on the calculation and reason we include this measure, see note 1 under “Results of Operations – Consolidated Earnings – Selected Quarterly Financial Information” above.

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions)  2013   2012 

Net income including noncontrolling interests

  $      9        $    15       

Depreciation and amortization

   10         12       

EBITDA

   19         27       

Industry trends

LOGO

Source: PPPC

Total North American demand for uncoated mechanical paper declined 2% in the samefirst quarter, reflecting an increase of 8% in high-gloss grades, but a drop of 8% in higher brightness grades and a 16% drop in lightweight grades, where we have only limited exposure. The shipment-to-capacity ratio stood at 89% at the end of March, compared to an average of 90% in the year-ago period, in part the result of 2012 due to lower shipment volumes and lower transaction prices.

In the first nine months of 2012, downtime at our facility was primarily related to the indeterminate idling of a paper machine at our Catawba paper mill on June 30,significant capacity additions in North America in late 2012.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

SegmentFirst quarter 2013 vs. first quarter 2012

Operating income variance analysis

LOGO

Sales

Specialty paper sales decreased $34 million, or 13%, to $238 million, reflecting the unfavorable effect of a 40,000 short ton decrease in shipments ($30 million) and a $12 per short ton, or 2%, reduction in average transaction price ($4 million).

The 40,000 short ton decline in shipments reflects our efforts to adjust to market dynamics by focusing our production in our most cost-effective mills, including the idling of two higher-cost paper machines in November 2012 and the re-start of our lower-cost Dolbeau, Quebec, facility. We took 12,000 short tons less downtime this quarter (net of 19,000 short tons associated with the two idled machines). These adjustments resulted in a net decrease of approximately 100,000 short tons (90,000 metric tons) of operating income decreased $38 million to $6 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $44 million in the same period of 2011. The above table presents the items that impacted segment operating income. A brief explanation of the major items follows.capacity on an annualized basis.

Segment costCost of sales, excluding depreciation amortization and amortization

Segment COS decreased $24 million, or $12 million when adjusting for the effects of volume. The cost of timber harvested, decreased $10 million inimprovement results partly from more competitive operating performance with the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, primarily due to lower volumes ($17 million) and lower costs for labor and benefits ($2 million), partially offset by higher costs for coatingDolbeau mill, including its cogeneration facility, having reached full production; and other chemicals ($6 million) and other unfavorable cost variances.

Segment distribution costs decreased $1 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, primarily due to lower shipment volumes.

Coated Papers Third-Party Data: North American demand for coated mechanical papers decreased 4.1% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. The North American operating rate for coated mechanical papers was 94% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to 91% in the same period of 2011. North American coated mechanical mill inventories were at 13 days of supply as of September 30, 2012 compared to 20 days of supply as of September 30, 2011.

Specialty Papers

                                                            
   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2012    2011    Change    2012    2011    Change  

Average price (per short ton)

 $748   $747   $1   $748   $722   $26  

Average cost (per short ton)

 $678   $682   $(4 $686   $693   $(7

Shipments (thousands of short tons)

  372    422    (50  1,121    1,337    (216

Downtime (thousands of short tons)

  7    7        54    65    (11

Inventory at end of period (thousands of short tons)

  70    82    (12  70    82    (12

(Unaudited, in millions)

                        

Segment sales

 $279   $316   $(37 $839   $966   $(127

Segment operating income

  26    27    (1  68    38    30  

Significant items that favorably (unfavorably) impacted
segment operating income:

   

     

Product pricing and foreign exchange

   $1     $29  

Shipments

          (38          (156

Change in sales

    (37    (127

Change in cost of sales, excluding depreciation,
amortization and cost of timber harvested

   

   28      136  

Change in depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

    1      1  

Change in distribution costs

    4      14  

Change in selling, general and administrative expenses

  

      3            6  
          $(1         $30  

Three months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011

Segment sales decreased $37 million, or 11.7%, from $316 million in the third quarter of 2011 to $279 million in the third quarter of 2012, primarily due to lower shipment volumes.

In the third quarter of 2012, downtime at our facilities was primarily maintenance related.

Segment operating income decreased $1 million to $26 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $27 million in the third quarter of 2011. The above table presents the items that impacted segment operating income. A brief explanation of the major items follows.mill-level efficiency improvements.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

Segment costMARKET PULP

Highlights

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions, except where otherwise stated)  2013   2012 

Sales

  $     240         $     127       

Operating loss1

   (4)         (21)      

EBITDA1

   9          (13)      
(in thousands of metric tons)        

Shipments

   374          199       

Downtime

   19          77       

Inventory at end of period

   113          54       

1.Net loss including noncontrolling interests is equal to operating loss in this segment.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

2.EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is reconciled below. For more information on the calculation and reason we include this measure, see note 1 under “Results of Operations – Consolidated Earnings – Selected Quarterly Financial Information” above.

