Table of Contents






 
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 JUNE 30, 20182019
 
¨

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)
Delaware98-0526415
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. employer identification number)
111 Robert-Bourassa BoulevardSuite 5000; 5000Montreal Quebec; QuebecCanadaH3C 2M1
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(514) 875-2160
(514) 875-2160
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per shareRFP
New York Stock Exchange
Toronto Stock Exchange
(Title of class)
(Trading Symbol)

(Name of exchange on which registered)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YesþNo ¨
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).
YesþNo ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated Filer
 
Accelerated filer þ
Filer
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company ¨


Non-accelerated Filer
 
Smaller Reporting Company
Emerging growth company ¨Growth Company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨No þ
As of July 31, 2018,2019, there were 90,341,51689,293,752 shares of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding.
 



Table of Contents




RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
Number
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
   
Item 1. Financial Statements:  
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
   
 
   
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 5. Other Information 
   
 
   
 



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PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited, in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)


Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Sales$976
 $858
 $1,850
 $1,730
 $755
 $976
 $1,550
 $1,850
 
Costs and expenses:                  
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs 639
 646
 1,253
 1,317
  536
 639
 1,090
 1,253
 
Depreciation and amortization 54
 50
 107
 101
  42
 54
 82
 107
 
Distribution costs 123
 108
 239
 218
  101
 123
 201
 239
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 42
 37
 85
 79
  36
 42
 73
 85
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 1
 65
 1
 72
  
 1
 
 1
 
Net gain on disposition of assets (4) 
 (4) 
  
 (4) 
 (4) 
Operating income (loss) 121
 (48)  169
 (57) 
Operating income 40
 121
  104
 169
 
Interest expense (11) (12) (24) (23)  (7) (11) (16) (24) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 12
 1
 25
 4
  12
 12
 24
 25
 
Other (expense) income, net (3) 5
 (10) 5
 
Income (loss) before income taxes 119
 (54) 
 160
 (71) 
Other expense, net (1) (3) (5) (10) 
Income before income taxes 44
 119
 
 107
 160
 
Income tax provision (47) (19) (78) (48)  (19) (47) (40) (78) 
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests 72
 (73) 82
 (119) 
Net income including noncontrolling interests 25
 72
 67
 82
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 (1) 
 (2)  
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$72
 $(74)  $82
 $(121) 
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders:         
Net income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$25
 $72
  $67
 $82
 
Net income per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders:         
Basic$0.79
 $(0.82) $0.90
 $(1.34) $0.27
 $0.79
 $0.73
 $0.90
 
Diluted 0.77
 (0.82) 0.88
 (1.34)  0.27
 0.77
 0.71
 0.88
 
Weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding:                  
Basic 91.3
 90.3
 91.2
 90.3
  92.4
 91.3
 92.4
 91.2
 
Diluted 93.2
 90.3
 93.1
 90.3
  93.6
 93.2
 93.8
 93.1
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.



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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited, in millions)millions of U.S. dollars)


Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests$72
 $(73) $82
 $(119) 
Other comprehensive income:         
Net income including noncontrolling interests$25
 $72
 $67
 $82
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:         
Unamortized prior service credits                  
Change in unamortized prior service credits (4) (3) (8) (7)  (4) (4) (7) (8) 
Income tax provision 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Change in unamortized prior service credits, net of tax (4) (3) (8) (7)  (4) (4) (7) (8) 
Unamortized actuarial losses                  
Change in unamortized actuarial losses 9
 13
 18
 27
  3
 9
 11
 18
 
Income tax provision (2) (3) (4) (5)  
 (2) (2) (4) 
Change in unamortized actuarial losses, net of tax 7
 10
 14
 22
  3
 7
 9
 14
 
Foreign currency translation 
 (1) 
 
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 3
 6
 6
 15
 
Comprehensive income (loss) including noncontrolling interests 75
 (67) 88
 (104) 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (1) 3
 2
 6
 
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests 24
 75
 69
 88
 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 (1) 
 (2)  
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$75
 $(68) $88
 $(106) 
Comprehensive income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$24
 $75
 $69
 $88
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amount)


June 30,
2018
December 31,
2017
June 30,
2019
December 31,
2018
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents$6
 $6
 $98
 $304
 
Accounts receivable, net:          
Trade 387
 399
  333
 347
 
Other 129
 80
  67
 102
 
Inventories, net 547
 526
  530
 508
 
Other current assets 39
 33
  42
 43
 
Total current assets 1,108
 1,044
  1,070
 1,304
 
Fixed assets, less accumulated depreciation of $1,719 and $1,614 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 1,669
 1,716
 
Amortizable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $23 and $21 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 63
 65
 
Goodwill 81
 81
 
Fixed assets, less accumulated depreciation of $1,579 and $1,498 as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively 1,479
 1,515
 
Amortizable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $25 and $24 as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively 50
 50
 
Deferred income tax assets 941
 1,076
  869
 876
 
Operating lease right-of-use assets 63
 
 
Other assets 163
 165
  221
 190
 
Total assets$4,025
 $4,147
 $3,752
 $3,935
 
Liabilities and equity          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$438
 $420
 $376
 $427
 
Current portion of long-term debt 1
 1
  1
 223
 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 8
 
 
Total current liabilities 439
 421
  385
 650
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion 674
 788
  422
 422
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 1,148
 1,257
  1,231
 1,257
 
Deferred income tax liabilities 1
 13
 
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 59
 
 
Other liabilities 71
 68
  55
 71
 
Total liabilities 2,333
 2,547
  2,152
 2,400
 
Commitments and contingencies 
 
  
 
 
Equity:          
Resolute Forest Products Inc. shareholders’ equity:          
Common stock, $0.001 par value. 118.3 shares issued and 90.3 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2018; 118.2 shares issued and 90.2 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017 
 
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value. 119.1 shares issued and 90.4 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2019; 118.8 shares issued and 90.8 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018 
 
 
Additional paid-in capital 3,797
 3,793
  3,803
 3,802
 
Deficit (1,212) (1,294)  (1,131) (1,198) 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (774) (780)  (948) (950) 
Treasury stock at cost, 28.0 shares as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (120) (120) 
Treasury stock at cost, 28.7 shares and 28.0 shares as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively (125) (120) 
Total Resolute Forest Products Inc. shareholders’ equity 1,691
 1,599
  1,599
 1,534
 
Noncontrolling interests 1
 1
  1
 1
 
Total equity 1,692
 1,600
  1,600
 1,535
 
Total liabilities and equity$4,025
 $4,147
 $3,752
 $3,935
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Unaudited, in millions)millions of U.S. dollars)

 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity      
 
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
DeficitAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury
Stock
Non-controlling
Interests
Total Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2017$
 $3,793
 $(1,294) $(780) $(120) $1
 $1,600
 
Share-based compensation costs for equity-classified awards 
  4
  
  
  
  
  4
 
Net income 
  
  82
  
  
  
  82
 
Stock unit awards vested (0.1 shares), net of shares forfeited for employee withholding taxes 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
  
  
  6
  
  
  6
 
Balance as of June 30, 2018$
 $3,797
 $(1,212) $(774) $(120) $1
 $1,692
 

 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity      
 
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
DeficitAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury
Stock
Non-controlling
Interests
Total Equity
Balance as of March 31, 2019$
 $3,802
 $(1,156) $(947) $(120) $1
 $1,580
 
Share-based compensation, net of withholding taxes 
  1
  
  
  
  
  1
 
Net income 
  
  25
  
  
  
  25
 
Purchases of treasury stock (0.7 shares) (Note 11) 
  
  
  
  (5)  
  (5) 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 
  
  
  (1)  
  
  (1) 
Balance as of June 30, 2019$
 $3,803
 $(1,131) $(948) $(125) $1
 $1,600
 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity      
 
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
DeficitAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury
Stock
Non-
controlling
Interests
Total Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2016$
 $3,775
 $(1,207) $(755) $(120) $18
 $1,711
 
Share-based compensation costs for equity-classified awards 
  6
  
  
  
  
  6
 
Net (loss) income 
  
  (121)  
  
  2
  (119) 
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon deferred tax charge elimination (Note 9) 
  
  (3)  
  
  
  (3) 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
  
  
  15
  
  
  15
 
Balance as of June 30, 2017$
 $3,781
 $(1,331) $(740) $(120) $20
 $1,610
 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity      
 
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
DeficitAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury
Stock
Non-controlling
Interests
Total Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2018$
 $3,802
 $(1,198) $(950) $(120) $1
 $1,535
 
Share-based compensation, net of withholding taxes 
  1
  
  
  
  
  1
 
Net income 
  
  67
  
  
  
  67
 
Purchases of treasury stock (0.7 shares) (Note 11) 
  
  
  
  (5)  
  (5) 
Stock unit awards vested (0.3 shares), net of shares forfeited for employee withholding taxes 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
  
  
  2
  
  
  2
 
Balance as of June 30, 2019$
 $3,803
 $(1,131) $(948) $(125) $1
 $1,600
 

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 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity      
 Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
DeficitAccumulated Other Comprehensive LossTreasury
Stock
Non-
controlling
Interests
Total Equity
Balance as of March 31, 2018$
 $3,796
 $(1,284) $(777) $(120) $1
 $1,616
 
Share-based compensation, net of withholding taxes 
  1
  
  
  
  
  1
 
Net income 
  
  72
  
  
  
  72
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
  
  
  3
  
  
  3
 
Balance as of June 30, 2018$
 $3,797
 $(1,212) $(774) $(120) $1
 $1,692
 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity      
 
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
DeficitAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury
Stock
Non-
controlling
Interests
Total Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2017$
 $3,793
 $(1,294) $(780) $(120) $1
 $1,600
 
Share-based compensation, net of withholding taxes 
  4
  
  
  
  
  4
 
Net income 
  
  82
  
  
  
  82
 
Stock unit awards vested (0.1 shares), net of shares forfeited for employee withholding taxes 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
  
  
  6
  
  
  6
 
Balance as of June 30, 2018$
 $3,797
 $(1,212) $(774) $(120) $1
 $1,692
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.



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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, in millions)millions of U.S. dollars)


Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
2018  2017  2019  2018  
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests$82
 $(119) 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Net income including noncontrolling interests$67
 $82
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Share-based compensation 5
 7
  3
 5
 
Depreciation and amortization 107
 101
  82
 107
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 
 60
 
(Reversal of) inventory write-downs related to closures (1) 13
 
Reversal of inventory write-downs related to closures 
 (1) 
Deferred income taxes 75
 46
  40
 75
 
Net pension contributions and other postretirement benefit payments (70) (57)  (57) (70) 
Net gain on disposition of assets (4) 
  
 (4) 
Loss (gain) on translation of foreign currency denominated deferred income taxes 44
 (38) 
(Gain) loss on translation of foreign currency denominated pension and other postretirement benefit obligations (36) 32
 
Net planned major maintenance payments (3) (8) 
(Gain) loss on translation of foreign currency denominated deferred income taxes (35) 44
 
Loss (gain) on translation of foreign currency denominated pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 37
 (36) 
Net planned major maintenance amortization (payments) 7
 (3) 
Changes in working capital:          
Accounts receivable 17
 35
  38
 17
 
Inventories (20) 10
  (21) (20) 
Other current assets (1) 2
  (3) (1) 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 18
 (27)  (64) 18
 
Other, net 7
 3
  1
 7
 
Net cash provided by operating activities 220
 60
  95
 220
 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Cash invested in fixed assets (53) (116)  (45) (53) 
Disposition of assets 2
 
  2
 2
 
Increase in countervailing duty cash deposits on supercalendered paper (11) (12) 
Decrease (increase) in countervailing duty cash deposits on supercalendered paper 1
 (11) 
Increase in countervailing and anti-dumping duty cash deposits on softwood lumber (41) (4)  (33) (41) 
Increase in countervailing duty cash deposits on uncoated groundwood paper (6) 
 
Decrease (increase) in countervailing duty cash deposits on uncoated groundwood paper 6
 (6) 
Net cash used in investing activities (109) (132)  (69) (109) 
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Net (repayments) borrowings under revolving credit facilities (114) 77
 
Net repayments under revolving credit facilities 
 (114) 
Payments of debt (225) 
 
Purchases of treasury stock (5) 
 
Payments of financing and credit facility fees (1) 
  (2) (1) 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (115) 77
 
Cash used in financing activities (232) (115) 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash (2) 3
  1
 (2) 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash (6) 8
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash (205) (6) 
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash:          
Beginning of period 49
 73
  345
 49
 
End of period$43
 $81
 $140
 $43
 
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash at period end:          
Cash and cash equivalents$6
 $44
 $98
 $6
 
Restricted cash (included in “Other current assets” and “Other assets”) 37
 37
  42
 37
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation
Nature of operations
Resolute Forest Products Inc. (with its subsidiaries, and affiliates, either individually or collectively, unless otherwise indicated, referred to as “Resolute Forest Products,” “we,” “our,” “us,” “Parent”“Parent,” or the “Company”) is incorporated in Delaware. We are a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint and specialty papers, which are marketed in close to 70 countries. We own or operate some 40 manufacturing facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the United States and Canada.
Financial statements
Our interim consolidated financial statements and relatedaccompanying notes (or the “Consolidated Financial Statements”) are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (or the “SEC”) for interim reporting. Under those rules, certain footnotes and other financial information that are normally required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles may be condensed or omitted. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair statement of the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been made. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The results for the interim period ended June 30, 2018,2019, 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, 20172018, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018.2019. Certain prior period amounts in our footnotes have been reclassified to conform to the 20182019 presentation.
New accounting pronouncementspronouncement adopted in 2019
ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts from Customers”2016-02 “Leases”
Effective January 1, 2018,2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (or “ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts from Customers,2016-02, “Leases,” issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (or the “FASB”), and the series of related accounting standard updates that followed (collectively, “Topic 606842”). We utilized the modified retrospective method, which required the application, through a cumulative-effect adjustment as of Topic 606 to: (i) all new revenue contracts entered into after January 1, 2018; and (ii) all existing revenue contractsthat date.
The effect of this ASU on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018. The2019, was as follows:
(Unaudited, in millions)
Before ASUEffect of ChangeAs Adjusted
Amortizable intangible assets, net$50
 $1
 $51
 
Operating lease right-of-use assets 
  65
  65
 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 
  7
  7
 
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 
  60
  60
 
Other liabilities 71
  (1)  70
 

On adoption, we elected to apply the package of practical expedients that allows us not to reassess whether expired or existing contracts contain leases, the classification of these leases, and whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under Topic 606 had no impact on our revenues, results842. Furthermore, we elected to use hindsight in determining the lease term and assessing impairment of operations, or financial position.the operating lease right-of-use assets. As a result of the implementation of Topic 606,842, our revenue recognitionleases accounting policy was updated as follows:
Revenue arises from contracts with customers in which the sale of goods is the main performance obligation. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when or as the performance obligation is satisfied, which is when (point in time) or as (over time) control of the promised good or service is transferred to the customer.
Revenue is measured at the amount to which we are expected to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods based on consideration specified in the contract with the customer. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that we collect from the customer, are excluded from revenue. WhenWe determine if a contract withcontains a customer includes variable consideration suchlease at inception. Leases are classified as special pricing agreements and other volume-based incentives, revenue is recognized at the most likely amount based on sales forecasts, for which it is probable that a revenue reversal will not subsequently occur.
Revenue is recorded at a point in time when control over the goods transfers to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipmenteither operating leases or delivery depending on the terms of the underlying contracts with customers. Pulp, tissue, paper and wood products are delivered to our customers in the United States and Canada directly from our mills primarily by truck or rail. Pulp and paper products are delivered to our international customers primarily by ship. For sales where control transfers to the customer at the shipping point, revenue is recorded when the product leaves the facility, whereas for sales where control transfers at the destination, revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost andfinance leases. Operating leases are included in “Distribution costs”“Operating lease right-of-use assets,” “Current portion of operating lease liabilities,” and “Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion,” whereas finance leases are included in “Fixed assets, net,” “Current portion of long-term debt,” and “Long-term debt, net of current portion” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Leases with a term of less than 12 months are not recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and are expensed over the term of the lease in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
SalesOperating lease right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the term of the lease, and the related liabilities represent our other products (green power producedobligation to make the lease payments arising from renewable sources, wood chips,the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and other wood-related products)the related liabilities are recognized whenat the products are delivered and are included in “Costlease commencement date based on the present value of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.the lease payments over the term


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


ASU 2016-01 “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which amends certain aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentationlease. Renewal and disclosuretermination options are included in our lease terms when it is reasonably certain that they will be exercised. In determining the present value of financial instruments. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not impactlease payments, we use the implicit rate when readily determinable, or our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
ASU 2016-15 “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,”estimated incremental borrowing rate, which is intended to reduce diversitybased on information available at the lease commencement date. Lease payments are expensed in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. All amendments to the guidance shall be adopted in the same period on a retrospective basis. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not impact the presentation of our cash flows.
ASU 2016-18 “Restricted Cash”
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Restricted Cash,” which requires companies to include amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in cash and cash equivalents when reconciling beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation.
ASU 2017-05 “Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets”
In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, “Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets,” which clarifies the scope of Subtopic 610-20, “Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets” and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
ASU 2017-07 “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost”
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,” which requires employers that present a measure of operating income in their statements of earnings to disaggregate and present only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic other postretirement benefit (or “OPEB”) cost in operating expenses (together with other employee compensation costs arising during the period). The other components of the net periodic pension cost and net periodic OPEB cost (or “Non-operating pension and OPEB costs”) are reported separately outside any subtotal of operating income. This update is effective retrospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

The effect of this ASU on our Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
For buildings, we account for the three months ended June 30, 2018lease and 2017, wasnon-lease components as follows:
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
(Unaudited, in millions)
Before
Accounting
Standards
Update
Effect of Change
As
Reported
As
Previously
Reported
Effect of
Change
As Adjusted
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs$627
 $12
 $639
 $645
 $1
 $646
 
Operating income (loss) 133
  (12)  121
  (47)  (1)  (48) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 
  12
  12
  
