SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q --------- (X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended April 2, 1997 -------------- OR ( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _________________ to __________________ Commission file number: 033-88496-01 ------------ SDW HOLDINGS CORPORATION ------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 13-3795926 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) incorporation or organization) 2700 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, NY 10577-2554 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (914) 696-0021 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes __ No __ Not Applicable X - SDW HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY Form 10-Q, April 2, 1997 NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Report on Form 10-Q for SDW Holdings Corporation (the "Company") contains forward-looking information which, at the time made, reflects on the future and is based upon management's interpretations of what it believes are significant factors affecting the Company's business, and there can be no assurance that Management's interpretations and the assumptions on which they are based will prove to be correct. The Company believes that various factors could affect the Company's actual results and could cause the Company's actual results, for 1997 and beyond, to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by or on behalf of the Company. Such factors include, but are not limited to: global economic and market conditions; production and capacity in the United States and Europe; production and pricing levels of pulp and paper; any major disruption in production at key facilities; alterations in trade conditions in and between the United States and other countries where the Company does business; and changes in environmental, tax and other laws and regulations. See also "Market Overview" under Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition. SDW HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY Form 10-Q, April 2, 1997 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE NO. -------- Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended April 3, 1996 and April 2, 1997 4 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the six months ended April 3, 1996 and April 2, 1997 5 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 2, 1996 and April 2, 1997 6 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended April 3, 1996 and April 2, 1997 7 Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 8 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition 14 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings 23 Item 2. Changes in Securities 23 Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 23 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 23 Item 5. Other Information 23 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 23 Signature 24 SDW HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) Three Months Three Months Ended Ended April 3, 1996 April 2, 1997 (Restated) ---------------------- ---------------------- Sales $359.2 $345.7 Cost of goods sold 289.6 269.1 --------- --------- Gross profit 69.6 76.6 Selling, general and administrative expense 32.1 33.7 --------- --------- Income from operations 37.5 42.9 Other income (expense), net (1.0) 0.8 Interest expense (28.6) (26.6) --------- --------- Income before income taxes, dividends and accretion on Warren Series B preferred stock and extraordinary item 7.9 17.1 Income tax expense 3.2 6.9 Dividends and accretion on Warren Series B preferred stock 3.2 3.8 --------- --------- Income before extraordinary item 1.5 6.4 Extraordinary item, net of tax -- 0.9 --------- --------- Net income 1.5 7.3 Dividends on preferred stock 1.7 1.9 --------- --------- Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders $ (0.2) $ 5.4 ========= ========= Earnings (loss) per common share: Income before extraordinary item $ 0.04 $ 0.18 ========= ========= Net income $ 0.04 $ 0.20 ========= ========= Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders $(0.01) $ 0.15 ========= ========= Weighted average number of shares outstanding (excluding common stock equivalents) 30.7 - ========= ========= Weighted average number of shares outstanding (including common stock equivalents 35.9 35.9 ========= ========= See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements. 4 SDW HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) Six Months Ended Six Months Ended April 3, 1996 April 2, 1997 (Restated) -------------------- ------------------- Sales $720.5 $660.2 Cost of goods sold 577.4 536.3 ---------- ---------- Gross profit 143.1 123.9 Selling, general and administrative expense 64.2 66.8 Restructuring - 10.0 ---------- ---------- Income from operations 78.9 47.1 Other income, net 1.4 2.0 Interest expense (59.1) (51.8) ---------- ---------- Income (loss) before income taxes, dividends and accretion on Warren Series B preferred stock, and extraordinary item 21.2 (2.7) Income tax expense (benefit) 8.6 (1.1) Dividends and accretion on Warren Series B preferred stock 6.6 7.4 ---------- ---------- Income (loss) before extraordinary item 6.0 (9.0) Extraordinary item, net of tax - 0.9 ---------- ---------- Net income (loss) 6.0 (8.1) Dividends on preferred stock 3.4 3.8 ---------- ---------- Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders $ 2.6 $(11.9) ---------- ---------- Earnings (loss) per common share: Income (loss) before extraordinary item $ 0.17 $(0.29) ========== ========== Net income (loss) $ 0.17 $(0.26) ========== ========== Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders $ 0.07 $(0.39) ========== ========== Weighted average number of shares outstanding (excluding common stock equivalents) - 30.7 ========== ========== Weighted average number of shares outstanding (including common stock equivalents) 35.9 - ========== ========== See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements. 5 SDW HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in millions, unaudited) October 2, April 2, 1996 1997 ------------- ------------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 49.0 $ 46.8 Trade accounts receivable, net 49.1 42.9 Other receivables 34.2 57.2 Inventories 195.7 213.3 Deferred income taxes 18.0 18.0 Other current assets 9.4 11.2 ------------- ------------- Total current assets 355.4 389.4 Plant assets, net 1,114.7 1,093.6 Timber resources, net 95.3 95.1 Goodwill, net 94.1 92.1 Deferred financing fees, net 44.8 41.3 Other assets, net 21.1 19.9 ------------- ------------- Total assets $1,725.4 $1,731.4 ============= ============= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 46.4 $ 48.6 Accounts payable 101.6 121.2 Accrued and other current liabilities 97.6 123.6 ------------- ------------- Total current liabilities 245.6 293.4 ------------- ------------- Long-term debt: Term loans 411.4 367.2 Senior subordinated notes 375.0 375.0 Other 116.1 119.5 ------------- ------------- 902.5 861.7 ------------- ------------- Deferred income taxes 34.6 33.3 ------------- ------------- Other liabilities 98.2 99.2 ------------- ------------- Total liabilities 1,280.9 1,287.6 ------------- ------------- Commitments and contingencies (Notes 7 and 8) Warren Series B redeemable exchangeable preferred stock (liquidation value, $96.2 and $103.2, respectively) 88.0 95.4 ------------- ------------- Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, at liquidation value 49.0 52.8 Common stock 0.3 0.3 Capital in excess of par value 294.0 294.0 Retained earnings 13.2 1.3 ------------- ------------- Total stockholders' equity 356.5 348.4 ------------- ------------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $1,725.4 $1,731.4 ============= ============= See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements. 