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions)  2013   2012 

Net loss including noncontrolling interests

  $    (4)    $    (21)      

Depreciation and amortization

   13      8       

EBITDA

        (13)      

Industry trends

LOGO

Source: PPPC

Overall chemical market pulp demand slipped 1.4% in the first quarter. Demand from China was down 8%, but it was up 2% in Western Europe and 8% in North America, on U.S. tissue paper capacity increases. Global demand for softwood pulp, which represents about 80% of our virgin fiber capacity, was down 1% in the quarter, including a 6% increase in demand for southern bleached softwood kraft and 2% decrease in demand for northern bleached softwood kraft.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

First quarter 2013 vs. first quarter 2012

Operating loss variance analysis

LOGO

Sales

Sales rose $113 million, or 89%, to $240 million, mostly as a result of our acquisition of Fibrek, but also a 25,000 metric ton increase ($15 million) in non-Fibrek shipments owing to 60,000 metric tons less downtime, annual maintenance timing and operational configuration adjustments. Not including Fibrek, average transaction price was $20 per metric ton lower ($4 million), in large part as a result of a significant decrease in pricing for fluff pulp.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation amortization and cost of timber harvested, decreased $28amortization

Segment COS increased $80 million in the thirdfirst quarter, mostly because of 2012 comparedFibrek ($78 million). Excluding the impact of non-Fibrek higher volume ($9 million), COS was $7 million lower, mostly as a result of the favorable impact of annual maintenance timing for the Coosa Pines mill, which was delayed to the thirdsecond quarter, of 2011, primarily due to lower volumes ($26 million), a favorable Canadian dollar currency exchange ($3 million) and lower costs for energy ($2 million),partly offset by higher costs for maintenance ($3 million).chemicals, wood and other maintenance.

SegmentDistribution costs & depreciation and amortization

Primarily as a result of adding the three Fibrek mills to our asset base, segment depreciation and amortization increased by $5 million and distribution costs decreased $4increased by $8 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A increased $3 million inon account of the third quarteracquisition of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to lower shipment volumes.Fibrek.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Nine months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011WOOD PRODUCTS

Highlights

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions, except where otherwise stated)  2013   2012 

Sales

  $     138         $     111       

Operating income (loss)1

   16          (6)      

EBITDA2

   25          3       
(in millions of board feet)        

Shipments

   338          367       

Downtime

   136          165       

Inventory at end of period

   122          131       

1.Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests is equal to operating income (loss) in this segment.
2.EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is reconciled below. For more information on the calculation and reason we include this measure, see note 1 under “Results of Operations – Consolidated Earnings – Selected Quarterly Financial Information” above.

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions)  2013   2012 

Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests

  $     16         $     (6)      

Depreciation and amortization

   9          9       

EBITDA

   25          3       

Industry trends

 

SegmentLOGO

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Seasonally-adjusted housing starts reached 1.04 million in March 2013, up 47% from the March 2012 levels.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

First quarter 2013 vs. first quarter 2012

Operating income (loss) variance analysis

LOGO

Sales

Wood products sales decreased $127increased $27 million, or 13.1%24%, from $966to $138 million, primarily as a result of the $104 per thousand board feet increase in the first nine months of 2011 to $839 million in the same period of 2012 due to lower shipment volumes,average transaction price ($36 million), which was partially offset by a 29 million board feet reduction in shipments ($9 million) due mainly to the closure of our Oakhill, Nova Scotia, facility in the second half of 2012. Although down 9 million board feet, inventory remained high, as our ability to make shipments was affected by the limited availability of rail cars.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

Segment COS increased $4 million during the quarter, as the favorable impact of lower volume ($6 million) was more than offset by higher transaction prices. Lower shipment volumes resulted in part fromstumpage fees ($4 million), which are linked to lumber selling prices, and lower wood chip selling prices ($5 million).

CORPORATE AND OTHER

Highlights

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions)  2013   2012 

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

  $     (18)        $       (6)      

Depreciation and amortization

   (1)         –       

Distribution costs

   –          –       

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   (7)         6       

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

   (40)         (5)      

Net gain on disposition of assets and other

   –          23       

Operating (loss) income

  $(66)        $18       

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

The table below shows the decisionreconciliation of net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests to cease paperboard productionEBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on the calculation and reason we include these measures, see note 1 under “Results of Operations – Consolidated Earnings – Selected Quarterly Financial Information” above.

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions)  2013   2012 

Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests

  $      (21)        $       25       

Interest expense

   14          16       

Income tax benefit

   (41)         (10)      

Depreciation and amortization

   1          –       

EBITDA

  $(47)        $31       

Foreign exchange translation loss (gain)

   5              (12)      

Employee termination costs

   –          2       

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

   40          5       

Inventory write-downs related to closures

   4          –       

Start up costs of idled mill

   15          –       

Net gain on disposition of assets

   –          (23)      

Post-emergence costs

   –          2       

Transaction costs

   3          4       

Other income, net

   (23)         (3)      

Adjusted EBITDA

   (3)         6       

First quarter 2013 vs. first quarter 2012

Costs, excluding depreciation and amortization

COS rose by $12 million, to $18 million. In the first quarter of 2013, we incurred start-up costs for the restart of the Gatineau mill ($15 million) and inventory write-downs with the idling of a newsprint machine at our Coosa Pines, Alabama paperCalhoun mill ($4 million). By comparison, we incurred costs associated with closed mills of $5 million in the first quarter of 2011.2012.

In the first nine months of 2012, downtime at our facilities

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Corporate SG&A was $13 million higher, primarily market related.

Segment operating income increased $30 million to $68 millionbecause in the first nine monthsquarter of 2012 compared to $38we recorded a refund of certain group benefit premiums paid in prior years ($9 million).

