Form 10-K
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

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

For the year ended December 31, 2005

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                                          to                                        

Commission File Number 1-6780

RAYONIER INC.

Incorporated in the State of North Carolina

I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 13-2607329

50 NORTH LAURA STREET,

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32202

(Principal Executive Office)

Telephone Number: (904) 357-9100

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

all of which are registered on the New York Stock Exchange:

Common Shares

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.            YES  x        NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.            YES  ¨        NO  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.            YES  x        NO  ¨

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  x            Accelerated filer  ¨            Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).             YES  ¨        NO  x

The aggregate market value of the Common Shares of the registrant held by non-affiliates at the close of business on June 30, 2005 was $2,581,176,493 based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.

As of February 20, 2006, there were outstanding 76,353,536 Common Shares of the Registrant.

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement filed or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the 2006 annual meeting of the shareholders of the registrant scheduled to be held May 18, 2006, are incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K.

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Item         Page
PART I
1.    Business    1
1A.    Risk Factors    7
1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments    12
2.    Properties    13
3.    Legal Proceedings    13
4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    14
  *    Executive Officers of Rayonier    14
PART II
5.    Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    16
6.    Selected Financial Data    17
7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    21
7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk    36
8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    36
9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    36
9A.    Controls and Procedures    36
9B.    Other Information    37
PART III
10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant    37
11.    Executive Compensation    37
12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    37
13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    37
14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services    37
PART IV
15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules    38

* Included pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K.

 

i


Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  
     Page

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

   F-1

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2 – F-3

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2005

   F-4

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2005

   F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-7 – F-38

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

  

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   F-39
All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, the required matter is not present, or the required information has been otherwise supplied in the financial statements or the notes thereto.   

Signatures

   F-40

Exhibit Index

   F-41 – F-44

 

ii


Table of Contents

PART I

When we refer to “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” or “Rayonier” we mean Rayonier Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. References in Items 1 through 7 to Notes to Financial Statements refer to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Rayonier Inc. included in Item 8 of this form.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements based on management’s current expectations and beliefs, including estimates and projections about our business and industry. These statements include, but are not limited to, information regarding demand for our products, pricing, costs, volume, earnings, real estate sales and development transactions, and timberland and real estate acquisitions. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terms such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “believes,” and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and may cause actual results to differ materially from management’s current expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those set forth below under Item 1A “Risk Factors.” The forward-looking statements in this report apply only as of the time they are made and do not necessarily reflect management’s outlook at any other point in time. Readers should carefully review the risk factors set forth in other reports or documents we file or furnish from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) after the date of this Form 10-K. Rayonier assumes no obligation to update these statements except as may be required by law.

 

Item 1. BUSINESS

General

We are a leading international forest products company primarily engaged in activities associated with timberland management, the sale and development of real estate, and the production and sale of high value-added performance cellulose fibers. We own, lease or manage approximately 2.5 million acres of timberland and real estate located in the United States, New Zealand and Australia, and own and operate two performance fibers mills in the United States. Our corporate strategy is to pursue strategic growth opportunities for our Timber segment, further develop the Real Estate segment (a new reportable segment in 2005, primarily consisting of TerraPointe LLC), and strengthen our position as a premier worldwide supplier of performance fibers. We also manufacture lumber in three sawmills in Georgia and engage in the trading of logs and wood products. For information on sales, operating income and identifiable assets by reportable segment, see Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 3 — Segment and Geographical Information.

We originated as the Rainier Pulp & Paper Company founded in Shelton, WA in 1926. In 1937, we became “Rayonier Incorporated,” a public company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), until 1968, when we became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITT Corporation (ITT). On February 28, 1994, Rayonier again became an independent public company after ITT distributed all of Rayonier’s Common Shares to ITT stockholders. Our shares are publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol RYN. We are a North Carolina corporation with executive offices located at 50 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Our telephone number is (904) 357-9100.