6 SDW HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in millions, unaudited) Six Months Six Months Ended Ended April 3, 1996 April 2, 1997 (Restated) ------------------------ ---------------------- Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income (loss) $ 6.0 $ (8.1) Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, cost of timber harvested and amortization 56.4 59.5 Loss on force majeure events - 7.5 Dividends and accretion on Warren preferred stock 6.6 7.4 Deferred income taxes - (1.3) Other 5.9 (6.5) Changes in assets and liabilities: Trade and other accounts receivable, net 1.0 (7.1) Inventories (11.6) (17.6) Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities (35.5) 38.6 Other assets and liabilities (3.7) (6.7) --------------- ---------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 25.1 65.7 --------------- ---------------- Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Proceeds from disposals of plant assets 2.1 0.1 Investment in plant assets and timber resources (18.3) (25.2) Refurbishment of plant assets - (37.5) Insurance proceeds on force majeure events - 27.5 --------------- ---------------- Net cash used in investing activities (16.2) (35.1) --------------- ---------------- Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Issuance of debt - 38.1 Repayments of debt (75.0) (65.8) Defeasance of debt - (4.4) Debt issue costs - (0.7) Bank overdraft 3.9 - --------------- ---------------- Net cash used in financing activities (71.1) (32.8) --------------- ---------------- Net change in cash and cash equivalents (62.2) (2.2) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 62.2 49.0 --------------- ---------------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ - $46.8 =============== ================ Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Cash paid during the period for: Interest $61.0 $40.9 =============== ================ Income Taxes $ 4.4 $ 0.1 =============== ================ See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements. 7 SDW HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Note 1. Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SDW Holdings Corporation ("Holdings"), a subsidiary of Sappi Limited ("Sappi") and a holding company which owns all of the outstanding common stock of S. D. Warren Company ("Warren"). Holdings has no material assets other than its investment in Warren, and all the operations of Holdings (other than the management of its investment in Warren, and the provision of certain corporate services to Warren) are currently conducted through Warren. Holdings and Warren are collectively referred to herein as the "Company." Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the preparation of the accompanying unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements. During 1996, the Company reviewed its accounting policy with respect to accounting for certain costs relating to compliance with safety and other governmental laws and regulations. These costs were previously accounted for on an accrual basis and the Company revised its accounting policy to reflect these costs on an "as incurred" basis. Accordingly, the financial statements for the three months and six months ended April 3, 1996 have been restated to reflect the effect of this change in accounting for these costs. The effects of the restatement were not material to the three and six months ended April 3, 1996. In addition to the aforementioned restatement, certain prior period items have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation followed by the Company. Business The Company manufactures printing, publishing and specialty papers and has pulp and timberland operations vertically integrated with certain of its manufacturing facilities which represent the Company's single line of business. The Company currently operates four paper mills, a sheeting facility and several distribution facilities and owns approximately 911,000 acres of timberlands in the State of Maine. Unaudited Interim Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the Company's financial position and results of operations. The accompanying unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in Holdings' Annual Report on Form 10- K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 1996. The unaudited condensed, consolidated results of operations for the three and six months ended April 2, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of results that could be expected for a full year. New Accounting Pronouncement In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Financial Accounting Standard ("FAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share." FAS 128, which will be effective for the Company in the fiscal year 1998, establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share and applies to entities with publicly held common stock or potential common stock. The implementation of FAS No. 128 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or financial statement disclosure. 8 Note 2. Related Party Transactions During the three and six months ended April 2, 1997, the Company sold products to certain subsidiaries of Sappi ("Affiliates"), at market prices, primarily in U.S. Dollars. These Affiliates then sold the Company's products to external customers. Proceeds from sales to Affiliates are remitted to the Company net of sales commissions. The Company sold approximately $35.3 million and $75.4 million to Affiliates and incurred fees of approximately $2.0 million and $4.3 million relating to these sales for the three and six months ended April 2, 1997, respectively. Similar sales for the corresponding period in the prior year were $26.6 million and $42.2 million, respectively. Trade accounts receivable from Affiliates at April 2, 1997 were approximately $29.2 million compared to $22.8 million at April 3, 1996. The Company has formalized certain of these agreements and is in the process of formalizing the remainder. During fiscal year 1996, the Company began purchasing products from certain Affiliates in U.S. Dollars, primarily for sale to external customers. The Company receives commissions from the Affiliates on such sales. These transactions to date have not been material. Note 3. Inventories (in millions) October 2, 1996 April 2, 1997 --------------- ------------- Finished products $ 92.8 $109.4 Work in process 34.5 34.7 Pulp, logs and pulpwood 25.8 29.4 Maintenance parts and other supplies 42.6 39.8 -------- -------- $195.7 $213.3 ======== ======== Note 4. Long-Term Debt The current maturities of long-term debt balance of $48.6 million at April 2, 1997 primarily represents the amounts payable in June 1997 and December 1997 under Warren's term loan facilities. On February 7, 1997, the Company amended certain provisions of its credit agreement with a syndicate of banks, including the interest coverage covenant, the optional prepayment terms and, in order to permit the granting of senior liens in connection with the refinancing of certain of the Company's industrial revenue bonds, the covenant restricting certain liens. On March 5, 1997, pursuant to a loan agreement with the town of Skowhegan, Maine, the Company expanded and refinanced certain environmental and solid waste projects at its Somerset, Maine mill by redeeming or refunding revenue bonds aggregating $23.7 million, defeasing revenue bonds aggregating $4.4 million and issuing new bonds aggregating $38.1 million. The new bonds are due from 2000 to 2015 and bear interest at rates ranging from 6.65% to 8.00% per annum. The extraordinary gain resulting from the extinguishment of the original bonds, net of taxes of $0.6 million, was $0.9 million. In connection with this transaction, an outstanding letter of credit was reduced by $19.7 million. The agreement under which the $4.4 million in bonds was defeased required the Company to purchase U.S. Treasury securities to be held by a trustee in an amount that will cover the interest payments required to be paid to the holders of these bonds until the first call date on the bonds, as well as the principal due at that date. In the event, that the U.S. treasury securities, together with income earned on these securities, do not cover interest and principle on the defeased bonds, the Company will be liable for such deficiency. 