  1
  1
 
The effect of this ASU on our Consolidated Statements of Operationsa single lease component. For all other contracts, we account for the six months ended June 30, 2018lease and 2017, was as follows:
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
(Unaudited, in millions)
Before
Accounting
Standards
Update
Effect of Change
As
Reported
As
Previously
Reported
Effect of
Change
As Adjusted
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs$1,227
 $26
 $1,253
 $1,312
 $5
 $1,317
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 86
  (1)  85
  80
  (1)  79
 
Operating income (loss) 194
  (25)  169
  (53)  (4)  (57) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 
  25
  25
  
  4
  4
 
Accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases,” which requires lessees to recognize leases on the balance sheet while continuing to recognize expenses in the income statement in a manner similar to current accounting standards. For lessors, the new standard modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. Enhanced disclosures will also be required to give financial statement users the ability to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.
We are currently in the process of evaluating our existing lease portfolio, which consists primarily of operating leases where we are the lessee. Upon adoption, we expect to recognize a liability and corresponding asset associated with in-scope leases. We are continuing our assessment and review of existing leases, which may identify other impacts, and are addressing necessary policy and process changes in preparation for adoption.
This ASU may either be adopted on a modified retrospective approach at the beginning of the earliest comparative period, or through a cumulative-effect adjustment at the adoption date. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We plan to adopt this standard on January 1, 2019, through a cumulative-effect adjustment at the adoption date.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 2. Closure Costs, Impairment and Other Related Charges
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges were $1 million for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, were comprised of the following:
(Unaudited, in millions)
Impairment
of Assets
Severance
and Other
Costs
Total
Pulp mill in Coosa Pines (Alabama) (1)
         
Second quarter$55
 $
 $55
 
First six months 55
  
  55
 
Permanent closures         
Paper machine in Catawba (South Carolina)         
Second quarter 5
  4
  9
 
First six months 5
  4
  9
 
Paper mill in Mokpo (South Korea)         
Second quarter 
  
  
 
First six months 
  7
  7
 
Other 
  
  
 
Second quarter 
  1
  1
 
First six months 
  1
  1
 
Total 
  
  
 
Second quarter$60
 $5
 $65
 
First six months 60
  12
  72
 
(1)As a result of the continued deterioration of actual and projected cash flows, we recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $55 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, to reduce the carrying value of the assets to their estimated fair value, which was determined using the market approach, by reference to market transaction prices for similar assets. The fair value measurement is considered a Level 3 measurement due to the significance of its unobservable inputs.
non-lease components separately.
Note 3.2. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The change in our accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (net of tax) for the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, was as follows:
(Unaudited, in millions)Unamortized Prior Service CreditsUnamortized Actuarial Losses
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2018$28
 $(971) $(7) $(950) 
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 
  (3)  
  (3) 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)
 (7)  12
  
  5
 
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income (7)  9
  
  2
 
Balance as of June 30, 2019$21
 $(962) $(7) $(948) 
(Unaudited, in millions)Unamortized Prior Service CreditsUnamortized Actuarial Losses
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2017$52
 $(826) $(6) $(780) 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)
 (8)  14
  
  6
 
Balance as of June 30, 2018$44
 $(812) $(6) $(774) 

(1) 
See the table below for details about these reclassifications.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the six months ended June 30, 20182019, were comprised of the following:
(Unaudited, in millions)Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossAffected Line in the Consolidated Statements of OperationsAmounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossAffected Line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Unamortized Prior Service Credits      
Amortization of prior service credits$(8) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (1)
$(6) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (1)
Curtailment gain (1) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (1)
 
 Income tax provision 
 Income tax provision
$(8) Net of tax$(7) Net of tax
Unamortized Actuarial Losses      
Amortization of actuarial losses$17
 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (1)
$15
 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (1)
Settlement loss 1
 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (1)
 (4) Income tax provision (3) Income tax provision
$14
 Net of tax$12
 Net of tax
Total Reclassifications$6
 Net of tax$5
 Net of tax
(1) 
These items are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost related to our pension and other postretirement benefit (or “OPEB”) plans summarized in Note 8, “Employee Benefit Plans.”

8

Note 4. Net Income (Loss) Per Share
The reconciliation of the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, was as follows:
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)2018  2017   2018  2017  
Numerator:             
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$72
 $(74)  $82
 $(121) 
Denominator:             
Basic weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding 91.3
  90.3
   91.2
  90.3
 
Dilutive impact of nonvested stock unit awards 1.9
  
   1.9
  
 
Diluted weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding 93.2
  90.3
   93.1
  90.3
 
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders:             
Basic$0.79
 $(0.82)  $0.90
 $(1.34) 
Diluted 0.77
  (0.82)   0.88
  (1.34) 

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 3. Net Income Per Share
The reconciliation of the basic and diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, was as follows:
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)2019  2018   2019  2018  
Numerator:             
Net income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$25
 $72
  $67
 $82
 
Denominator:             
Basic weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding 92.4
  91.3
   92.4
  91.2
 
Dilutive impact of nonvested stock unit awards (1)
 1.2
  1.9
   1.4
  1.9
 
Diluted weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding 93.6
  93.2
   93.8
  93.1
 
Net income per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders:             
Basic$0.27
 $0.79
  $0.73
 $0.90
 
Diluted 0.27
  0.77
   0.71
  0.88
 

(1)
When we refer to stock unit awards we mean equity-classified restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance stock units.
The weighted-average number of outstanding stock options and nonvested equity-classified restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance stock units (collectively, “stock unit awards”) that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share, as their impact would have been antidilutive, was 1.0 million and 1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and 1.0 million and 1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, was as follows:
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018
 2017
  2018

2017

Stock options1.3
 1.4
  1.3
 1.4
 
Stock unit awards
 4.7
  
 4.6
 
respectively.
Note 5.4. Inventories, Net
Inventories, net as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018, were comprised of the following:
(Unaudited, in millions)June 30,
2019
December 31,
2018
Raw materials$102
 $106
 
Work in process 41
  39
 
Finished goods 194
  180
 
Mill stores and other supplies 193
  183
 
 $530
 $508
 


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited, in millions)June 30,
2018
December 31,
2017
Raw materials$100
 $108
 
Work in process 44
  38
 
Finished goods 188
  175
 
Mill stores and other supplies 215
  205
 
 $547
 $526
 

DuringNote 5. Operating leases
We have operating leases for buildings, machinery, chemical equipment, rail cars, and office equipment with remaining terms from less than one year to 24 years. These leases may include renewal options for up to 13 years.
The components of lease expense for the three months ended June 30, 2017, we recorded charges for write-downs of mill stores and other supplies of $9 million primarily related to the permanent closure of a paper machine at our Catawba paper mill and the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, we also recorded charges2019, were as follows:
(Unaudited, in millions)Three Months Ended 
 June 30, 2019
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30, 2019
Operating lease cost$3
  $6
 
Variable lease cost (1)
 4
   10
 
(1)
Variable lease cost is determined by the consumption of the underlying asset.
Supplemental information related to operating leases was as follows:
(Unaudited)June 30,
2019
Weighted-average remaining operating lease term (in years)11.4
Weighted-average operating lease discount rate4.7%

(Unaudited, in millions)Six Months Ended 
 June 30, 2019
Operating cash flow payments for operating lease liabilities$5
 
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities 2
 

The maturities of $4 million for write-downsoperating lease liabilities as of mill stores and other supplies primarilyJune 30, 2019, were as a result of the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill. These charges were included in “Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.follows:
(Unaudited, in millions)Operating Leases
Years ending December 31,   
2019$5
 
2020 11
 
2021 9
 
2022 9
 
2023 7
 
2024 and thereafter 46
 
Total lease payments 87
 
Less: imputed interest (20) 
Total operating lease liabilities$67
 


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 6. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, were comprised of the following:
(Unaudited, in millions)June 30,
2019
December 31,
2018
Trade accounts payable$270
 $299
 
Accrued compensation 49
  66
 
Accrued interest 3
  5
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 17
  17
 
Accrued provision for former Fibrek Inc. dissenting shareholders 11
  
 
Income and other taxes payable 4
  4
 
Deposits 10
  20
 
Other 12
  16
 
 $376
 $427
 

(Unaudited, in millions)June 30,
2018
December 31,
2017
Trade accounts payable$330
 $306
 
Payroll, bonuses and severance payable 50
  55
 
Accrued interest 5
  5
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 18
  18
 
Income and other taxes payable 8
  10
 
Environmental liabilities 2
  2
 
Other 25
  24
 
 $438
 $420
 

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 7. Long-Term Debt
Overview
Long-term debt, including current portion, as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018, was comprised of the following:
(Unaudited, in millions)June 30,
2019
December 31,
2018
5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023:      
Principal amount$375
 $600
 
Deferred financing costs (3)  (5) 
Unamortized discount (2)  (3) 
Total 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023 370
  592
 
Term loan due 2025 46
  46
 
Finance lease obligation 7
  7
 
Total debt 423
  645
 
Less: Current portion of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023 
  (222) 
Less: Current portion of finance lease obligation (1)  (1) 
Long-term debt, net of current portion$422
 $422
 
(Unaudited, in millions)June 30,
2018
December 31,
2017
5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023:      
Principal amount$600
 $600
 
Deferred financing costs (5)  (5) 
Unamortized discount (3)  (3) 
Total senior notes due 2023 592
  592
 
Term loan due 2025 46
  46
 
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities 30
  144
 
Capital lease obligation 7
  7
 
Total debt 675
  789
 
Less: Current portion of long-term debt (1)  (1) 
Long-term debt, net of current portion$674
 $788
 

2023 Notes
We issued $600 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023 (or the “2023 Notes”) on May 8, 2013. Upon their issuance, the notes were recorded at their fair value of $594 million, which reflected a discount of $6 million that is being amortized to “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations using the interest method over the term of the notes, resulting in an effective interest rate of 6%. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually on Maybeginning November 15, and November 15,2013, until their maturity date of May 15, 2023. In connection with the issuance of the notes, we incurred financing costs of approximately $9 million, which were deferred and recorded as a reduction of the notes. These deferredDeferred financing costs are being amortized to “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations using the interest method over the term of the notes.
On January 3, 2019 (or the “closing date”), we repurchased $225 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes, pursuant to a notes purchase agreement entered into on December 21, 2018, with certain noteholders, at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the closing date. The aggregate principal amount and related deferred financing costs and unamortized discount were included in “Current portion of long-term debt” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018. As a result of the repurchase, we recorded a net loss on

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

extinguishment of debt of $3 million in “Other expense, net” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 2019.
The fair value of the 2023 Notes (Level 1) was $613$379 million and $622$598 million as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively.
Senior Secured Credit Facility
On September 7, 2016, we entered into a senior secured credit facility (or the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”) for up to $185 million. The Senior Secured Credit Facility provides a term loan of $46 million with a maturity date of September 7, 2025 (the(or theTerm Loan”), and a revolving credit facility of up to $139 million with a maturity date of September 7, 2022 (the(or theRevolving Credit Facility”). As of June 30, 2018,2019, we had $127$139 million of availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, net of $12 million of borrowings.which was undrawn. The fair valuesvalue of the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (Level 2) approximated theirits carrying valuesvalue as of both June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017.2018.
ABL Credit Facility
On May 14, 2019, we entered into an amendment to the credit agreement dated May 22, 2015, we entered intofor a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (the(or theABL Credit Facility”),. The amended credit agreement provides for an extension of the maturity date to May 14, 2024, with an aggregate lender commitment of up to $600$500 million at any time outstanding, subject to borrowing base availability based on specified advance rates, eligibility criteria and customary reserves.
The aggregate lender commitment under the facility includes a $60 million swingline sub-facility and a $200 million letter of credit sub-facility, and we may convert up to $50 million of the commitments under the facility to a first-in last-out facility (or “FILO Facility”), subject to the consent of each converting lender. The ABL Credit Facility will maturealso provides for an uncommitted ability to increase the revolving credit facility by up to $500 million, subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in the agreement.
Revolving loan (and letter of credit) availability under the facility is subject to a borrowing base, which at any time is equal to the sum of (i) 85% of eligible accounts receivable (or 90% with respect to certain insured or letter of credit backed accounts or with accounts owed by investment grade obligors), plus (ii) the lesser of (A) 70% of the lesser of the cost or market value of eligible inventory or (B) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory, plus (iii) 100% of the value of eligible cash and 95% of the value of permitted investments held in deposit accounts controlled solely by the administrative and collateral agent (or the “agent”). The credit agreement includes reserves that reduce the borrowing base, including: (i) a reserve commencing March 16, 2023 for the outstanding principal amount due under the 2023 Notes; and (ii) a reserve for the outstanding principal amount due under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, commencing 60 days before its maturity. The borrowing base is subject to other customary reserves and eligibility criteria, in the exercise of the agent’s reasonable discretion.
The obligations under the credit agreement are guaranteed by certain material subsidiaries of the Company and are secured by first priority liens on May 22, 2020. and security interests in accounts receivable, inventory and related assets.
Loans under the credit agreement bear interest at a rate equal to a base rate, the London Interbank Offered Rate (or the “LIBOR”), or the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (or the “CDOR”), in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is between 0.00% and 0.50% with respect to base rate loans and between 1.00% and 1.50% with respect to LIBOR and CDOR loans, in each case based on availability under the credit facility and a leverage ratio.
In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the ABL Credit Facility, we are required to pay a fee in respect of unutilized commitments under the ABL Credit Facility equal to 0.30% per annum when average daily utilization under the ABL Credit Facility for the prior fiscal quarter is less than 35% of the total revolving commitments, and 0.25% per annum when average daily utilization under the ABL Credit Facility for the prior fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 35% of the total revolving commitments, as well as a fee in respect of outstanding letters of credit (equal to the applicable margin in respect of LIBOR and CDOR loans plus a fronting fee of 0.125% and certain administrative fees).
Loans under the ABL Credit Facility may be repaid from time to time at our discretion without premium or penalty, with the exception of breakage costs for LIBOR and CDOR loans, if any. However, no loans under the FILO Facility can be repaid unless all other loans under the credit agreement are repaid first. We are required to repay outstanding loans that exceed the maximum availability then in effect.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

The credit agreement contains customary covenants for asset-based credit agreements of this type, including, among other things: (i) requirements to deliver financial statements, other reports and notices; (ii) restrictions on the existence or incurrence and repayment of indebtedness by the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) restrictions on the existence or incurrence of liens by the Company and its subsidiaries; (iv) restrictions on the Company and certain of its subsidiaries making certain restricted payments; (v) restrictions on the Company and certain of its subsidiaries making certain investments; (vi) restrictions on certain mergers, consolidations and asset dispositions; (vii) restrictions on transactions with affiliates; (viii) restrictions on amendments or modifications to the Canadian pension and benefit plans; (ix) restrictions on modifications to material indebtedness; and (x) a springing requirement for the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as determined under the credit agreement, of 1.0:1.0, anytime availability under the facility falls below the greater of $45 million or 10% of the maximum available borrowing amount for two consecutive business days. Subject to customary grace periods and notice requirements, the credit agreement also contains certain customary events of default.
As of June 30, 2018,2019, we had $384$353 million of availability under the ABL Credit Facility, net of $18 million of borrowings and $43which was undrawn except for $51 million of ordinary course letters of credit outstanding. The fair value of the ABL Credit Facility (Level 2) approximated its carrying value as of both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
CapitalFinance lease obligation
We have a capitalfinance lease obligation for a warehouse with a maturity date of December 1, 2027, which can be renewed for 20 years at our option. Minimum monthly payments are determined by an escalatory price clause.

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Note 8. Employee Benefit Plans
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
The components of net periodic benefit cost relating to our pension and OPEB plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, were as follows:
Pension Plans:
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Interest cost$48
 $49
 $96
 $98
 $45
 $48
 $90
 $96
 
Expected return on plan assets (67) (61) (134) (124)  (61) (67) (124) (134) 
Amortization of actuarial losses 10
 14
 20
 28
  9
 10
 18
 20
 
Amortization of prior service credits 
 
 (1) 
  (1) 
 (1) (1) 
Non-operating pension (credits) costs (9) 2
 (19) 2
 
Non-operating pension credits (8) (9) (17) (19) 
Service cost 4
 4
 9
 9
  3
 4
 7
 9
 
Net periodic benefit (credits) costs before special events
 (5) 6
 (10) 11
 
Settlement loss 1
 1
 1
 1
 
Net periodic benefit credits before special events (5) (5) (10) (10) 
Curtailment and settlement (gain) loss (1) 1
 (1) 1
 
$(4) $7
 $(9) $12
 $(6) $(4) $(11) $(9) 
OPEB Plans:
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018  2017   2018  2017  
Interest cost$2
 $1
  $3
 $3
 
Amortization of actuarial gains (2)  (2)   (3)  (3) 
Amortization of prior service credits (4)  (3)   (7)  (7) 
Non-operating other postretirement benefit credits (4)  (4)   (7)  (7) 
Service cost 1
  1
   1
  1
 
 $(3) $(3)  $(6) $(6) 
Defined contribution plans
Our expense for the defined contribution plans totaled $5 million and $6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $10 million and $11 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


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Note 9. Income TaxesOPEB Plans:
Tax Cuts
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2019  2018   2019  2018  
Interest cost$1
 $2
  $2
 $3
 
Amortization of actuarial gains (2)  (2)   (3)  (3) 
Amortization of prior service credits (2)  (4)   (5)  (7) 
Non-operating other postretirement benefit credits (3)  (4)   (6)  (7) 
Service cost 
  1
   
  1
 
 $(3) $(3)  $(6) $(6) 

Defined contribution plans
Our expense for the defined contribution plans totaled $4 million and Jobs Act
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (or the “TCJA”) was enacted into law which, among other changes, reduced the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate from 35% to 21%, and introduced the global intangible low-taxed income (or “GILTI”) regime, the base erosion anti-abuse tax, and the foreign-derived intangible income deduction.
During$5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $9 million and $10 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, the enactment of the TCJA resulted in an income tax provision attributable to the GILTI inclusion of $18 million and $25 million, respectively, before valuation allowance, with no other impact on our results of operations. After having evaluated the impact of the TCJA on the reinvestment of foreign earnings, we have maintained the position that such earnings continue to be permanently reinvested. Accordingly, no provision was recorded for undistributed foreign earnings.respectively.
The impacts of the TCJA on our 2017 financial results remain provisional and unchanged as of June 30, 2018. We have yet to adopt an accounting policy for the treatment of GILTI, and accordingly, no deferred tax amounts have been recorded.
The final impact of the TCJA may differ due to, among other things, changes in interpretations, the issuance of additional legislative guidance and clarification, and actions we may take as a result of the TCJA. We will recognize any adjustments to our provisional estimates in the reporting period they are determined, up to a period not to exceed one year from the date of enactment.
Effective income tax rate reconciliationNote 9. Income Taxes
The income tax provision attributable to income (loss) before income taxes differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, as a result of the following:
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2019  2018   2019  2018  
Income before income taxes$44
 $119
  $107
 $160
 
Income tax provision:             
Expected income tax provision (9)  (25)   (22)  (34) 
Changes resulting from:             
Valuation allowance (1)
 (4)  13
   (11)  8
 
Foreign exchange 1
  (7)   4
  (14) 
U.S. tax on non-U.S. earnings (2)
 (5)  (18)   (5)  (25) 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 1
  
   2
  2
 
Foreign tax rate differences (4)  (7)   (9)  (12) 
Other, net 1
  (3)   1
  (3) 
 $(19) $(47)  $(40) $(78) 
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018  2017   2018  2017  
Income (loss) before income taxes$119
 $(54)  $160
 $(71) 
Income tax provision:             
Expected income tax (provision) benefit (25)  11
   (34)  15
 
Changes resulting from:             
U.S. federal tax rate change reconciliation 
  8
   
  10
 
Valuation allowance (1)
 13
  (49)   8
  (75) 
Enactment of change in foreign tax rate 
  
   
  (12) 
Foreign exchange (7)  2
   (14)  1
 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 
  4
   2
  6
 
Foreign tax rate differences (2)
 (25)  5
   (37)  8
 
Other, net (3)  
   (3)  (1) 
 $(47) $(19)  $(78) $(48) 
(1) 
Relates to our U.S. operationsoperations.
(2)
Reduces income tax benefits on U.S. losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019 and primarily to our U.S. operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.
(2)
Includes an income tax provision attributable to the GILTI inclusion of $18 million and $25 million, before valuation allowance, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.2018.
Deferred tax charge
On January 1, 2017, we adopted ASU 2016-16, “Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory,” which eliminates the deferral of the tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers other than inventory until the transferred assets are sold to a third party or recovered through use. As a result, a cumulative-effect adjustment of $3 million was recorded to “Deficit” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2017.