Effective January 1, 2004, we restructured the Company as a real estate investment trust (REIT). Under this structure, we are generally not required to pay federal income taxes on our timber harvest operations and other REIT-qualifying activities contingent upon meeting applicable distribution, income, asset, shareholder and other tests. However, we are subject to corporate taxes on built-in gains (the excess of fair market value over tax basis at January 1, 2004) on taxable sales of property by our REIT during the first ten years following our election to be taxed as a REIT. Our U.S. timber operations are conducted by a wholly-owned subsidiary, Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P. (RFR). We transferred our non REIT-qualifying operations, which continue to pay corporate-level tax on earnings, to our wholly-owned taxable subsidiary, Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc. (TRS). These operations include our Performance Fibers, Wood Products and trading businesses, as well as the sale and development of high value real estate (referred to as higher and better use, or “HBU properties”).

An increasing portion of our acreage has become, or is emerging as, more valuable for development, recreational or conservation purposes than for growing timber. To maximize the value of these properties, we expanded our focus from sales of medium and large tracts of land to include more value-added activities such as seeking entitlements and implementing infrastructure improvements directly or in participation with other developers. In 2005, we established a real estate subsidiary, TerraPointe LLC, to lead these development activities, a president was elected to head TerraPointe and senior executives were recruited to expand the organization. Under this new structure, our real estate operations are considered a separate operating and reportable business segment as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.

 

1


Table of Contents

In 2005, we entered into a joint venture (JV) with RREEF Infrastructure, the global infrastructure investing arm of Deutsche Asset Management, under which the JV purchased approximately 354,000 acres of New Zealand timberlands, including 118,000 acres from Rayonier. In addition to having an equity investment in the JV, we manage the timberlands of the JV. The JV’s timber harvest operations are subject to New Zealand income taxes; however they are REIT-qualifying and therefore, we will generally not be required to pay U.S. federal income taxes on our equity earnings. See Note 6 — Joint Venture Investment for additional information.

Also in 2005, we sold our medium-density fiberboard (MDF) business in New Zealand. As such, the Wood Products segment has been restated to exclude the operations and assets of MDF for all periods presented. See Note 7 — Sale of Medium-Density Fiberboard Business (MDF) for additional information.

Timber

Our Timber segment owns, leases or manages approximately 2.4 million acres of timberlands, sells standing timber at auction to third parties, and sells delivered logs. See chart in Item 2 — Properties for additional information.

Our Southeastern U.S. timberlands consist of approximately 1.6 million acres located in Georgia, Florida and Alabama. These timberlands’ proximity to pulp, paper and wood products facilities results in significant competition for the purchase of timber. Approximately 50 percent of our timber harvest represents high-value timber sold primarily to lumber mills. The balance is used for making pulp and paper. Softwoods are the predominant species on our Southeastern U.S. timberlands and include loblolly and slash pine, while hardwoods include red oak, sweet gum, black gum, red maple, cypress and green ash.

Our Northwestern U.S. timberlands consist of approximately 371,000 acres primarily on the Olympic Peninsula in Western Washington State and consist primarily of softwood second growth trees with approximately 60 percent hemlock and the remainder Douglas fir, western red cedar and spruce. Our hardwood timber stands consist principally of red alder and maple.

As previously mentioned, we entered into a JV during 2005. Our investment of approximately $122 million, representing a 49.7 percent equity interest, was made primarily by our REIT. In addition to having an equity investment, we manage the JV’s 354,000 acres of timberlands for which we receive a management fee. See Note 6 — Joint Venture Investment for additional information on the JV.

We manage timberlands to scientifically develop them to their maximum value. The average rotation (harvest) age for timber from the Southeastern U.S. (primarily Southern pine) is 21 years. The average harvest age for timber from the Northwestern U.S. (primarily hemlock and Douglas fir) is 50 years with a target age of 40 years. Timber in the Southeast is primarily saw-timber and pulpwood, while timber in the Northwest is primarily saw-timber.

We manage timberlands in conformity with the requirements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) program. A key to success is the application of our extensive silvicultural expertise to species selection for plantations, soil preparation, thinning of timber stands, pruning of selected species, fertilization, and careful timing of the harvest, all of which are designed to maximize value while complying with environmental requirements. Through such practices, we have increased volume per acre of managed timber available for harvest from our Southeastern U.S. timberlands by approximately 2 percent per year. This is a primary factor behind an increasing pine harvest trend over the past 15 years.

