EXHIBIT 3
[PICTURE]
NorskeCanada
Management's
Discussion and Analysis
| 2004 |
Annual Report
Table of Contents
pg.22 1. Corporate Overview and Highlights 47 9. Critical Accounting Estimates
2004 Overview Environmental and Legal Liabilities
2004 Highlights Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Selected Financial Information Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits
Overview of the Business Provision for Bad Debt and Doubtful Accounts
2004 Strategic Initiatives Income Taxes
Consolidated Results of Operations
51 10. Changes in Accounting Policies
32 2. Segmented Results of Operations Hedging Relationships
Specialties Asset Retirement Obligations
Markets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Segment Overview Stock Based Compensation
Operational Performance Revenue Recognition
Outlook Employee Future Benefits
Primary Sources of GAAP
Newsprint
Markets 52 11. Impact of Accounting Pronouncements
Segment Overview Affecting Future Periods
Operational Performance Variable Interest Entities
Outlook
53 12. Risks and Uncertainties
Pulp Product Prices
Markets Global Competition
Segment Overview International Sales
Operational Performance Foreign Exchange
Outlook Fibre Supply
Aboriginal Claims
40 3. Liquidity and Capital Resources Energy Costs
Operating Activities Legal Proceedings
Investing Activities Losses for Eleven Consecutive Quarters
Financing Activities Debt
Debt Environmental Regulation
Financial Instruments Labour Disruptions
44 4. Related Party Transactions 56 13. Sensitivity Analysis
Product Price
45 5. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements Foreign Exchange/Currency
Financial Instruments Energy Costs
Guarantees Fibre Costs
46 6. Contractual Obligations 58 14. Outlook
46 7. Summary of Quarterly Results 58 15. Disclosure Controls and Internal
Control Over Financial Reporting
47 8. Non-GAAP Measures
59 16. Outstanding Share Data
Norske Skog Canada Limited [20]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The following management discussion and analysis ("MD&A") should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the notes thereto set out on pages 60 to 95.
Throughout the discussion, reference is made to EBITDA, which represents
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and before other
non-operating income and expenses. EBITDA, as defined, equates to operating
earnings (loss) plus amortization. As Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles ("GAAP") do not define a method of calculating EBITDA, the measure as
calculated by Norske Skog Canada Limited ("the Company") might not be comparable
to similarly titled measures reported by other entities. EBITDA is presented
because the Company believes it is a useful indicator of a company's ability to
meet debt service and capital expenditure requirements. The Company also
interprets EBITDA trends as an indicator of relative operating performance.
EBITDA should not be considered by an investor as an alternative to net
earnings, an indicator of the financial performance of the Company, or an
alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity. Refer to the "Non-GAAP
Measures" section for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to net earnings
(loss).
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set
forth in this report are forward-looking. These include, for example, statements
with respect to general economic conditions in the U.S., Canada, and
internationally, assessment of market conditions and demand for the Company's
products, the outlook for inventories, production and pricing, performance
improvements and cost savings, expected cash flows, completion of capital
projects, and shifts in industry capacity. These statements are subject to risks
and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contained in the statements. Such statements reflect management's current views
and are based on certain assumptions. They are, by necessity, only estimates of
future developments and actual developments may differ materially from these
statements due to a number of factors. Investors are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on these forwardlooking statements. No forward-looking statement
is a guarantee of future results.
In accordance with industry practice, in this MD&A, the term "ton" or the
symbol "ST" refers to a short ton, an imperial unit of measurement equal to
0.9072 metric tonnes, and the term "tonne" or the symbol "MT" refers to a metric
tonne.
In this MD&A, unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts are expressed
in Canadian dollars, as are the term "dollars" and the symbols "$" and "CDN$".
The term "U.S. dollars" and the symbol "US$" refer to United States dollars.
The information in this report is as at February 1, 2005.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [21]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
1. Corporate Overview and Highlights
2004 Overview
2004 was a challenging year for the Company as a result of the strength of the
Canadian dollar. While the Company's financial performance was unsatisfactory,
net loss decreased by $56 million compared to 2003. The Company's performance
improvement program exceeded expectations, but weak newsprint markets, rising
energy prices and the strengthening Canadian dollar have kept the Company in a
net loss position for the year.
The improved economic activity in North America bolstered groundwood
specialty paper markets, and as a result prices trended up during the year.
Newsprint markets experienced a continued decline in consumption resulting in a
number of producers announcing indefinite capacity closures. Pulp markets fared
better with periods of high demand from China and Europe influencing the market.
The strengthening Canadian dollar significantly impacted the Company as the
majority of sales and debt were denominated in U.S. dollars. During the year,
the Canadian dollar rose 7% compared to the U.S. dollar, ending the year at
CDN$1.204, from CDN$1.292 at the end of 2003. In 2004, the negative impact on
operating earnings was approximately $107 million. The stronger Canadian dollar
also had a $44 million positive impact on 2004 net earnings from the translation
of foreign-denominated debt.
CDN$/US$ average spot rate
[GRAPH]
Norske Skog Canada Limited [22]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The Company concluded its 2004 performance improvement program, exceeding its
$90 million year-over-year improvement target by $13 million. See the "2004
Strategic Initiatives" section for a detailed discussion on the current year
results.
Ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East and global demand, as well as
locally-regulated electricity rate increases led to escalating energy costs for
the second consecutive year. The Company's hedging program succeeded in
mitigating the extent of these challenges on the bottom line.
Groundwood paper producers secured several price increases during the year,
reflecting steadily improving printing and writing paper demand. Strong market
conditions during the year enabled the Company to secure average transaction
price increases of $US41 per tonne and $US78 per tonne for lightweight coated
("LWC") and uncoated groundwood grades, respectively. Despite a sustained period
of weak consumption, newsprint supply remained balanced, and producers secured
price increases of approximately $US51 per tonne year over year.
Strong momentum from the printing and writing paper markets along with
periods of heavy shipments to China and Europe kept the pulp market tight
throughout most of the year. The pulp market weakened during the third quarter
primarily as a result of reduced demand by China. However, both volume and
prices recovered in the fourth quarter, assisting producers in realizing average
year-over-year price increases for Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft ("NBSK") of
$US93 per tonne.
In the fourth quarter, the Company announced plans to indefinitely idle its
Port Alberni No.3 paper machine in February 2005, in response to the prolonged
strength of the Canadian dollar. Curtailment of this machine displaces 140,000
tonnes per year of newsprint, and is not expected to adversely impact the
Company's earnings in 2005. An estimated 200 employees will be affected by the
curtailment of this machine and related restructuring costs of approximately
$2.0 million were recorded in 2004. Approximately $4 million in additional costs
are expected in the first quarter of 2005.
Restructuring costs for the year were approximately $6.8 million and
included restructuring at the Crofton and Powell River mills earlier in the year
and the previously mentioned newsprint curtailment at the Port Alberni mill.
2004 Highlights
- -- Realized a $103 million improvement in EBITDA as a result of the Company's
2004 performance improvement program.
- -- Commenced plans to optimize business processes, which will reduce the
workforce by approximately 200 positions. The business process optimization
included the upgrade of the No.2 recovery boiler at Elk Falls, which
enabled the Company to benefit from the savings associated with the related
shutdown of the No.1 recovery boiler.
- -- Strengthened liquidity and lowered cost of capital by issuing US$250
million 7.375% senior notes and using the proceeds to redeem the Company's
US$200 million 10% notes.
- -- Invested $7.5 million in the No.10 paper machine at Powell River, enabling
the production of more hi-brite uncoated specialty grades.
- -- Modified the production mix on the No. 9 paper machine at Powell River from
newsprint to higher-margin specialty grades.
- -- Realized total benefits of $19.1 million from the paper recycling division
acquisition in late 2003.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [23]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Selected Financial Information
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise stated) 2004 2003 2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ----
Sales(1) $1,878.2 $1,820.5 $1,704.0
Operating earnings (loss) (31.3) (111.6) (121.9)
EBITDA(2) 152.8 78.3 56.6
Net earnings (loss) (28.6) (84.5) (123.3)
EBITDA margin(2)(3) 8.1% 4.3% 3.3%
Net earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted (0.13) (0.41) (0.64)
Total assets 2,745.9 2,816.4 2,897.1
Total long-term liabilities $1,417.6 $1,479.9 $1,468.7
-------- -------- --------
Sales (000 tonnes)
Specialties 1,115.5 1,084.7 959.8
Newsprint 754.7 768.7 749.5
-------- -------- --------
Total paper 1,870.2 1,853.4 1,709.3
Pulp 405.5 421.3 381.2
-------- -------- --------
Total sales 2,275.7 2,274.7 2,090.5
-------- -------- --------
Production (000 tonnes)
Specialties 1,123.1 1,075.3 979.3
Newsprint 757.8 774.8 747.2
-------- -------- --------
Total paper 1,880.9 1,850.1 1,726.5
Pulp 420.9 418.8 374.3
-------- -------- --------
Total production 2,301.8 2,268.9 2,100.8
-------- -------- --------
Effective foreign exchange rate C$/US$(4) 1.359 1.454 1.544
Average spot foreign exchange rate C$/US$(5) 1.302 1.402 1.570
Period-end spot foreign exchange rate C$/US$(6) 1.204 1.292 1.580
-------- -------- --------
Common shares (millions):
At period end 214.6 214.6 205.9
Weighted average 214.6 206.6 193.4
-------- -------- --------
(1) Comparative figures have been restated to reflect the reclassification of
distribution costs.
(2) EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. Refer to "Non-GAAP Measures" for further
details.
(3) EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA as a percentage of sales.
(4) Effective foreign exchange rate represents a blended rate which takes into
account the applicable spot rates and the Company's revenue hedging program
in the reporting period.
(5) Average spot foreign exchange rate is the average Bank of Canada noon spot
rate over the reporting period.
(6) Period-end spot foreign exchange rate is the Bank of Canada noon spot rate.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [24]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Overview of the Business
The Company's business includes printing papers and market pulp, operating in
three business segments:
Specialties
Consists of soft-calendered and machine-finished ("MF") hi-brite uncoated,
lightweight coated, directory, and kraft paper grades. Groundwood specialty
paper grades are manufactured on ten paper machines at Crofton, Elk Falls, Port
Alberni and Powell River. The segment has a total production capacity of
1,197,000 tonnes.