9 Note 5. Restructuring In October 1996, the Company commenced a restructuring plan which resulted in a pretax charge of $10.0 million taken during the quarter ended January 1, 1997 to cover the costs related to the reduction of approximately 200 salaried positions, or approximately 14% of the Company's salaried workforce. Note 6. Force Majeure Events On October 17, 1996 a fire occurred at an outside warehouse location in Muskegon, Michigan, which resulted in the loss of approximately 8,000 tons of inventory valued in excess of $6.0 million. On March 26, 1997, the Company reached an agreement with its insurance carrier pursuant to which it recovered substantially all the lost inventory value, excluding the deductible of $0.5 million. Due to exceptionally heavy rains, the Presumpscot River flooded the Westbrook mill on October 21, 1996. The flooding resulted in the temporary closure of the mill. Damage to mill equipment has since been repaired and normal operating mill conditions have been restored. Total losses are not expected to exceed the Company's insurance coverage limits, which include both business interruption and property loss coverage. As of April 2, 1997, the Company had accrued an estimate of $44.7 million for costs to refurbish plant assets at the Westbrook facility, of which $27.5 million has been received as insurance proceeds at April 2, 1997, with the remainder, net of a deductible of $3.5 million, included in other receivables in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at April 2, 1997. In addition, the Company has accrued $9.0 million during the quarter ended April 2, 1997, representing a portion of the business interruption claim submitted for the disruption caused by the Westbrook flood, which primarily took place during the quarter ended January 1, 1997. Note 7. Environmental and Safety Matters The Company is subject to a wide variety of increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations relating to, among other matters, air emissions, wastewater discharges, past and present landfill operations and hazardous waste management. These laws include the Federal Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and their respective state counterparts. The Company will continue to incur significant capital and operating expenditures to maintain compliance with applicable federal and state environmental laws. These expenditures include costs of compliance with federal worker safety laws, landfill expansions and wastewater treatment system upgrades. In addition to conventional pollutants, minute quantities of dioxins and other chlorinated organic compounds may be contained in the wastewater effluent of the Company's bleached kraft pulp mills in Somerset and Westbrook, Maine and Muskegon, Michigan. The most recent National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") wastewater permit limits proposed by the EPA would limit dioxin discharges from the Company's Somerset and Westbrook mills to less than the level of detectability. The Company is presently meeting the EPA's proposed dioxin limits but it is not meeting the proposed limits for other parameters (e.g., temperature and color) and is attempting to revise these other wastewater permit limits for its facilities. While the permit limitations at these two facilities are being challenged, the Company continues to operate under existing EPA permits, which have technically expired, in accordance with accepted administrative practice. In addition, the Muskegon mill is involved, as one of various industrial plaintiffs, in litigation with the County of Muskegon regarding a 1994 ordinance governing the County's industrial wastewater pretreatment program. The lawsuit challenges, among other things, the treatment capacity availability and local effluent limit provisions of the ordinance. In July 1996, the Court rendered a decision substantially in favor of the Company and other plaintiffs, but the County has appealed the Court's decision. If the Company and the other 10 plaintiffs do not prevail in that appeal or are not successful in ongoing negotiations with the County, the Company may not be able to obtain additional treatment capacity for future expansions and the County could impose stricter permit limits. The imposition of currently proposed permit limits or the failure of the Muskegon lawsuit could require substantial additional expenditures, including short-term expenditures, and may lead to substantial fines for any noncompliance. In November 1993, the EPA announced proposed regulations that would impose new air and water quality standards aimed at further reductions of pollutants from pulp and paper mills, particularly those conducting bleaching operations (generally referred to as the "cluster rules"). Although the EPA has not made any commitments, final promulgation of the cluster rules is expected to occur in 1997 and compliance with the rules may be required beginning in 2000. The Company believes that compliance with the cluster rules, if adopted as currently proposed, may require aggregate capital expenditures of approximately $76.0 million through 2000. The ultimate financial impact to the Company of compliance with the cluster rules will depend upon the nature of the final regulations, the timing of required implementation and the cost and availability of new technology. The Company also anticipates that it will incur an estimated $10.0 million to $20.0 million of capital expenditures through 1999 related to environmental compliance other than as a result of the cluster rules. The Company's mills generate substantial quantities of solid wastes and by- products that are disposed of at permitted landfills and solid waste management units at the mills. The Company is currently planning to expand the landfill at the Somerset mill at a projected total cost of approximately $16.0 million, of which $7.0 million is expected to be incurred prior to the year 2000 with the remainder being spent subsequent to 2004. The Muskegon mill has had discussions with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ("DEQ") regarding a wastewater surge pond adjacent to the Muskegon Lake. The DEQ presently is considering whether the surge pond is in compliance with Michigan Act 451 (Part 31 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act) regarding potential discharges from that pond. The matter is now subject to the results of a pending engineering investigation. There is a possibility that, as a result of DEQ requirements, the surge pond may be closed in the future. The Company estimates the cost of closure will be approximately $2.0 million. In addition, if it is necessary to replace the functional capacity of the surge pond with above-grade structures, the Company preliminarily estimates that up to an additional $8.0 million may be