The following table sets forth timberland acres (in thousands) as of December 31, 2005, by region and by timber classification:

 

Region

   Softwood
Plantations
   Hardwood
Lands
   Non-Forest    Total *

Southeast U.S.

   1,076    497    24    1,597

Northwest U.S.

   285    7    79    371

New Zealand **

   346    8       354

Australia ***

   114          114
                   

Total

   1,821    512    103    2,436
                   

* Excludes approximately 37 thousand acres of HBU land currently held by the Real Estate segment.
** Acres under Rayonier management, owned and leased by the JV.
*** Acres under Rayonier management.

 

2


Table of Contents

Softwood merchantable timber inventory is an estimate of timber volume based on the earliest economically harvestable age. Hardwood inventory is an estimate of timber volume available for harvest. Estimates are based on an inventory system that continually involves periodic statistical sampling. Adjustments are made on the basis of growth estimates, harvest information and market conditions which may impact the economical harvesting of timber located in wetlands, or other marginal geographic areas. Timber located in swamplands, restricted and environmentally sensitive areas is not included in the merchantable inventory shown below.

The following table sets forth the estimated volumes of merchantable timber by location and type, as of December 31, 2005:

 

Region

   Softwood    Hardwood    Total    Equivalent total,
in thousands of
short green tons
   %

Southeast, in thousands of short green tons

   29,472    18,540    48,012    48,012    85

Northwest, in millions of board feet

   1,092    97    1,189    8,561    15
                  
            56,573    100
                  

Real Estate

In 2005, we expanded our focus from sales of medium and large tracts of land to include more value-added activities, such as seeking entitlements and implementing infrastructure improvements directly or in participation with other developers, and we established a real estate subsidiary, TerraPointe LLC, to lead these development activities.

Our real estate holdings are primarily in the Southeast U.S. We segregate these real estate holdings into two groups: development and rural properties. Development properties are predominantly located in the eleven coastal counties between Savannah, GA and Daytona Beach, FL, while the rural properties essentially include the balance of our ownership in the Southeast. Our real estate holdings in the Northwest comprise the Other category.

Real estate sales for the three years ended December 31, 2005, are summarized in the following table:

 

     2005    2004    2003
     Acres Sold    Average
Price/Acre
   Acres Sold    Average
Price/Acre
   Acres Sold    Average
Price/Acre

Development

   6,036    $ 6,943    4,786    $ 5,110    7,320    $ 4,891

Rural

   23,587    $ 1,797    29,282    $ 2,278    28,669    $ 2,119

Other

   403    $ 3,805    1,838    $ 2,661    4,606    $ 2,059
                       

Total Acres Sold

   30,026       35,906       40,595   
                       

Performance Fibers

We are a leading manufacturer of high performance cellulose fibers with production facilities in Jesup, GA and Fernandina Beach, FL, which have a combined annual capacity of approximately 740,000 metric tons. To meet customers’ needs, these facilities are capable of manufacturing more than 25 different grades of performance fibers. The Jesup facility can produce approximately 590,000 metric tons, or 80 percent of our total capacity and the Fernandina Beach facility can produce approximately 150,000 metric tons, or 20 percent of our total capacity. Sixty-two percent of Performance Fibers sales are exported primarily to customers in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Eighty-seven percent of Performance Fibers sales are made directly by Rayonier personnel, with the remainder made through independent sales agents.

This segment includes two major product lines — Cellulose Specialties and Absorbent Materials.

Cellulose Specialties — We are one of the world’s leading producers of specialty cellulose products, most of which are used in dissolving chemical applications that require a highly purified form to produce cellulose acetate and ethers that create high value, technologically demanding products. Our products are used in a wide variety of end uses such as: acetate textile fibers, cigarette filters, rigid packaging, LCD screens, photographic film, impact-resistant plastics, high-tenacity rayon yarn for tires and industrial hoses, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, food casings, food products, thickeners for oil well-drilling muds, lacquers, paints, printing inks, and explosives. In addition, cellulose specialties include high value specialty paper applications used for decorative laminates, automotive air and oil filters, shoe innersoles, battery separators, circuit boards and filter media for the food industry.

Absorbent Materials — We are a supplier of performance fibers for absorbent hygiene products. These fibers are typically referred to as fluff fibers and are used as an absorbent medium in products such as disposable baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, incontinence pads, convalescent bed pads, industrial towels and wipes and non-woven fabrics.