Newsprint
Produced on five paper machines at Crofton, Elk Falls, and Powell River. The
segment has a total production capacity of 773,000 tonnes.
Pulp
Composed of sawdust-based pulp, manufactured at Elk Falls, and NBSK,
manufactured at the Crofton mill. The segment has a total production capacity of
498,000 tonnes.
The Company also operates the largest paper recycling operation in Western
Canada, in support of its business segments, with a production capacity of
148,000 air-dried equivalent tonnes of pulp per year, the majority of which is
consumed internally.
The chart below illustrates the Company's principal paper and pulp
products, applications, and annual capacity.
Product Profile
Specialty Paper Grades Newsprint Pulp
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
Uncoated Papers
-----------------------------------
Category Soft-Calendered Machine-Finished Coated Paper Directory Kraft Paper Newsprint Market Pulp
- -------- --------------- ---------------- ------------ --------- ----------- --------- -----------
Brand Silverliner
Platinumliner
Electrasoft Chromium- Elk Prime
Electracal Electrabrite liner Crofton
Electraprime Electrastar Electracote Catalyst Bronzeliner Marathon NBSK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------
Basis Weight(1) 36.6 - 52 45 - 62 44.4 - 66.6 28 - 40 127 - 250 43 - 48.8 n/a
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------
Applications Magazines, Magazines, Magazines, Telephone Packaging Newspapers, Tissue,
Supplements, Supplements, Catalogues, books, Airline applications Inserts, Flyers, Freesheet,
Catalogues, Inserts, Flyers Inserts, Flyers, schedules, Supplements, Specialty
Inserts, Direct mail, Direct mail Catalogues Directories, paper,
Flyers, PR and corporate Timetables Whitetop
Directories communication linerboard
books/manuals
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------
Capacity
(tonnes) 476,000 217,000 373,000 131,000 773,000 498,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------
% of Total
Capacity 20% 9% 15% 5% 31% 20%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------
(1). In grams per square metre.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [25]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The Company's diverse range of products is sold on five continents. The
consolidated sales distribution for 2004 was as follows:
Sales by Geographic Area
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PIE CHART]
United States
55%
Canada
11%
Asia & Australia
18%
Latin America
9%
Europe & Other
7%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004 Strategic Initiatives
The Company's long-term objective is to achieve higher, sustainable earnings,
and maximize cash flow by strengthening its position as a leading producer of
value-added paper and related forest products. The Company's four key strategic
initiatives in 2004 were as follows:
(All amounts pre-tax in millions of Canadian dollars)
Initiative Performance Goal Goal Achievement
- ---------- ---------------- ---- -----------
a) Components of 2004
Performance Improvement Program
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
i) Grade Development and Develop new, higher-value specialty products
Product Optimization and reduce exposure to newsprint market $12 $18
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ii) Cost Reduction Optimize fibre mix
Lower freight costs
Improve energy efficiencies
Business process optimization $78 $85
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Performance Improvement Program $90 $103
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b) Other Strategic Initiatives
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
i) Enhance Liquidity Replace 10% notes with lower cost financing
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ii) Preferred Supplier Strengthen product quality
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Progress on Strategic Initiatives
(a) Performance Improvement Program
In January 2004, the Company commenced its third consecutive annual
performance improvement initiative. The 2004 performance improvement program
was aimed at generating $90 million in savings across all areas of the
Company,
Norske Skog Canada Limite [26]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
year over year. The Company identified improvements in the areas of grade
development and product optimization, and cost reduction. For the year ended
December 31, 2004, $103 million was realized from these improvements.
The following graph highlights the $90 million target and the $103 million
achievement in each business area at December 31, 2004.
2004 Performance Improvement Program ($ millions)
[GRAPH]
Achievement Target
----------- ------
Grade Development & Optimization 18 12
Energy Optimization 3 11
Fibre Optimization 15 7
Deinked Pulp Cost Reduction 19 16
Kraft Usage 21 16
Distribution 4 6
Other Manufacturing Costs 19 21
Selling, General & Admin ("SG&A") 4 1
i. Grade Development and Product Optimization
This strategic initiative included the development of new high-value specialty
paper products, and the reduction of the Company's exposure to the newsprint
market. In 2004, the Company realized earnings improvements of $18 million as a
result of its grade development and product optimization initiatives.
In pursuit of these performance initiatives, the Company accomplished the
following in 2004:
Development of Electraprime and Electrastar Grades
In 2004, the Company developed two new uncoated specialty paper grades. The
Electraprime grade is a soft-calendered, high-brightness paper designed to
compete as an alternative to super-calendered ("SC") grades used primarily for
advertising flyers and inserts. Electrastar is a super high-brightness grade
designed for applications in which brightness is a desirable characteristic such
as magazines and specialty newspapers. Both products have been well received in
the market with sales of approximately 87,500 tonnes in 2004. The Company plans
to sell an additional 40,000 tonnes in 2005. Currently, specialty paper grades
represent approximately 61% of the Company's paper business.
Powell River No.9 Paper Machine
During the year, the Company modified the production mix on the Powell River No.
9 paper machine to fully dedicate the machine to producing high-brightness
Electrastar and Electrabrite grades.
Enhancements to Powell River No.10 Paper Machine
In 2004, the Company continued to focus on optimizing its mix of high-value
specialty paper grades by upgrading the Powell River No.10 paper machine, to
enable the production of hi-brite uncoated specialty paper grades. The Company's
successful new Electraprime grade is a direct result of this initiative.
Norske Skog Canada Limite [27]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
ii. Cost Reduction
On the Company's initiative to reduce costs, the Company accomplished the
following in 2004:
Fibre Optimization
In December 2003, the Company acquired Western Canada's largest paper recycling
facility. The acquisition allowed the Company to exit a higher-cost, long-term
deinked pulp contract with the facility's previous owner. During 2004, the
Company focussed on realizing maximum value from this acquisition by increasing
its production by an additional 25,000 air-dried metric tonnes ("ADMT"),
bringing it to a current production capacity of 148,000 ADMT. In addition, the
Company also realized synergies related to chemical purchases and freight
optimization. The total benefits of the acquisition were approximately $19
million in 2004.
A major goal in 2004 was to reduce the amount of kraft as a furnish in our
specialty and newsprint products. The Company made significant progress on this
initiative, reducing kraft by 40%, from 9.7% in 2003 to 6.5% in 2004. The
Company realized approximately $21 million in savings as a result of this
initiative.
The Company also optimized its fibre mix during the year including the exit
of higher cost fibre supply contracts. The optimization yielded an additional
$15 million in savings.
Lower Freight Costs
The Company renegotiated a significant ocean cargo contract late in 2003, which
resulted in additional savings of $4 million in the current year.
Improved Energy Efficiencies
The Company is a significant consumer of energy. Optimization of the fuel mix in
the Company's power boilers has resulted in less reliance on fossil fuels in
favour of wood waste hog fuel. The Company took advantage of its ability to
alternate between oil and natural gas at several locations during the year,
allowing it to consume lower cost fuels. While energy related initiatives did
not meet the Company's performance targets, they improved EBITDA by $3 million
in 2004.
Business Process Optimization
During 2004, the Company began a new restructuring program which, when fully
implemented, is expected to generate annual savings of $18 million primarily by
reducing the Company's workforce by approximately 200 people. The restructuring
began at the beginning of the year with the Elk Falls kraft mill
rationalization. The kraft mill rationalization project included the upgrade of
the No. 2 recovery boiler which, because of the reduced consumption of kraft
pulp in paper, allowed for the shutdown of the No.1 recovery boiler and
ancillary equipment with a nominal reduction in market kraft sales.
To complete the upgrade, the No.2 recovery boiler was shut down for
approximately 65 days in the first quarter of 2004. Operating earnings were
negatively impacted by approximately $29 million as a result of this upgrade.
In addition to the larger business optimization restructuring, the Company
also completed a series of smaller initiatives such as productivity
improvements, supply contract renegotiations, benefit plan optimizations, and
property tax reductions. These smaller initiatives reduced costs by about $19
million during the year.
The Company continued to focus on reducing its SG&A costs beyond the
leading industry levels. During 2004, SG&A costs were down approximately $4
million, or 7.7%, to $50.5 million, from $54.7 million in the previous year. As
a percentage of sales, SG&A costs represented 2.7% of sales in 2004, compared to
3.0% in the previous year.
Norske Skog Canada Limite [28]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
(b) Other Strategic Initiatives
i. Enhance Liquidity
In March 2004, the Company took advantage of lower interest rates by
issuing at par US$250 million in senior notes at 7.375%, due 2014. The
proceeds were used to redeem the US$200 million 10% notes, due 2009,
and for general corporate purposes.
At December 31, 2004, the Company's $350.0 million operating
facility was undrawn and cash and cash equivalents on hand totalled $26
million. The following table highlights the Company's capitalization at
December 31, 2004 and 2003:
(In millions of Canadian dollars) As at December 31,
-----------------------
2004 2003
------ ------
Debt
Revolver $ - $ 13
Senior Notes, 8.625% due 2011 (US$400 million) 485 521
Senior Notes, 7.375% due 2014 (US$250 million) 301 -
Senior Notes, 10%, due 2009 (US$200 million) - 274
Other Non-Recourse Debt 38 38
Total debt(1) $ 824 $ 846
Shareholders' equity 1,043 1,069
Total capitalization(2) 1,867 1,915
Total debt to total Capitalization(1,2) 44% 44%
Net debt to net capitalization(3,4) 43% 44%
(1) Total debt comprises long-term debt, including current portion.
(2) Total capitalization comprises total debt and shareholders' equity.
(3) Net debt comprises total debt, less cash on hand.
(4) Net capitalization comprises net debt and shareholders' equity.
ii. Preferred Supplier
Quality Initiatives
During the year, the Company focused on improving its preferred
supplier status with key customers by continuing to improve the
consistency and reliability of its products, and on time delivery
service. This initiative resulted in a 35% reduction of product
complaints compared to the previous year.