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Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal matters
We become involved in various legal proceedings, claims and governmental inquiries, investigations, and other disputes in the normal course of business, including matters related to contracts, commercial and trade disputes, taxes, environmental issues, activist damages, employment and workers’ compensation claims, grievances, human rights complaints, pension and benefit plans and obligations, health and safety, product safety and liability, asbestos exposure, financial reporting and disclosure obligations, corporate governance, antitrust, First Nations claims, antitrust, governmental regulations, and other matters. Although the final outcome is subject to many variables and cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty, we regularly assess the status of the matters and establish provisions (including legal costs expected to be incurred) when we believe an adverse outcome is

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probable, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Except as described below and for claims that cannot be assessed due to their preliminary nature, we believe that the ultimate disposition of these matters outstanding or pending as of June 30, 2018,2019, will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Asbestos-related lawsuits
We are involved in a number of asbestos-related lawsuits filed primarily in U.S. state courts, including certain cases involving multiple defendants. These lawsuits principally allege direct or indirect personal injury or death resulting from exposure to asbestos-containing premises. While we dispute the plaintiffs’ allegations and intend to vigorously defend these claims, the ultimate resolution of these matters cannot be determined at this time. These lawsuits frequently involve claims for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, and we are unable to reasonably estimate a range of possible losses. However, unfavorable rulings, judgments or settlement terms could materially impact our Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain cases, including cases that were scheduled in March 2019, were settled without any material impact in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.
Countervailing duty and anti-dumping investigations on uncoated groundwood papersoftwood lumber
On August 9, 2017,November 25, 2016, countervailing duty and anti-dumping petitions were filed with the U.S. Department of Commerce (or “Commerce”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (or “ITC”) by acertain U.S. uncoated groundwood (or “UGW”) paper producersoftwood lumber products producers and forest landowners, requesting that the U.S. government impose countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian-origin UGW papersoftwood lumber products exported to the U.S. One of our subsidiaries was identified in the petitionpetitions as being a Canadian exporting producer of UGW papersoftwood lumber products to the U.S. and was selected as a mandatory respondent to be investigated by Commerce in both the countervailing duty and anti-dumping investigations.
On January 9, 2018, Commerce announced its preliminary determination in its countervailing duty investigation on Canadian-origin UGW paper exported to the U.S. As a result, beginning January 16, 2018, we were required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (or “U.S. Customs”) at a rate of 4.42% of the custom’s value for estimated countervailing duties on our U.S. imports of the UGW paper produced at our Canadian mills, with the exception of supercalendered (or “SC”) paper, which was subject to distinct countervailing duties, as further discussed below. On August 2, 2018, Commerce changed the rate to 9.81% in its final affirmative determination. The preliminary rate of 4.42% remained in effect until May 15, 2018, and we are not required to pay deposits for countervailing duties on the affected UGW paper imports until the ITC makes an affirmative material injury determination. If such a determination were made, Commerce would issue its countervailing duty order and we would then be required to resume making cash deposits at the rate of 9.81%, until Commerce sets a countervailing duty rate in a subsequent administrative review or the rate were overturned through an appeal to a North American Free Trade Agreement (or “NAFTA”) Chapter 19 binational panel or the United States Court of International Trade. Through June 30, 2018, our cash deposits on our imports of the affected UGW paper to the U.S. totaled $6 million, and, based on the 9.81% rate and our current operating parameters, could be as high as $40 million per year. We are not presently able to determine the ultimate resolution of this matter, but we believe it is not probable that we will ultimately be assessed with significant countervailing duties, if any, on our Canadian-produced UGW that is exported to the U.S. Accordingly, no contingent loss was recorded in respect of this petition in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 2018, and our cash deposits were recorded in “Other assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
On March 13, 2018, Commerce announced its preliminary determination in the anti-dumping investigation, whereby it determined that we did not sell Canadian-origin UGW paper exported to the U.S. for less than fair market value during the relevant period (from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017). Commerce confirmed this determination on August 2, 2018, in its final affirmative determination. As a result, we are not required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. Customs for anti-dumping duties and will not be subject to administrative review, regardless of the ITC’s outcome and whether Commerce issues an anti-dumping duty order.
Countervailing duty and anti-dumping investigations on softwood lumber
On November 25, 2016, countervailing duty and anti-dumping petitions were filed with Commerce and the ITC by certain U.S. softwood lumber producers and forest landowners, requesting that the U.S. government impose countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian-origin softwood lumber exported to the U.S. One of our subsidiaries was identified in the petition as being a Canadian exporting producer of softwood lumber to the U.S. and was selected as a mandatory respondent to be investigated by Commerce in both the countervailing duty and anti-dumping investigations.
On April 24, 2017, Commerce announced its preliminary determination in the countervailing duty investigation and, as a result, after April 28, 2017, we were required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (or “U.S. Customs”) at a rate of 12.82% for estimated countervailing

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duties on our U.S. imports of softwood lumber products produced at our Canadian sawmills. The preliminary rate remained in effect until August 26, 2017. Commerce changed the rate in its final affirmative determination on November 2, 2017, but the new rate did not take effect until December 28, 2017, following the ITC’s final affirmative determination and the publication by Commerce of a countervailing duty order. Since that date, we have been required to resume paying cash deposits to the U.S. Customs at a rate of 14.7% for our softwood lumber products U.S. imports from our Canadian sawmills. This rate will continue until Commerce sets a duty rate in an administrative review, or a new rate may be set through a remand determination shouldby a North American Free Trade Agreement (or “NAFTA”) binational panel on appeal remand the final determination to Commerce.appeal. Through June 30, 2018,2019, our cash deposits totaled $50$106 million and, based on the 14.7% rate and our current operating parameters, could be as high as $65$60 million per year.
On June 26, 2017, Commerce announced its preliminary determination in the anti-dumping investigation and, as a result, after June 30, 2017, we were required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. Customs at a rate of 4.59% for estimated anti-dumping duties on our U.S. imports of softwood lumber products produced at our Canadian sawmills. On November 2, 2017, Commerce announced its final affirmative determination in the anti-dumping investigation and, as a result, since November 8, 2017, we have been required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. Customs, at a rate of 3.2% for our softwood lumber products U.S. imports from our Canadian sawmills. This rate that will apply until Commerce sets a duty rate in an administrative review, or in a possiblenew rate may be set through a remand determination.determination by a NAFTA binational panel on appeal. Through June 30, 2018,2019, our cash deposits totaled $17$30 million and, based on the 3.2% rate and our current operating parameters, could be as high as $15 million per year.
On April 1, 2019, Commerce published a notice initiating the administrative reviews of the countervailing duty and anti-dumping orders on softwood lumber products from Canada. We were selected as a mandatory respondent in these administrative reviews and we are in the process of responding to Commerce with the information requested.
We are not presently able to determine the ultimate resolution of these matters, but we believe it is not probable that we will ultimately be assessed with significant duties, if any, on our U.S. imports of Canadian-produced softwood lumber.lumber products. Accordingly, no contingent loss was recorded in respect of these petitions in our Consolidated StatementStatements of Operations, for the six months ended June 30, 2018, and our cash deposits were recorded in “Other assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Countervailing duty investigation on SC paper
On February 26, 2015, a countervailing duty petition was filed with Commerce and the ITC by certain U.S. SC paper producers requesting that the U.S. government impose countervailing duties on Canadian-origin SC paper exported to the U.S. market. One of our subsidiaries was identified in the petition as being a Canadian exporting producer of SC paper to the U.S. and was selected as a mandatory respondent to be investigated by Commerce. As a result of that investigation, after August 3, 2015, we were required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. Customs for estimated countervailing duties on our U.S. imports of SC paper produced at our Canadian mills. Between August 3, 2015 and October 15, 2015, we were required to make cash deposits at a rate of 2.04%. On October 15, 2015, that rate increased to 17.87%, 17.10% of which was not based on any countervailable subsidy we received, but rather on a punitive application of “adverse facts available.”
On March 21, 2018, Verso Corporation, the sole remaining U.S. SC paper petitioner, filed a request with Commerce for a changed circumstances review to revoke the countervailing duty order, retroactive to August 3, 2015, and for Commerce to refund all countervailing duty deposits with interest. On May 8, 2018, Commerce announced the initiation of a changed circumstances review, and on July 6, 2018, Commerce signed the revocation order. As a result, we will receive a refund of all outstanding cash deposits made on our U.S. imports of SC paper produced at our Canadian mills, plus interest, and no further cash deposits will be required going forward. In addition, this resulted in the termination of all pending administrative reviews.
Through June 30, 2018, our cumulative cash deposits, to be refunded, totaled $60 million. These cash deposits were recorded in “Accounts receivable, net – Other” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Jedson Case
On March 9, 2017, Jedson Engineering, Inc. and Jedson C.M., Inc. (or the “Jedson plaintiffs”) filed a complaint against our subsidiary, Resolute FP US Inc., and other defendants in state court in Tennessee. The complaint alleged breach of contract and violation of Tennessee’s Prompt Pay Act for failure to pay for services in connection with the design and construction of our Calhoun (Tennessee) tissue project, and sought a recovery of, and enforcement of mechanic’s liens for, approximately $10 million, plus interest and cost of litigation. On April 17, 2017, we filed an answer and counterclaim alleging, among other things, breach of contract and professional negligence by the Jedson plaintiffs and seeking recovery for, among other things, resulting costs on the project. On April 4, 2017, the Jedson plaintiffs also filed a motion for an injunction under the Prompt Pay Act seeking immediate payment of monies claimed and, on April 20, 2017, a motion to abate Resolute FP US Inc.’s counterclaim, both of which we opposed and have not been heard by the court. On August 25, 2017, the Jedson plaintiffs amended their complaint. As amended, the complaint includes allegations of fraud, intentional and negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, and a claim for punitive damages in an amount of up to approximately $20 million. Effective February 20, 2018, the parties entered into an agreement to submit their disputes to binding private arbitration. On February 23, 2018, the

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state court issued an order staying the consolidated court proceedings pending completion of the arbitration subject to limited exceptions regarding certain defined procedural matters. The Company disputes the plaintiffs’ allegations, and intends to vigorously defend the action. The arbitration hearing is expected to occur in the first half of 2019. We are not presently able to determine the ultimate resolution of this matter or to reasonably estimate the potential impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Modification of U.S. OPEB plan
Effective January 1, 2015, we modified our U.S. OPEB plan so that unionized participants, upon reaching Medicare eligibility, are provided Medicare coverage via a Medicare Exchange program rather than via a Company-sponsored medical plan. On March 2, 2016, a proposed class action lawsuit (Reynolds, et al v. Resolute Forest Products Inc., Resolute FP US Inc., Resolute FP US Health and Resolute Welfare Benefit Plan) was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee (or the “District Court”) on behalf of certain Medicare-eligible retirees who were previously unionized employees of our Calhoun, Catawba, and Coosa Pines mills, and their spouses and dependents (or the “proposed class”). The plaintiffs allege that the modifications described above breach the collective bargaining agreements and plan covering the members of the proposed class in the lawsuit. Plaintiffs seek reinstatement of the health care benefits as in effect before January 1, 2015, for the proposed class in the lawsuit. On May 23, 2016, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. The motion to dismiss was denied by the District Court on March 1, 2017. On June 28, 2017, a settlement agreement in principle was reached between the parties to the lawsuit subject to court approval. On June 5, 2018, the District Court issued an order providing for preliminary approval of the settlement. On August 3, 2018, a final order approving the class action settlement and dismissing the case was entered, which if no appeals are filed within the applicable 30-day appeal period, would result in an amendment of our U.S. OPEB plan and a corresponding increase to both “Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations” and “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, as of the date the plan amendment is adopted. We do not expect that the resulting increase would have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fibrek acquisition
Effective July 31, 2012, we completed the final step of the transaction pursuant to which we acquired the remaining 25.4% of the outstanding Fibrek Inc. (or “Fibrek”) shares, following the approval of Fibrek’s shareholders on July 23, 2012, and the

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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 accrued approximately Cdn $14 million ($11 million, based on the exchange rate in effect on June 30, 2018)2019) for the eventual payment of those claims. The hearing in this matter is expected to occuroccurred in 2019.2019 and we are awaiting the decision of the court.
Partial wind-ups of pension plans
On June 12, 2012, we filed a motion for directives with the Quebec Superior Court, the court with jurisdiction in the creditor protection proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) (or the “CCAA Creditor Protection Proceedings”), seeking an order to prevent pension regulators in each of Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador from declaring partial wind-ups of pension plans relating to employees of former operations in New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador, or a declaration that any claim for accelerated reimbursements of deficits arising from a partial wind-up is a barred claim under the CCAA Creditor Protection Proceedings. We contend, among other things, that any such declaration, if issued, would be inconsistent with the Quebec Superior Court’s sanction order confirming the CCAA debtors’ CCAA Plan of Reorganization and Compromise, as amended, and the terms of our emergence from the CCAA Creditor Protection Proceedings. A partial wind-up would likely shorten the period in which any deficit within those plans, which could reach up to Cdn $150 million ($115 million, based on the exchange rate in effect on June 30, 2018)2019), would have to be funded if we do not obtain the relief sought. The hearing in this matter could occur in 2018.

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2019 or 2020.
Environmental matters
We are subject to a variety of federal or national, state, provincial, and local environmental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We believe our operations are in material compliance with current applicable environmental laws and regulations. Environmental regulations promulgated in the future could require substantial additional expenditures for compliance and could have a material impact on us, in particular, and the industry in general.
We may be a “potentially responsible party” with respect to a hazardous waste site that is being addressed pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (commonly known as Superfund). We believe we will not be liable for any significant amounts at this site.
We have environmental liabilities of $8 million recorded as of both June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, primarily related to environmental remediation related to closed sites. The amount of these liabilities represents management’s estimate of the ultimate settlement based on an assessment of relevant factors and assumptions and could be affected by changes in facts or assumptions not currently known to management for which the outcome cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. These liabilities are included in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” or “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We also have also asset retirement obligations of $26 million and $24$23 million recorded as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively, primarily consisting of liabilities associated with landfills, sludge basins and the dismantling of retired assets. These liabilities are included in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” or “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 11. Share Capital
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, we repurchased 720,000 shares, at a cost of $5 million under our $150 million share repurchase program, which was launched in 2012. We did not repurchase any shares during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. There remains $19 million under the program.