required for such construction costs. The Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party under the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended ("CERCLA" or "Superfund"), or analogous state law, for cleanup of contamination at seven sites. Based upon the Company's understanding of the total amount of liability at each site, its calculation of its percentage share in each proceeding, and the number of potentially responsible parties at each site, the Company presently believes that its aggregate exposure for these matters is not material. Moreover, as a result of the acquisition of the Company from Scott Paper Company, now Kimberly-Clark ("Scott"), Scott, agreed to indemnify and defend the Company for and against, among other things, the full amount of any damages or costs resulting from the off-site disposal of hazardous substances occurring prior to the date of closing, including all damages and costs related to these seven sites. Since the date of closing of the acquisition, Scott has been performing under the terms of this environmental indemnity and defense provision and, therefore, the Company has not expended any funds with respect to these seven sites. The Company currently has a demolition project in progress at its Westbrook Facility for health and safety reasons which is expected to be completed in the year 2001. Total costs of the project are 11 estimated to be approximately $9.0 million, of which approximately $5.7 million had been spent as of April 2, 1997. The Company recognizes these costs as they are incurred. The Company does not believe that it will have any liability under recent emergency legislation enacted by the State of Maine to cover a significant shortfall in the Maine workers' compensation system through assessments of employers and insurers; however, there can be no assurance that the existing legislation will fully address the shortfall or that any additional measures necessary to fund the shortfall will not result in material increases in the Company's workers compensation premiums. The Company believes that none of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, is expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies The Mobile, Alabama paper mill was historically operated by Scott as part of an integrated facility (including a tissue mill, a pulp mill and energy facility). In connection with the Acquisition, Warren entered into long-term (25 years initially, subject to mill closures and certain force majeure events) supply agreements with Scott for the supply of pulp and water and the treatment of effluent at the Mobile Mill. Wood pulp is supplied generally at market prices. Pulp prices are discounted due to the elimination of freight costs associated with delivering pulp to Warren's Mobile paper mill and pulp quantities are subject to minimum (170,000 to 182,400 tons per year) and maximum (220,000 to 233,400 tons per year) limits. Prices for other services to be provided by Scott are generally based upon cost. Prior to the Acquisition, Scott sold its energy facility at Mobile to Mobile Energy Services Corporation ("MESC"). In connection with the sale of the energy facility, MESC entered into a long-term agreement with Warren to provide electric power and steam to the paper mill at rates generally comparable to market tariffs, including fuel cost and capital recovery components. Scott, MESC and Warren have also entered into a long-term shared facilities and services agreement (the "Shared Facilities Agreement") with respect to medical and security services, common roads and parking areas, office space and similar items and a comprehensive master operating agreement providing for the coordination of services and integration of operations among the energy facility, the paper mill, the pulp mill and the tissue mill. Annual fees under the Shared Facilities Agreement are expected to be approximately $1.5 million per year through the 25 year term of the agreement. Warren has the option to cancel certain non-essential services covered by the Shared Services Agreement at any time prior to the end of the 25 year term. A substantial portion of the Company's electricity requirements are satisfied through cogeneration agreements ("Power Purchase Agreements" or "Agreements") whereby the Somerset, Maine and Westbrook mills each cogenerate electricity and sell the output to Central Maine Power Company ("CMP"). The Westbrook and Somerset Agreements require CMP to purchase such energy produced by these cogeneration facilities at above market rates, which has reduced the Company's historical cost of electrical energy. The Westbrook Agreement expires October 31, 1997 and the Somerset Agreement expires in the year 2012. The favorable pricing element of the Somerset Agreement will end on November 30, 1997. The agreements also require the mills to purchase electricity from CMP at the standard industrial tariff rate. To reflect the fair market value of the acquired Power Purchase Agreements in accordance with APB No. 16, as of the Acquisition date, the Company established a deferred asset of approximately $32.3 million. This deferred asset is recorded with other contracts valued at the Acquisition date as a net long-term liability. This deferred asset is being amortized over the remaining life of the favorable Power Purchase Agreements. For the three months and six months ended April 2, 1997, amortization expense related to this asset approximated $3.0 million and $6.0 million, respectively. 12 The Company is also involved in various other lawsuits and administrative proceedings. The relief sought in such lawsuits and proceedings include injunctions, damages and penalties. Although the final results in these suits and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the present opinion of the Company, after consulting with legal counsel, that they will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. On November 5, 1996, a proposed binding referendum measure to eliminate clearcutting in unincorporated areas in the State of Maine was defeated. A competing measure, which could establish new forestry standards stricter than current law, but which would not completely ban clearcutting, received a plurality vote. This competing measure was supported by the Company, other major timber interests in Maine, several environmental groups as well as the Governor of Maine. Under Maine law, this competing measure will not automatically become law unless it receives a simple majority of the votes cast in a special election to be held in 1997. If this competing measure does become law, the consequence to the Company is not expected to be material, because such measure generally reflects sustainable forestry initiatives already voluntarily adopted by the Company. 