 

3


Table of Contents

We sold our 12,000 ton per-year Engineered Absorbent Materials (EAM) facility in November 2005. In 2005, this facility accounted for approximately 8 percent of Absorbent Materials sales and 1 percent of the Company’s total consolidated sales.

Wood Products

Our Wood Products business segment primarily manufactures and sells dimension lumber used in construction applications. We operate three lumber manufacturing facilities in the U.S. that produce Southern pine lumber, which is generally used for residential and industrial construction. The mills, located in Baxley, Swainsboro and Eatonton, GA, have a combined annual capacity of approximately 365 million board feet of lumber, while also producing approximately 730,000 tons of wood chips for pulp and paper manufacturing. Lumber sales are primarily to customers in the Southeastern U.S. Rayonier personnel sell the majority of the lumber; however a portion of our sales are made through independent agents. Approximately 75 percent of our lumber mills’ wood chip production is sold at market prices to our Jesup, GA performance fibers facility. In 2005, these purchases represented approximately 17 percent of that facility’s total wood consumption.

On August 28 2005, we completed the sale of our MDF business to Dongwha Hong Kong International Limited for approximately $40 million. As a result, the Wood Products segment has been restated to exclude the operations and assets of MDF in all periods presented. See Note 7 — Sale of Medium-Density Fiberboard Business (MDF) for additional information.

Other

The primary business of our Other segment is trading logs, lumber and wood panel products. We operate domestic and export log trading businesses in the Northwest U.S., New Zealand and Chile. All of the sales from our Northwest U.S. and New Zealand log trading operations are sourced externally. Our Chilean log trading activity includes domestic purchases and sales. We also purchase and trade lumber and wood panel products in both domestic and export markets, and derive royalty income from coal mining activity on our timberlands in Lewis County, Washington.

Discontinued Operations and Dispositions

Discontinued operations include our MDF business sold in 2005 and our New Zealand East Coast timberland operations and associated assets sold in 2002. The Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and the related Notes have been reclassified to present the results of these operations as discontinued operations.

Dispositions and other discontinued operations include our Port Angeles, WA performance fibers mill that was closed in 1997; our wholly-owned subsidiary, Southern Wood Piedmont Company (SWP), which ceased operations other than remedial activities in 1989; our Eastern Research Division (ERD), which ceased operations in 1981; and other miscellaneous assets held for disposition. See Note 15 — Reserves for Dispositions and Discontinued Operations for additional information.

Foreign Sales and Operations

Sales by geographical destination for the three years ended December 31, 2005 were as follows (in millions):

 

     Sales by Destination
     2005    %    2004    %    2003    %

United States

   $ 739    63    $ 736    63    $ 667    63

Europe

     161    14      134    11      128    12

Japan

     72    6      80    7      73    7

China

     61    5      66    6      62    6

Other Asia

     52    4      54    5      40    3

Latin America

     37    3      31    3      30    3

New Zealand

     30    2      30    2      30    3

Canada

     20    2      20    2      22    2

All other

     9    1      12    1      8    1
                                   
   $ 1,181    100    $ 1,163    100    $ 1,060    100
                                   

A large majority of our sales to foreign countries are denominated in U.S. dollars. Sales from non-U.S. operations comprised approximately 5 percent of total 2005 sales. See Note 3 — Segment and Geographical Information for additional information.

 

4


Table of Contents

Patents

We have patents and pending patent applications that relate to our proprietary Performance Fibers products and processes and intend to take such steps as are necessary to protect our patents and file applications for future inventions that are deemed important to our business operations. Our U.S. patents have a duration period of 20 years from the date of filing.

Competition

Our timberlands are located in two major timber-growing regions (the Northwest and Southeast U.S.), where timber markets are fragmented. In the Northwest, The Campbell Group, Hancock Timber Resource Group, Green Diamond Resource Company, Weyerhaeuser, and Washington State (Department of Natural Resources) are significant competitive suppliers. Other competition in the Northwest arises from log imports from Canada. In the Southeast, we compete with Plum Creek Timber Company, International Paper, timber investment management organizations (TIMOs), and many small, non-industrial land owners. In all markets, price is the principal method of competition. In 2005, International Paper, a major Southeast U.S. timberland owner, announced plans to sell substantially all of its timberlands. It is currently not known who will purchase these properties and the impact, if any, the sales will have on competition in this region.