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Note 11.12. Segment Information
We manage our business based on the products we manufacture. Accordingly, our reportable segments correspond to our principal product lines: market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint, and specialty papers.
None of the income or loss items following “Operating income (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, inventory write-downs related to closures, start-up costs, gains and losses on disposition of assets, as well as other discretionary charges or credits are not allocated to our segments. We allocate depreciation and amortization expense to our segments, although the related fixed assets and amortizable intangible assets are not allocated to segment assets. Additionally, all selling, general and administrative expenses are allocated to our segments, with the exception of certain discretionary charges and credits, which we present under “corporate and other.”
Information about certain segment data for the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, was as follows:
(Unaudited,
in millions)
Market Pulp (1)
Tissue (2)
Wood Products (3)
Newsprint
Specialty
Papers
Segment
Total
Corporate
and Other
Total
Market Pulp (1)
Tissue (2)
Wood Products (3)
Newsprint
Specialty
Papers
Segment
Total
Corporate
and Other
Total
SalesSales               Sales               
Second quarterSecond quarter               Second quarter               
2019$189
 $43
 $168
 $209
 $146
 $755
 $
 $755
 
2018$264
 $35
 $254
 $230
 $193
 $976
 $
 $976
  264
 35
 254
 230
 193
 976
 
 976
 
2017 213
 20
 197
 201
 227
 858
 
 858
 
First six monthsFirst six months               First six months               
2019 420
 82
 329
 421
 298
 1,550
 
 1,550
 
2018 521
 57
 463
 428
 381
 1,850
 
 1,850
  521
 57
 463
 428
 381
 1,850
 
 1,850
 
2017 422
 40
 374
 427
 467
 1,730
 
 1,730
 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization             Depreciation and amortization             
Second quarterSecond quarter               Second quarter               
2019$5
 $4
 $9
 $8
 $11
 $37
 $5
 $42
 
2018$8
 $5
 $7
 $17
 $12
 $49
 $5
 $54
  8
 5
 7
 17
 12
 49
 5
 54
 
2017 8
 1
 7
 17
 11
 44
 6
 50
 
First six monthsFirst six months  First six months  
2019 10
 9
 17
 15
 21
 72
 10
 82
 
2018 15
 6
 15
 33
 24
 93
 14
 107
  15
 6
 15
 33
 24
 93
 14
 107
 
2017 16
 2
 16
 33
 23
 90
 11
 101
 
Operating income (loss) (4)
Operating income (loss) (4)
               
Operating income (loss) (4)
               
Second quarterSecond quarter               Second quarter               
2019$27
 $(4) $(3) $17
 $15
 $52
 $(12) $40
 
2018$41
 $(10) $79
 $18
 $4
 $132
 $(11) $121
  41
 (10) 79
 18
 4
 132
 (11) 121
 
2017 16
 (1) 45
 (7) (7) 46
 (94) (48) 
First six monthsFirst six months               First six months               
2019 69
 (12) 3
 45
 30
 135
 (31) 104
 
2018 74
 (11) 132
 14
 (3) 206
 (37) 169
  74
 (11) 132
 14
 (3) 206
 (37) 169
 
2017 23
 (1) 65
 (11) (3) 73
 (130) (57) 
(1) 
Inter-segment sales of $9$11 million and $10$9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and 2017, respectively,$22 million and $19 million for both the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, which are transacted at cost, were excluded from market pulp sales.
(2) 
The operating results of our Calhoun (Tennessee) tissue operations, previously recorded under “corporate and other,” have been recorded in our tissue segment since April 1, 2018.
(3) 
Wood products sales to our joint ventures, which are transacted at arm’s length negotiated prices, were $8$6 million and $6$8 million for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, and $16$11 million and $10$16 million for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.
(4)
In the first quarter of 2018, we changed our presentation of operating income in accordance with FASB ASU 2017-07, to present only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and OPEB cost in operating expenses (together with other employee compensation costs arising during the period). The non-operating pension and OPEB costs,


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


presented under “corporate and other,” are reported separately outside any subtotal of operating income. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation. See Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation – New accounting pronouncements adopted – ASU 2017-07 “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost” for more information.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 12.13. 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 2023 Notes that are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by all of our 100% owned material U.S. subsidiaries (or the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The 2023 Notes are not guaranteed by our foreign subsidiaries (or the “Non-guarantor Subsidiaries”).
The following condensed consolidating financial information sets forth the Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018, the Balance Sheets as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018, and the Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 for the Parent, the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis, and the Non-guarantor Subsidiaries also 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 entries to eliminate the investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
(Unaudited, in millions)Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
ConsolidatedParent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Sales$
 $731
 $674
 $(429) $976
 $
 $613
 $569
 $(427) $755
 
Costs and expenses:                      
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs 
 666
 396
 (423) 639
  
 599
 371
 (434) 536
 
Depreciation and amortization 
 21
 33
 
 54
  
 9
 33
 
 42
 
Distribution costs 
 38
 85
 
 123
  
 23
 76
 2
 101
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 7
 14
 21
 
 42
  4
 15
 17
 
 36
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 
 
 1
 
 1
 
Net gain on disposition of assets 
 
 (4) 
 (4) 
Operating (loss) income (7) (8) 142
 (6) 121
  (4) (33) 72
 5
 40
 
Interest expense (24) (1) (3) 17
 (11)  (17) 
 (2) 12
 (7) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 
 3
 9
 
 12
  
 2
 10
 
 12
 
Other income (expense), net 
 19
 (5) (17) (3)  
 15
 (4) (12) (1) 
Equity in income of subsidiaries 103
 28
 
 (131) 
  46
 7
 
 (53) 
 
Income before income taxes 72
 41
 143
 (137) 119
 
Income (loss) before income taxes 25
 (9) 76
 (48) 44
 
Income tax provision 
 
 (48) 1
 (47)  
 
 (18) (1) (19) 
Net income including noncontrolling interests 72
 41
 95
 (136) 72
 
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests 25
 (9) 58
 (49) 25
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$72
 $41
 $95
 $(136) $72
 
Comprehensive income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$75
 $39
 $100
 $(139) $75
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$25
 $(9) $58
 $(49) $25
 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$24
 $(12) $60
 $(48) $24
 


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
(Unaudited, in millions)Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
ConsolidatedParent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Sales$
 $1,540
 $1,266
 $(956) $1,850
 $
 $1,285
 $1,166
 $(901) $1,550
 
Costs and expenses:                      
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs 
 1,437
 762
 (946) 1,253
  
 1,247
 742
 (899) 1,090
 
Depreciation and amortization 
 41
 66
 
 107
  
 19
 63
 
 82
 
Distribution costs 
 77
 164
 (2) 239
  
 49
 155
 (3) 201
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 12
 31
 42
 
 85
  10
 24
 39
 
 73
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 
 
 1
 
 1
 
Net gain on disposition of assets 
 
 (4) 
 (4) 
Operating (loss) income (12) (46) 235
 (8) 169
  (10) (54) 167
 1
 104
 
Interest expense (47) (4) (6) 33
 (24)  (34) (2) (6) 26
 (16) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 
 7
 18
 
 25
  
 5
 19
 
 24
 
Other income (expense), net 
 33
 (10) (33) (10) 
Other (expense) income, net (3) 32
 (8) (26) (5) 
Equity in income of subsidiaries 141
 49
 
 (190) 
  114
 18
 
 (132) 
 
Income before income taxes 82
 39
 237
 (198) 160
 
Income (loss) before income taxes 67
 (1) 172
 (131) 107
 
Income tax provision 
 
 (80) 2
 (78)  
 
 (40) 
 (40) 
Net income including noncontrolling interests 82
 39
 157
 (196) 82
 
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests 67
 (1) 132
 (131) 67
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$82
 $39
 $157
 $(196) $82
 
Comprehensive income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$88
 $34
 $168
 $(202) $88
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$67
 $(1) $132
 $(131) $67
 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$69
 $(6) $139
 $(133) $69
 


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOMECONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
(Unaudited, in millions)Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
ConsolidatedParent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Sales$
 $706
 $540
 $(388) $858
 $
 $731
 $674
 $(429) $976
 
Costs and expenses:                      
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs 
 682
 350
 (386) 646
  
 666
 396
 (423) 639
 
Depreciation and amortization 
 18
 32
 
 50
  
 21
 33
 
 54
 
Distribution costs 
 39
 70
 (1) 108
  
 38
 85
 
 123
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 5
 17
 15
 
 37
  7
 14
 21
 
 42
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 
 64
 1
 
 65
  
 
 1
 
 1
 
Net gain on disposition of assets 
 
 (4) 
 (4) 
Operating (loss) income (5) (114) 72
 (1) (48)  (7) (8) 142
 (6) 121
 
Interest expense (22) (3) (3) 16
 (12)  (24) (1) (3) 17
 (11) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 
 
 1
 
 1
  
 3
 9
 
 12
 
Other income, net 
 20
 1
 (16) 5
 
Equity in loss of subsidiaries (47) 
 
 47
 
 
(Loss) income before income taxes (74) (97) 71
 46
 (54) 
Other income (expense), net 
 19
 (5) (17) (3) 
Equity in income of subsidiaries 103
 28
 
 (131) 
 
Income before income taxes 72
 41
 143
 (137) 119
 
Income tax provision 
 (1) (18) 
 (19)  
 
 (48) 1
 (47) 
Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests (74) (98) 53
 46
 (73) 
Net income including noncontrolling interests 72
 41
 95
 (136) 72
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 (1) 
 (1)  
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$(74) $(98) $52
 $46
 $(74) 
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$(68) $(99) $59
 $40
 $(68) 
Net income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$72
 $41
 $95
 $(136) $72
 
Comprehensive income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$75
 $39
 $100
 $(139) $75
 


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
(Unaudited, in millions)Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Sales$
 $1,540
 $1,266
 $(956) $1,850
 
Costs and expenses:               
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs 
  1,437
  762
  (946)  1,253
 
Depreciation and amortization 
  41
  66
  
  107
 
Distribution costs 
  77
  164
  (2)  239
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 12
  31
  42
  
  85
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 
  
  1
  
  1
 
Net gain on disposition of assets 
  
  (4)  
  (4) 
Operating (loss) income (12)  (46)  235
  (8)  169
 
Interest expense (47)  (4)  (6)  33
  (24) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 
  7
  18
  
  25
 
Other income (expense), net 
  33
  (10)  (33)  (10) 
Equity in income of subsidiaries 141
  49
  
  (190)  
 
Income before income taxes 82
  39
  237
  (198)  160
 
Income tax provision 
  
  (80)  2
  (78) 
Net income including noncontrolling interests 82
  39
  157
  (196)  82
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
  
  
  
  
 
Net income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$82
 $39
 $157
 $(196) $82
 
Comprehensive income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$88
 $34
 $168
 $(202) $88
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
(Unaudited, in millions)Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Sales$
 $1,415
 $1,090
 $(775) $1,730
 
Costs and expenses:               
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs 
  1,360
  731
  (774)  1,317
 
Depreciation and amortization 
  37
  64
  
  101
 
Distribution costs 
  80
  139
  (1)  218
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 14
  34
  31
  
  79
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 
  64
  8
  
  72
 
Operating (loss) income (14)  (160)  117
  
  (57) 
Interest expense (42)  (4)  (6)  29
  (23) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 
  1
  3
  
  4
 
Other income, net 
  33
  1
  (29)  5
 
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries (65)  1
  
  64
  
 
(Loss) income before income taxes (121)  (129)  115
  64
  (71) 
Income tax provision 
  (1)  (47)  
  (48) 
Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests (121)  (130)  68
  64
  (119) 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
  
  (2)  
  (2) 
Net (loss) income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$(121) $(130) $66
 $64
 $(121) 
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.$(106) $(132) $83
 $49
 $(106) 


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of June 30, 2018
As of June 30, 2019As of June 30, 2019
(Unaudited, in millions)Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
ConsolidatedParent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Assets                      
Current assets:                      
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $1
 $5
 $
 $6
 $
 $91
 $7
 $
 $98
 
Accounts receivable, net 
 376
 140
 
 516
  
 270
 130
 
 400
 
Accounts receivable from affiliates 
 562
 919
 (1,481) 
  
 248
 748
 (996) 
 
Inventories, net 
 259
 305
 (17) 547
  
 214
 328
 (12) 530
 
Note, advance and interest receivable from parent 
 409
 
 (409) 
 
Notes and interest receivable from affiliates 
 33
 
 (33) 
 
Advance and interest receivable from parent 
 66
 
 (66) 
 
Interest receivable from affiliate 
 4
 
 (4) 
 
Other current assets 
 18
 21
 
 39
  
 16
 26
 
 42
 
Total current assets 
 1,658
 1,390
 (1,940) 1,108
  
 909
 1,239
 (1,078) 1,070
 
Fixed assets, net 
 679
 990
 
 1,669
  
 525
 954
 
 1,479
 
Amortizable intangible assets, net 
 12
 51
 
 63
  
 3
 47
 
 50
 
Goodwill 
 81
 
 
 81
 
Deferred income tax assets 
 1
 936
 4
 941
  
 1
 865
 3
 869
 
Note receivable from parent 
 488
 
 (488) 
 
Operating lease right-of-use assets 
 29
 34
 
 63
 
Notes receivable from parent 
 1,264
 
 (1,264) 
 
Note receivable from affiliate 
 111
 
 (111) 
  
 111
 
 (111) 
 
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates 4,086
 2,160
 
 (6,246) 
  3,875
 2,083
 
 (5,958) 
 
Other assets 
 93
 70
 
 163
  
 158
 63
 
 221
 
Total assets$4,086
 $5,283
 $3,437
 $(8,781) $4,025
 $3,875
 $5,083
 $3,202
 $(8,408) $3,752
 
Liabilities and equity                      
Current liabilities:                      
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$5
 $186
 $247
 $
 $438
 $10
 $122
 $244
 $
 $376
 
Current portion of long-term debt 
 1
 
 
 1
  
 1
 
 
 1
 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 
 4
 4
 
 8
 
Accounts payable to affiliates 562
 964
 
 (1,526) 
  257
 784
 
 (1,041) 
 
Note, advance and interest payable to subsidiaries 409
 
 
 (409) 
 
Notes and interest payable to affiliate 
 
 33
 (33) 
 
Advance and interest payable to subsidiaries 66
 
 
 (66) 
 
Interest payable to affiliate 
 
 4
 (4) 
 
Total current liabilities 976
 1,151
 280
 (1,968) 439
  333
 911
 252
 (1,111) 385
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion 592
 82
 
 
 674
  370
 52
 
 
 422
 
Note payable to subsidiary 488
 
 
 (488) 
 
Notes payable to subsidiaries 1,264
 
 
 (1,264) 
 
Note payable to affiliate 
 
 111
 (111) 
  
 
 111
 (111) 
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 
 361
 787
 
 1,148
  
 330
 901
 
 1,231
 
Deferred income tax liabilities 
 
 1
 
 1
 
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 
 26
 33
 
 59
 
Other liabilities 4
 25
 42
 
 71
  
 22
 33
 
 55
 
Total liabilities 2,060
 1,619
 1,221
 (2,567) 2,333
  1,967
 1,341
 1,330
 (2,486) 2,152
 
Total equity 2,026
 3,664
 2,216
 (6,214) 1,692
  1,908
 3,742
 1,872
 (5,922) 1,600
 
Total liabilities and equity$4,086
 $5,283
 $3,437
 $(8,781) $4,025
 $3,875
 $5,083
 $3,202
 $(8,408) $3,752
 


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 2018
(Unaudited, in millions)Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Assets               
Current assets:               
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $301
 $3
 $
 $304
 
Accounts receivable, net 
  301
  148
  
  449
 
Accounts receivable from affiliates 
  588
  1,071
  (1,659)  
 
Inventories, net 
  194
  327
  (13)  508
 
Note, advance and interest receivable from parent 
  422
  
  (422)  
 
Interest receivable from affiliate 
  4
  
  (4)  
 
Other current assets 
  15
  28
  
  43
 
Total current assets 
  1,825
  1,577
  (2,098)  1,304
 
Fixed assets, net 
  523
  992
  
  1,515
 
Amortizable intangible assets, net 
  2
  48
  
  50
 
Deferred income tax assets 
  1
  872
  3
  876
 
Notes receivable from parent 
  657
  
  (657)  
 
Note receivable from affiliate 
  107
  
  (107)  
 
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates 4,119
  2,205
  
  (6,324)  
 
Other assets 
  126
  64
  
  190
 
Total assets$4,119
 $5,446
 $3,553
 $(9,183) $3,935
 
Liabilities and equity               
Current liabilities:               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$7
 $170
 $250
 $
 $427
 
Current portion of long-term debt 222
  1
  
  
  223
 
Accounts payable to affiliates 592
  1,112
  
  (1,704)  
 
Note, advance and interest payable to subsidiaries 422
  
  
  (422)  
 
Interest payable to affiliate 
  
  4
  (4)  
 
Total current liabilities 1,243
  1,283
  254
  (2,130)  650
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion 370
  52
  
  
  422
 
Notes payable to subsidiaries 657
  
  
  (657)  
 
Note payable to affiliate 
  
  107
  (107)  
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 
  342
  915
  
  1,257
 
Other liabilities 6
  21
  44
  
  71
 
Total liabilities 2,276
  1,698
  1,320
  (2,894)  2,400
 
Total equity 1,843
  3,748
  2,233
  (6,289)  1,535
 
Total liabilities and equity$4,119
 $5,446
 $3,553
 $(9,183) $3,935
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 2017
(Unaudited, in millions)Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Assets               
Current assets:               
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $3
 $3
 $
 $6
 
Accounts receivable, net 
  319
  160
  
  479
 
Accounts receivable from affiliates 
  535
  729
  (1,264)  
 
Inventories, net 
  243
  292
  (9)  526
 
Note, advance and interest receivable from parent 
  538
  
  (538)  
 
Notes and interest receivable from affiliates 
  32
  
  (32)  
 
Other current assets 
  16
  17
  
  33
 
Total current assets 
  1,686
  1,201
  (1,843)  1,044
 
Fixed assets, net 
  692
  1,024
  
  1,716
 
Amortizable intangible assets, net 
  13
  52
  
  65
 
Goodwill 
  81
  
  
  81
 
Deferred income tax assets 
  1
  1,073
  2
  1,076
 
Notes receivable from parent 
  330
  
  (330)  
 
Note receivable from affiliate 
  116
  
  (116)  
 
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates 3,939
  2,111
  
  (6,050)  
 
Other assets 
  98
  67
  
  165
 
Total assets$3,939
 $5,128
 $3,417
 $(8,337) $4,147
 
Liabilities and equity               
Current liabilities:               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$4
 $171
 $245
 $
 $420
 
Current portion of long-term debt 
  1
  
  
  1
 
Accounts payable to affiliates 536
  728
  
  (1,264)  
 
Note, advance and interest payable to subsidiaries 538
  
  
  (538)  
 
Notes and interest payable to affiliate 
  
  32
  (32)  
 
Total current liabilities 1,078
  900
  277
  (1,834)  421
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion 592
  196
  
  
  788
 
Note payable to subsidiary 330
  
  
  (330)  
 
Note payable to affiliate 
  
  116
  (116)  
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 
  378
  879
  
  1,257
 
Deferred income tax liabilities 
  
  13
  
  13
 
Other liabilities 5
  24
  39
  
  68
 
Total liabilities 2,005
  1,498
  1,324
  (2,280)  2,547
 
Total equity 1,934
  3,630
  2,093
  (6,057)  1,600
 
Total liabilities and equity$3,939
 $5,128
 $3,417
 $(8,337) $4,147
 




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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
(Unaudited, in millions)Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
ConsolidatedParent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities$
 $187
 $33
 $
 $220
 $
 $64
 $31
 $
 $95
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                      
Cash invested in fixed assets 
 (16) (37) 
 (53)  
 (19) (26) 
 (45) 
Disposition of assets 
 