13 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION The following discussion is a summary of the key factors management considers necessary in reviewing the Company's results of operations, liquidity and capital resources. Forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion are expectations only and there can be no assurance that actual results will not materially differ from these expectations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes of the Company included in this Form 10-Q, as well as the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in the Holdings Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 1996. See "Note Regarding Forward - Looking Statements" on page 2 of this report. Market Overview North American supply/demand imbalances, inventory shifts and, to a lesser degree, the availability and pricing of imported products have historically caused price fluctuations in the market for coated paper. Coated free paper shipments in the segments in which the Company competes showed volume increases of over 16% in the quarter ended April 2,1997 when compared to the same quarter last year. Coated free mill inventories, which peaked at approximately 600,000 tons in May of 1996, were reduced to 457,000 by the end of March 1997. The combination of higher industry shipments and the reduction in inventory has brought with it a stabilization in industry prices at a level about 13% below last year's January to March level. The Company's coated sales volume was up 6% over the same quarter last year. That increase is primarily due to new product introductions, which include Strobe, a new product targeted at the higher margin segment of the coated free marketplace. For the first three months of calendar 1997, coated groundwood shipments were up 27.5% over the prior year's shipments. Operating rates in the segment are in the mid 90% range, and pricing is firming. Since coated groundwood pricing provides the floor for coated free sheet pricing, the upward trend in coated groundwood pricing is an indicator for the coated free sheet market. Any prolonged or severe weakness in the market for any of the Company's products in the future may adversely affect the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Management anticipates an improvement in business conditions for the Company's products as the Company exits the seasonally weaker periods of its fiscal year. However, new coated paper capacity scheduled for the end of calendar year 1997 in Europe, as well as certain machine conversions during 1997 to coated freesheet manufacture in the United States, will impact market supply/demand balance and may constrain upward movement of coated prices. Results of Operations Three Months Ended April 2, 1997 Compared to Three Months Ended April 3, 1996 Sales Sales for the three months ended April 2, 1997 were $345.7 million compared to $359.2 million for the three months ended April 3, 1996, a decrease of $13.5 million or 3.8%. The decrease was primarily due to a 9.0% decrease in average net revenue per paper ton, partially offset by a 5.7% increase in paper shipment volume during such period. 14 Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold for the three months ended April 2, 1997 decreased $20.5 million, or 7.1%, to $269.1 million compared to $289.6 million for the three months ended April 3, 1996. Cost of goods sold on a per paper ton basis, adjusted for flood related accruals relating to the quarter ended January 1, 1997, decreased to $834 per ton from $931 per ton for the corresponding prior year quarter. The decrease was primarily due to lower fiber input costs and, to a lesser extent, cost cutting efforts which resulted in lower personnel and maintenance costs and decreased material costs resulting from cost reduction initiatives. Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expense increased slightly from $32.1 million for the quarter ended April 3, 1996 to $33.7 million for the quarter ended April 2, 1997. This increase of 5.0% is mainly due to the addition of regional distribution centers. Interest Expense, Taxes, and Dividends and Accretion on Warren Series B Preferred Stock Interest expense for the three months ended April 2, 1997 was $26.6 million compared to $28.6 million for the three months ended April 3, 1996. The $2.0 million reduction in interest expense for the comparable period was primarily due to lower levels of outstanding debt. Interest expense includes the amortization of deferred financing fees. Income tax expense was $6.9 million for the three months ended April 2, 1997 compared to $3.2 million for the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily reflecting the change in the Company's earnings level. Dividends and accretion on Warren Series B preferred stock of $3.8 million and $3.2 million for the three months ended April 2, 1997 and April 3, 1996, respectively, are accounted for as the equivalent of a minority interest for financial statement purposes. Six Months Ended April 2, 1997 Compared to the Six Months Ended April 3, 1996 Sales Sales for the six months ended April 2, 1997 were $660.2 million compared to $720.5 million for the six months ended April 3, 1996, a decrease of $60.3 million or 8.4%. The decrease is primarily due to a 11.4% decrease in average net revenue per paper ton, partially offset by a 3.5% increase in paper shipment volume during such period. Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold for the six months ended April 2, 1997 was $536.3 million compared to $577.4 million for the six months ended April 3, 1996, a decrease of $41.1 million or 7.1%. Cost of goods sold on a per paper ton basis decreased to $854 per ton from $960 per ton for the corresponding prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to lower fiber input costs and, to a lesser extent, cost cutting efforts which resulted in lower personnel and maintenance costs and decreased material costs resulting from cost reduction initiatives. 15 Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expense was $66.8 million for the six months ended April 2, 1997 compared to $64.2 million for the six months ended April 3, 1996, an increase of $2.6 million. The increase on a per paper ton basis equates to 0.6% and is insignificant. Interest Expense, Taxes, and Dividends and Accretion on Warren Series B Preferred Stock Interest expense for the six months ended April 2, 1997 was $51.8 million compared to $59.1 million for the six months ended April 3, 1996. The $7.3 million reduction in interest expense was primarily due to lower levels of outstanding debt. Interest expense includes the amortization of deferred financing fees. Income tax expense was a benefit of $1.1 million for the six months ended April 2, 1997 compared to an expense of $8.6 million for the corresponding period in the prior year, primarily reflecting the change in the Company's earnings level. Dividends and accretion on Warren Series B preferred stock of $7.4 million and $6.6 million for the six months ended April 2, 1997 and April 3, 1996, respectively, are accounted for as the equivalent of a minority interest for financial statement purposes. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company's net cash provided by operating activities was $65.7 million for the six months ended April 2, 1997 as compared to $25.1 million for the six months ended April 3, 1996. The increase is due mainly to a $57.0 million favorable swing in working capital requirements for the comparable periods, as accounts payable increased relative to the second fiscal quarter of the prior year, partially offset by increases in inventories and trade and other receivables. The increase in accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities at April 2, 1997 compared to October 2, 1996 was primarily attributable to increased purchasing activity as a result of the Westbrook flood, accrued and unpaid restructuring charges, and higher outstanding interest payable. The increase in other receivables is primarily attributable to the accrual of the Westbrook property damage insurance recovery, net of cash received, and increased power sales receivable. The Company's operating working capital decreased to $68.6 million at April 2, 1997 compared to $79.8 million at October 2, 1996. Operating working capital is defined as trade accounts receivable, other receivables and inventories less accounts payable and accrued and other current liabilities. This decrease primarily resulted from an increase in accounts payable and accrued and other current liabilities offset by an increase in other receivables. Capital expenditures for the six months ended April 2, 1997 was $25.2 million, up from $18.3 million for the six months ended April 3, 1996. Capital expenditures are estimated to approximate $70.0 million during fiscal year 1997. In addition, due to a wide variety of environmental laws and regulations, including compliance with the cluster rules, the Company anticipates that aggregate capital expenditures related to environmental compliance will approximate $90.0 million through the end of fiscal year 2000, assuming the cluster rules are adopted. The Company believes that cash generated by operations and amounts available under its revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet its ongoing operating and capital expenditure requirements. 