Chain of Custody Certification
During the year, the Company implemented an independent chain of
custody system to certify its wood fibre supply. This has already
resulted in capturing some additional sales opportunities for the
Company. This is a third party audited system that identifies the
source of wood fibre, and whether or not it is derived from a forest
independently certified as being managed in accordance with a
recognized sustainable forest certification system. The independent
chain of custody certification provides a valuable tool to assure
customers that paper contains wood fibre derived from well-managed
forests.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [29]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Consolidated Results of Operations
Sales
Each of the Company's segments contributed to the $57.7 million, or 3.2%
increase in consolidated sales. The following table highlights the factors
driving the improvement in the Company's sales compared to 2003.
Sales ($ millions)
------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended Increase (decrease)
December 31 from 2003 as a result of:
------------------- --------------------------------------
Total Volume Sales Foreign
2004 2003 Change Mix Value Exchange
-------- --------- ------- -------- ------- ---------
Specialties $1,037.2 $ 1,002.7 $ 34.5 $ 28.4 $ 73.0 $ (66.9)
Newsprint 553.1 539.2 13.9 (9.8) 57.5 (33.8)
-------- --------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Total paper 1,590.3 1,541.9 48.4 18.6 130.5 (100.7)
Pulp 287.9 278.6 9.3 (10.4) 39.8 (20.1)
-------- --------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Total $1,878.2 $ 1,820.5 $ 57.7 $ 8.2 $170.3 $(120.8)
-------- --------- ------ ------ ------ --------
Operating earnings (loss)
The Company recorded an operating loss of $31.3 million for the current year,
compared to an operating loss of $111.6 million for the year ended December 31,
2003. The 2004 operating earnings improvement resulted primarily from a $74.5
million increase in EBITDA driven primarily by performance improvements and
higher market transaction prices.
Earnings Before Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization
The Company recorded EBITDA of $152.8 million for the current year, almost
doubling EBITDA of $78.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The $74.5
million improvement in EBITDA reflected higher transaction prices across all
paper and pulp grades, coupled with further performance improvements. These
gains were largely offset by the impact of the strengthening Canadian dollar.
Also partially offsetting the above gains were costs associated with the Elk
Falls recovery boiler upgrade, as well as higher inflationary costs such as
energy, labour, and fibre, and restructuring costs.
($millions)
2003 EBITDA $ 78.3
Improved paper prices 115.0
Improved pulp prices 43.0
Performance improvement program 103.0
Impact of stronger Canadian dollar (107.0)
Inflation (60.0)
Restructuring costs (5.4)
Other, primarily one-time Elk Falls rationalization costs (14.1)
--------
2004 EBITDA $ 152.8
--------
Norske Skog Canada Limited [30]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Net earnings (loss)
The Company recorded a net loss of $28.6 million ($0.13 per common share) for
the current year, compared to a net loss of $84.5 million ($0.41 per common
share) for the year ended December 31, 2003. The net loss for the current period
included a $44.0 million ($0.21 per common share) after-tax foreign exchange
gain on the translation of U.S. dollar denominated debt, compared to an
after-tax gain of $47.9 million ($0.23 per common share) for the year ended
December 31, 2003. The net loss for the previous year also included an after-tax
write down of fixed assets of $9.2 million ($0.04 per common share), related to
the rationalization of the Company's Elk Falls pulp production facility.
The following table reconciles 2004 net earnings to 2003:
($millions) Pre-tax After-tax
- ----------- -------- ---------
2003 Net earnings (loss) $ (146.5) $ (84.5)
Greater EBITDA 74.5 48.1
Lower foreign exchange gain on translation of long-term debt (4.7) (3.9)
2003 write-down of property, plant and equipment (primarily Elk Falls) 14.2 9.2
Lower amortization 5.8 3.7
Loss on repayment of long-term debt (5.2) (3.4)
Interest 0.1 0.1
Other, net 5.1 2.1
-------- -------
2004 Net earnings (loss) $ (56.7) $ (28.6)
-------- -------
Norske Skog Canada Limited [31]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
2. Segmented Results of Operations
Specialties
Summary of Selected Financial Information
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise stated) 2004 2003 2002
---------- ---------- --------
Sales(1) $ 1,037.2 $ 1,002.7 $ 947.9
EBITDA 103.4 66.0 89.9
Operating earnings (loss) 1.9 (32.5) (1.3)
EBITDA margin(1) 10.0% 6.6% 9.5%
---------- ---------- --------
Sales (000 tonnes) 1,115.5 1,084.7 959.8
Production (000 tonnes) 1,123.1 1,075.3 979.3
---------- ---------- --------
Average sales revenue per tonne(1) $ 930 $ 924 $ 988
Average cash costs per tonne(1,2) 837 864 894
---------- ---------- --------
SC-A paper, 35lb. (US$ per ton)(3) 713 675 669
LWC paper, No.5, 40lb (US$ per ton)(3) 726 688 678
Telephone directory paper, 22.1 lb. (US$ per ton)(3) 650 654 695
---------- ---------- --------
(1) Comparative figures have been restated to reflect the reclassification
of distribution costs.
(2) Average cash costs per tonne for these purposes consist of cost of
sales and SG&A costs.
(3) Benchmark prices are sourced from Resource Information Systems, Inc.
("RISI").
Markets
Coated groundwood paper markets remained tight with year-over-year demand for
North American LWC paper up 8.0%. North American uncoated groundwood paper
markets also showed strong growth with year-over-year demand up 6.4% from the
previous year. Demand for directory grades also increased significantly over the
previous year.
The strong market conditions paved the way for the Company to secure
price increases across most specialty grades in 2004. Average LWC and SC-A paper
benchmark prices were each up approximately US$38 per ton compared to the
previous year. Directory pricing was largely unchanged from the previous year.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [32]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Specialty Paper Grades Average U.S. Benchmark Prices (US$)
[CHART]
The North American economy continues to be a key driver for the Company's
speciality paper business with 83% of product sold to this market.
Specialties 2004 Geographic Sales Distribution
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PIE CHART]
United States
72%
Canada
11%
Asia & Australasia
6%
Europe & Other
2%
Latin America
9%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norske Skog Canada Limited [33]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Segment Overview
As previously highlighted, the Company completed the development of two new
grades in 2004, Electrastar and Electraprime. In doing so, the Company was able
to dedicate the full production of its No. 9 paper machine at Powell River to
specialties production.
Sales for coated grades were strong throughout the year with an overall
increase of 8,800 tonnes over 2003. The primary focus was to reduce the average
basis weights of coated grades. In 2004, North American sales represented 92% of
the business, an increase of 3% over the previous year.
The directory market remained strong during the year with a slight
growth in sales over the previous year. The Company expanded sales of its high
bulk grades, which provide customers with lower basis weight products without
any loss in caliper or performance.
The Company continued to actively manage its kraft paper grades and
market mix, reducing its production of Bronzeliner in favour of the higher-value
Silverliner and Chromiumliner products. During 2003, hardwood was introduced
into these grades to improve the smoothness of the product. The Company has
further developed its market share in non-traditional locations such as Latin
America to lessen the seasonality of sales typical of the North American market.
Operational Performance
The specialties business recorded operating earnings of $1.9 million on sales of
$1,037.2 million for the current year, compared to an operating loss of $32.5
million on sales of $1,002.7 million for the previous year. EBITDA of $103.4
million for the current year was $37.4 million higher than the $66.0 million
recorded for the previous year.
Sales volume of 1,115,500 tonnes in the current year increased 30,800
tonnes, or 2.8%, compared to the previous year, largely reflecting stronger
market conditions and a shift to specialty grades from newsprint.
Average sales revenue in the current year of $930 per tonne increased
$6 per tonne compared to the previous year. Higher transaction prices for all
specialty paper grades, and, to a lesser extent, a higher-value sales mix more
than offset the adverse impact of the strengthening Canadian dollar.
Average cash costs in the current year were $837 per tonne, an
improvement of $27 per tonne compared to the previous year. Savings from
performance improvements were the primary drivers of the lower costs. These
savings were partially offset by the impact of increased energy and
restructuring costs.
Outlook
In specialty markets, order books remain full well into the first quarter of
2005. Coated paper markets are expected to support additional price increases
over the balance of 2005. Demand for uncoated grades is expected to continue
strengthening as rising coated paper costs drive cost-conscious buyers to
uncoated groundwood grades such as soft-calendered and MF hi-brites. Market
commentators anticipate that many uncoated specialty grades should record
further price increases, particularly for the higher-value grades. For
directory, contract prices in 2005 will reflect modest price gains, while the
spot market is expected to support higher prices in the first quarter.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [34]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Newsprint
Summary of Selected Financial Information
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise stated) 2004 2003 2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Sales(1) $ 553.1 $ 539.2 $ 518.2
EBITDA 45.2 5.1 (22.6)
Operating earnings (loss) (4.3) (56.6) (86.0)
EBITDA margin(1) 8.2% 0.9% (4.4%)
-------- -------- --------
Sales (000 tonnes) 754.7 768.7 749.5
Production (000 tonnes) 757.8 774.8 747.2
-------- -------- --------
Average sales revenue per tonne(1) $ 733 $ 701 $ 691
Average cash costs per tonne(1,2) 673 695 721
-------- -------- --------
Newsprint 48.8 gsm, West Coast Delivery (US$ per tonne)(3) 544 493 456
-------- -------- --------
(1) Comparative figures have been restated to reflect the reclassification
of distribution costs.
(2) Average cash costs per tonne for these purposes consist of cost of
sales and SG&A costs.
(3) Benchmark prices are sourced from RISI.
Markets
Newspaper circulation in North America continued to decline during 2004. Overall
U.S. newsprint consumption was down 1.7% year over year. However, markets
tightened somewhat, enabling North American producers to secure average price
increases of US$51 per tonne compared to the previous year.
Standard newsprint Average West Coast U.S. delivery transaction price (in US$
per tonne)
[LINE CHART]
Norske Skog Canada Limited [35]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Approximately 66% of the Company's newsprint sales were to the U.S. and Canada.