 2
 
 2
  
 2
 
 
 2
 
Increase in countervailing duty cash deposits on supercalendered paper 
 (11) 
 
 (11) 
Decrease in countervailing duty cash deposits on supercalendered paper 
 1
 
 
 1
 
Increase in countervailing and anti-dumping duty cash deposits on softwood lumber 
 (41) 
 
 (41)  
 (33) 
 
 (33) 
Increase in countervailing duty cash deposits on uncoated groundwood paper 
 (6) 
 
 (6) 
Advance to parent 
 (1) 
 1
 
 
Decrease in countervailing duty cash deposits on uncoated groundwood paper 
 6
 
 
 6
 
Increase in notes receivable from and advance to parent 
 (230) 
 230
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities 
 (75) (35) 1
 (109)  
 (273) (26) 230
 (69) 
Cash flows from financing activities:                      
Net repayments under revolving credit facilities 
 (114) 
 
 (114) 
Payments of debt (225) 
 
 
 (225) 
Purchases of treasury stock (5) 
 
 
 (5) 
Payments of financing and credit facility fees (1) 
 
 
 (1)  
 (1) (1) 
 (2) 
Advance from subsidiary 1
 
 
 (1) 
 
Increase in notes payable to and advance from subsidiaries 230
 
 
 (230) 
 
Net cash used in financing activities 
 (114) 
 (1) (115)  
 (1) (1) (230) (232) 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash 
 
 (2) 
 (2)  
 
 1
 
 1
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash 
 (2) (4) 
 (6) 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash 
 (210) 5
 
 (205) 
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash:                      
Beginning of period 
 3
 46
 
 49
  
 306
 39
 
 345
 
End of period$
 $1
 $42
 $
 $43
 $
 $96
 $44
 $
 $140
 
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash at period end:                      
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $1
 $5
 $
 $6
 $
 $91
 $7
 $
 $98
 
Restricted cash 
 
 37
 
 37
  
 5
 37
 
 42
 


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
(Unaudited, in millions)Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities$
 $187
 $33
 $
 $220
 
Cash flows from investing activities:               
Cash invested in fixed assets 
  (16)  (37)  
  (53) 
Disposition of assets 
  
  2
  
  2
 
Increase in countervailing duty cash deposits on supercalendered paper 
  (11)  
  
  (11) 
Increase in countervailing and anti-dumping duty cash deposits on softwood lumber 
  (41)  
  
  (41) 
Increase in countervailing duty cash deposits on uncoated groundwood paper 
  (6)  
  
  (6) 
Advance to parent 
  (1)  
  1
  
 
Net cash used in investing activities 
  (75)  (35)  1
  (109) 
Cash flows from financing activities:               
Net repayments under revolving credit facilities 
  (114)  
  
  (114) 
Payments of financing and credit facility fees (1)  
  
  
  (1) 
Advance from subsidiary 1
  
  
  (1)  
 
Net cash used in financing activities 
  (114)  
  (1)  (115) 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash 
  
  (2)  
  (2) 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash 
  (2)  (4)  
  (6) 
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash:               
Beginning of period 
  3
  46
  
  49
 
End of period$
 $1
 $42
 $
 $43
 
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash at period end:               
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $1
 $5
 $
 $6
 
Restricted cash 
  
  37
  
  37
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
(Unaudited, in millions)Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities$
 $39
 $21
 $
 $60
 
Cash flows from investing activities:               
Cash invested in fixed assets 
  (95)  (21)  
  (116) 
Increase in countervailing duty cash deposits on supercalendered paper 
  (12)  
  
  (12) 
Increase in countervailing and anti-dumping duty cash deposits on softwood lumber 
  (4)  
  
  (4) 
Increase in notes receivable from affiliate 
  (7)  
  7
  
 
Cash used in investing activities 
  (118)  (21)  7
  (132) 
Cash flows from financing activities:               
Net borrowings under revolving credit facilities 
  77
  
  
  77
 
Increase in notes payable to affiliate 
  
  7
  (7)  
 
Net cash provided by financing activities 
  77
  7
  (7)  77
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 
  
  3
  
  3
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash 
  (2)  10
  
  8
 
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash:               
Beginning of period 
  2
  71
  
  73
 
End of period$
 $
 $81
 $
 $81
 
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash at period end:               
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $
 $44
 $
 $44
 
Restricted cash 
  
  37
  
  37
 


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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following management’s discussion and analysis is intended to help the reader understand Resolute Forest Products, our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. The discussion is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes (or the “Consolidated Financial Statements”) contained in Item 1 – Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (or “Form 10-Q”).
When we refer to “Resolute Forest Products,” “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company,” we mean Resolute Forest Products Inc. with its subsidiaries, and affiliates, either individually or collectively, unless otherwise indicated.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATIONAND USEOF THIRD-PARTY DATA
Statements in this Form 10-Q that are not reported financial results or other historical information of Resolute Forest Products are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. They include, for example, statements relating to our: strategic investment plan for our Saint-Félicien (Quebec) pulp mill; efforts and initiatives to reduce costs and increase revenues and profitability; business and operating outlook; future pension obligations; assessment of market conditions; growth strategies and prospects, and the growth potential of the Company and the industry in which we operate; liquidity; future cash flows;flows, including as a result of the changes to our pension funding obligations; and strategies for achieving our goals generally. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “should,” “would,” “could,” “will,” “may,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “attempt,” “project”“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 Form 10-Q include, but are not limited to, the impact of: developments in non-print media, and the effectiveness of our responses to these developments; intense competition in the forest products industry; any inability to offer products certified to globally recognized forestry management and chain of custody standards; any inability to successfully implement our strategies to increase our earnings power; the possible failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses with ours or to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, such as Atlas Paper Holdings, Inc.our entry into tissue production and its subsidiaries,sales, or divestitures or other strategic transactions or projects, such as our Calhoun (Tennessee) tissue operations;projects; uncertainty or changes in political or economic conditions in the U.S.,United States, Canada or other countries in which we sell our products; global economic conditions; the highly cyclical nature of the forest products industry; any difficulties in obtaining timber or wood fiber at favorable prices, or at all; changes in the cost of purchased energy and other raw materials; physical and financial risks associated with global, regional, and local weather conditions, and climate change; any disruption in operations or increased labor costs due to labor disputes; difficulties in our employee relations or retention; disruptions to our supply chain, operations, or the delivery of our products; disruptions to our information technology systems including cybersecurity risks;incidents; risks related to the operation and transition of legacy system applications; negative publicity, even if unjustified; currency fluctuations; any increase in the level of required contributions to our pension plans, including as a result of any increase in the amount by which they are underfunded; our ability to maintain adequate capital resources to provide for all of our substantial capital requirements; the terms of our outstanding indebtedness, which could restrict our current and future operations; losses that are not covered by insurance; any additional closure costs and long-lived asset or goodwill impairment or accelerated depreciation charges; any need to record additional valuation allowances against our recorded deferred income tax assets; our exports from one country to another country becoming or remaining subject to duties, cash deposit requirements, border taxes, quotas, or other trade remedies or restrictions; countervailing orand anti-dumping duties on imports to the U.S. of most of our paper products and substantially all of our softwood lumber products produced at our Canadian mills;sawmills; any failure to comply with laws or regulations generally; any additional environmental or health and safety liabilities; any violation of trade laws, export controls, or other laws relating to our international sales and operations; adverse outcomes of legal proceedings, orclaims and governmental inquiries, investigations, and other disputes in which we are involved; the actions of holders of a significant percentage of our common stock; and the potential risks and uncertainties set forth under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017,2018, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “SEC”, on March 1, 2019 (or the “2018 (the “2017 Annual Report”).
All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section and in our other filings with the SEC and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.


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Market and industry data
The information on industry and general economic conditions in this Form 10-Q was derived from third-party sources and trade publications we believe to be widely accepted and accurate. We have not independently verified the information and cannot assure you of its accuracy.
OVERVIEW
Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint and specialty papers, which are marketed in close to 70 countries. The companyCompany owns or operates some 40 manufacturing facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the U.S. and Canada. We are the largest Canadian producer of wood products east of the Canadian Rockies and one of the most significanta competitive pulp producersproducer in North America. By capacity, we are the number one producer of newsprint in the world and the largest producer of uncoated mechanical papers in North America. We are also an emerging tissue producer.
We report our activities in five business segments: market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint, and specialty papers.
We are guided by our vision and values, focusing on safety, sustainability, profitability, accountability, sustainability and teamwork. These areWe believe we can be distinguished by the elements that we believe best define us:following competitive strengths:
Competitive cost structure combined with diversified and diversifiedintegrated asset base - With our large-scale, efficient and integrated operations, competitive sources of energy and fiber, strategically located mills, and cost-effective management structure, we believe we are well positioned to compete in the global marketplace. We maintain a rigorous focus on reducing costs, optimizing production across our network, adjusting to market dynamics, as well as capitalizing on our access to international markets.
Conservative capital structure - Our low debt, which has favorable pricing and flexibility, and solid liquidity levels are key to our continued transformation to a more sustainable company. In order to maintain financial strength and flexibility, we continue to spend our capital in a disciplined, strategic and focused manner, concentrating on our most competitive sites.
Strategic perspectives - We pursue initiatives that improve our cost position, advance diversification, provide synergies or position us to expand into future growth markets. All are key to our continuing transformation: focus on pulp, tissue operations, and wood products, and keep pace with structurally-declining paper demand. To that end, we take an opportunistic approach that aligns with our strategic plan and that we believe positions us favorably for the long-term evolution of the paper and forest products industry, including bioproducts.
large-scale, efficient and cost-effective operations;
access to renewable virgin fiber;
significant internal energy production from cogeneration and hydroelectric facilities;
raw materials for our paper, pulp and cogeneration facilities in Canada, our pellet plant at Thunder Bay (Ontario), as well as our value-added and engineered wood facilities in Quebec provided primarily by our sawmills;
strategically located mills, including economical access to international markets;
competitive selling, general and administrative expenses (or “SG&A”) to sales ratio;
ability to optimize staffing across our various operations; and
significant tax assets that help defer cash taxes and provide synergies in the execution of our growth and diversification strategy.
Strong balance sheet – our low debt, which has favorable pricing and flexibility, combined with strong liquidity levels, provide us with the ability to execute our strategy, particularly the continued transformation to a more profitable and sustainable company for the long term.
Seasoned management team – our senior management team has many years of experience in the pulp, tissue, wood products, and paper industries. In addition, we have an integrated leadership system focused on increasing our organizational capability by optimizing organizational structure, clarifying each employee’s role and accountabilities, improving the link between compensation and individual performance, and improving our succession planning process.
Our Business
For information relating to our business, including our products, strategy and recent highlights, capital management, sustainable performancedevelopment and development,performance, and power generation assets, refer to Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Overview – Our Business” in our 20172018 Annual Report.

27



Second Quarter Overview
InFive-year extension of ABL Credit Facility
On May 14, 2019, we entered into an amendment to the firstcredit agreement dated May 22, 2015, for a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (or the “ABL Credit Facility”). The amended credit agreement provides for an extension of the maturity date to May 14, 2024, with an aggregate lender commitment of $500 million at any time outstanding, representing a voluntary reduction of $100 million.
Share repurchase program
During the second quarter of 2018,2019, we changedrepurchased 0.7 million shares, at a cost of $5 million under our presentation of operating income in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, to present only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic other postretirement benefit (or “OPEB”) cost in operating expenses (together with other employee compensation costs arising during the period). The other components of the net periodic pension cost and net periodic OPEB cost (or “Non-operating pension and OPEB costs”), recorded under “corporate and other,” are reported separately outside any subtotal of operating income. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation. See Item 1. Financial Statements – Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation – New accounting pronouncements adopted – ASU 2017-07 “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost” for more information.share repurchase program.
Three months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Our operating income was $121$40 million in the quarter, compared to a loss of $48$121 million in the second quarter of 2017.2018. Excluding special items, we generated operating income of $118$40 million, compared to $33$118 million in the year-ago period. Special items are described below.

30



Our net income in the quarter was $25 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, compared to $72 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $74 million, or $0.82 per share, in the year-ago period. Our net income in the quarter, excluding special items, was $11 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to $66 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, compared to a net loss, excluding special items, of $3 million, or $0.03 per share, in the year-ago period.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS  
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS  
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS  
GAAP, as reported$40
 $25
 $0.27
 
Adjustments for special items:              
Foreign exchange loss 
 1
 0.01
  
 6
 0.06
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 1
 1
 0.01
 
Net gain on disposition of assets (4) (4) (0.04) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 
 (12) (0.13)  
 (12) (0.13) 
Other expense, net 
 2
 0.02
 
Other income, net 
 (5) (0.05) 
Income tax effect of special items 
 6
 0.07
  
 (3) (0.03) 
Adjusted for special items (1)
$118
 $66
 $0.71
 $40
 $11
 $0.12
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS  
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS  
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS  
GAAP, as reported$121
 $72
 $0.77
 
Adjustments for special items:              
Foreign exchange gain 
 (3) (0.03) 
Foreign exchange loss 
 1
 0.01
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 65
 65
 0.72
  1
 1
 0.01
 
Inventory write-downs related to closures 9
 9
 0.10
 
Start-up costs 7
 7
 0.08
 
Net gain on disposition of assets (4) (4) (0.04) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 
 (1) (0.01)  
 (12) (0.13) 
Other income, net 
 (2) (0.02) 
Other expense, net 
 2
 0.02
 
Income tax effect of special items 
 (4) (0.05)  
 6
 0.07
 
Adjusted for special items (1)
$33
 $(3) $(0.03) $118
 $66
 $0.71
 
(1) 
Operating income (loss), net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share (or “EPS”), in each case as adjusted for special items, are not financial measures recognized under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (or “GAAP”). We calculate operating income (loss), as adjusted for special items, as operating income (loss) from our Consolidated Statements of Operations, adjusted for items such as closure costs, impairment and other related charges, inventory write-downs related to closures, start-up costs, gains and losses on disposition of assets, and other charges or credits that are excluded from our segment’s performance from GAAP operating income (loss). We calculate net income (loss), as adjusted for special items, as net income (loss) from our Consolidated Statements of Operations, adjusted for the same special items applied to operating income (loss), in addition to foreign exchange gains and losses, non-operating pension and OPEB costs and credits, other income (expense), net, and the income tax effect of the special items. EPS, as adjusted for special items, is calculated as net income (loss), as adjusted for special items, per diluted share. We believe that using these non-GAAP measures is useful because they are consistent with the indicators management uses internally to measure the Company’s performance, and it allows the reader to more easily compare our operations and financial performance from period to period. Operating income (loss), net income (loss) and EPS, in each case as adjusted for special items, are internal measures, and therefore may not be comparable to those of other companies. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as substitutes to financial measures determined under GAAP.non-


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operating pension and other postretirement benefit (or “OPEB”) costs and credits, other income and expense, net, and the income tax effect of the special items. EPS, as adjusted for special items, is calculated as net income (loss), as adjusted for special items, per diluted share. We believe that using these non-GAAP measures is useful because they are consistent with the indicators management uses internally to measure the Company’s performance, and it allows the reader to more easily compare our operations and financial performance from period to period. Operating income (loss), net income (loss) and EPS, in each case as adjusted for special items, are internal measures, and therefore may not be comparable to those of other companies. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as substitutes to financial measures determined under GAAP.
Six months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Our operating income was $169was $104 million in the first half of the year, compared to a loss of $57$169 million in the year-ago period. Excluding special items, we generated operatingoperating income of$173of $104 million, compared to $43$173 million in the year-ago period. Special items are described below.
Our netnet income in thethe first half of the year was$82 $67 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, compared to $82 million or $0.88 per diluted share compared to a net loss of $121 million, or $1.34 per share in the year-ago period. Our netnet income in thethe period, excluding special items, was $41 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared to $83 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, compared to a net loss, excluding special items, of $33 million, or $0.37 per share, in the year-ago period.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS  
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP, as reported$104
 $67
 $0.71
 
Adjustments for special items:         
Foreign exchange loss 
  10
  0.11
 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 
  (24)  (0.26) 
Other income, net 
  (5)  (0.05) 
Income tax effect of special items 
  (7)  (0.07) 
Adjusted for special items (1)
$104
 $41
 $0.44
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS  
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP, as reported$169
 $82
 $0.88
 
Adjustments for special items:         
Foreign exchange loss 
  2
  0.02
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 1
  1
  0.01
 
Reversal of inventory write-downs related to closures (1)  (1)  (0.01) 
Start-up costs 8
  8
  0.09
 
Net gain on disposition of assets (4)  (4)  (0.05) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 
  (25)  (0.27) 
Other expense, net 
  8
  0.09
 
Income tax effect of special items 
  12
  0.13
 
Adjusted for special items (1)
$173
 $83
 $0.89
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS  
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP, as reported$(57) $(121) $(1.34) 
Adjustments for special items:         
Foreign exchange gain 
  (3)  (0.03) 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 72
  72
  0.80
 
Inventory write-downs related to closures 13
  13
  0.14
 
Start-up costs 15
  15
  0.16
 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 
  (4)  (0.05) 
Other income, net 
  (2)  (0.02) 
Income tax effect of special items 
  (3)  (0.03) 
Adjusted for special items (1)
$43
 $(33) $(0.37) 
(1) 
Operating income (loss), net income (loss) and EPS, in each case as adjusted for special items, are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on the calculation and reasons we include these measures, see note 1 under “Overview – Second Quarter Overviewabove.