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

We recorded closure costs, impairment and other related charges of $40 million, $35 million more than in the same periodyear-ago period. This reflects mainly accelerated depreciation and severance charges associated with the idling of 2011. a newsprint machine at our Calhoun mill.

Net gain on disposition of assets

The above table presentslower net gain on disposition of assets reflects the items that impacted segment operating income. A brief explanation of the major items follows.

Segment cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested, decreased $136 millionsale, in the first nine monthsquarter of 2012, comparedof timberlands in Nova Scotia ($22 million).

LIQUIDITYAND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Capital Resources

We rely on cash and cash equivalents, net cash provided by operations and our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, or “ABL credit facility”, to fund our operations, make pension contributions and finance our working capital and capital expenditures. As of March 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of $215 million and availability of $537 million under the ABL credit facility. In our view, the Company has sufficient financial resources available to finance its business plan, meet its working capital requirements and maintain an appropriate level of capital spending.

Issuance of 2023 notes

On May 8, 2013, we completed the private offering of $600 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.875% senior notes due 2023 (the “2023 notes”). The 2023 notes are unsecured and are guaranteed by substantially all of our U.S. subsidiaries, all of which also guaranteed our 10.25% senior secured notes due 2018 (the “2018 notes”). The 2023 notes were sold at an offering price of 99.062% of the principal amount. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning November 15, 2013.

The 2023 notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated May 8, 2013, by and among the Company, the guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. The terms of the 2023 notes indenture impose certain restrictions, subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications, including limits on our ability to:

incur, assume or guarantee additional indebtedness;

issue redeemable stock and preferred stock;

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

pay dividends or make distributions or redeem or repurchase capital stock;

prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt;

make loans and investments;

incur liens;

issue dividends, make loans or transfer assets from our subsidiaries;

sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of subsidiaries;

consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of our assets to, another person;

enter into transactions with affiliates; and

enter into new lines of business.

The 2023 notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after May 15, 2017, at the redemption prices specified in the 2023 notes indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Before that date, we may redeem some or all of the notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, plus a “make-whole” premium. We may redeem up to 35% of the notes before May 15, 2016, using proceeds from certain equity offerings at a price of 105.875% of the principal amount. We could be required to make an offer to purchase the notes upon the sale of certain assets or upon a change of control.

In connection with the offering of the 2023 notes, we and the guarantors entered into a registration rights agreement, dated as of May 8, 2013, with the initial purchasers of the 2023 notes. Under the terms of the registration rights agreement, we agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC and cause to become effective a registration statement relating to an offer (which we refer to as the “exchange offer”) to: (i) exchange the 2023 notes for registered notes (which we refer to as the “exchange notes”), with substantially the same terms as the 2023 notes; and (ii) exchange the guarantees related to the 2023 notes for registered guarantees relating to the exchange notes, with substantially the same periodterms as the original guarantees. We have agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to cause the exchange offer to be completed within 400 days after the issuance of 2011, primarily duethe 2023 notes. In addition, we have agreed to lower volumes ($105 million),file (and seek effectiveness of) a favorable Canadian dollar currencyshelf registration statement, in certain circumstances, that would allow certain holders to offer some or all of the 2023 notes to the public.

If the exchange ($14 million) and lower costs for natural gas ($7 million), energy ($4 million, despiteoffer is not so completed, or if the 2010 NIER Program retroactive rebate recordedshelf registration statement is not effective in the second quarter of 2011), labor and benefits ($4 million, primarily due to mill-level restructuring initiatives) and other favorable cost variances. These lower costs were partially offsetrequired circumstances, the annual interest rate on the 2023 notes will increase by higher costs0.25% per annum for maintenance ($4 million), as well as wood and fiber ($2 million).

Segment distribution costs decreased $14 million in the first nine months90-day period following the event triggering the increase. The interest rate on the 2023 notes will increase by 0.25% per annum at the beginning of 2012 comparedeach subsequent 90-day period, up to a maximum of 1.0% additional interestper annum, until the same period of 2011 due to lower shipment volumes, partially offset by higher distribution costs per ton.

Specialty Papers Third-Party Data: Inexchange offer is completed or the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, North American demand for supercalendered high gloss papers was down 25.3%, lightweight or directory grades was down 16.9%, standard uncoated mechanical papers was down 8.0% and all specialty papers in total was down 17.0%. The North American operating rate for all specialty papers was 93% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to 92% in the same period of 2011. North American uncoated mechanical mill inventories were at 18 days of supplyshelf registration statement is filed, as of September 30, 2012 compared to 17 days of supply as of September 30, 2011.applicable.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

Market PulpTender offer for 2018 notes

We commenced a tender offer on April 24, 2013, in connection with which we also solicited consents from tendering holders of 2018 notes to amend the terms of the governing indenture to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default under the indenture and to release the collateral securing the obligations under the 2018 notes.

The tender offer and consent solicitation included an early tender deadline of May 7, 2013. As of the early tender deadline, approximately $497 million aggregate principal amount of the 2018 notes, or 99%, had been tendered. Using proceeds from the sale of the 2023 notes, under the terms of the tender offer, we exercised on May 8, 2013, our option to purchase notes tendered before the early tender deadline, for aggregate consideration of $579 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest, and in connection with that purchase, we entered into a supplemental indenture to implement the changes to the 2018 notes indenture and to release the collateral securing the 2018 notes, as described above. There remains $4 million of outstanding principal amount of 2018 notes as of May 10. The tender offer remains outstanding and will continue through May 21, 2013.