The 2004 geographical sales distribution is depicted in the chart below.
Newsprint 2004 Geographic Sales Distribution
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PIE CHART]
United States
51%
Canada
15%
Asia & Australasia
21%
Latin America
13%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment Overview
In December 2004, the Company announced the indefinite curtailment of 140,000
tonnes of newsprint capacity to be effective February 2005. The closure allows
the Company to optimize the profitability of its newsprint business.
The Company continued to make progress toward its goal of lowering
basis weights in 2004. This drive toward lighter basis weights will also
continue into 2005.
Cost reduction was a key initiative in 2004. The largest single
contributor in the reduction of the manufacturing cost of newsprint has been
furnish optimization. In particular, the Company has reduced the kraft content
in its newsprint from 6.3% in 2003 to 3.7% in 2004.
Newsprint Cash Cost Trend 12-month rolling average (Cash cost - $CDN/tonne)
[LINE GRAPH]
Norske Skog Canada Limited [36]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Operational Performance
The newsprint business recorded an operating loss of $4.3 million on sales of
$553.1 million for the current year. This was a significant improvement over the
previous year when the business recorded an operating loss of $56.6 million on
sales of $539.2 million. EBITDA of $45.2 million for the current period improved
$40.1 million from EBITDA of $5.1 million for the previous year.
Newsprint sales volume of 754,700 tonnes in the current year decreased
14,000 tonnes, or 1.8%, from the previous year, primarily reflecting the
Company's long-term growth in speciality grades.
Average sales revenue in the current year of $733 per tonne increased
$32 per tonne from the previous year. Higher average transaction prices were
partially offset by the effects of the strengthening Canadian dollar.
Average newsprint cash costs in the current year were $673 per tonne,
an improvement of $22 per tonne, compared to the previous year. The savings
realized from performance improvement initiatives and lower maintenance spending
were partially offset by higher energy prices.
Outlook
Consumption of newsprint in North America remains a concern. However, due to its
ability to switch grades and machine flexibility, the Company is well positioned
to take advantage of either a recovery or any continuation of reduced
consumption. A US$35 per tonne newsprint price increase has been announced by
major producers for March 1, 2005. Rising prices in uncoated groundwood grades
are also likely to be a positive factor in this market as commercial printers
consider switching to lower cost newsprint grades.
Pulp
Summary of Selected Financial Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise stated) 2004 2003 2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------
Sales(1) $287.9 $278.6 $237.9
EBITDA 4.2 7.2 (10.7)
Operating earnings (loss) (28.9) (22.5) (34.6)
EBITDA margin(1) 1.5% 2.6% (4.5%)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales (000 tonnes) 405.5 421.3 381.2
Production (000 tonnes) 420.9 418.8 374.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average sales revenue per tonne(1) $ 710 $ 661 $ 624
Average cash costs per tonne(1,2) 699 644 652
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBSK pulp, Northern Europe Delivery (US$ per tonne)(3) 618 525 458
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Comparative figures have been restated to reflect the reclassification of
distribution costs.
(2) Average cash costs per tonne for these purposes consist of cost of sales
and SG&A costs.
(3) Benchmark prices are sourced from RISI.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [37]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Markets
As anticipated, the performance of the Chinese economy and global paper demand
were key drivers of demand growth during 2004. Global market pulp shipments were
up 5.9% from the previous year. Average NBSK benchmark pulp prices increased
US$93 per tonne, or 17.7% compared to 2003.
In the first half of the year pulp markets were robust with average
European transaction prices reaching US$660 per tonne in June 2004, their
highest level in over three years. The expected departure of Chinese buyers from
the markets during the summer months put downward pressure on prices during the
latter half of the year. However, capacity closures during the fourth quarter
and the strengthening Canadian dollar put upward pressure on prices, resulting
in a US$30 per tonne price increase in December 2004.
Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Average Northern Europe delivery transaction
price (US$ per tonne)
(LINE GRAPH)
The Company's market pulp is shipped primarily to markets in Asia and Europe. In
2004, the Company's geographical sales distribution was as follows:
Pulp 2004 Geographic Sales Distribution
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(PIE CHART)
Asia & Australasia
56%
Europe & Other
43%
Canada
1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norske Skog Canada Limited [38]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Segment Overview
The pulp business segment had lower sales volumes in 2004 mainly as a result of
a boiler rebuild at the Elk Falls mill. Offsetting this production loss was
reduced internal kraft consumption in our paper operations. The Crofton paper
mill has now permanently eliminated the usage of kraft pulp in paper production
and kraft consumption at the other three mills decreased significantly in 2004.
The segment also focused on balancing its inventory and order book
between Chinese and European markets, and consequently was able to effectively
manage through the volatile markets in 2004.
Capacity improvements at the Crofton mill are scheduled for completion
in January 2005. These will lead to increased production of long-fibre pulp by
approximately 21,000 tonnes.
Operational Performance
The pulp business recorded an operating loss of $28.9 million on sales of $287.9
million for the current year, compared to the previous year when the business
recorded an operating loss of $22.5 million on sales of $278.6 million. EBITDA
of $4.2 million for the current period was $3.0 million lower than EBITDA of
$7.2 million for the same period last year.
Pulp sales volume of 405,500 tonnes in the current year decreased
15,800 tonnes, or 3.8%, from the previous year. The reduction reflected higher
downtime arising from the scheduled recovery boiler upgrade at Elk Falls earlier
in the year, and was partially offset by lower internal usage of kraft in paper
manufacturing.
Average sales revenue in the current year of $710 per tonne increased
$49 per tonne over the previous year due to higher average transaction prices.
These were partially offset by the adverse impact of the strengthening Canadian
dollar.
Average cash costs in the current year were $699 per tonne, an increase of $55
per tonne compared to the previous year, primarily as a result of the scheduled
Elk Falls recovery boiler upgrade in the first quarter of this year. Savings
from performance improvement initiatives partially offset these higher costs.
Outlook
For pulp products, improved demand is expected from the U.S. and Western Europe
as well as certain parts of Asia where re-stocking is underway. This should
result in modest price improvements in 2005. New hardwood pulp capacity coming
on-line in 2005 indicates that a significant price gap between NBSK and hardwood
is likely to persist.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [39]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
3. Liquidity and Capital Resources
Selected Financial Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise stated) 2004 2003 2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ -------
Cash flows provided (used) by operations before changes
in non-cash working capital $ 88.9 $ 0.1 $(20.6)
Changes in non-cash working capital (24.4) 22.4 25.8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows provided by operations 64.5 22.5 5.2
Cash flows used by investing activities (41.8) (96.1) (42.5)
Cash flows provided (used) by financing activities 3.3 73.6 (67.5)
Capital spending 68.0 81.4 82.2
Amortization 184.1 189.9 178.5
Capital spending as % of amortization 37% 43% 46%
Total debt to total capitalization(1,2) 44% 44% 44%
Net debt to net capitalization(3,4) 43% 44% 44%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Total debt comprises long-term debt, including current portion.
(2) Total capitalization comprises total debt and shareholders' equity.
(3) Net debt comprises total debt, less cash on hand.
(4) Net capitalization comprises net debt and shareholders' equity.
The Company's working capital financing consists of internally generated funds
and a revolving operating facility. The variable rate revolving operating
facility is secured against substantially all of the assets of the Company. The
Company's principal cash requirements are for working capital, capital
expenditures, and interest payments on the Company's debt. Cash flows are funded
almost entirely through operations and where necessary, through the revolving
operating facility. If necessary, liquidity requirements may be funded through
the issuance of debt, equity, or both. Access to current and alternative sources
of financing at competitive cost is dependent upon the Company's credit ratings
and capital market conditions. The Company believes that the cash flow from
operations and the revolving operating facility will be sufficient to meet the
Company's anticipated capital expenditure and debt repayment obligations in the
near and intermediate term.
Operating Activities
Cash flows provided from operating activities, after changes in non-cash working
capital, in the current year was $64.5 million compared to cash provided from
operating activities of $22.5 million in the previous year. The increase of
$42.0 million was primarily attributed to the positive impact of the 2004
performance improvement program. The positive impact on cash flows from the
decrease in net loss was partially offset by the corresponding increase in
working capital requirements. Cash flows from changes in non-cash working
capital from the previous year decreased by $46.8 million, primarily due to
increases in accounts receivable and inventories.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [40]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Investing Activities
Cash flows used for investing activities in the current year totalled $41.8
million, compared to $96.1 million in the previous year. The primary reasons for
the change were the receipt of $26.6 million from a related party for a purchase
price adjustment (see "Related Party Transactions section") during 2004, and the
absence of the $32.1 million cash outlay for the paper recycling division
acquisition in the prior year.
The Company's capital spending was in line with expectations and
totalled $68.0 million, compared to $81.4 million in the previous year. Major
capital investments during the year included the majority of the work required
to complete the upgrade of the Elk Falls recovery boiler and upgrades to the
No.10 paper machine at Powell River, which have enabled the Company to produce
higher-gloss uncoated specialty paper grades, such as the Company's Electraprime
grade.
Capital spending is expected to be approximately $120 million for 2005.
Among the largest capital projects will be major upgrades to the TMP facilities
at Crofton and Powell River to improve the product quality and productivity of
their facilities. Cash flows are expected to be generated primarily from
operations and the revolving operating facility, if necessary.
Financing Activities
Cash flows provided by financing activities was $3.3 million in the current year
compared to cash flows provided of $73.6 million in the previous year. This
decrease resulted primarily from differences arising between the senior notes
issuances and repayments between years. In the current year, proceeds received
from the issuance of US$250 million 7.375% senior notes were used to repay the
US$200 million 10% senior notes and related costs, whereas in the previous year
proceeds from the issuance of US$150 million 8.625% senior notes were primarily
used to repay the outstanding balance of $105 million on the Company's revolving
operating loan.