We market Performance Fibers worldwide against strong competition from domestic and foreign producers. Our major competitors include International Paper, Weyerhaeuser, Koch Industries, Buckeye Technologies, and Saiccor. Pricing, product performance, and technical service are principal methods of competition. In October 2005, Weyerhauser announced plans to permanently close its 155,000 metric ton cellulose specialty pulp mill located in Cosmopolis, Washington in 2006. Separately, Saiccor announced a 200,000 ton per year expansion at one of its cellulose specialty pulp mills in South Africa, and Sateri International announced construction of a 360,000 ton per year cellulose specialty pulp mill in Bahia, Brazil. The status of these projects is currently unclear, although it is possible that one or both of them could be producing product in 2007. The aggregate impact of the facility closure and potential new market capacity is not expected to adversely affect the results of our Performance Fibers segment in 2006, although there can be no assurances as to the effects for 2007 and beyond given the current uncertainty of market dynamics.

Our Wood Products business competes with a number of lumber producers throughout the U.S. and Canada but particularly with sawmills throughout Georgia and Florida. Our lumber business represents less than one-half of one percent of North American capacity.

Customers

In 2005, no single customer or group of customers under common control represented 10 percent or more of our consolidated sales; however two customers comprised 10 and 18 percent, respectively, of the Performance Fibers segment’s sales, and one customer comprised 16 percent of the Timber segment’s sales. The loss of any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on these segments’ results of operations.

In 2004, a group of customers under the common control of Eastman Chemical Company and its affiliates represented approximately 20 percent of our Performance Fibers segment’s sales and 11 percent of our consolidated sales.

In 2003, no single customer or group of customers under common control represented 10 percent or more of any segment’s sales or our consolidated sales.

Seasonality

Our Timber segment sales are generally lower in the third quarter due to greater availability of non-Rayonier timber during the drier summer harvesting period, particularly in the Northwestern U.S. Our Wood Products segment may experience higher seasonal demand in the second quarter primarily due to increased new housing construction. Our Performance Fibers segment’s results are normally not impacted by seasonal changes.

Environmental Matters

See Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Environmental Regulation and Note 16 — Contingencies.

Raw Materials

The manufacture of performance fibers and lumber requires significant amounts of wood and recycled fiber. In the U.S., timber harvesting is restricted by weather conditions, which at times affect our ability to harvest, legal challenges and pressure

 

5


Table of Contents

from various environmental groups. Supply is also subject to price changes in wood products and in pulp and paper markets, which can result in increased demand for timber.

In 2005, hardwood pricing increased modestly from 2004 levels, primarily due to higher transportation costs and a weather-related reduction in supply. Our Performance Fibers mills and Southeast U.S. lumber facilities obtain their logs through open market purchases made by our wood procurement organization, which negotiates prices with independent third party suppliers who deliver to our facilities. In some cases, third party logging contractors may have purchased timber cutting rights from our timberlands in Georgia and Florida (generally through a sealed bid process).

Performance fibers manufacturing also requires significant amounts of fuel oil and natural gas. These raw materials are subject to significant changes in prices and availability, which could adversely impact our future operating results. We continually pursue reductions in usage and costs of other key raw materials, supplies and contract services at our Performance Fibers and lumber mills and do not foresee any material constraints in the near term from pricing or availability.

Research and Development

In Jesup, GA, we maintain one of the preeminent research facilities and staff in the industry. Our research and development efforts are directed primarily at further developing existing core products and technologies, improving the quality of cellulose fiber grades, absorbent materials and related products, improving manufacturing efficiency and environmental controls, and reducing fossil fuel consumption.

The research and development activities of our timber operations include genetic tree improvement programs as well as applied silvicultural programs to identify management practices that will improve financial returns from our timber assets.

Our total research and development expenditures were approximately $6 million in 2005, $7 million in 2004, and $9 million in 2003.