16 Net cash used in financing activities was lower during the six months ended April 2, 1997 compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year, primarily due to the refinancing and issuance of industrial revenue bonds and differences in optional and excess cash flow prepayments made with respect to the Company's term loan facilities. The Company paid optional prepayments of its term loans equaling $ 24.0 million and $ 74.9 million during the six months ended April 2, 1997 and April 3, 1996, respectively. Debt and Preferred Stock At April 2, 1997, the Company's long-term debt was $861.7 million compared to $902.5 million at October 2, 1996, a decrease of $40.8 million. The current maturities of long-term debt balance of $48.6 million at April 2, 1997 primarily represents the amounts payable in June 1997 and December 1997 under the Company's term loan facilities. Warren has a $250.0 million revolving credit facility to finance working capital needs. At April 2, 1997, Warren did not have any borrowings outstanding under this facility, resulting in an unused borrowing capacity of approximately $249.0 million, after giving effect to outstanding letters of credit, which may be used to finance working capital needs. Warren is required to pay a commitment fee, which is based on the achievement of a certain financial ratio, of between 0.375% and 0.5% per annum on the average daily unused commitment available under the revolving credit facility. In addition, Warren had approximately $150.8 million of letters of credit outstanding under its letter of credit facility at each of April 2, 1997 and October 2, 1996. Warren pays a commission, which is based on the achievement of a certain financial ratio, of between 1.00% and 2.50% on outstanding letters of credit and an issuance fee of between 0.125% and 0.25% per annum on letters of credit issued. On February 7, 1997, the Company amended certain provisions of the credit agreement, as discussed in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, including the interest coverage covenant, the optional prepayment terms and, in order to permit the granting of senior liens in connection with the refinancing of certain of the Company's industrial revenue bonds, the covenant restricting certain liens. On March 5, 1997, pursuant to a loan agreement with the town of Skowhegan, Maine, the Company expanded and refinanced certain environmental and solid waste projects at its Somerset mill by redeeming or refunding revenue bonds aggregating $23.7 million, defeasing revenue bonds aggregating $4.4 million and issuing new bonds aggregating $38.1 million. The new bonds are due from 2000 to 2015 and bear interest at rates ranging from 6.65% to 8.00% per annum. The extraordinary gain resulting from the extinguishment of the original bonds, net of taxes of $0.6 million, was $0.9 million. In connection with this transaction, an outstanding letter of credit was reduced by $19.7 million. The agreement under which the $4.4 million in bonds was defeased required the Company to purchase U.S. Treasury securities to be held by a trustee in an amount that will cover the interest payments required to be paid to the holders of these bonds until the first call date on the bonds, as well as the principle due at that date. In the event that the U.S. treasury securities, together with income earned on these securities, do not cover interest and principle on the defeased bonds, the Company will be liable for such deficiency. 17 Environmental and Safety Matters The Company is subject to a wide variety of increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations relating to, among other matters, air emissions, wastewater discharges, past and present landfill operations and hazardous waste management. These laws include the Federal Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and their respective state counterparts. The Company will continue to incur significant capital and operating expenditures to maintain compliance with applicable federal and state environmental laws. These expenditures include costs of compliance with federal worker safety laws, landfill expansions and wastewater treatment system upgrades. In addition to conventional pollutants, minute quantities of dioxins and other chlorinated organic compounds may be contained in the wastewater effluent of the Company's bleached kraft pulp mills in Somerset and Westbrook, Maine and Muskegon, Michigan. The most recent National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") wastewater permit limits proposed by the EPA would limit dioxin discharges from the Company's Somerset and Westbrook mills to less than the level of detectability. The Company is presently meeting the EPA's proposed dioxin limits but it is not meeting the proposed limits for other parameters (e.g., temperature and color) and is attempting to revise these other wastewater permit limits for its facilities. While the permit limitations at these two facilities are being challenged, the Company continues to operate under existing EPA permits, which have technically expired, in accordance with accepted administrative practice. In addition, the Muskegon mill is involved, as one of various industrial plaintiffs, in litigation with the County of Muskegon regarding a 1994 ordinance governing the County's industrial wastewater pretreatment program. The lawsuit challenges, among other things, the treatment capacity availability and local effluent limit provisions of the ordinance. In July 1996, the Court rendered a decision substantially in favor of the Company and other plaintiffs, but the County has appealed the Court's decision. If the Company and the other plaintiffs do not prevail in that appeal or are not successful in ongoing negotiations with the County, the Company may not be able to obtain additional treatment capacity for future expansions and the County could impose stricter permit limits. The imposition of currently proposed permit limits or the failure of the Muskegon lawsuit could require substantial additional expenditures, including short-term expenditures, and may lead to substantial fines for any noncompliance. In November 1993, the EPA announced proposed regulations that would impose new air and water quality standards aimed at further reductions of pollutants from pulp and paper mills, particularly those conducting bleaching operations (generally referred to as the "cluster rules"). Although the EPA has not made any commitments, final promulgation of the cluster rules is expected to occur in 1997 and compliance with the rules may be required beginning in 2000. The Company believes that compliance with the cluster rules, if adopted as currently proposed, may require aggregate capital expenditures of approximately $76.0 million through 2000. The ultimate financial impact to the Company of compliance with the cluster rules will depend upon the nature of the final regulations, the timing of required implementation and the cost and availability of new technology. The Company also anticipates that it will incur an estimated $10.0 million to $20.0 million of capital expenditures through 1999 related to environmental compliance other than as a result of the cluster rules. The Company's mills generate substantial quantities of solid wastes and by- products that are disposed of at permitted landfills and solid waste management units at the mills. The Company is currently planning to expand the landfill at the Somerset mill at a projected total cost of approximately $16.0 million, of which $7.0 million is expected to be incurred prior to the year 2000 with the remainder being spent subsequent to 2004. 