Debt
As of December 31, 2004, the borrowing base on the Company's $350.0 million
revolving operating facility was $341.1 million. After outstanding letters of
credit of $22.6 million, $318.5 million was available at year-end. Total
long-term debt outstanding as at December 31, 2004 was $823.6 million. Principal
repayments on this debt do not begin until June 2009. The Company's net debt to
net capitalization ratio as of December 31, 2004, was 43%, or 1% lower than
December 31, 2003.
As previously noted, in March 2004, the Company issued US$250 million
7.375% senior notes, which are repayable in 2014. The notes were issued at par
and resulted in net proceeds of US$245.2 million. The proceeds were used
primarily to redeem the Company's US$200 million 10% notes due March 2009. The
balance of the proceeds was used for general corporate purposes.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [41]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The following table illustrates the changes in the Company's long-term debt
during 2004.
Carrying Value Net Increase Foreign Carrying Value
(In millions of Canadian dollars) December 31, 2003 (Decrease) Exchange December 31, 2004
----------------- ------------ -------- -----------------
Recourse
Senior notes, 10% due March 2009
(US$200.0 million)(1) $ 274.5 $ (266.1) $ (8.4) $ -
Senior notes, 8.625% due June 2011
(US$400.0 million) 521.2 - (36.1) 485.1
Senior notes, 7.375% due March 2014
(US$250.0 million)(2) - 333.1 (32.2) 300.9
Revolving operating facility of up to
$350.0 million due July 2007 with
interest based on Canadian Prime/BA rates
or U.S. Base/LIBOR rates(3) 12.5 (12.5) - -
Non-recourse (PREI)
First mortgage bonds, 6.387% due July 2009 37.6 - - 37.6
-------- -------- ------- --------
Total long-term debt $ 845.8 $ 54.5 $ (76.7) $ 823.6
======== ======== ======= ========
(1) Redeemed with proceeds of senior notes issue described in 2.
(2) US$250.0 million senior notes issued March 23, 2004.
(3) Repaid with proceeds of senior notes issue described in 2.
In February 2004, Moody's lowered its credit ratings on the Company's senior
unsecured debt to Ba3 from Ba2, on the Company's secured credit facilities to
Ba2 from Ba1, and confirmed its outlook on the Company's debt ratings as
negative. The downgrade was cited as due to the prolonged downturn in the market
for newsprint and other products the Company manufactures.
In December 2004, Standard and Poor's (S&P) lowered its long-term
corporate credit and senior unsecured ratings to BB- from BB and its senior
secured rating to BB from BB+, and confirmed the outlook as negative. The rapid
appreciation of the Canadian dollar as well as continued energy pressures were
attributed to the downgrade. The adjustment makes the S&P ratings similar to
those of Moody's.
As a result of these downgrades, any future borrowings under the
revolving credit facility will be at a slightly higher rate because the interest
rate includes a margin that varies with the Company's credit rating. These
downgrades do not have any other direct impacts. However, they could negatively
impact the Company's cost of additional borrowing, and potentially its cost of
capital.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [42]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The following table highlights the Company's credit ratings and outlook with
Moody's and S&P, as of December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002.
December 31,
-----------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
-------- -------- --------
Moody's
Outlook Negative Negative Stable
Issuer rating Ba3 Ba2 Ba2
Senior implied issuer Ba3 Ba2 Ba2
Bank loan debt Ba2 Ba1 Ba1
Senior unsecured debt Ba3 Ba2 Ba2
Standard & Poor's
Outlook Negative Negative Negative
Long-term corporate credit BB- BB BB+
Senior unsecured debt BB- BB BB+
Senior secured debt BB BB+ BB+
The Company remains in compliance with the covenants under its revolving
operating facility and bond indentures. As at December 31, 2004 and for the
first time in eleven quarters, the Company exceeded the 2.0:1 threshold on the
consolidated fixed charge ratio under the bond indentures. While not
constituting a default while the Company remained below this threshold it was
prohibited from incurring additional debt outside the existing debt facilities.
The Company continues to be subject to restrictions on paying dividends
under its senior notes. The restriction on certain payments, defined in the note
indentures, is principally based on changes in shareholders' equity. With the
Company's accumulated losses since 2002, the Company is not currently permitted,
under its 8.625% senior note indenture, to pay dividends. The Company expects
that once it is consistently generating net earnings the restriction will be
removed.
Financial Instruments
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to foreign currency and
price risk associated with revenues, which are predominately in U.S. dollars,
energy costs, and long-term debt. In accordance with its Board-approved foreign
exchange risk management program, the Company manages its exposure to these
risks through the use of financial instruments. The Company also uses interest
rate swaps to reduce its exposure to long-term fixed interest rates associated
with its senior notes. The Company does not enter into financial instruments for
speculative purposes.
Revenue Risk Management Instruments
In respect of revenues, the Company uses foreign currency options and forward
contracts outstanding to sell U.S. dollars. At December 31, 2004, 74% of the
contracts are designated as hedging instruments and the resulting foreign
exchange translation gains and losses are recognized concurrently with the
hedged revenue in "Sales". At period end exchange rates, the net amount the
Company would receive to settle the foreign currency options and forward
contracts is $50.2 million, of which $14.2 million, associated with the
non-hedging instruments, is included in "Sales" and "Prepaids and other". The
hedging program improved the Company's sales by $68.4 million in 2004.
At December 31, 2004 and 2003, no price hedging instruments were
outstanding in respect of products sold.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [43]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Long-term Debt Risk Management Instruments
In respect of long-term debt, the Company has US$115.5 million in forward
foreign exchange contracts to acquire U.S. dollars. These instruments are not
designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, and are included in
"Other long-term obligations" on the balance sheet at their fair value.
Settlements and changes in fair value are recognized in earnings as "Foreign
exchange gain on translation of long-term debt". At period-end exchange rates,
the net amount the Company would pay to settle these contracts is $41.7 million.
Cost Risk Management Instruments
To hedge against the effect of energy cost fluctuations, the Company enters into
contracts to fix the price of a portion of the Company's oil and gas exposure.
The contracts are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes
and are reported as "Prepaids and other" on the balance sheet at their fair
value. Settlements and changes in fair value are recognized in "Cost of sales".
At period-end contract rates, the net amount the Company would receive to settle
these contracts is $3.8 million, $3.5 million of which is included in "Cost of
sales" and "Prepaids and other".
Interest Rate Swaps
The Company often enters into interest rate swaps to manage exposure to changes
in long-term fixed interest rates associated with the Company's senior notes.
The Company has entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps on US$30
million and has designated them as hedging instruments. At period-end rates, the
net amount the Company would receive to settle these contracts is $1.4 million.
4. Related Party Transactions
The Company's related parties include Norske Skogindustrier ASA ("Norske Skog"),
a significant shareholder, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, and
Norske Skog North America LLC ("NSNALLC"), a joint venture between Norske Skog
and NorskeCanada.
NSNALLC
The Company has an agency agreement with NSNALLC, which provides for sales of
certain specialty products in the U.S. During the year the Company paid $4.8
million in commission expenses. These transactions are in accordance with normal
third party trade practices.
Norske Skog
In prior years, the Company acquired from wholly owned subsidiaries of Fletcher
Challenge Limited, a major shareholder up to July 28, 2000, companies with
available tax losses. The purchase price for these companies is subject to
adjustment under certain conditions. In addition to the $19.3 million amount
recorded as at December 31, 2003, the Company recorded a further adjustment of
$7.1 million in the second quarter of 2004, reflecting a reduction to the
purchase price. The Company collected the receivable of $26.6 million (including
an interest adjustment of $0.2 million) in the third quarter.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [44]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Norske Skog
The Company has sales arrangements with affiliates of Norske Skog, and has
entered into agency and distribution agreements whereby all sales of the
Company's newsprint and specialty papers in certain international markets are
affected through affiliates of Norske Skog. During the year, product sales to
these affiliates were $121.7 million. These transactions are in accordance with
normal third party trade practices.
5. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Financial Instruments
The Company has ongoing programs with respect to financial instruments, for
which the Company has elected to designate some as hedging instruments. The
Company has designated the following as hedging instruments. When designated as
hedging instruments, the fair value is not recorded in the financial statements.
- -- Revenues - Foreign currency options and forward contracts to sell
US$389 million to major financial institutions.
- -- Interest Rates - Fixed to floating interest rate swaps with major
financial institutions on notional US$30 million. The Company will
receive a fixed rate of 7.375% and pay a floating rate averaging LIBOR
plus 1.97%.
Refer to financial instruments discussion within the "Liquidity and Capital
Resources" section for further discussion of financial instruments.
Guarantees
Business Dispositions
The Company sold its Mackenzie pulp operations in June 2001. In this regard, the
Company provided a 10-year environmental indemnity with a maximum liability to
the Company of $12.5 million. This liability has subsequently been reduced by
expenditures related to certain decommissioning projects. The Company is unable
to estimate its potential liability under this indemnity as the amounts are
dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events, the nature and
likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. As such, no liability has
been recorded for these potential obligations.
In connection with dispositions of certain businesses in 1997, the
Company provided tax indemnities, which survive while the relevant tax years of
the indemnified parties remain open to audit. The Company does not expect any
significant claims with respect to these liabilities and has therefore not
recorded any related liability.
Loans
The Company has entered a building lease agreement whereby it has agreed to
continue making the prescribed lease payments to the financial institution
holding the mortgage in the amount of approximately $14 million on the building
in the event the lessor is no longer able to meet its contractual obligations.
This agreement does not increase the Company's liability beyond the obligations
for the building lease.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [45]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Recycling Plant Acquisition
In connection with the acquisition of the paper recycling business in December
2003, the Company has provided indemnities with respect to representations and
warranties related to general corporate matters and to the shares that have been
issued to the vendors. Liability under these indemnities expires in November
2008, except that the indemnity related to title to the shares does not expire.
The Company does not expect any significant claims with respect to these
indemnities. The Company has also provided indemnities with respect to general
environmental matters under its lease of the land and buildings. The Company has
agreed to indemnify the landlord for all costs, claims and damages related to
any release by the Company of any hazardous substances on the property or the
breach by the Company of its environmental covenants under the lease or any
environmental laws. This indemnity is indefinite and survives after the lease is
terminated. The Company is not liable for pre-existing environmental conditions.