ABL incremental commitment agreement

On April 29, 2013, we entered into an agreement with the administrative agent for the ABL credit facility and Bank of America, N.A., Canadian Branch, in order to add Bank of America as a lender thereunder, and to increase the aggregate commitments of the ABL Credit Facility by $65 million to $665 million, subject to borrowing base limitations.These transactions closed on May 8, concurrent with the closing of the offering of the 2023 notes.

Flow of Funds

Summary of cash flows

A summary of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013, and 2012 was as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
    2012     2011    Change        2012       2011  Change 

Average price (per metric ton)

 $  658     $  741     $  (83)   $  655     $  747     $(92)  

Average cost (per metric ton)

 $720     $  587     $133    $  712     $  642     $70   

Shipments (thousands of metric tons):

      

Excluding Fibrek

  220      236      (16)    630      698      (68)  

Fibrek

  135      –      135     242      –      242   

Downtime (thousands of metric tons):

      

Excluding Fibrek

  27      2      25     136      40      96   

Fibrek

  82      –      82     102            102   

Inventory at end of period (thousands of metric tons):

      

Excluding Fibrek

  57      79      (22)    57      79      (22)  

Fibrek

  42      –      42     42      –      42   

(Unaudited, in millions)

                        

Segment sales

 $233     $175     $58    $571     $522     $49   

Segment operating (loss) income

  (22)     36      (58)    (50)     73      (123)  

Significant items that (unfavorably) favorably impacted
segment operating (loss) income:

   

     

Product pricing and foreign exchange – excluding Fibrek

  

  $(23)     $(67)  

Shipments – excluding Fibrek

    (13)      (52)  

Sales – Fibrek

          94             168   

Change in sales

    58       49   

Change in cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested – excluding Fibrek

    (10)        

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested – Fibrek

          (93)            (154)  

Change in cost of sales, excluding depreciation,
amortization and cost of timber harvested

   

   (103)      (151)  

Change in depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

    (5)      (9)  

Change in distribution costs

    (7)      (10)  

Change in selling, general and administrative expenses

  

      (1)            (2)  
          $(58)           $(123)  

Three months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011

Excluding Fibrek’s sales of $94 million in the third quarter of 2012, segment sales on a comparable basis decreased $36 million, or 20.6%, from $175 million in the third quarter of 2011 to $139 million in the third quarter of 2012 due to lower transaction prices and lower shipment volumes.

In the third quarter of 2012, downtime at our facilities was both market and maintenance related.

Segment operating (loss) income decreased $58 million to an operating loss of $22 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to operating income of $36 million in the third quarter of 2011. As discussed above, the operating loss in the third quarter of 2012 included a $13 million operating loss related to Fibrek as a result of the lost production and costs associated with the Saint-Félicien mill’s five week outage for annual maintenance and necessary work to improve its operational and environmental performance. The above table presents the items that impacted segment operating (loss) income. A brief explanation of the major items follows.

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions)  2013    2012 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

  $    (20)    $    57  

Net cash used in investing activities

   (35)     (16

Net cash provided by financing activities

          

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

  $(48)    $41  

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

Excluding Fibrek’s results, segment cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested, on a comparable basis increased $10First quarter 2013 vs. first quarter 2012

Cash (used in) provided by operating activities

We generated $77 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to higher costs for regular maintenance ($2 million), chemicals ($5 million), labor and benefits ($3 million), the timing of annual maintenance outages ($4 million) and other unfavorable cost variances, partially offset by lower volumes ($5 million).

Segment depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested increased $5 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to Fibrek’s depreciation and amortization costs of $4 million.

Segment distribution costs increased $7 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to Fibrek’s distribution costs of $8 million, partially offset by lower shipment volumes, excluding Fibrek.

Segment selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to Fibrek’s selling, general and administrative expenses of $2 million.

Nine months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011

Excluding Fibrek’s sales of $168 millionless cash from operating activities in the first nine monthsquarter of 2012, segment sales on a comparable basis decreased $119 million, or 22.8%, from $522 million in the first nine months of 2011 to $403 million in the same period of 2012 due to lower transaction prices and lower shipment volumes.

In the first nine months of 2012, downtime at our facilities was both market and maintenance related.

Segment operating (loss) income decreased $123 million to an operating loss of $50 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to operating income of $73 million in the same period of 2011. As discussed in more detail above, the operating loss in the first nine months of 2012 included a $12 million operating loss related to Fibrek. The above table presents the items that impacted segment operating (loss) income. A brief explanation of the major items follows.

Excluding Fibrek’s results, segment cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested, on a comparable basis decreased $3 million in the first nine months of 20122013 compared to the same periodquarter of 2011, primarily2012. The change was mainly unfavorably affected by: start- up costs associated with the Gatineau mill ($15 million) and an increase in working capital ($61 million) from a rise in accounts receivable and higher levels of inventory, specifically finished goods in the wood products segment due to limited rail car availability and in the newsprint and specialty papers segments because of lower volumes ($21 million) and a favorable Canadian dollar currency exchange ($4 million),shipments.

This decline was partially offset by higher costswith a $9 million distribution from the liquidation of Bridgewater Paper Company Limited, a U.K. subsidiary that we deconsolidated in 2010 when it filed administration under U.K. insolvency law.