18 The Muskegon mill has had discussions with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ("DEQ") regarding a wastewater surge pond adjacent to the Muskegon Lake. The DNR presently is considering whether the surge pond is in compliance with Michigan Act 451 (Part 31 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act) regarding potential discharges from that pond. The matter is now subject to the results of a pending engineering investigation. There is a possibility that, as a result of DEQ requirements, the surge pond may be closed in the future. The Company estimates the cost of closure will be approximately $2.0 million. In addition, if it is necessary to replace the functional capacity of the surge pond with above-grade structures, the Company preliminarily estimates that up to an additional $8.0 million may be required for such construction costs. The Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party under the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended ("CERCLA" or "Superfund"), or analogous state law, for cleanup of contamination at seven sites. Based upon the Company's understanding of the total amount of liability at each site, its calculation of its percentage share in each proceeding, and the number of potentially responsible parties at each site, the Company presently believes that its aggregate exposure for these matters is not material. Moreover, as a result of the Acquisition, the Company's former parent, Scott, agreed to indemnify and defend the Company for and against, among other things, the full amount of any damages or costs resulting from the off-site disposal of hazardous substances occurring prior to the date of closing, including all damages and costs related to these seven sites. Since the date of closing of the Acquisition, Scott has been performing under the terms of this environmental indemnity and defense provision and, therefore, the Company has not expended any funds with respect to these seven sites. The Company currently has a demolition project in progress at its Westbrook Facility for health and safety reasons which is expected to be completed in the year 2001. Total costs of the project are estimated to be approximately $9.0 million, of which approximately $5.7 million had been spent as of April 2, 1997. The Company recognizes these costs as they are incurred. The Company does not believe that it will have any liability under recent emergency legislation enacted by the State of Maine to cover a significant shortfall in the Maine workers' compensation system through assessments of employers and insurers; however, there can be no assurance that the existing legislation will fully address the shortfall or that any additional measures necessary to fund the shortfall will not result in material increases in the Company's workers compensation premiums. The Company believes that none of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, is expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Labor Relations On February 6, 1997, the Company reached settlement on a new six-year labor agreement with its three Somerset, Maine mill unions, concluding sixteen months of negotiations. The ratified contract, which is effective immediately, reflects more flexible work rule provisions and a 3% annual wage increase for the term of the agreement. The Company has experienced improved productivity at the Somerset facility since mid-December, when the terms of the new work rules were first implemented prior to ratification. Force Majeure Events On October 17, 1996 a fire occurred at an outside warehouse location in Muskegon, Michigan, which resulted in the loss of approximately 8,000 tons of inventory valued in excess of $6.0 million. 19 On March 26, 1997, the Company reached an agreement with its insurance carrier pursuant to which it recovered substantially all the lost inventory value, excluding the deductible of $0.5 million. Due to exceptionally heavy rains, the Presumpscot River flooded the Westbrook mill on October 21, 1996. The flooding resulted in the temporary closure of the mill. Damage to mill equipment has since been repaired and normal operating mill conditions have been restored. Total losses are not expected to exceed the Company's insurance coverage limits, which include both business interruption and property loss coverage. The Company had as of April 2, 1997, accrued an estimate of $44.7 million for costs to refurbish plant assets at the Westbrook facility, of which $27.5 million has been received as insurance proceeds at April 2, 1997 with the remainder, net of a deductible of $3.5 million, included in other receivables in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at April 2, 1997. In addition, the Company has accrued $9.0 million during the quarter ended April 2, 1997, representing a portion of the business interruption claim submitted for the interference caused by the Westbrook flood, which primarily took place during the quarter ended January 1, 1997. Long-Term Contracts The Mobile, Alabama paper mill was historically operated by Scott as part of an integrated facility (including a tissue mill, a pulp mill and energy facility). In connection with the Acquisition, Warren entered into long-term (25 years initially, subject to mill closures and certain force majeure events) supply agreements with Scott for the supply of pulp and water and the treatment of effluent at the Mobile Mill. Wood pulp is supplied generally at market prices. Pulp prices are discounted due to the elimination of freight costs associated with delivering pulp to Warren's Mobile paper mill and pulp quantities is subject to minimum (170,000 to 182,400 tons per year) and maximum (220,000 to 233,400 tons per year) limits. Prices for other services to be provided by Scott are generally be based upon cost. Prior to the Acquisition, Scott sold its energy facility at Mobile to Mobile Energy Services Corporation ("MESC"). In connection with the sale of the energy facility, MESC entered into a long- term agreement with Warren to provide electric power and steam to the paper mill at rates generally comparable to market tariffs, including fuel cost and capital recovery components. Scott, MESC and Warren have also entered into a long-term shared facilities and services agreement (the "Shared Facilities Agreement") with respect to medical and security services, common roads and parking areas, office space and similar items and a comprehensive master operating agreement providing for the coordination of services and integration of operations among the energy facility, the paper mill, the pulp mill and the tissue mill. Annual fees under the Shared Facilities Agreement are expected to be approximately $1.5 million per year through the 25 year term of the agreement. Warren has the option to cancel certain non-essential services covered by