6. Contractual Obligations
The following table presents the aggregate amount of future cash outflows of
contractual obligations as of December 31, 2004, excluding amounts due for
interest on outstanding indebtedness.
Payments due by Period
---------------------------------------------------------------
Less than After
(In millions of Canadian dollars) Total 1 Year 1-3 Years 4-5 Years 5 Years
- --------------------------------- ------- --------- --------- --------- -------
Long-term debt $ 823.6 $ - $ - $37.6 $786.0
Capital lease obligations 8.0 0.7 1.5 1.5 4.3
Operating leases 105.6 13.3 22.5 17.0 52.8
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 937.2 14.0 $24.0 $56.1 $843.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Summary of Quarterly Results
The following table highlights selected financial information for the eight
consecutive quarters ending December 31, 2004.
For a more detailed analysis on Q4, 2004 results see the Company's Fourth
Quarter Report.
2003 2004
------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
(In millions of Canadian dollars) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
- --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Sales(1) $445.5 $440.5 $473.7 $460.8 $454.5 $479.6 $466.8 $477.3
Net earnings (loss) (24.8) (18.3) (28.1) (13.3) (46.3) (24.0) 28.0 13.7
Net earnings (loss) per share
- basic and diluted $(0.12) $(0.09) $(0.14) $(0.06) $(0.22) $(0.11) $ 0.13 $ 0.06
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Comparative figures have been restated to reflect the reclassification
of distribution costs.
In Q1, 2004, the net loss decreased by $33.0 million ($0.15 per common share)
compared to Q4, 2003 largely due to a decrease in the after-tax foreign exchange
gain arising from the translation of U.S. dollar debt of $20.1 million, the Elk
Falls recovery boiler upgrade, and the Crofton pulp annual maintenance shut
down.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [46]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
In Q2, 2004, the $22.3 million ($0.10 per common share) improvement in
the net loss compared to Q1, 2004 primarily related to lower maintenance work,
increased prices, and performance improvement initiatives.
In Q3, 2004, the $52.0 million ($0.24 per common share) improvement in
net earnings compared to Q2, 2004 was largely due to an increase in the
after-tax foreign exchange gain arising from the translation of U.S. dollar debt
of $44.8 million and additional costs savings from performance improvement
initiatives.
In Q4, 2004, the $14.3 million ($0.07 per common share) decrease in net
earnings compared to Q3, 2004 was largely due to a decrease in the after-tax
foreign exchange gain arising from the translation of U.S. dollar debt of $8.4
million, the adverse impact on sales of the strengthening Canadian dollar, and
softening pulp prices.
8. Non-GAAP Measures
The following measure included in this report does not have a standardized
meaning under Canadian GAAP:
- -- EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and
amortization)
EBITDA, as defined, equates to operating earnings (loss) plus
amortization. The Company focuses on EBITDA as this measure enables comparison
of the Company's results between periods without regard to debt service, income
taxes and capital expenditure requirements. As such, the Company believes it
would be useful for investors and other users to be aware of this measure so
they can better assess the Company's performance. This measure should not be
considered by an investor as an alternative to net income, an indicator of the
financial performance of the Company or an alternative to cash flows as a
measure of liquidity.
As there is no generally accepted method of calculating EBITDA, the
measure as calculated by the Company might not be comparable to similarly titled
measures reported by other companies.
The following table reconciles the Company's EBITDA to net earnings
(loss):
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions of Canadian dollars) 2004 2003 2002
- ------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- -------
EBITDA $ 152.8 $ 78.3 $ 56.6
Amortization (184.1) (189.9) (178.5)
Foreign exchange gain on translation of long-term debt 53.5 58.2 12.3
Write-down of property, plant and equipment -- (14.2) --
Loss on repayment of long-term debt (5.2) -- --
Other income (expense), net 1.2 (3.9) (13.3)
Interest expense, net (74.9) (75.0) (76.2)
Income tax recovery 28.1 62.0 75.8
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) $ (28.6) $ (84.5) $(123.3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian GAAP
requires companies to establish accounting policies and to make estimates that
affect both the amount and timing of the recording of assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses. Some of these estimates require judgments about matters
that are inherently uncertain.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [47]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere in
this Annual Report, includes a summary of the significant accounting policies
used in the preparation of those consolidated financial statements. While all of
the significant accounting policies are important to the consolidated financial
statements, some of these policies may be viewed as involving a high degree of
judgment. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates, including those
related to environmental and legal liabilities, impairment of long-lived assets,
pension and post-retirement benefits, provision for bad/doubtful accounts, and
income taxes based upon currently available information. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
The following accounting policies require management's most difficult,
subjective and complex judgments and are subject to a fair degree of measurement
uncertainty:
Environmental and Legal Liabilities
Environmental and legal liabilities are recorded on an undiscounted basis when
it is considered probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of
the loss can be reasonably estimated. Liabilities for environmental matters
require evaluations of applicable environmental regulations and estimates of
remediation alternatives and the costs thereof. Provisions for liabilities
relating to legal actions and claims require judgments regarding projected
outcomes and the range of loss, based on such factors as historical experience
and recommendations of legal counsel.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets, primarily plant and equipment, for
impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
value of assets may not be recoverable. Canadian GAAP requires the Company to
make certain judgments, assumptions and estimates in identifying such events and
changes in circumstances, and in assessing their impact on the valuations and
economic lives of the affected assets. Impairments are recognized when the book
values exceed management's estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows, or
net recoverable amounts, associated with the affected assets. Impaired assets
are recorded at fair value, determined principally by using discounted future
cash flows expected from their use and eventual disposition. Key assumptions in
estimating these cash flows and fair values include future production volumes
and average product pricing over the commodity cycle, and future estimates of
expenses to be incurred.
Due to the numerous variables associated with judgments and assumptions
relating to the valuation of assets in such situations, the precision and
accuracy of estimates of related impairment charges are subject to significant
uncertainties, and may change significantly as additional information becomes
known.
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits
The Company maintains various employee future benefit plans, which include
defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit plans. The Company retains
independent actuarial firms to perform actuarial valuations of the fair values
of the Company's defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit plan assets
and benefit obligations, and advise on the amounts to be recorded in the
Company's financial statements. This information is determined using certain
assumptions, based on historical and market data that directly impact the fair
value of the assets and obligations and charges disclosed in the Company's
financial statements. These assumptions include:
- -- The discount rate which is used to estimate the actuarial present value of
the various plan obligations. The Company, with the assistance of actuarial
firms, sets the discount rate assumption annually to reflect the rates
available on high-quality debt instruments, with cash flows that are
expected to match the timing and amount of expected benefit payments. The
discount rate, as at December 31, 2004, was estimated to be 6.0%.
- -- The long-term return on assets used to estimate the growth in the value of
invested assets available to satisfy certain
Norske Skog Canada Limited [48]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
obligations. The Company, with the assistance of actuarial firms, annually
sets the expected rate of return on plan assets to reflect the current view
of long-term investment returns. As at December 31, 2004, a rate of return
of 7.5% was determined by management.
-- Salary increases used to estimate the impact that future compensation
increases will have on pension and other post-retirement obligations. As at
December 31, 2004, the rate of compensation increase of 3.0% was determined
by management.
-- Health care trend rates and mortality rates used to estimate the impact
that future health care costs will have on pension and post-retirement
obligations. As at December 31, 2004, the initial health care trend rate of
11.0% was determined by management. The initial health care trend rate is
expected to decline by 1.0% annually, and the ultimate health care trend
rate is estimated to be 5.0%.
Actual experience can vary significantly from estimates, and could materially
impact the estimated cost of employee benefit plans and future cash
requirements.
The following table provides a sensitivity analysis of the key weighted
average economic assumptions used in measuring the accrued pension benefit
obligation, the accrued other employee future benefit and related net periodic
benefit cost for 2004. The sensitivity analysis should be used with caution as
it is hypothetical and changes in each key assumption may not be linear. The
sensitivities in each key variable have been calculated independently of each
other.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pension Benefit Plans Other Benefit Plans
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Accrued Benefit Net 2004 Accrued Benefit Net 2004
(In millions of Canadian dollars) Obligation Expense Obligation Expense
- -------------------------------------- --------------- -------- --------------- --------
Expected rate of return on assets
Impact of:
1% increase N/A (2.1) N/A N/A
1% decrease N/A 2.1 N/A N/A
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discount rate
Impact of:
1% increase (28.2) (2.7) (25.0) (3.4)
1% decrease 30.9 3.4 29.2 2.9
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assumed overall health care cost trend
Impact of:
1% increase N/A N/A 31.8 5.1
1% decrease N/A N/A (25.2) (3.8)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norske Skog Canada Limited [49]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Provision for Bad Debt and Doubtful Accounts
The Company uses generally accepted practices in estimating required provisions
for doubtful accounts and bad debt losses arising on trade and other receivable
balances. The Company's estimate of the required allowance is a matter of
opinion and the actual loss eventually sustained may be more or less than that
estimated.
The Company regularly reviews the collectibility of its accounts
receivable and records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its best
estimate of any potentially uncollectible accounts. Consideration is given to
current economic conditions and specific customer circumstances to determine the
amount of any bad debt expenses to be recorded. While the Company has not
experienced any significant bad debt expenses in prior periods, declines in the
economy could result in collectibility concerns. Accounts receivable balances
for individual customers could potentially be material at any given time.
Income Taxes
The amounts recorded for future income tax assets and liabilities are based on
various judgments, assumptions and estimates. Future tax assets and liabilities
are measured using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates in which assets
and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. For these years, a
projection of taxable income and an assumption of the ultimate recovery or
settlement period for temporary differences are required. The projection of
future taxable income is based on management's best estimate and may vary from
actual to taxable income.