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ASU 2016-02 “Leases”
Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (or “ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases,” issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and the series of related accounting standard updates that followed, through a cumulative-effect adjustment as of that date. For more information, including the effect on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2019, refer to Note 1, “Organization and Basis of Presentation – New accounting pronouncement adopted in 2019,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Table of Contents


RESULTSOF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Results
Selected financial information
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)20182017 2018201720192018 20192018
Sales$976
 $858
 $1,850
 $1,730
 $755
 $976
 $1,550
 $1,850
 
Operating income (loss) per segment:                  
Market pulp 41
 16
 74
 23
  27
 41
 69
 74
 
Tissue (10) (1) (11) (1)  (4) (10) (12) (11) 
Wood products 79
 45
 132
 65
  (3) 79
 3
 132
 
Newsprint 18
 (7) 14
 (11)  17
 18
 45
 14
 
Specialty papers 4
 (7) (3) (3)  15
 4
 30
 (3) 
Segment total 132
 46
 206
 73
  52
 132
 135
 206
 
Corporate and other (11) (94) (37) (130)  (12) (11) (31) (37) 
Operating income (loss) 121
 (48) 169
 (57) 
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. 72
 (74) 82
 (121) 
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders:         
Operating income 40
 121
 104
 169
 
Net income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. 25
 72
 67
 82
 
Net income per common share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders:         
Basic$0.79
 $(0.82) $0.90
 $(1.34) $0.27
 $0.79
 $0.73
 $0.90
 
Diluted 0.77
 (0.82) 0.88
 (1.34)  0.27
 0.77
 0.71
 0.88
 
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
$172
 $83
 $280
 $144
 $82
 $172
 $186
 $280
 
(Unaudited, in millions)June 30,  
 2018
December 31,  
 2017
June 30,  
 2019
December 31,  
 2018
Cash and cash equivalents$6
 $6
 $98
 $304
 
Total assets 4,025
 4,147
  3,752
 3,935
 
(1)
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization or(orEBITDA) and adjusted EBITDA are not financial measures recognized under GAAP. EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss) 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 gains and losses, closure costs, impairment and other related charges, inventory write-downs related to closures, start-up costs, gains and losses on disposition of assets, non-operating pension and OPEB costs and credits, and other charges or credits. We believe that using non-GAAP measures such as EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA is useful because they are consistent with the indicators management uses internally to measure the Company’s performance and it allows the reader to more easily compare our operations and financial performance from period to period. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are internal measures, and therefore may not be comparable to those of other companies. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as substitutes to financial measures determined under GAAP.


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Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests$72
 $(73) $82
 $(119) 
Net income including noncontrolling interests$25
 $72
 $67
 $82
 
Interest expense 11
 12
 24
 23
  7
 11
 16
 24
 
Income tax provision 47
 19
 78
 48
  19
 47
 40
 78
 
Depreciation and amortization 54
 50
 107
 101
  42
 54
 82
 107
 
EBITDA$184
 $8
 $291
 $53
 $93
 $184
 $205
 $291
 
Foreign exchange loss (gain) 1
 (3) 2
 (3) 
Foreign exchange loss 6
 1
 10
 2
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 1
 65
 1
 72
  
 1
 
 1
 
Inventory write-downs (reversal) related to closures 
 9
 (1) 13
 
Reversal of inventory write-downs related to closures 
 
 
 (1) 
Start-up costs 
 7
 8
 15
  
 
 
 8
 
Net gain on disposition of assets (4) 
 (4) 
  
 (4) 
 (4) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (12) (1) (25) (4)  (12) (12) (24) (25) 
Other expense (income), net 2
 (2) 8
 (2) 
Other (income) expense, net (5) 2
 (5) 8
 
Adjusted EBITDA$172
 $83
 $280
 $144
 $82
 $172
 $186
 $280
 
The operating results of our Calhoun (Tennessee) tissue operations, previously recorded under “corporate and other,” have been recorded in our tissue segment since April 1, 2018.
Three months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Operating income (loss) variance analysis
consobridgeqtd.jpgconsobridgeqtd.jpg
Sales
Sales increaseddecreased by $118$221 million or 14%, compared to the year-ago period, to $976$755 million. Including restructuring initiatives,After removing the effect of the divestitures of the Catawba (South Carolina) and Fairmont (West Virginia) facilities in the fourth quarter of 2018, sales volume had an unfavorable impactwas $42 million lower, mainly due to lower shipments of $43 million, mainly reflecting a 74,000 short ton (67,000 metric ton) decline in specialty papers shipments resulting from the capacity reduction initiatives taken in 2017. Sales volumes in wood products also decreased, down 3%, whilenewsprint and market pulp, shipments improved by 5%. Pricing was up across all segments, contributingwhile pricing contributed to a $145$68 million increasedecrease in sales. The average transaction price increased 33% for wood products 18% for market pulp, 15% forfell by 32%, more than offsetting the higher prices in specialty papers and newsprint, up by 7% and 8% for specialty papers. The inclusion of our Calhoun tissue operations’ results in our tissue segment increased sales by $14 million.2%, respectively.


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Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs, which we refer to as “COS”, was $7improved by $103 million lower in the quarter. Restructuring initiatives reduced COS by $58 million, including the elimination of $20 million in fixed manufacturing costs. After removing the higher volume, the COS related to Calhoun’s tissue operations,the divestitures, the effect of lower volume, and the effects of the Canadian dollar fluctuation, and restructuring initiatives, manufacturing costsCOS increased by $17$31 million, reflecting:
higher maintenance and related labor costs ($13 million), mostly related to scheduled outages; and
unfavorablewood fiber costs ($1318 million), mostly due to higher market-based stumpage fees and diesel fuel expense, both includedwood shortages;
an increase in log cost, and recycled fiber prices;
partly offset by:
write-downs of mill stores and other supplies incurred in the year-ago periodmaintenance costs ($93 million), primarily as a result of the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba (South Carolina)largely scheduled repairs;
lower contribution from our cogeneration assets that sell power externally ($2 million), and of our Mokpo (South Korea) paper mill;due to scheduled maintenance; and
lower wood chip priceshigher chemical costs ($42 million).
Distribution costs
After removing the distribution costs related to Calhoun’s tissue operations andimpact of divestitures, the effectseffect of higherlower volume, restructuring initiatives, and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, distribution costs rosedecreased by $16$3 million, reflecting an improvement in the quarter,freight rates and transportation optimization, mainly due to higher truck and rail car rates, an increase in the average length of haul, and higher fuel surcharges.specialty papers.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $4$12 million higherlower in the current quarter, mainly becausereflecting the full amortization of additional costs associated withcertain newsprint assets at the implementationend of the fourth quarter of 2018, the divestitures of the Catawba and Fairmont facilities, and the increase of the useful lives of certain of our integrated business management software,newsprint machinery and an increase in amortization of costs associated with the Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility.equipment.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses (or “SG&A”) were $5 million greater in the period, reflecting primarily higher variable compensation expense accruals related to the Company’s performance and increase in share price.
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
See the corresponding variance analysis under “– Segment Earnings – Corporate and Other” below.
Net income (loss) variance analysis
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits
We recorded non-operating pension and OPEB credits of $12 improved by $6 million in the quarter, comparedprimarily due to $1lower incentive plan expense, which is based on company performance.
Net income variance analysis
Interest expense
Interest expense was $4 million lower in the quarter, as we repurchased $225 million in aggregate principal amount of our 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023 (or the “2023 notes”) on January 3, 2019, and we fully repaid borrowings of $144 million under our revolving credit facilities in 2018.
Income taxes
We recorded an income tax provision of $19 million in the year-ago period. The increaseperiod, on income before income taxes of $44 million, compared to an expected income tax provision of $9 million based on the year-ago period is largely dueU.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21%. The difference reflects U.S. tax on non-U.S. earnings ($5 million), a valuation allowance related to higher expected return on plan assets, and lower amortization of actuarial losses for our U.S. pension plan, which became predominantly inactive at year-end in 2017, resulting inoperations where we recognize a longer amortization period.valuation allowance against virtually all of our net deferred income tax assets ($4 million), and state and foreign tax rate differences ($3 million).
Income taxes
WeIn the second quarter of 2018, we recorded an income tax provision of $47 million, in the quarter, on income before income taxes of $119 million, compared to an expected income tax provision of $25 million based on the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21%. The difference reflects U.S. tax on non-U.S. earnings ($18 million), foreign tax rate differences ($257 million), including an $18 million income tax provision attributable to the global intangible low-taxed income (or “GILTI”) inclusion, and foreign exchange items ($7 million), partly offset by a $13 million valuation allowance reversal related to our U.S. operations where we recognize a valuation allowance against virtually($13 million).

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Six months ended June 30, 2019 vs. June 30, 2018
Operating income variance analysis
consobridgeytd.jpg
Sales
Sales decreased by $300 million compared to the year-ago period, to $1,550 million. After removing the effect of the divestitures of the Catawba and Fairmont facilities, sales declined by $82 million. Lower shipments in all business segments, except tissue, reduced sales by $64 million, while pricing had an unfavorable impact of $31 million. The 26% drop in the average transaction price for wood products more than outweighed increases in the average transaction price for specialty papers, newsprint, and market pulp. The inclusion of our net deferred income tax assets.Calhoun tissue operations’ results in our tissue segment increased sales by $16 million.
InCost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
COS was $163 million lower in the secondperiod. After removing the COS related to the divestitures and Calhoun’s tissue operations, as well as the effect of lower volume, and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, COS increased by $82 million, reflecting:
higher wood fiber costs ($38 million), mostly due to wood shortages;
an increase in maintenance costs ($15 million), largely scheduled repairs;
higher labor expense ($10 million);
a rise in recycled fiber prices ($8 million);
lower contribution from our cogeneration assets that sell power externally ($3 million) and our hydroelectric facilities ($2 million); and
higher chemical costs ($3 million);
partly offset by start-up costs incurred in the year-ago period ($7 million) for the Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility.
Distribution costs
After removing the distribution costs related to Calhoun’s tissue operations and divestitures, the effect of lower volume, and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, distribution costs decreased by $4 million, reflecting improved freight rates and transportation optimization, mainly in specialty papers.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $25 million lower in the first half of 2019, reflecting the full amortization of certain newsprint assets at the end of the fourth quarter of 2017,2018, the divestitures of the Catawba and Fairmont facilities, and the increase of the useful lives of certain of our newsprint machinery and equipment.

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Selling, general and administrative expenses
SG&A improved by $12 million in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, mainly due to lower incentive plan expense, which is based on company performance.
Net income variance analysis
Interest expense
Interest expense was $8 million lower in the first half of 2019, as we repurchased $225 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2023 notes on January 3, 2019, and we fully repaid borrowings of $144 million under our revolving credit facilities in 2018.
Income taxes
We recorded an income tax provision of $19$40 million in the period, on a lossincome before income taxes of $54$107 million, compared to an expected income tax benefitprovision of $11$22 million based on the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21%. The difference reflects mostly a $49 million valuation allowance primarily related to our U.S. operations where we recognized a valuation allowance against all of our net deferred income tax assets, partially offset by($11 million), state and foreign tax rate differences ($97 million), and the change in U.S. federal tax rateon non-U.S. earnings ($85 million), partly offset by foreign exchange items ($4 million).

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On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (or the “TCJA”) was enacted into law which, among other changes, reduced the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate from 35% to 21%, and introduced the GILTI regime, the base erosion anti-abuse tax, and the foreign-derived intangible income deduction. The enactment of the TCJA resulted in an income tax provision attributable to the GILTI inclusion, before valuation allowance, with no other impact on our results of operations. The impacts of the TCJA on our 2017 financial results remain provisional and unchanged as of June 30, 2018. See Item 1 – Financial Statements – Note 9. Income Taxes – Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for more information.
Six months ended June 30, 2018 vs. June 30, 2017
Operating income (loss) variance analysis
consobridgeytd.jpg
Sales
Sales rose by $120 million, or 7%, compared to the year-ago period, to $1,850 million. Including restructuring initiatives, sales volume had an unfavorable impact of $156 million, reflecting decreases of 159,000 short tons (144,000 metric tons) in shipments of specialty papers, and 92,000 metric tons in newsprint, as a result of the 2017 capacity reduction initiatives. Sales volumes in wood products also decreased, down 6%, partly due to shipping constraints in the first quarter of 2018, while market pulp shipments were up 4%. Pricing had a $259 million favorable impact on sales, improving across almost all segments. The average transaction price increased 33% for wood products, 19% for market pulp, 12% for newsprint, and 5% for specialty papers. The inclusion of our Calhoun tissue operations’ results in our tissue segment contributed to a $14 million increase in sales.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
COS was $64 million lower in the period. Restructuring initiatives reduced COS by $136 million, including the elimination of $42 million in fixed manufacturing costs. After removing the lower volume, the COS related to Calhoun’s tissue operations, and the effects of the Canadian dollar fluctuation and restructuring initiatives, manufacturing costs increased by $35 million, reflecting:
higher maintenance and labor costs ($27 million);
unfavorable fiber costs ($18 million), mostly due to higher market-based stumpage fees and diesel fuel expense, both included in log cost, and recycled fiber prices; and
unfavorable power and steam costs ($10 million), largely related to the unusually cold weather in the southern U.S. in the first quarter of 2018;
partly offset by:
write-downs of mill stores and other supplies incurred in the year-ago period ($13 million), primarily as a result of the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba, and of our Mokpo paper mill; and
lower wood chip prices ($8 million).

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Distribution costs
After removing the distribution costs related to Calhoun’s tissue operations and the effects of restructuring initiatives and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, distribution costs were $34 million greater in 2018, mainly due to higher truck and rail car rates, an increase in the average length of haul, and higher fuel surcharges.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $6 million greater inIn the first half of 2018, mainly explained by additional costs associated with the implementation of our integrated business management software, and an increase in amortization of costs associated with the Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
SG&A rose by $6 million this year when compared to last year, almost all attributable to higher variable compensation expense accruals as a result of the Company’s performance.
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
See the corresponding variance analysis under “Corporate and Other” below.
Net income (loss) variance analysis
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits
We recorded non-operating pension and OPEB credits of $25 million in the first half of 2018, compared to $4 million in the prior year. The increase compared to 2017 is primarily due to higher expected return on plan assets, and lower amortization of actuarial losses for our U.S. pension plan, which became predominantly inactive at year-end in 2017, resulting in a longer amortization period.
Income taxes
Wewe recorded an income tax provision of $78 million, in the period, on income before income taxes of $160 million, compared to an expected income tax provision of $34 million based on the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21%. The difference reflects U.S. tax on non-U.S. earnings ($25 million), foreign exchange items ($14 million), and state and foreign tax rate differences ($3510 million), including a $25 million income tax provision attributable to the GILTI inclusion, and foreign exchange items ($14 million),partly offset by an $8 milliona valuation allowance reversal related to our U.S. operations where we recognize a valuation allowance against virtually all of our net deferred income tax assets.
In the first half of 2017, we recorded an income tax provision of $48 million, on a loss before income taxes of $71 million, compared to an expected income tax benefit of $15 million based on the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21%. The difference reflects a $75 million valuation allowance, primarily related to our U.S. operations where we recognized a valuation allowance against all of our net deferred income tax assets, and a $12 million decrease to our deferred income tax assets due to the enactment, in 2017, of a lower foreign income tax rate, offset in part by state and foreign tax rate differences ($14 million), and the change in U.S. federal tax rate ($108 million).
Segment Earnings
We manage our business based on the products we manufacture. Accordingly, ourOur reportable segments correspond to our principal product lines: market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint, and specialty papers.
We do not allocate any of the income or loss items following “operating income (loss)”income” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations to our segments because those items are reviewed separately by management. Similarly, we do not allocate to the segments: closure costs, impairment and other related charges; inventory write-downs related to closures; start-up costs; gains and losses on disposition of assets; as well as other discretionary charges or credits.
We allocate depreciation and amortization expense to our segments, although the related fixed assets and amortizable intangible assets are not allocated to segment assets. Additionally, all SG&A are allocated to our segments, with the exception of certain discretionary charges and credits, which we present under “corporate and other.”


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MARKET PULP
Highlights
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Sales$264
 $213
 $521
 $422
 $189
 $264
 $420
 $521
 
Operating income (1)
 41
 16
 74
 23
  27
 41
 69
 74
 
EBITDA (2)
 49
 24
 89
 39
  32
 49
 79
 89
 
(In thousands of metric tons)                  
Shipments 353
 336
 715
 689
  257
 353
 543
 715
 
Downtime 22
 36
 28
 47
  15
 22
 23
 28
 
June 30,June 30,
(Unaudited, in thousands of metric tons)2018201720192018
Finished goods inventory 108
 94
  110
 108
 
(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 reasons we include this measure, see note 1 under “Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information” above.
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Net income including noncontrolling interests$41
 $16
 $74
 $23
 $27
 $41
 $69
 $74
 
Depreciation and amortization 8
 8
 15
 16
  5
 8
 10
 15
 
EBITDA 49
 24
 89
 39
  32
 49
 79
 89
 
Industry trends
pulptrends.jpgpulptrends.jpg


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World demand for chemical pulp grewfell by 2.5%2.9% in the first halffive months of the year compared to the year-ago period, including an increasereflecting decreases of 6.6% in China,10.5% and 2.1%3.7% in Western Europe partly offset by a decrease of 4.6% inand China, respectively, while North America.America was up 11.2%. World capacity grew by 5.7%1.1% over the same period.
World demand for softwood pulp was relatively unchangedgrew by 1.0% in the first halffive months of the year, compared to the year-ago period. This reflects an increase of 3.6%with increases in shipments to China, partly offset by decreases of 4.1% and 0.7% to North America and China of 5.0% and 4.0%, respectively, while Western Europe respectively.was down by 5.4%. The operating rate was 91%, a decrease of 3% from the year-ago period..
In the same period, demand for hardwood pulp was updropped by 4.1%6.0%, with shipments to China and Western Europe upand China down by 8.5%14.3% and 3.9%9.2%, respectively, while North America was downup by 5.2%21.1%. The operating rate was 87%80%, a decrease of 3% from the year-ago period.