Employee Relations

We currently employ approximately 2,000 people, of whom approximately 1,900 are in the United States, and 45 percent are covered by labor contracts. Most of our hourly employees are represented by one of several labor unions. Labor relations are maintained in a normal and satisfactory manner.

In August and December 2001, Jesup’s labor agreements, covering approximately 650 hourly employees, were extended through June 30, 2008. In December of 2005, prior to the expiration of the April 2001 Fernandina labor agreements covering approximately 250 hourly employees, the two unions representing these employees approved a four-year contract which will run through 2009. There were no changes to the Jesup labor contracts in 2005.

Sustainable Forestry

While it is our objective to increase future wood supply through forest management programs that increase timberland productivity, we have a longstanding commitment to meet the highest levels of forest stewardship and to promote sustainable forestry practices throughout the industry. As a member of the American Forest and Paper Association, we subscribe to the SFI program, a comprehensive system of environmental principles, objectives and performance measures that combines the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees with the protection of wildlife, plants, soil and water quality. Our U.S. timberlands and wood procurement practices have been audited and certified by an independent third party under the SFI program. The independent certification verifies that we meet strict requirements for growing and harvesting trees in an environmentally responsible manner that protects natural resources, renews forests, creates biological diversity, and enhances wildlife protection. In addition, the JV participates in various environmental initiatives such as the Forest Owners Association and the New Zealand Forest Accord.

Availability of Reports and Other Information

Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are made available to the public free of charge in the Investor Relations section of our website (www.rayonier.com), shortly after electronically filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the SEC. Our corporate governance guidelines and charters of all Committees of our Board of Directors are also available on our website. These documents are also available in print, free of charge, to any investor upon request to: Investor Relations Department, Rayonier Inc., 50 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202.

 

6


Table of Contents
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our operations are subject to a number of risks, including those listed below. When considering an investment in our securities, you should carefully read and consider these risks, together with all other information in this report. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or operating results as well as the market price of our securities could be materially adversely affected.

Business and Operating Risks

The cyclical nature of our businesses could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our financial performance is affected by the cyclical nature of the forest products and real estate industries. The markets for timber, real estate, cellulose specialties products and wood products are influenced by a variety of factors beyond our control. For example, the demand for real estate can be affected by changes in interest rates, local economic conditions and population growth and demographics; the demand for saw timber is primarily affected by the level of new residential and commercial construction activity, while supply of timber and logs has historically increased during favorable pricing environments.

Changes in global market trends and world events could impact customer demand.

The global reach of our business, particularly our Performance Fibers business and our interest in the JV, causes us to be subject to unexpected, uncontrollable and rapidly changing events and circumstances in addition to those experienced in the U.S. Adverse changes in the following factors, among others, could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations:

 

    effects of exposure to currency other than the United States dollar;

 

    regulatory, social, political, labor or economic conditions in a specific country or region; and

 

    trade protection laws, policies and measures and other regulatory requirements affecting trade and investment, including loss or modification of exemptions for taxes and tariffs, and import and export licensing requirements.

The forest products and real estate industries are highly competitive.

Many of our competitors in the forest products businesses have substantially greater financial and operating resources and own more timberlands than we do. Some of our forest products competitors may also be lower-cost producers in some of the businesses in which we operate. In addition, wood products are subject to significant competition from a variety of non-wood and engineered wood products. We are also subject to competition from forest products, including logs, imported from foreign sources to the United States as well as to the export markets served by us. To the extent there is a significant increase in competitive pressures from substitute products or other domestic or foreign suppliers, our business could be substantially adversely affected. With respect to our real estate business, we are currently transitioning from a bulk land seller to obtaining entitlements and initiating improvements through partnerships with other developers. As a result, many of our competitors in this segment have greater experience in real estate development than we do.

Changes in energy and raw materials prices could impact our operating results and financial condition.

Energy and raw material costs, such as oil, natural gas, wood, and chemicals are a significant operating expense, particularly for our Performance Fibers and Wood Products businesses. The prices of raw materials and energy can be volatile and are susceptible to rapid and substantial increases due to factors beyond our control such as changing economic conditions, political unrest and instability in energy-producing nations, and supply and demand considerations. For example, oil and natural gas costs have increased substantially in recent years and we have recently experienced, at times, a limited availability of hardwood which has resulted in increased production costs for some Performance Fibers products. Increases in production costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our businesses are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations that may restrict or adversely impact our ability to conduct our business.