The Company's future tax assets are mainly composed of temporary
differences in employee future benefits and loss carryforwards. Future tax
liabilities are mainly composed of temporary differences pertaining to property,
plant and equipment. Estimating the ultimate settlement period requires judgment
and estimates. The reversal of timing differences is expected at future
substantially enacted rates which could change due to changes in income tax laws
or the introduction of tax changes. As a result, a change in the timing and the
income tax rate at which the components will reverse could materially affect
future tax expense as recorded in the results of operations. A one percentage
point change in the Company's reported effective income tax rate would have the
effect of changing the income tax expense by approximately $9.4 million.
In addition, the Company records provisions for federal, provincial and
foreign taxes based on the respective tax rules and regulations of the
jurisdictions in which the Company operates and its judgment as to the
allocation of income and the amount of deductions relating to those
jurisdictions. Canadian, U.S. and international tax rules and regulations are
subject to interpretation and the Company's judgment may be challenged by
taxation authorities. In such circumstances, the final resolution of these
challenges can result in final settlements that differ from the Company's
estimated amounts.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [50]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
10. Changes in Accounting Policies
Effective fiscal 2004, the Company adopted the following new pronouncements
issued by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants:
Accounting Guideline 13, Hedging Relationships, and the Emerging Issues
Committee's ("EIC") Consensus, EIC-128, Accounting for Trading, Speculative, or
Non-hedging Derivative Financial Instruments
The new standards implement requirements related to the identification,
designation, documentation, and effectiveness of hedging relationships. The new
standards have been applied on a prospective basis to all instruments existing
on, or entered into after, January 1, 2004. Under the new guidance, derivative
financial instruments that are not subject to hedge accounting are recorded on
the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, with unrealized changes in fair
value recorded to the consolidated statement of earnings. Upon adoption, the
Company discontinued hedge accounting for certain derivative instruments which
were either no longer eligible for hedge accounting under the new guideline, or
which the Company elected not to formally designate as hedges.
Section 3110, Asset Retirement Obligations
The new standard requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for
an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred and a
corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset.
The adoption of this new standard had no material impact on the Company's
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004.
Section 3063, Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The new standard requires entities to recognize an impairment loss when an event
occurs that results in the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeding the
sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual
disposition. The impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the long-
lived asset's carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The adoption of this
new standard had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2004.
Section 3870, Stock-Based Compensation and Other Stock-Based Payments
The amended recommendations require the use of a fair-value based approach for
the accounting of stock-based compensation awards granted to employees. Under
the fair-value based method, compensation cost is measured at fair value at the
date of the grant and is expensed over the award's vesting period. Upon
adoption, the Company recorded an expense for stock-based compensation plans in
the current year and applied the standard retroactively without restatement to
the prior periods. The Company made an adjustment of $2.6 million to the opening
balances of retained earnings and contributed surplus of the current year to
reflect the cumulative effect of applying the fair-value based method to all
employee stock options granted on or after January 1, 2002.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [51]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
EIC-141, Revenue Recognition; EIC-142, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple
Deliverables; EIC-143, Accounting for Separately Priced Extended Warranty and
Product Maintenance Contracts
The Company recognizes revenues upon shipment when the significant risks and
rewards of ownership are transferred to the customer. Title of the products is
typically transferred to the customers at the time of shipment and payment is
based on agreed prices and credit terms contained on sales invoices.
The new recommendations summarize the principles set as interpretative
guidance on the application of Handbook section 3400, "Revenue." EIC-141
presents the criteria to be met for revenue recognition to be considered
achieved. EIC-142 addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for
arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue-generating activities
for a given customer. EIC-143 considers the issue of how revenue and costs from
a separately priced extended warranty or product maintenance contract should be
recognized. The application of these accounting treatments had no impact on the
Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31,
2004.
Section 3461, Employee Future Benefits - Additional Disclosures
In March 2004, Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants' ("CICA") Handbook
Section 3461, "Employee Future Benefits" ("Section 3461"), was amended for
fiscal years ending on or after June 20, 2004. The amendments prescribe
additional disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension plans and other
employee future benefits. Effective June 30, 2004, the Company adopted the new
disclosure requirements of Section 3461. The Company's consolidated financial
statements reflect these new disclosures prescribed by Section 3461.
Section 1100 - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
The new section, among other recommendations, more clearly defines alternate
sources of GAAP when a matter is not explicitly addressed by primary sources of
GAAP. Historically, the Company, consistent with other issuers in the forest
industry, recorded distribution costs as a deduction from sales. The Company now
relies on the alternate source of Canadian GAAP and records distribution costs
as operating expenses. As a result, distribution costs were reclassified from
net sales to cost of sales which increased sales and cost of sales for the year
ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 by $229.3 million and $221.7 million
respectively. The application of this section had no impact on the Company's net
earnings.
11. Impact of Accounting Pronouncements Affecting Future Periods
Accounting Guideline 15, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (AcG-15)
During 2004, the CICA issued AcG-15, which prescribes the application of
consolidation principles for entities that meet the definition of a variable
interest entity ("VIE"). This guideline requires that an enterprise holding
other than a voting interest in a VIE could, subject to certain conditions, be
required to consolidate the VIE if it is considered its primary beneficiary
whereby it would absorb the majority of the VIE's expected losses, receive the
majority of its expected residual returns, or both. AcG-15 applies to annual and
interim periods beginning on or after November 1, 2004. The Company will adopt
the new guideline effective January 1, 2005 and does not expect this guideline
to have a material impact on its financial statements.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [52]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
12. Risks and Uncertainties
The Company produces and markets pulp and paper products that are sold globally.
The Company seeks to differentiate its product lines from those of other
producers by supplying specialty products that add value for customers. However,
like most companies in the forest products industry in North America,
NorskeCanada faces business risks and uncertainties. These fall into the general
business areas of markets, international commodity prices, currency exchange
rates, environmental issues, fibre supply, government regulation and policy, and
for Canadian companies', trade barriers and Aboriginal land claims.
In order to address these risks and effectively manage them, the
Company's management has developed a vision for risk management and its
interrelationships with NorskeCanada's strategic plan. Management provides
regular updates to the Audit Committee, works with corporate and operational
management to identify, measure and prioritize the critical risks facing the
Company, and manages these risks by ensuring that they are adequately addressed
through mitigating procedures where appropriate. The objectives of the risk
management function include developing a common framework for understanding what
constitute principal business risks, ensuring that risk management activities
are aligned with business strategies, and providing an effective mechanism for
governance in the area of risk management.
A discussion of the principal uncertainties to which the Company is
subject follows.
Product Prices
The Company's markets are commodity-based and cyclical in nature. Markets for
the principal products are affected by fluctuations in supply and demand within
each cycle, which in turn affects product prices. Demand has historically been
determined by the level of economic growth and has been very closely tied to
overall business activity and personal income. The Company's earnings are
sensitive to price changes for its principal products, with the effect of price
changes on newsprint and specialty grades being the greatest. See "Sensitivity
Analysis" section for detailed analysis of the Company's exposure to changes in
product prices.
Global Competition
Pulp and paper markets are highly competitive global commodity markets in which
producers compete primarily on the basis of price. A majority of the Company's
production is directed to markets outside Canada, where Canadian producers
generally compete with American, European, and Asian producers. Many of the
Company's competitors are larger and have greater financial resources than the
Company and some of the mills operated by the Company's competitors are lower
cost producers than the mills the Company operates. To stay competitive the
Company is focused on improving productivity and reducing costs.
International Sales
A significant portion of the Company's sales are outside Canada and the United
States, and therefore the Company faces a number of risks including tariffs and
other trade barriers, political and economic instability in foreign markets, and
fluctuations in foreign currencies.
Under the terms of agency and distribution agreements with affiliates
of Norske Skogindustrier ASA, a significant shareholder, either party on six
months notice may terminate each of these contracts. If any of these contracts
are terminated, the Company will be required to replace the sales agent or
distributor within the six-month notice period in order to minimize disruption
to sales activities in the relevant market.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [53]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Foreign Exchange
The Company's profitability is subject to fluctuations in foreign currencies,
particularly the U.S. dollar, which is the currency in which most sales are
denominated. Fluctuations in foreign currencies affect the Company's competitive
position in world markets. Apart from the value of the Canadian dollar relative
to the U.S. dollar, the Company's competitiveness in world markets is also
affected by the relative strength of the currencies of other producing
countries. The Company is also exposed to currency exchange risk on debt
denominated in U.S. dollars, including its 7.375% and 8.625% senior notes. See
"Sensitivity Analysis" section for detailed analysis of the Company's exposure
to foreign exchange rates.
Under a Board-approved foreign exchange risk management program, the
Company manages a portion of its currency exposure through the use of currency
options and forward contracts to hedge anticipated future sales denominated in
foreign currencies and U.S. dollar denominated debt. The Company's hedging
policy for revenues includes 33% to 66% of 12-month and 0% to 25% for 13 to 24
months U.S. dollar net exposure. The Company considers its U.S. dollar revenues
to largely act as a hedge of its U.S. dollar denominated debt. The revenue hedge
program mitigates the impact of any rapid movements in currency by 40% to 50%
over the near term.
Fibre Supply
Since the Company has no significant timber holdings, operations are dependent
on the supply of wood fibre from third parties, over half of which is provided
by five suppliers. The Company's fibre supply could be reduced as a result of
events beyond its control, such as industrial disputes, natural disasters,
material curtailments, or shutdown of operations by suppliers or the Company for
market or other reasons.
Long-term contracts with third parties are conducted at market prices
or at prices determined under market-based formulas and represent approximately
70% of the Company's pulp and paper mills' fibre requirements. Should the
Company cease to be supplied with wood fibre under existing contracts,
alternative sources of fibre at acceptable prices may not be readily available.
In addition, government regulations and aboriginal issues may also
lower the supply of wood fibre. The Province of British Columbia owns
approximately 95% of all timberlands and could introduce legislation to reduce
wood fibre supply. Aboriginal groups have claimed aboriginal title over
substantial portions of British Columbia, including areas where the forest
tenures held by the Company's suppliers are situated. Although the renewal of
forest tenures held by the Company's suppliers may be adversely impacted by
claims of aboriginal title, the specific impact cannot be estimated at this
time.
The Company is also a large consumer of old newspapers and magazines.