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reflecting elevated producer inventory levels.
Three months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Operating income variance analysis
pulpbridgeqtd.jpgpulpbridgeqtd.jpg
Sales
Sales were $51$75 million higher,lower, or 24%28%, to $264$189 million in the quarter. The increasequarter, reflecting a reduction in shipments of 96,000 metric tons, mainly due to the sale of the paper and pulp mill at Catawba and the recycled bleached kraft pulp mill at Fairmont. Volumes were also unfavorably impacted by weaker global pulp markets. Consequently, finished goods inventory rose to 110,000 metric tons at quarter-end. Challenging market conditions also weighed on the average transaction price, of $115which decreased by $8 per metric ton reflects higher market prices across all grades. Shipments were higher by 17,000 metric tons as a result of improved productivity, in part due to the timing of scheduled outages, and favorable recycled bleached kraft (or “RBK”) market conditions, partly offset by a planned inventory buildup at Saint-Félicien, ahead of an extended outage required for the mill’s strategic investment plan discussed further below.this quarter.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
Manufacturing costs increased by $12$8 million after adjusting for the effectseffect of higherlower volume, the divestitures, and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, mainly reflecting higher maintenancewood fiber costs due to wood shortages.
Depreciation and related labor costs ($8 million),amortization
Depreciation and an increase in recycled fiber prices ($4 million), partly offset byamortization was $3 million lower wood chip prices ($3 million).
Distribution costs
After removing the effect of higher volume, distribution costs were $4 million greater in the quarter, mostlymainly due to higher truck rates, an increase in the average lengthdivestitures of haul,the Catawba and higher fuel surcharges.Fairmont facilities.


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Six months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Operating income variance analysis
pulpbridgeytd.jpgpulpbridgeytd.jpg
Sales
Sales were $99$101 million greater,lower, or 23%19%, to $521$420 million in the first half of the year. Theyear, primarily due to lower capacity resulting from the sale of the paper and pulp mill at Catawba and the recycled bleached kraft pulp mill at Fairmont. Lower sales volume due to the current weakness in pulp markets was compensated by an increase in the average transaction price rose by $116of $47 per metric ton, reflecting higher market pricesas price increases realized across all grades. Shipments increased by 26,000 metric tons as a resultgrades in 2018 outweighed the weaker pricing in the second quarter of improved productivity, in part due to the timing of a scheduled outage at Coosa Pines (Alabama), and higher shipments of RBK as a result of favorable market conditions, partly offset by a planned inventory buildup at Saint-Félicien, ahead of an extended outage required for the mill’s strategic investment plan further discussed below.2019.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
Manufacturing costs increased by $24 million afterAfter adjusting for the effectseffect of higherlower volume, the divestitures, and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, manufacturing costs increased by $31 million, reflecting:
higher maintenance and laborwood fiber costs ($1416 million);, mostly due to wood shortages;
unfavorablea rise in recycled fiber prices ($8 million); and
higher maintenance costs ($6 million), mainly related to higher recycled fiber prices;mostly planned.
higher chemical costs ($3 million);Depreciation and amortization
unfavorable steam costs ($3 million), mostly due to higher natural gas prices;
partly offset byDepreciation and amortization was $5 million lower wood chip prices ($5 million).
Distribution costs
After removing the effect of higher volume, distribution costs rose by $8 million in the current year, reflecting higher truck rates, an increase indue to the average lengthdivestitures of haul,the Catawba and higher fuel surcharges.Fairmont facilities.
Saint-Félicien pulp mill strategic investment plan
During the second quarter of 2018, we announced a strategic investment plan for our Saint-Félicien pulp mill, which is expected to improve costs, increase the average daily production capacity by 76 metric tons and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels by 20%. The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of 2019.


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TISSUE
Highlights
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Sales$35
 $20
 $57
 $40
 $43
 $35
 $82
 $57
 
Operating loss (1)
 (10) (1) (11) (1)  (4) (10) (12) (11) 
EBITDA (2)
 (5) 
 (5) 1
  
 (5) (3) (5) 
(In thousands of short tons)                  
Shipments (3) (4)
 23
 13
 38
 26
 
Shipments (3)
 25
 23
 49
 38
 
Downtime 1
 
 1
 
  
 1
 1
 1
 
June 30,June 30,
(Unaudited, in thousands of short tons)2018201720192018
Finished goods inventory (3)
 8
 8
  7
 8
 
(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 reasons we include this measure, see note 1 under “Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information” above.
(3) 
Tissue converted products, which are measured in cases, are converted to short tons.
(4)
The conversion ratio to short tons for tissue converted products was revised in the fourth quarter of 2017. Prior period data has been adjusted for comparative purposes.
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018  2017   2018  2017  
Net loss including noncontrolling interests$(10) $(1)  $(11) $(1) 
Depreciation and amortization 5
  1
   6
  2
 
EBITDA (5)  
   (5)  1
 
The operating results of our Calhoun tissue operations, previously recorded under “corporate and other,” have been recorded in our tissue segment since April 1, 2018.

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 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2019  2018   2019  2018  
Net loss including noncontrolling interests$(4) $(10)  $(12) $(11) 
Depreciation and amortization 4
  5
   9
  6
 
EBITDA 
  (5)   (3)  (5) 
Industry trends
tissuetrends.jpgtissuetrends.jpg
In the first half of the year, totalTotal tissue consumption in the U.S. grew by 2.0%2.6% in the first half of 2019 compared to the same period last year. U.S. converted tissue products shipments also increased by 2.0%,2.3% as a result of an increase in away-from-home shipments, up by 3.0%3.3%,

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and at-home shipments, up by 1.5%1.8%. U.S. parent roll production showed a growth of 1.8%2.4% from the year-ago period. Tissue capacity also increased by 1.6%3.3%, contributing to a 94%93% average industry operating rate, largely unchangeddown 0.9% from the year-ago period.

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Three months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Operating loss variance analysis
tissuebridgeqtd.jpgtissuebridgeqtd.jpg
Sales
Sales were $15$8 million higher, or 75%23%, to $35$43 million in the quarter, reflecting an increasethe positive trend in converted products shipments, of 10,000 short tons (9,000 metric tons), attributablewhich increased by 22% compared to the first time inclusionyear-ago period, and the realization of Calhoun’spreviously announced away-from-home products price increases. Accordingly, the average transaction price rose by $144 per short ton, or 9%.

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Six months ended June 30, 2019 vs. June 30, 2018
Operating loss variance analysis
tissuebridgeytd.jpg
The operating results of our Calhoun tissue operations have been recorded in our tissue segment.segment since April 1, 2018. The average transaction price also increased, up $10 per short ton, as a resultoperating loss of favorable product mix.$12 million incurred in the first quarter of 2018 for our Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility was recorded under “corporate and other.”
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costsSales
COS increased by $16Sales were $25 million higher, or 44%, to $82 million in the second quarterfirst half of 2018, almost entirely related to Calhoun’s operations.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $4 million higher in the current quarter, all attributableyear. Shipments rose by 11,000 short tons, primarily due to the inclusion of Calhoun’s results in our tissue segment.

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Six months ended June 30,segment starting on April 1, 2018, vs. June 30, 2017
Operating loss variance analysis
tissuebridgeytd.jpg
Sales
Sales were $17 million greater, or 43%,and sales volume growth. The average transaction price was $157 per short ton higher, due to $57 million in the first half of the year, reflecting an increase in shipments of 12,000 short tons (11,000 metric tons), mainly attributablefavorable product mix. Pricing also improved due to the inclusionrealization of Calhoun’s results in our tissue segment.previously announced away-from-home products price increases.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
After removing the effectseffect of the higher volume and the COS related to Calhoun’s operations and the divestiture of the Fairmont mill, our manufacturing costs increasedimproved by $2 million incompared to the year-ago period mainly due to higherlower maintenance costs ($1 million) resulting from the timing of annual outages.costs.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $4$3 million higher thisin the current year, allmostly attributable to the inclusion of Calhoun’s results in our tissue segment.



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WOOD PRODUCTS
Highlights
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Sales$254
 $197
 $463
 $374
 $168
 $254
 $329
 $463
 
Operating income (1)
 79
 45
 132
 65
 
Operating (loss) income (1)
 (3) 79
 3
 132
 
EBITDA (2)
 86
 52
 147
 81
  6
 86
 20
 147
 
(In millions board feet)                  
Shipments (3)
 494
 509
 949
 1,014
  484
 494
 912
 949
 
Downtime 26
 39
 49
 80
  53
 26
 94
 49
 
June 30,June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions board feet)2018201720192018
Finished goods inventory (3)
 128
 125
  122
 128
 
(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 reasons we include this measure, see note 1 under “Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information” above.
(3) 
Includes wood pellets measured by mass, converted to board feet using a density-based conversion ratio.
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Net income including noncontrolling interests$79
 $45
 $132
 $65
 
Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests$(3) $79
 $3
 $132
 
Depreciation and amortization 7
 7
 15
 16
  9
 7
 17
 15
 
EBITDA 86
 52
 147
 81
  6
 86
 20
 147
 
Industry trends
woodtrends.jpgwoodtrends.jpg
Average U.S. housing starts were 1.31.2 million on a seasonally-adjusted basis in the first half of 2018, up 7.4%2019, down 4.1% from the same period last year. Single-familyyear, which reflects a 4.5% decrease in single-family starts, which consume larger lumber volumes per start, rose by 7.6%, whileand a 2.3% decrease in multi-family starts increased by 6.2%.starts. The 2x4 –


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Random Length (or “RL”) #1-2 Kiln Dried Great Lakes (or “KD GL”) price dropped by 32.9% in the first half of 2019 compared to the year-ago period, while the 2x4x8 Stud KD GL price was down by 27.3%.
Three months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Operating (loss) income variance analysis
woodbridgeqtd.jpgwoodbridgeqtd.jpg
Sales
Sales were $57$86 million greater,lower, or 29%34%, to $254$168 million in the quarter. Thequarter, as the average transaction price increasedfell by $128$166 per thousand board feet, or 33%32%, whileand shipments decreased by 1510 million board feet, reflecting higher volumes from Western producers in North America following shipping constraintsweaker lumber market conditions. Given market headwinds, we temporarily curtailed lumber production in the first quarter, for a total of 2018.53 million board feet. Consequently, finished goods inventory fell to more normal levels of 122 million board feet at quarter-end.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
After adjusting forremoving the effectseffect of lower volume and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, and lower volume, manufacturing costs increased by $17$7 million, reflecting:largely reflecting higher wood fiber costs.
higher fiber costs ($8 million), including higher market-based stumpage fees and diesel fuel expense;
lower internal wood chip selling prices ($5 million); and
unfavorable maintenance and labor costs ($3 million).


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Six months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Operating income variance analysis
woodbridgeytd.jpgwoodbridgeytd.jpg
Sales
Sales were $89$134 million higher,lower, or 24%29%, to $463$329 million in the first half of the year. The average transaction price roseyear, driven by $120a $128 per thousand board feet or 33%, largely due to supply constraints, low inventories, and the imposition of trade barriersdecrease in the U.S. Shipments, however, were lower by 65average transaction price and a 37 million board feet reflecting the sale of our Saint-Hilarion (Quebec) sawmilldecrease in the third quarter of 2017, the consolidation of our two sawmillsshipments, as market conditions remained weak in Senneterre (Quebec) in the third quarter of 2017, and lower productivity.2019.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
After adjusting for the effects of the Canadian dollar fluctuation and lower volume, manufacturingManufacturing costs increased by $21$18 million reflecting:
higher fiber costs ($10 million), including higher market-based stumpage fees, transportation costs and diesel fuel expense;
lower internal wood chip selling prices ($7 million); and
unfavorable maintenance and labor costs ($3 million).
Distribution costs
After removingafter adjusting for the effect of lower volume distribution costs increased by $4 million inand the current year, mostlyCanadian dollar fluctuation, reflecting higher rail car rateswood fiber costs ($13 million), and an increase in cross-border sales.labor costs ($4 million).


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NEWSPRINT
Highlights
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Sales$230
 $201
 $428
 $427
 $209
 $230
 $421
 $428
 
Operating income (loss) (1)
 18
 (7) 14
 (11) 
Operating income (1)
 17
 18
 45
 14
 
EBITDA (2)
 35
 10
 47
 22
  25
 35
 60
 47
 
(In thousands of metric tons)                  
Shipments 393
 397
 748
 840
  350
 393
 685
 748
 
Downtime 6
 17
 14
 17
  52
 6
 53
 14
 
June 30,June 30,
(Unaudited, in thousands of metric tons)2018201720192018
Finished goods inventory 85
 114
  105
 85
 
(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 reasons we include this measure, see note 1 under “Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information” above.
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests$18
 $(7) $14
 $(11) 
Net income including noncontrolling interests$17
 $18
 $45
 $14
 
Depreciation and amortization 17
 17
 33
 33
  8
 17
 15
 33
 
EBITDA 35
 10
 47
 22
  25
 35
 60
 47
 
Industry trends
newstrends.jpgnewstrends.jpg
North American demand for newsprint declined by 9.0%15.7% in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, driven by a 12.5% reduction inas demand from newspaper publishers.publishers was reduced by 19.6%, reflecting in part continued consumer inventory destocking. Demand from commercial printers also decreased, dropping by 7.0%8.4%. Industry production was lower, down 10.9%, contributing to aThe North American shipment-to-capacity ratio was 84% in the first half of 96%, up2019, down from 92%96% in the year-ago period.


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Global demand for newsprint was down by 9.7%8.2% in the first half of the year compared to the sameyear-ago period, last year, with North America, Asia, down by 10.2%, and Western Europe by 8.4%. Despite the drop, thedown 15.7%, 7.3%, and 5.3%, respectively. The global operating rate rosewas 85%, compared to 92%, as a result of major global capacity reductions91% in the second half of 2017.year-ago period.
Three months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Operating income (loss) variance analysis
newsbridgeqtd.jpgnewsbridgeqtd.jpg
Sales
Newsprint sales increaseddecreased by $29$21 million, or 14%9%, to $230$209 million in the second quarter of the year, reflecting an increase of $75 per metric ton inyear. Despite the recent softening market conditions, the average transaction price as price increases were realized in both North American and export markets.increased by $13 per metric ton compared to the same quarter last year. Shipments, decreasedhowever, dropped by 4,00043,000 metric tons, mainly due toreflecting the lowerongoing structural demand decline. To offset this slowdown in demand, 52,000 metric tons of temporary production volumes following the paper machine closures in Calhoun at the end of the thirddowntime was taken this quarter, of 2017, largely offset by the timing of export sales and favorable export market conditions in the current year. Accordingly,reducing finished goods inventory fell by 29,000closer to trend levels of 105,000 metric tons.
Compared to the second quarter of 2017, our international shipments rose by 17%, while our domestic shipments dropped by 10%. Domestic shipments represented 59% of total newsprint shipments in the quarter, compared to 65% in the year-ago period.tons at quarter-end.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
COSAfter removing the effect of lower volume and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, manufacturing costs increased by $12 million, mainly reflecting:
higher maintenance costs ($3 million), mostly due to more planned repairs;
an increase in wood fiber costs ($3 million), due to wood shortages;
lower contribution from our cogeneration assets that sell power externally ($2 million), due to scheduled maintenance; and
higher power and steam costs ($2 million).
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $2$9 million lower in the quarter. Restructuring initiatives reduced COS by $13 million, includingquarter, reflecting the eliminationfull amortization of $4 million in fixed manufacturing costs. After removingcertain assets at the effectsend of the Canadian dollar fluctuation, higher volume,fourth quarter of 2018 and the restructuring initiatives, manufacturing costs were relatively unchanged compared toincrease of the same period last year.useful lives of certain of our machinery and equipment.
Distribution costs
After removing the effects of higher volume and restructuring initiatives, distribution costs rose by $4 million in the quarter, mostly attributable to higher truck and rail car rates, an increase in international shipments, and higher fuel surcharges.


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Six months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Operating income (loss) variance analysis
newsbridgeytd.jpgnewsbridgeytd.jpg
Sales
Newsprint sales remained largely unchanged at $428decreased by $7 million, or 2%, to $421 million in the first half of the year,year. Shipments decreased by 63,000 metric tons, largely reflecting an increase of $62 per metric ton inongoing structural demand decline. However, the average transaction price as price increases were realized in both North American and export markets. Shipments, however, were lower by 92,000was $44 per metric tons, or 11%, due to the lower production volumes following the paper machine closures in Calhoun, as well as the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill in the first quarter of 2017, partly offset by favorable export market conditions in 2018.
Comparedton higher compared to the first half of 2017, our domestic shipments fell by 14%, and our international shipments by 5%. Domestic shipments represented 60% of total newsprint shipments in the period, down by 3% from the year-ago period.2018.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
COS was $29 million lower in the period. Restructuring initiatives reduced COS by $46 million, including the elimination of $14 million in fixed manufacturing costs. After removing the effects of the Canadian dollar fluctuation and the restructuring initiatives, manufacturingManufacturing costs increased by $9$20 million compared toafter adjusting for the same period last year, reflecting:
higher maintenance and related labor costs ($6 million); and
unfavorable power and steam costs ($4 million);
partly offset byeffect of lower wood chip prices ($5 million).
Distribution costs
After removing the effects of restructuring initiativesvolume and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, distributionmainly reflecting:
higher maintenance costs increased by $8 million in 2018, mainly($5 million), mostly due to higher truck and rail car rates, more planned repairs;
an increase in wood fiber costs ($5 million), due to wood shortages;
higher labor costs ($3 million); and
lower contribution from our cogeneration assets that sell power externally ($3 million).
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $18 million lower in the average lengthfirst half of haul,the year, reflecting the full amortization of certain assets at the end of the fourth quarter of 2018 and higher fuel surcharges.the increase of the useful lives of certain of our machinery and equipment.



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SPECIALTY PAPERS
Highlights
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Sales$193
 $227
 $381
 $467
 $146
 $193
 $298
 $381
 
Operating income (loss) (1)
 4
 (7) (3) (3)  15
 4
 30
 (3) 
EBITDA (2)
 16
 4
 21
 20
  26
 16
 51
 21
 
(In thousands of short tons)                  
Shipments 275
 349
 554
 713
  193
 275
 392
 554
 
Downtime 12
 17
 15
 23
  14
 12
 26
 15
 
June 30,June 30,
(Unaudited, in thousands of short tons)2018201720192018
Finished goods inventory 70
 93
  55
 70
 
(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 reasons we include this measure, see note 1 under “Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information” above.
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests$4
 $(7) $(3) $(3) $15
 $4
 $30
 $(3) 
Depreciation and amortization 12
 11
 24
 23
  11
 12
 21
 24
 
EBITDA 16
 4
 21
 20
  26
 16
 51
 21
 
Industry trends
specialtytrends1.jpgspecialtytrends.jpg
North American demand for uncoated mechanical papers was down by 6.7%13.6% in the first half of 20182019 compared to the year-ago period. Lower consumption and consumer inventory destocking led to a 19.5% decline in the demand for standard papers, drove this decline, decreasing by 7.3%, while the demand for supercalendered (or “SC”) grades was downfell by 4.3%7.0%. Overall North American industry production forAccordingly, the period was flat, but imports dropped by 19.3%, mainly for SC papers. The operating rate increaseddecreased to 91%83%, compared to 90% in the year-ago period.