the Shared Services Agreement at any time prior to the end of the 25 year term. A substantial portion of the Company's electricity requirements are satisfied through cogeneration agreements ("Power Purchase Agreements" or "Agreements") whereby the Somerset and Westbrook mills each cogenerate electricity and sell the output to Central Maine Power Company ("CMP"). The Westbrook and Somerset Agreements require CMP to purchase such energy produced by these cogeneration facilities at above market rates which has reduced the Company's historical cost of electrical energy. The Westbrook Agreement expires October 31, 1997 and the Somerset Agreement expires in the year 2012. The favorable pricing element of the Somerset Agreement will end on November 30, 1997. The agreements also require the mills to purchase electricity from CMP at the standard industrial tariff rate. To reflect the fair market value of the acquired Power Purchase Agreements in accordance with APB No. 16, as of the Acquisition date, the Company established a deferred asset of approximately $32.3 million. This deferred asset is recorded with other contracts valued at the Acquisition date as a net long-term liability. This deferred asset is being amortized over the remaining life of the favorable Power Purchase Agreements. For the three months and six months ended 20 April 2, 1997 amortization expense related to this asset approximated $3 million and $6 million, respectively. The Company is also involved in various other lawsuits and administrative proceedings. The relief sought in such lawsuits and proceedings include injunctions, damages and penalties. Although the final results in these suits and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the present opinion of the Company, after consulting with legal counsel, that they will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Regulatory Matters On November 5, 1996, a proposed binding referendum measure to eliminate clearcutting in unincorporated areas in the State of Maine was defeated. A competing measure, which could establish new forestry standards stricter than current law, but which would not completely ban clearcutting, received a plurality vote. This competing measure was supported by the Company, other major timber interests in Maine, several environmental groups as well as the Governor of Maine. Under Maine law, this competing measure will not automatically become law unless it receives a simple majority of the votes cast in a special election to be held in 1997. If this competing measure does become law, the consequence to the Company is not expected to be material, because such measure generally reflects sustainable forestry initiatives already voluntarily adopted by the Company. Control by Sappi On November 27, 1996, Sappi agreed to acquire (the "Minority Acquisition"), subject to certain customary conditions, the minority common equity interests in Holdings held by DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, L.P.; DLJ International Partners, C.V.; DLJ Offshore Partners, C.V.; DLJ Merchant Banking Funding, Inc.; DLJ First ESC L.L.C.; and UBS Capital L.L.C. (the "Sellers"). Jointly, the sellers own approximately 22% of the common equity of Holdings on a fully- diluted basis. Under the terms of the agreement, Sappi has agreed to purchase the Sellers' interests at a price of $138.0 million, or $17.25 per share of common stock within 180 days of the date of execution of the agreement. Following the Minority Acquisition, Sappi will own in excess of 97% of the common equity of Holdings on a fully diluted basis. Sappi has agreed to use reasonable efforts to acquire the remaining common equity interests in Holdings within 120 days of the closing of the Minority Acquisition. Considerations Relating to Holdings' Cash Obligations Because Holdings has no material assets other than the outstanding common stock of Warren (all of which is pledged to the lenders under the Company's credit agreement) and all of the operations of Holdings (other than the management of its investment in Warren) are currently conducted through Warren and its subsidiaries, Holdings' ability to meet its cash obligations is dependent upon the earnings of Warren and its subsidiaries and the distribution or other provision of those earnings to Holdings. Holdings has no material indebtedness outstanding (other than advances that may be owed from time to time to Warren and guarantees in respect of indebtedness of Warren and its subsidiaries) and preferred stock, which was issued in connection with the Acquisition, is not mandatorily redeemable (except upon the occurrence of certain specified events) and provides that dividends need not be paid in cash until the year 2000. Holdings does, however, have various obligations with respect to its equity securities (including in respect of registration rights granted by Holdings) that have required and are likely to continue to require cash expenditures by Holdings. The Company believes that the credit agreement, the Indenture and the Warren Series B 21 Preferred Stock permit Warren to pay a dividend or otherwise provide funds to Holdings to enable Holdings to meet its known cash obligations for the foreseeable future, provided that Warren meets certain conditions. Among such conditions are that Warren maintain specified financial ratios and comply with certain financial tests. New Accounting Pronouncement In February 1997, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standard ("FAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share." FAS 128, which is effective for the Company in the fiscal year 1998, establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share and applies to entities with publicly held common stock or potential common stock. The implementation of FAS No. 128 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or financial statement disclosure. 22 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings There are no material legal proceedings pending against the Company. The Company does, from time to time, become a party to routine litigation incidental to its business. Item 2. Changes in Securities Not applicable. Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities Not applicable. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders Not applicable. Item 5. Other Information Not applicable. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits 10.31 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 27, 1996 among SDW Holdings Corporation, Sappi Limited, DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, L.P., DLJ International Partners, C.V., DLJ Offshore Partners, C.V., DLJ Merchant Banking Funding, Inc. DLJ First ESC L.L.C., and UBS Capital LLC.* 10.33 First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Guarantee Agreement among SDW Holdings Corporation, S.D. Warren Company, certain Lenders and The Chase Manhattan Bank as Agent, dated February 7, 1997.** 27 Financial Data Schedules (b) Reports on Form 8-K - None * Incorporated by Reference to Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement 333-834 on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 of SDW Holdings Corporation. ** Incorporated by Reference to Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement 333-834 on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 of SDW Holdings Corporation. 23 SIGNATURE 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. SDW Holdings Corporation Date: May 16, 1997 By: /s/ WILLIAM E. HEWITT - ------------------ ------------------------------------ William E. Hewitt Vice President, Treasurer and Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 24