Cash used in investing activities

We used $35 million for chemicals ($6 million), maintenance ($6 million), labor and benefits ($3 million) and other unfavorable cost variances.

Segment depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested increased $9 millioninvesting activities in the first nine monthsquarter of 2012 compared to2013, $19 million more than the same period of 2011, primarilyyear-ago period. The difference is almost entirely due to Fibrek’s depreciationitems from the first quarter 2012, namely: the proceeds from disposition of timberlands in Nova Scotia ($24 million) and amortization costsan increase in deposit requirements for letters of $6 million.credit ($7 million).

Segment distribution costs increased $10Cash provided by financing activities

Financing activities provided $7 million more cash in the first nine monthsquarter, the product of 2012 comparedan $8 million payment from our former joint venture partner in CNC, in connection with the transaction pursuant to the same periodwhich we acquired their interest.

Employee Benefit Plans

Canadian pension funding

We refer you to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 2011, primarily due to Fibrek’s distribution costsFinancial Condition and Results of $15 million, partially offset by lower shipment volumes, excluding Fibrek.

Segment selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2 millionOperations — Employee Benefit Plans—Canadian Pension Funding in the first nine months2012 annual report for a description of 2012 comparedthe funding relief measures, solvency deficit and corrective measures related to our material Canadian registered pension plans.

We have worked, and will continue to work, with our stakeholders, including employees, retirees and unions, and also the same periodprovincial governments of 2011, primarily dueQuebec and Ontario and the related pension regulators, to Fibrek’s selling, generalreach an outcome on corrective measures that is consistent with what we believe was the objective of the funding relief measures: balancing the need to meet our obligations to retirees while giving us the funding stability we need to manage our business.

On April 26, we reached an agreement in principle with Company stakeholders in Quebec, the provincial government, and administrative expensesits pension regulator to replace the corrective measures mechanism under the existing funding relief regulations in favor of $5 million.more stable, predictable and balanced pension funding parameters, including reasonable incremental contributions beyond the basic funding requirements under the existing framework. We started the process of engagement with our Ontario stakeholders and the provincial government of Ontario and its pension regulator.

Market Pulp Third-Party Data: Overall chemical market pulp demand increased 2.2%Should we fail to reach a satisfactory resolution, we cannot estimate, at this time, the additional contributions, if any, that may be made or required in future years in respect of the first nine monthscorrective measures, but they could be material, which would negatively impact our cash flows and materially affect our results of 2012, primarily due to a 12.1% increase in demand from China, largely offset by decreases of 4.3% in North America and 3.4% in Western Europe. Global demand for softwood pulp, which represents approximately 80% of our virgin fiber capacity, was up 1.8%. Hardwood pulp demand was up 2.7%, driven mainly by a 3.4% increase in eucalyptus pulp demand. World market pulp producers shipped at 91% of capacity in the first nine months of 2012 compared to 90% in the same period of 2011. World market pulp producer inventories of softwood and hardwood grades were at 26 days and 37 days, respectively, of supply as of September 30, 2012 compared to 33 days and 43 days, respectively, of supply as of September 30, 2011. World market pulp producer inventories of all grades were at 31 days of supply as of September 30, 2012 compared to 38 days of supply as of September 30, 2011.operations or financial condition. See “We could be required

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

Wood Products

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2012      2011      Change    2012    2011  Change 

Average price (per thousand board feet)

 $    372       $    298       $    74    $    339       $    299       $40   

Average cost (per thousand board feet)

 $356       $305       $51    $329       $    316       $    13   

Shipments (millions of board feet)

  343        417        (74)    1,094        1,189        (95)  

Downtime (millions of board feet)

  133        157        (24)    499        400        99   

Inventory at end of period (millions of board feet)

  107        137        (30)    107        137        (30)  

(Unaudited, in millions)

                        

Segment sales

 $128       $125       $   $    371       $356       $15   

Segment operating income (loss)

  6        (3)           12        (20)       32   

Significant items that favorably (unfavorably) impacted segment operating income (loss):

   

     

Product pricing and foreign exchange

   $    25      $43   

Shipments

          (22)            (28)  

Change in sales

          15   

Change in cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

   

           

Change in depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

    –       (1)  

Change in distribution costs

          11   

Change in selling, general and administrative expenses

  

      –             (1)  
          $           $32   

Three months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011

Segment sales increased $3 million, or 2.4%, from $125 millionto make contributions to our Canadian pension plans at levels that could be significantly higher than expected, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition in the third quarterrisk factors incorporated by reference in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for more information on the associated risks and uncertainties.

Share Repurchase Program

On May 22, 2012, the board approved a share repurchase program of 2011up to $12810% of our common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of up to $100 million. Through March 31, 2013, we repurchased 5.6 million in the third quarter of 2012 due to significantly higher transaction prices, largely offset by lower shipment volumes.

In the third quarter of 2012, downtimeshares at our facilities was primarily market related.

Segment operating income (loss) improved $9 million to operating income of $6 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to an operating loss of $3 million in the third quarter of 2011. The above table presents the items that impacted segment operating income (loss). A brief explanation of the major items follows.

Segmenta cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested, decreased $1 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to lower volumes ($12 million), partially offset by higher costs for wood ($8 million, primarily due to higher stumpage and transportation costs related to fuel pricing and longer distances) and other unfavorable cost variances.