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specialtytrends2.jpg
North American coated mechanical paper demand was down by 5.1% in the first half of 2018 compared to the year-ago period. Production, however, was significantly lower, down by 191,000 short tons (173,000 metric tons), or 15.8%, while imports rose by 49,000 short tons (44,000 metric tons), or 27.3%. With the North American capacity closures in 2017 and early 2018, operating rates in North America rose to 94% in the first half of 2018, compared to 91%92% in the year-ago period.


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Three months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Operating income (loss) variance analysis
specialtybridgeqtd.jpgspecialtybridgeqtd.jpg
Sales
Specialty paper sales decreased by $34$47 million, or 15%24%, to $193$146 million in the second quarter of the year. Shipments were 74,000 short tons (67,000 metric tons) lower, or 21%, largely due toyear as the permanent closure of two paper machinesincrease in Calhoun at the end of the third quarter of 2017, and one paper machine in Catawba at the end of the second quarter of 2017. Accordingly, finished goods inventory fell by 23,000 short tons (21,000 metric tons). The overallaverage transaction price was $50of $52 per short ton higher, reflecting price increases across all grades.was more than offset by lower sales volume, down by 82,000 short tons, resulting from the sale of the paper and pulp mill at Catawba.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
COS was $47Manufacturing costs increased by $7 million after adjusting for the effect of lower involume, the quarter. Restructuring initiatives reduced COS by $45 million, including the elimination of $16 million in fixed manufacturing costs. After removing the effects ofCatawba mill divestiture, and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, and the restructuring initiatives, manufacturing costs improved by $5 million in the quarter, primarilylargely due to lowerhigher wood chip prices ($3 million).fiber costs as a result of wood shortages.
Distribution costs
After removing the effectsimpact of restructuring initiatives and the Canadian dollar fluctuation,Catawba mill divestiture, distribution costs increaseddecreased by $6$3 million, reflecting an improvement in the current period, reflecting higher truckfreight rates and rail car rates, an increase in the average length of haul, and higher fuel surcharges.transportation optimization.


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Six months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Operating lossincome (loss) variance analysis
specialtybridgeytd.jpgspecialtybridgeytd.jpg
Sales
Specialty paper sales were lowerdecreased by $86$83 million, or 18%22%, to $381$298 million in the first half of the year. ShipmentsWhile the average transaction price increased by $73 per short ton compared to the same period last year, shipments decreased by 159,000162,000 short tons, (144,000 metric tons), or 22%, largely due to the permanent closuresale of twothe paper machines in Calhoun and one paper machine inpulp mill at Catawba. The overall transaction price rose by $33 per short ton, reflecting price increases across all grades.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
COS was $88 million lower in the period. Restructuring initiatives reduced COS by $90 million, including the elimination of $28 million in fixed manufacturing costs. After removing the effectsimpact of lower volume, the Catawba mill divestiture, and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, and the restructuring initiatives, manufacturing costs improvedincreased by $4$17 million, in the period, primarilymainly due to:
higher maintenance costs ($4 million), largely due to more planned repairs;
higher wood fiber costs ($4 million), mostly due to wood shortages;
an increase in labor costs ($2 million);
lower wood chip pricesinternal hydroelectric generation ($52 million); and
higher internal hydroelectric generation ($3 million);
partly offset by:
unfavorable power and steam costs ($3 million); and
higher maintenancechemical costs ($2 million).
Distribution costs
After removing the effectsimpact of restructuring initiatives and the Canadian dollar fluctuation,Catawba mill divestiture, distribution costs rosedecreased by $13$5 million, reflecting an improvement in the first half of 2018, mostly due to higher truckfreight rates and rail car rates, an increase in the average length of haul, and higher fuel surcharges.transportation optimization.


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CORPORATE AND OTHERCorporate and Other
Highlights
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs$(2) $(16) $(9) $(31) $
 $(2) $(7) $(9) 
Depreciation and amortization (5) (6) (14) (11)  (5) (5) (10) (14) 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (7) (7) (17) (16)  (7) (7) (14) (17) 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges (1) (65) (1) (72)  
 (1) 
 (1) 
Net gain on disposition of assets 4
 
 4
 
  
 4
 
 4
 
Operating loss$(11) $(94) $(37) $(130) $(12) $(11) $(31) $(37) 
Interest expense (11) (12) (24) (23)  (7) (11) (16) (24) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits 12
 1
 25
 4
  12
 12
 24
 25
 
Other (expense) income, net (3) 5
 (10) 5
 
Other expense, net (1) (3) (5) (10) 
Income tax provision (47) (19) (78) (48)  (19) (47) (40) (78) 
Net loss including noncontrolling interests$(60) $(119) $(124) $(192) $(27) $(60) $(68) $(124) 
The table below shows the reconciliation of net loss including noncontrolling interests to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on the calculation and reasons we include these measures, see note 1 under “Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information” above.
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018  2019  2018  
Net loss including noncontrolling interests$(60) $(119) $(124) $(192) $(27) $(60) $(68) $(124) 
Interest expense 11
 12
 24
 23
  7
 11
 16
 24
 
Income tax provision 47
 19
 78
 48
  19
 47
 40
 78
 
Depreciation and amortization 5
 6
 14
 11
  5
 5
 10
 14
 
EBITDA$3
 $(82) $(8) $(110) $4
 $3
 $(2) $(8) 
Foreign exchange loss (gain) 1
 (3) 2
 (3) 
Foreign exchange loss 6
 1
 10
 2
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 1
 65
 1
 72
  
 1
 
 1
 
Inventory write-downs (reversal) related to closures 
 9
 (1) 13
 
Reversal of inventory write-downs related to closures 
 
 
 (1) 
Start-up costs 
 7
 8
 15
  
 
 
 8
 
Net gain on disposition of assets (4) 
 (4) 
  
 (4) 
 (4) 
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (12) (1) (25) (4)  (12) (12) (24) (25) 
Other expense (income), net 2
 (2) 8
 (2) 
Other (income) expense, net (5) 2
 (5) 8
 
Adjusted EBITDA$(9) $(7) $(19) $(19) $(7) $(9) $(21) $(19) 
Three months ended June 30, 2018 vs. June 30, 2017
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
We incurred COS of $2 million in the quarter representing asset preservation costs primarily related to the indefinite idling of our Thorold (Ontario) paper mill in the first quarter of 2017. COS of $16 million in the year-ago period were comprised of:
write-downs of mill stores and other supplies ($9 million), primarily related to the permanent closure of a paper machine at our Catawba paper mill in the second quarter of 2017, and the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill in the first quarter of 2017; and


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start-up costs ($5 million) for the Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility.
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
We recorded closure costs, impairment and other related charges of $1 million in the quarter. In the same period last year, we recorded closure costs, impairment and other related charges of $65 million, which included:
a long-lived asset impairment charge related to our Coosa Pines pulp mill ($55 million); and
a long-lived asset impairment charge ($5 million), and severance and other closure-related costs ($4 million) in connection with the permanent closure of a paper machine at our Catawba paper mill.
Six months ended June 30, 2018 vs. June 30, 2017
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
COS of $9 million in the first half of 2018 were primarily comprised of start-up costs ($7 million) for the Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility. This compares to COS of $31 million in the year-ago period, including:
write-downs of mill stores and other supplies ($13 million), primarily related to the permanent closure of a paper machine at our Catawba paper mill and the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill;
start-up costs ($12 million) for the Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility; and
asset preservation costs ($6 million), primarily related to the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill in the first quarter of 2017, and our permanently closed Fort Frances (Ontario) mill.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $3 million greater in the first half of 2018, mainly explained by additional costs associated with the implementation of our integrated business management software.
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
We incurred closure costs, impairment and other related charges of $1 million in the first half of the year, compared to $72 million in the year-ago period. The prior year included:
a long-lived asset impairment charge related to our Coosa Pines pulp mill ($55 million);
a long-lived asset impairment charge ($5 million), and severance and other closure-related costs ($4 million) in connection with the permanent closure of a paper machine at our Catawba paper mill; and
severance and other costs related to the permanent closure of our paper mill in Mokpo ($7 million).
LIQUIDITYAND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Capital Resources
We rely on cash and cash equivalents, net cash provided by operations, and our revolving credit facilities to fund our operations, make pension contributions, and finance our working capital, capital expenditures, and duty cash duty deposits. In addition, from time to time we may use available cash to reduce debt.debt and to return capital to shareholders, including through share repurchases or special dividends. As of June 30, 20182019, we had cash and cash equivalents of $6$98 million and availability of $511$492 million under our revolving credit facilities.
Based on our current projections, we expect to have sufficient financial resources available to finance our business plan, make pension contributions, meet working capital and duty cash duty deposit requirements, and maintain an appropriate level of capital spending.
From time to time, basedBased on market conditions, we may seek to retire, repay or refinance our outstanding indebtedness, including our 5.875% senior unsecuredunder the 2023 notes due 2023 and credit facilities, through redemptions, prepayments, open market purchases or individually negotiated transactions, as we continue to focus on reducing costs and enhancing our financial flexibility.

Five-year extension of ABL Credit Facility
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Credit facilities
Interest rates under our credit facilities arethe maturity date to May 14, 2024, with an aggregate lender commitment of $500 million at any time outstanding, subject to borrowing base availability based on an index, plusspecified advance rates, eligibility criteria and customary reserves. The amended aggregate lender commitment amount represents a spread which fluctuates based on availability and the Company’s leverage ratio, or the capitalization ratio, as applicable. Improvement in these ratios is expected to reduce the spread over the index by 0.25% during the third quartervoluntary reduction of 2018.$100 million. For more information, on our credit facilities’ interest rates, see Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 10. Long-Term7, “Long-Term Debt – Debt instruments inABL Credit Facility,” to our 2017 Annual Report.Consolidated Financial Statements.
Flow of Funds
Summary of cash flows
A summary of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, was as follows:
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)2018  2017  2019  2018  
Net cash provided by operating activities$220
 $60
 $95
 $220
 
Net cash used in investing activities (109) (132)  (69) (109) 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (115) 77
 
Cash used in financing activities (232) (115) 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash (2) 3
  1
 (2) 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash$(6) $8
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash$(205) $(6) 
Six months ended June 30, 20182019 vs. June 30, 20172018
Net cash provided by operating activities
We generated $220$95 million of cash from operating activities in the first half of 2018,2019, compared to $60$220 million used in the year-ago period. The increasedecrease is almost allprimarily attributable to higher profitability. The year-agolower profitability, and an increase in working capital in the current period, also included closure costs in connection with the permanent closure of a paper machine at our Catawba paper millpartially offset by lower interest payments and the permanent closure of our paper mill in Mokpo, and higher timing-related pension contributions.
Net cash used in investing activities
We used $109$69 million of cash in investing activities in the current period, $23which included:
$45 million lower compared to the year-ago period. This reflects lower cash invested in fixed assetscapital expenditures; and
$33 million of $63 million, mainly due to the substantial completion of the tissue manufacturing and converting facility in Calhoun in the first quarter of 2017, offset in part by higher countervailing and anti-dumping duty cash deposits duringon softwood lumber;
offset in part by the full refund of countervailing duty cash deposits on uncoated groundwood paper of $6 million.

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In the year-ago period, net cash used in investing activities was $109 million, or $40 million higher, reflecting countervailing and anti-dumping duty cash deposits of $37$58 million on importsand capital expenditures of softwood lumber to the U.S.$53 million.
Net cash (used in) provided byCash used in financing activities
We made netIn 2019, we repurchased $225 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2023 notes, as well as $5 million of shares, as described below. This compares to repayments of $114 million under our revolving credit facilities in the first half of 2018, reducing2018.
Share Repurchase Program
During the six months ended June 30, 2019, we repurchased 0.7 million shares, at a cost of $5 million under our outstanding borrowings on these facilities to $30$150 million share repurchase program, which was launched in 2012. There remains $19 million under the program as of June 30, 2018. This compares to a net increase in borrowings of $77 million in the year-ago period primarily to support the completion of the tissue project.2019.
Countervailing duty and anti-dumping investigations
Since October 15, 2015, we were required to pay cash deposits at a subsidy rate of 17.87% for estimated countervailing duties on our U.S. imports of SC paper produced at our Canadian mills. On March 21, 2018, Verso Corporation, the sole remaining U.S. SC paper petitioner, filed a request with the U.S. Department of Commerce (or “Commerce”) for a changed circumstances review to revoke the countervailing duty order, retroactive to August 3, 2015, and for Commerce to refund all countervailing duty deposits with interest. On May 8, 2018, Commerce announced the initiation of a changed circumstances review, and on July 6, 2018, Commerce signed the revocation order. As a result, we will receive a refund of all outstanding cash deposits made on our U.S. imports of SC paper produced at our Canadian mills, plus interest, and no further cash deposits will be required going forward. The refund is expected to be received over the course of the second half of the year. Through June 30, 2018, our cumulative cash deposits, to be refunded, totaled $60 million.
We also became required to pay cash deposits for estimated countervailing duties and anti-dumping duties on our U.S. imports of softwood lumber produced at our Canadian sawmills, since April 28, 2017, and June 30, 2017, respectively. As of December


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28, 2017, the rates for these estimated countervailing duties and anti-dumping duties were 14.7% and 3.2%, respectively. Based on these rates and our current operating parameters, the cash deposits could be as high as $80 million per year.
Additionally, from January 16, 2018 to May 15, 2018, we were required to make cash deposits at a preliminary subsidy rate of 4.42% for estimated countervailing duties on our U.S. imports of the uncoated groundwood (or “UGW”) paper produced at our Canadian mills, with the exception of SC paper, which was subject to distinct countervailing duties. On August 2, 2018, Commerce changed the rate to 9.81% in its final affirmative determination. The preliminary rate of 4.42% remained in effect until May 15, 2018, and we are not required to pay deposits for countervailing duties on the affected UGW paper imports until the U.S. International Trade Commission (or “ITC”) makes an affirmative material injury determination. Based on the 9.81% rate and our current operating parameters, the cash deposits could be as high as $40 million per year.
On March 13, 2018, Commerce announced its preliminary determination in the UGW anti-dumping investigation, whereby it determined that we did not sell Canadian-origin UGW paper exported to the U.S. for less than fair market value during the relevant period (from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017). Commerce confirmed this determination on August 2, 2018, in its final affirmative determination. As a result, we are not required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency for anti-dumping duties and will not be subject to administrative review, regardless of the ITC’s outcome and whether Commerce issues an anti-dumping duty order.
See Item 1. Financial Statements – Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies – Legal matters – Countervailing duty and anti-dumping investigations on uncoated groundwood paper; Countervailing duty and anti-dumping investigations on softwood lumber; and Countervailing duty investigation on SC paper for more information.

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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 20172018 Annual Report. There have been no material changes in our exposure to market risk as previously disclosed in our 20172018 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 June 30, 2018.2019. Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date in recording, processing, summarizing and timely reporting information required to be disclosed in our reports to the SEC.
(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:
In connection with the evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, there were no changes during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II.OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In addition to the legal proceedings presented under Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” in our 20172018 Annual Report, see the description of our material pending legal proceedings in Note 10, “Commitments and Contingencies – Legal matters,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated in this “Item 1 – Legal Proceedings” by reference.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our 20172018 Annual Report, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 20172018 Annual Report.

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 June 30, 2019:
61
PeriodTotal Number of Shares PurchasedAverage Price Paid per ShareTotal 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)
April 1 to April 30 
 $
  
 $23,983,730
 
May 1 to May 31 
  
  
  23,983,730
 
June 1 to June 30 720,000
  6.23
  720,000
  19,498,130
 
Total 720,000
 $6.23
  720,000
 $19,498,130
 
(1)
$150 million share repurchase program launched in 2012.
As of July 31, 2019, we repurchased 1,106,120 additional shares at an average price per share of $6.79 for a total cost of $7 million.
ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
As previously reported, on May 24, 2019, the stockholders of Resolute Forest Products approved the Resolute Forest Products 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (or the “2019 Incentive Plan”) at the Company’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Company’s Board of Directors previously adopted the 2019 Incentive Plan on March 28, 2019, subject to shareholder approval.
Effective as of May 24, 2019, the 2019 Incentive Plan authorizes the granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units, performance shares and other equity-based awards to eligible persons, including executive officers and other employees of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates as well as non-employee directors of the Company. An aggregate of 3,000,000 shares are authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2019 Incentive Plan. The 2019 Incentive Plan replaces the Resolute Forest Products Equity Incentive Plan, which was adopted in 2010. A more detailed description of the 2019 Incentive Plan was included in the Company’s Proxy Statement dated April 10, 2019 (the “Proxy Statement”), under the caption “Management Proposals – Item 4: Vote to Approve the Resolute Forest Products 2019 Equity Incentive Plan.”
The foregoing and the summary of the 2019 Incentive Plan in the Proxy Statement are not complete summaries of the terms of the 2019 Incentive Plan and are qualified by reference to the full text of the 2019 Incentive Plan, which was attached as Appendix A to the Proxy Statement and is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.4 and incorporated by reference.

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ITEM 6.EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit No. Description
  
 , Resolute FP Canada Inc., certain other subsidiaries of Resolute Forest Products Inc. as borrowers or guarantors, various lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as U.S. Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and Bank of America, N.A. (through its Canada branch), as Canadian Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Resolute Forest Products Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 20, 2019, SEC file No. 001-33776).
  
 
  
31.1 2019 Resolute Forest Products Inc. Short-Term Incentive Plan – Canada / International.
Resolute Forest Products Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan.
Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
101.INS** XBRL Instance Document.
  
101.SCH** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
  
101.CAL** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
  
101.LAB** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
  
101.PRE** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
  
101.DEF** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
This is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**Interactive data files furnished with this Form 10-Q, which represent the following materials from this Form 10-Q formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
  
By /s/ Jo-Ann LongworthRemi G. Lalonde
  Jo-Ann LongworthRemi G. Lalonde
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  
By  /s/ Hugues Dorban
  Hugues Dorban
  Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
Date: August 9, 20182019




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