If regulatory and environmental permits are delayed, restricted or rejected, a variety of operations on our timberlands could be delayed or restricted. In connection with a variety of operations on our properties, we are required to seek

 

7


Table of Contents

permission from agencies in the states and countries in which we operate to perform certain activities. Any of these agencies could delay review of, or reject, any of our filings. Any delay associated with a filing could result in a delay or restriction in replanting, thinning, insect control, fire control or harvesting, any of which could have an adverse effect on our operating results. For example, in Washington State, we are required to file a Forest Practice Application for each unit of timberland to be harvested. These applications may be denied or restricted by the regulatory agency or appealed by other parties, including citizen groups. Appeals or actions of the regulatory agencies could delay or restrict timber harvest activities pursuant to these permits. Delays or harvest restrictions on a significant number of applications could have an adverse effect on our operating results. In addition, many of our capital projects require various environmental permits. Delays in obtaining these permits could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Environmental groups and interested individuals may seek to delay or prevent a variety of operations on our timberlands. We expect that environmental groups and interested individuals will intervene with increasing frequency in the regulatory processes in the states and countries where we own, lease or manage timberlands. In Washington State, environmental groups and interested individuals may appeal individual forest practice applications or file petitions with the Forest Practices Board to challenge the regulations under which forest practices are approved. These and other challenges could materially delay or prevent operations on our properties. Delays or restrictions due to the intervention of environmental groups or interested individuals could adversely affect our operating results. In addition to intervention in regulatory proceedings, interested groups and individuals may file or threaten to file lawsuits that seek to prevent us from implementing our operating plans. Any lawsuit or even a threatened lawsuit could delay harvesting on our timberlands. Among the remedies that could be enforced in a lawsuit is a judgment entirely preventing or restricting harvesting on a portion of our timberlands.

The impact of existing regulatory restrictions on future harvesting activities may be underestimated. Federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as those of other countries, which are intended to protect threatened and endangered species, as well as waterways and wetlands, limit and may prevent timber harvesting, road building and other activities on our timberlands. The threatened and endangered species restrictions apply to activities that would adversely impact a protected species or significantly degrade its habitat. The size of the area subject to restriction will vary depending on the protected species at issue, the time of year and other factors, but can range from less than one to several thousand acres. A number of species that naturally live on or near our timberlands, including the northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, bald eagle, several species of salmon and trout in the Northwest, and the red cockaded woodpecker, bald eagle, wood stork, red hill salamander, and flatwoods salamander in the Southeast, are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act or similar state laws. As we gain additional information regarding the presence of threatened or endangered species on our timberlands, or if regulations become more restrictive, the amount of our timberlands subject to harvest restrictions could increase.

Our manufacturing operations, and in particular our Performance Fibers and Wood Products mills, are subject to stringent environmental laws and regulations concerning air emissions, wastewater discharge, water usage and waste handling and disposal. Many of our operations are subject to stringent environmental laws and regulations and permits which contain conditions that govern how we operate our facilities and, in many cases, how much product we can produce. These laws, regulations and permits, now and in the future, may restrict our current production and limit our ability to increase production, and impose significant costs on our operations with respect to environmental compliance. It is expected that, overall, these costs will likely increase over time as environmental laws, regulations and permit conditions become more stringent.

We currently own or may acquire properties which may require environmental remediation or otherwise be subject to environmental and other liabilities. We currently own, or formerly operated, manufacturing facilities and discontinued operations, or may acquire timberlands and other properties, which are subject to environmental liabilities, such as cleanup of hazardous material contamination and other existing or potential liabilities of which we are not currently aware. While timberlands without any prior history of industrial development do not generally carry as high a risk of environmental contamination as current and former manufacturing operations, the cost of investigation and remediation of contaminated properties could increase operating costs and adversely affect financial results. Although we believe we have adequate reserves for the investigation and remediation of our current properties, there can be no assurance that actual expenditures will not exceed our expectations.