Segment distribution costs decreased $5 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to lower shipment volumes.

Nine months ended September 30, 2012 versus September 30, 2011

Segment sales increased $15 million, or 4.2%, from $356 million in the first nine months of 2011 to $371 million in the same period of 2012 due to higher transaction prices, partially offset by lower shipment volumes.

In the first nine months of 2012, downtime at our facilities was primarily market related.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Segment operating income (loss) improved $32 million to operating income of $12 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to an operating loss of $20 million in the same period of 2011. The above table presents the items that impacted segment operating income (loss). A brief explanation of the major items follows.

Segment cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested, decreased $8 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, primarily due to lower volumes ($16 million), a favorable Canadian dollar currency exchange ($4 million) and other favorable cost variances, partially offset by higher costs for wood ($13 million, primarily due to higher stumpage and transportation costs related to fuel pricing and longer distances).

Segment distribution costs decreased $11 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, primarily due to lower shipment volumes and lower distribution costs per board foot.

Wood Products Third-Party Data: Privately-owned housing starts in the U.S. increased 34.8% to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 872,000 units in September 2012, compared to 647,000 units in September 2011.

Corporate and Other

The following table is included in order to facilitate the reconciliation of our segment operating income (loss) to our total operating income in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(Unaudited, in millions)  2012   2011   Change  2012  2011  Change 

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

      $    (8)     $      (2)     $     (6  $    (25)    $    (5)    $    (20)  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  (4)     (4)         (4)    (11)      

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

  (5)     (17)     12    (98)    (34)    (64)  

Net gain (loss) on disposition of assets

  4       (1)     5    28         25   

 

Operating loss

      $    (13)     $    (24)     $    11    $    (99)    $  (47)    $    (52)  

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested, in corporate and other included ongoing costs related to closed mills of $2 million and $2 million in the third quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $12 million and $4 million in the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively, as well as other miscellaneous adjustments. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, we recorded $5 million for start-up costs of an idled mill. Additionally, in the first nine months of 2012, we recorded charges of $7 million for write-downs of inventory as a result of the indefinite idling of our Mersey operations.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

In the first nine months of 2012, we recorded $7 million of transaction costs in connection with our acquisition of Fibrek, $11 million of refunds of certain group benefit premiums paid in prior years, $2 million of corporate employee termination costs and other expenses. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, we recorded approximately $4 million and $11 million, respectively, of corporate employee termination costs.

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges

In the third quarter of 2012, we recorded $5 million of closure costs, impairment and other related charges for long-lived asset impairment charges and severance costs related to a restructuring initiative at our Catawba paper mill, adjustments to long-lived asset impairment charges and other costs as a result of the indefinite idling of our Mersey newsprint mill, severance costs related to the indefinite idling of our Oakhill, Nova Scotia sawmill and other miscellaneous restructuring charges. In the first nine months of 2012, we also recorded $93 million of long-lived asset impairment charges, severance and other costs as a result of the indefinite idling of our Mersey newsprint mill, severance and other costs related to a workforce reduction at our Baie-Comeau paper mill$67 million. We did not repurchase shares in the first quarter of 2012 and severance and other costs related to the permanent closure in December 2011 of a paper machine at our Kenogami, Quebec paper mill.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

2013.

 

In the third quarter of 2011, we recorded $17 million of closure costs, impairment and other related charges for long-lived asset impairment charges related to our Mokpo, South Korea paper mill and certain scrapped equipment at our Calhoun, Tennessee paper mill, accelerated depreciation related to the permanent closure of our Saint-Prime, Quebec remanufacturing wood products facility, and severance and other costs primarily for an early retirement program for employees at our Mokpo paper mill and miscellaneous adjustments to severance liabilities. In the first nine months of 2011, we also recorded $17 million of accelerated depreciation related to the permanent closures of a de-inking line at our Alma, Quebec paper mill and a paper machine and a thermomechanical pulp line at our Baie-Comeau, Quebec paper mill and accelerated depreciation, long-lived asset impairment charges, severance and other costs as a resultLOGO

RECENTACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

None of the decision to cease paperboard production at our Coosa Pines paper mill.

For additional information, see Note 3, “Closure Costs, Impairment and Other Related Charges,” to our Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net (gain) loss on disposition of assets

During the third quarter of 2012, we recorded a net gain on disposition of assets of $4 million related to the sale of a parcel of land in Gatineau, Quebec and various other assets. During the first nine months of 2012, we also recorded a net gain on disposition of assets of $24 million related to the sale of our Petit Saguenay, Quebec sawmill, our recycling division’s assets located in Phoenix, Arizona, a portion of our Mersey timberlands and various other assets. During the third quarter of 2011, we recorded a net loss on disposition of assets of $1 million related to the sale of our Alabama River, Alabama paper mill and various other assets. During the first nine months of 2011, we also recorded a net gain on disposition of assets of $4 million related to the sale of our investment in ACH and various other assets.

For additional information, see Note 4, “Assets Held for Sale, Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale and Net (Gain) Loss on Disposition of Assets,” to our Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

In addition to cash and cash equivalents and net cash provided by operations, our principal external source of liquidity is the ABL Credit Facility, which is defined and discussed below. As of September 30, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents of $343 million and had $529 million of availability under the ABL Credit Facility. We believe that these sources provide us with adequate liquidity. For the balance of 2012, we anticipate that we may use cash on hand to continue to repurchase shares of our common stock. Subsequent to September 30, 2012, we used cash on hand to redeem $85 million of principal amount of the 2018 Notes (as further discussed below).