The 2003 acquisition of Western Canada's largest paper recycling facility has
enabled the Company to secure 100% of its recycled fibre needs from the internal
recovery network. While the supply remains reliable, the pricing is determined
by the market and is subject to variability.
Aboriginal Claims
The Company's ability to operate its manufacturing facilities will also be
affected by aboriginal groups' claims of aboriginal title and rights. The
governments of Canada and British Columbia have established a formal process to
negotiate settlements with aboriginal groups throughout British Columbia in
order to resolve these land claims. It is the policy of the governments that
ownership of lands held in fee simple by third parties such as the Company will
not be affected by treaty negotiations. In the case of the Powell River mill,
the site has been included in areas to which an aboriginal group has
Norske Skog Canada Limited [54]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
asserted aboriginal title both through treaty negotiations with government and
by filing a claim in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. While the Company
and other industrial companies have been named as parties in the court
proceeding along with the governments of Canada and British Columbia, no other
steps have yet been taken against the Company in the proceeding. Based on the
history of similar proceedings, the Company expects that it would take many
years before a final court decision could be rendered if the court proceeding
were pursued.
Recent Supreme Court of Canada decisions have confirmed that the
governments of Canada and British Columbia are obligated to consult with and, in
certain circumstances, accommodate aboriginal groups whenever there is a
reasonable prospect their decisions may affect aboriginal groups' rights or
title. This duty of consultation and accommodation may affect the Company's
ability to obtain or amend necessary regulatory permits on a timely basis.
Energy Costs
The Company is a significant consumer of electrical power and fossil fuels. The
majority of the Company's fossil fuels, particularly oil and natural gas, are
purchased on the spot market, which can fluctuate significantly depending on
various external factors. See the "Sensitivity Analysis" section for detailed
analysis.
A portion of the Company's exposure to fluctuating fossil fuel prices
is managed through the use of financial instruments and physical supply
contracts, under a Board-approved energy program. The Company's energy hedging
policy is restricted to 20-70% of the net exposure for oil and gas.
The Government of British Columbia regulates the Company's electricity
supply contracts and, although there have been no fluctuations in the terms of
the contracts, future changes could have a significant impact on the Company's
earnings. In November 2004, the Province's electricity regulator, the BC
Utilities Commission, approved a 4.85% rate increase effective April 1, 2004,
with an additional 0.3% to be applied commencing April 1, 2005. The April 1,
2005 rate increase is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's
net earnings.
Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, the Company occasionally will become party
to legal proceedings, generally related to contract disputes and employment law.
As at December 31, 2004, the final results of currently ongoing legal
proceedings, while not immediately determinable, are not expected to have a
material effect on financial results.
The Company and certain of its affiliates have been named, together
with a number of other paper producers, in United States class action lawsuits
alleging an ongoing conspiracy to fix prices of magazine and other publication
papers. These suits have been triggered by a European Commission investigation
into possible anti-competitive practices by certain European paper producers.
The Company believes there is no merit to the lawsuits but will nevertheless
incur related costs to defend itself.
Losses for Eleven Consecutive Quarters
While the Company recorded net income in the current and previous quarter ended
September 30, 2004, a net loss had been incurred in each of the eleven quarters
up to and including the quarter ended June 30, 2004. These losses have arisen
primarily as a result of adverse market conditions. Should market conditions
deteriorate again to a greater extent, the Company may, over time, need to rely
to a greater extent on its revolving operating facility and, if necessary,
additional sources of funding.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [55]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Debt
The Company has a significant amount of debt, and debt agreements contain
various restrictive and financial covenants. The Company's ability to pay
interest on, and to satisfy, its debt obligations will depend upon the Company's
future operating performance and its ability to obtain additional debt or equity
financing, when necessary. Prevailing economic conditions and financial,
business, and other factors beyond the Company's control may affect its ability
to make these payments. In addition, the Company's debt level may limit its
ability to obtain additional financing and increase its vulnerability to
interest rate fluctuations. Should market conditions deteriorate, the Company
may, over time, have to rely to a greater extent on its revolving operating loan
and, if necessary, additional sources of funding.
Environmental Regulation
The Company's operations are subject to a wide range of general and industry
specific environmental laws and regulations related to waste management. The
costs of compliance with such laws and regulations can be significant. The
Company continually monitors its environmental performance, and believes that
its facilities are operating in substantial compliance with environmental laws
and regulations.
Labour Disruptions
Many of the Company's suppliers and service providers are unionized. Strikes or
work stoppages by members of those unions could result in a significant
disruption of operations or higher operating costs, which could have a material
adverse effect on the business.
The majority of the Company's pulp and paper mill employees are members
of the Communications, Energy & Paperworkers Union of Canada, or the Pulp, Paper
and Woodworkers of Canada unions. Collective agreements with these unions expire
in April 2008. The Company believes its labour relations are good and does not
anticipate labour disruptions in its operations.
13. Sensitivity Analysis
As previously mentioned, the Company's earnings are sensitive to fluctuations
in:
Product Price
The Company's products are commodity-based and cyclical in nature. As a result,
earnings are sensitive to price changes, with the effect of price changes on
newsprint and specialty grades being the greatest.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [56]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Foreign Exchange/Currency
The Company's products are primarily sold in Canada, the United States, Asia and
Australasia, Latin America, and Europe. The majority of sales are denominated in
foreign currencies, principally the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen. As a
result, the Company is exposed to foreign currency market risk on accounts
receivable and future sales.
Energy Costs
The Company's earnings could be significantly impacted by changes in the prices
and terms of energy supply contracts as the Company is a significant consumer of
electrical power and fossil fuels.
Fibre Costs
The Company's supply of fibre is reliable although it is subject to market
influences and has some degree of variability. Fibre includes supply of wood
chips, sawdust, logs and old newspapers ("ONP").
The Company's annual EBITDA, net earnings and earnings per share is
estimated to be impacted by changes in product prices, foreign exchange, and
various input costs as follows:
Earnings
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) EBITDA Net earnings(1) per share
------ --------------- ---------
Product prices(2)
A US$10 per tonne change in the sales price of:
Specialties $ 13.8 $ 8.9 $ 0.04
Newsprint 9.8 6.3 0.03
Pulp 3.8 2.5 0.01
Currency(3)
A US$0.01 change in the U.S. dollar relative
value of the Canadian dollar $ 14.1 $ 8.6 $ 0.04
Energy cost sensitivity(4)
A 5% change in the price of:
Natural gas and oil $ 2.2 $ 1.4 $ 0.01
Electricity 8.7 5.6 0.03
Fibre Sensitivity
A 5% change in the price of:
Wood chips and sawdust $ 15.1 $ 9.7 $ 0.05
ONP 1.5 1.0 0.01
- -----------------
(1) Based on a budgeted tax rate of 35%
(2) Based on full 2004 capacities
(3) Based on a movement from US$0.83 to US$0.84 and excluding the Company's
hedging program
(4) Based on 2004 consumption levels
Norske Skog Canada Limited [57]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
14. Outlook
The economic recovery in North America is expected to continue in 2005.
Generally, printing and writing paper markets are projected to remain strong. In
addition, Canadian producers remain under extreme pressure to counter the
negative impacts of the strengthening Canadian dollar and escalating energy
costs, further increasing the likelihood of additional price increase
announcements in the coming months.
The Company will continue its focus on cost reduction, efficiency
improvements, and product development to maximize profitability in a challenging
economic environment. The value of the Canadian dollar is expected to continue
to be a key factor through 2005. The economic impact of the stronger Canadian
dollar was a key determinant in the Company's decision to indefinitely curtail
140,000 tonnes of newsprint production commencing in the first quarter of 2005.
As the Company moves into periods of sustainable, stronger cash flow,
it expects to expand its high return capital spending initiatives while
maintaining tight control over its cash. The Company expects to spend
approximately $120 million on capital projects in 2005. As in the previous year,
the Company will complete the majority of its annual planned maintenance on its
pulp and paper facilities in the first and second quarters, respectively.
Earnings in those segments will be impacted as a result.
15. Disclosure Controls and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company's Audit Committee, as part of its oversight role, has reviewed and
recommended the approval of this MD&A to the Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors have read, and ultimately approved this MD&A. The Board of Directors
and the Audit Committee have satisfied themselves that management has
implemented the necessary disclosure controls through discussions with
management and the Company's internal auditors.
Certification of Disclosure Controls
During the year, the Canadian Securities Administrators' ("CSA") issued the .rst
phase of multilateral instrument 52-109, "Certification of Disclosure in
Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings". Effective March 30, 2004, CEOs and CFOs of
public companies are required to certify that their .lings contain no untrue
statement of a material fact and do not omit to state any material fact. The
certifications require that interim and annual financial statements, together
with other financial information included in the Company's .lings fairly present
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the issuer. During the year, the Company began .ling Form 52-109FT2
certifications with the CSA.
In addition, as required by the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act
enacted in July 2002 and the rules circulated by the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") thereunder, the Company has .led with the SEC,
certificates relating to, among others, the accuracy of the financial
information contained in the Company's 2004 annual financial statements and
notes thereto, and the adequacy of procedures and controls relating to
disclosure.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [58]
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Internal Controls
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act also includes section 404, "Management Assessment of
Internal Controls," ("Section 404") which requires public companies to maintain
an effective system of internal controls, and report on the effectiveness of
those internal controls annually. In addition, management's annual report on the
effectiveness of internal controls is required to be audited, and the auditor
must opine on management's assessment of its internal controls. The Company must
comply with Section 404 by the end of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
In order to comply with Section 404, the Company has undertaken a
project to formalize the documentation of its internal controls, and to test and
document the effectiveness of the internal controls upon which management is
relying upon. To this end, the Company has engaged a third party advisor to
assist in this project. The Company expects that the documentation phase of the
project will be completed in the first quarter of 2005, at which point the
testing phase will begin.
16. Outstanding Share Data
At February 1, 2005, the Company had 214,604,120 common shares issued and
outstanding.
Additional information about the Company including the 2004 Annual
Information Form is available on the Company's website www.norskecanada.com or
the Canadian Securities Administrator's electronic filing website www.sedar.com.
Norske Skog Canada Limited [59]