10.25% senior secured notes due 2018

Our 10.25% senior secured notes (the “2018 Notes”) have a maturity date of October 15, 2018. Interest is payable on the notes on April 15 and October 15 of each year until maturity. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the carrying value of the 2018 Notes was $618 million and $621 million, respectively, which included an unamortized premium of $32 million and $35 million, respectively. On October 10, 2012, we redeemed $85 million of principal amount of the 2018 Notes at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Standard & Poor’s recently affirmed its long-term corporate credit rating and upgraded its rating of our 2018 Notes to BB, from BB-. Moody’s Investors Service also upgraded the corporate family rating and the 2018 Notes rating to Ba3 from B1.

ABL Credit Facility

Our senior secured credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility”), as amended, has a maturity date of October 28, 2016 and provides an asset-based revolving credit facility of up to $600 million at any time, subject to borrowing base availability. As of September 30, 2012, we had no borrowings and $54 million of letters of credit outstanding under the ABL Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2012, we had $529 million of availability under the ABL Credit Facility, which was comprised of $264 million for the U.S. borrowers (Resolute FP US Inc. and AbiBow Recycling LLC) and $265 million for the Canadian borrower (Resolute FP Canada Inc.).

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Flow of funds

Summary of cash flows

A summary of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:

(Unaudited, in millions)  2012      2011 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $     192       $     15  

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

   (31)       264  

Net cash used in financing activities

   (187)       (303

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   $     (26)      $(24

Cash provided by operating activities

The $177 million increase in cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 was primarily related to an increase in cash generated by the changes in working capital and lower pension contributions in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. The lower pension contributions were largely due to $58 million of additional and accelerated contributions for the last quarter of 2011 and the first half of 2012 to our Canadian pension plans in the third quarter of 2011.

Cash (used in) provided by investing activities

The $295 million decrease in cash provided by investing activities in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 was primarily due to lower proceeds from the disposition of assets (largely the disposition of our investment in ACH in the first nine months of 2011), the cash portion of the consideration paid for the acquisition of Fibrek in the first nine months of 2012 and an increase in cash invested in fixed assets in the first nine months of 2012 compared to same period of 2011. These changes were partially offset by a decrease in restricted cash in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 due to the partial release of a tax indemnity given in connection with the sale of our interest in Manicouagan Power Company in 2009.

Capital expenditures for both periods included compliance, maintenance and value-added projects on efficient and lower-cost production facilities.

Cash used in financing activities

The $116 million decrease in cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 was primarily due to lower payments of debt (Fibrek debt repayments in 2012 compared to redemptions of 2018 Notes in 2011 partially related to the disposition of ACH) and lower dividends and distribution to noncontrolling interests in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, partially offset by purchases of treasury stock in the first nine months of 2012 and higher payments for the acquisition of a noncontrolling interest in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 (Fibrek in 2012 and Augusta Newsprint Company in 2011).

Employee Benefit Plans

Canadian pension funding relief

Based on agreements reached before we emerged from the creditor protection proceedings, the provinces of Quebec and Ontario adopted in 2011 specific regulations, which we refer to as the “funding relief regulations,” to implement funding relief measures with respect to aggregate solvency deficits in our material Canadian registered pension plans, which we refer to as the “affected plans.” These plans represented approximately 80% of our unfunded pension obligations as of December 31, 2011. The funding relief regulations are described in Note 18, “Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans – Canadian pension funding relief,” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011. The regulations provide that corrective measures would be required if the aggregate solvency ratio in the affected plans falls below a prescribed level under the target specified by the regulations as of December 31 in any year through 2014. Thereafter, supplemental contributions would be required if the aggregate solvency ratio in the affected plans falls below a prescribed level under the target specified by the regulations as of December 31 in any year on or after 2015 for the remainder of the period covered by the regulations.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Upon obtaining actuarial valuations, in the second quarter of 2012, we determined that the aggregate solvency ratio in the affected plans had not met the minimum solvency level prescribed in the regulations as of December 31, 2011. Accordingly, the regulations require that we propose, by March 2013, corrective measures designed to attain the target solvency ratio prescribed in the regulations within five years. The difference between the solvency status as of December 31, 2011 and the target specified under the funding relief regulations represents the portion of the solvency deficit that is subject to corrective measures, and amounts to approximately Cdn$500 million ($500 million, based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2012). The solvency deficit is highly sensitive to changes in interest rates on government treasury securities; a 1% increase in the applicable discount rate, which is correlated to treasury security yields, would decrease the solvency deficit by approximately $450 million and vice versa.

We continue to work with other plan stakeholders, including employees, retirees, unions and the provincial governments of Quebec and Ontario to address these corrective measures. With interest rates currently near historic lows, we will work with these stakeholders to develop corrective measures that balance the need to meet our undertakings to retirees, but also provide us the funding predictability we need to manage our business.

Recent Accounting Guidance

There is no new accounting guidance issued which we have not yet adopted that is expected to materially impactaffect our results of operations or financial condition.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information relating to quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk is disclosed in Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our 20112012 Annual Report. There have been no material changes in our exposure to market risk as previously disclosed in our 20112012 Annual Report.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

We have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d–15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of September 30, 2012.March 31, 2013. Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date in recording, processing, summarizing and timely reporting information required to be disclosed in our reports to the SEC.

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:

In connection with the evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, there were no changes during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information on our legal proceedings is presented under Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” in our 20112012 Annual Report. Except as updated in our previously filed quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012, thereThere have been no material changes to the legal proceedings described in our 2011the 2012 Annual Report.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in Exhibit 99.4 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 24, 2013 (the “Form 8-K”), which amend and restate the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 20112012 Annual Report, whichReport. These risk factors could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this report and in our 2011 Annual Reportthe Form 8-K are not the only risks we are facing. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have been no material changes

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

On May 8, 2013, we completed the private offering of $600 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.875% senior notes due 2023, the net proceeds from which are being used to the risk factors previously disclosedrepurchase, repay or otherwise discharge all of our outstanding 10.25% senior secured notes due 2018. For additional information, see “Issuance of 2023 notes” and “Tender offer for 2018 notes” included in our 2011 Annual Report.Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

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

The following table sets forth information about our stock repurchases for the three months ended September 30, 2012:

Period  

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

   

Average

Price Paid

per Share

   

Total Number of

Shares Purchased as

Part of Publicly

Announced Plans or

Programs

   

Approximate Dollar

Value of Shares That

May Yet Be

Purchased Under the

Plans or Programs(1)

 

July 1 to July 31

       $         $87,861,199  

August 1 to August 31

   2,009,634     12.46     2,009,634     62,824,994  

September 1 to September 30

   600,046     12.49     600,046     55,328,240  

Total

   2,609,680    $12.47     2,609,680    $55,328,240  

(1)

On May 22, 2012, our board approved a share repurchase program of up to 10% of our common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of up to $100 million.

As of October 31, 2012, we repurchased 487,505 additional shares at an average price per share of $12.40 for a total cost of $6 million.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

†10.1*4.1* First Amendment to the AbitibiBowater 2010 DCThird Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effectiveIndenture, dated as of December 31, 2011.2012, among Resolute Forest Products Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.
4.2*Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 12, 2013, among Resolute Forest Products Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.
4.3*Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 7, 2013, among Resolute Forest Products Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.
4.4*Indenture, dated as of May 8, 2013, among Resolute Forest Products Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.
4.5*Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 8, 2013, among Resolute Forest Products Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative.
†10.1*2013 Resolute Forest Products Inc. Short-Term Incentive Plan.
†10.2* Resolute Forest Products Equity Incentive Plan (previously named the AbitibiBowater Inc. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan), effective asForm of December 9, 2010.Director Deferred Stock Unit Agreement.
†10.3* Resolute Forest Products OutsideEquity Incentive Plan Form of Director Deferred Compensation Plan (previously named the AbitibiBowater Inc. Outside Director Deferred Compensation Plan), effective as of April 1, 2011.Restricted Stock Unit Agreement.
31.1* Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2* Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1* Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2* Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS** XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

*Filed with this Form 10-Q.

 

This is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

**

Interactive data files furnished with this Form 10-Q, which represent the following materials from this Form 10-Q formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income, (Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated StatementStatements of Changes in Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. Pursuant to applicable securities laws and regulations, the Company is deemed to have complied with the reporting obligation relating to the submission of interactive data files in such exhibits and is not subject to liability under any anti-fraud provisions or other liability provisions of the

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

federal securities laws as long as the Company has made a good faith attempt to comply with the submission requirements and promptly amends the interactive data files after becoming aware that the interactive data files fail to comply with the submission requirements. In addition, users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
By 

/s/ Jo-Ann Longworth

 Jo-Ann Longworth
 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

By 

 

/s/ Silvana Travaglini

 Silvana Travaglini
 Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

Dated: November 9, 2012May 10, 2013

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

†10.1*  4.1* First Amendment to the AbitibiBowater 2010 DCThird Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effectiveIndenture, dated as of December 31, 2011.2012, among Resolute Forest Products Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.
  4.2*Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 12, 2013, among Resolute Forest Products Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.
  4.3*Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 7, 2013, among Resolute Forest Products Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.
  4.4*Indenture, dated as of May 8, 2013, among Resolute Forest Products Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.
  4.5*Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 8, 2013, among Resolute Forest Products Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative.
†10.1*2013 Resolute Forest Products Inc. Short-Term Incentive Plan.
†10.2* Resolute Forest Products Equity Incentive Plan (previously named the AbitibiBowater Inc. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan), effective asForm of December 9, 2010.Director Deferred Stock Unit Agreement.
†10.3* Resolute Forest Products OutsideEquity Incentive Plan Form of Director Deferred Compensation Plan (previously named the AbitibiBowater Inc. Outside Director Deferred Compensation Plan), effective as of April 1, 2011.Restricted Stock Unit Agreement.
31.1* Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2* Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1* Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2* Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS** XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

*Filed with this Form 10-Q.

 

This is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

**Interactive data files furnished with this Form 10-Q, which represent the following materials from this Form 10-Q formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income, (Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated StatementStatements of Changes in Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. Pursuant to applicable securities laws and regulations, the Company is deemed to have complied with the reporting obligation relating to the submission of interactive data files in such exhibits and is not subject to liability under any anti-fraud provisions or other liability provisions of the federal securities laws as long as the Company has made a good faith attempt to comply with the submission requirements and promptly amends the interactive data files after becoming aware that the interactive data files fail to comply with the submission requirements. In addition, users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.