Environmental laws and regulations are constantly changing, and are generally becoming more restrictive. Laws, regulations and related judicial decisions and administrative interpretations affecting our business are subject to change and new laws and regulations that may affect our business are frequently enacted. These changes may adversely affect our ability to harvest and sell timber, operate our manufacturing facilities and/or develop real estate. These laws and regulations may relate to, among other things, the protection of timberlands, endangered species, timber harvesting

 

8


Table of Contents

practices, recreation and aesthetics, air and water quality, and remedial standards for contaminated property and groundwater. Over time, the complexity and stringency of these laws and regulations have increased markedly and the enforcement of these laws and regulations has intensified. We believe that these laws and regulations will continue to become more restrictive and over time could adversely affect our operating results.

Development of real estate entails a lengthy, uncertain and costly approval process.

Development of real estate entails an extensive approval process involving overlapping regulatory jurisdictions. For example, in Florida, real estate projects must generally comply with the provisions of the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act (the “Growth Management Act”) and local land use and development regulations. In addition, in Florida, development projects that exceed certain specified regulatory thresholds require approval of a comprehensive Development of Regional Impact (DRI) application. Compliance with the Growth Management Act, local land development regulations and the DRI process is usually lengthy and costly and significant conditions can be imposed on a developer with respect to a particular project. Any of these issues can be expected to materially affect the cost and timing of our real estate development activities.

Other issues affecting real estate development include the availability of potable water for new development projects. For example, in Georgia, the Legislature recently enacted the Comprehensive Statewide Watershed Management Planning Act (the “Watershed Management Act”), which, among other things, created a governmental entity called the Georgia Water Council which is charged with preparing a comprehensive water management plan for the state and presenting it to the Georgia Legislature for adoption no later than 2008. It is unclear at this time what this plan will provide or how it will affect the cost and timing of real estate development along the I-95 “coastal corridor” in southern Georgia, where the Company has significant real estate holdings.

Changes in the interpretation or enforcement of these laws, the enactment of new laws regarding the use and development of real estate, or the identification of new facts regarding our properties could lead to new or greater costs, delays and liabilities that could materially adversely affect our business, profitability or financial condition.

Changes in demand for our real estate and delays in the timing of real estate transactions may affect our revenues and operating results.

A number of factors, including changes in demographics, a slowing of commercial or residential real estate development, particularly along the I-95 “coastal corridor” in Florida and Georgia, could reduce the demand for such properties and negatively affect our results of operations.

In addition, there are inherent uncertainties in the timing of real estate transactions that could adversely affect our operating results. Delays in the completion of transactions or the termination of potential transactions can be caused by factors beyond our control. These events have in the past and may in the future adversely affect our operating results.

Our joint venture partners may have interests that differ from ours and may take actions that adversely affect us.

We participate in a joint venture in New Zealand, and may enter into other joint venture projects; for example, as part of our real estate development strategy. A joint venture involves special risks such as:

 

    not having voting control over the joint venture;

 

    the venture partner at any time may have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with ours;

 

    the venture partner may take actions contrary to our instructions or requests, or contrary to our policies or objectives with respect to the investment; and

 

    the venture partner could experience financial difficulties.

Actions by our venture partners may subject property owned by the joint venture to liabilities greater than those contemplated by the joint venture agreement or have other adverse consequences.

We may be unsuccessful in carrying out our acquisition strategy.

We intend to pursue acquisitions of strategic timberland and real estate properties. Our timberland and real estate acquisitions may not perform in accordance with our expectations. We anticipate financing any such acquisitions through cash from operations, borrowings under our credit facilities, proceeds from equity or debt offerings or proceeds from asset dispositions, or any combination thereof. Our inability to finance acquisitions on favorable terms or the failure of any acquisitions to perform to our expectations, could adversely affect our operating results.

 

9


Table of Contents

Our failure to maintain satisfactory labor relations could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Approximately 45 percent of our work force is unionized. These workers are almost exclusively in our Performance Fibers business. As a result, we are required to negotiate the wages, benefits and other terms with many of our employees collectively. Our financial results could be adversely affected if labor negotiations were to restrict the efficiency of our operations. Our inability to negotiate acceptable contracts with any of these unions as existing agreements expire could result in strikes or work stoppages by the affected workers. If the unionized employees were to engage in a strike or other work stoppage, or other employees were to become unionized, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We have a significant amount of debt and the capacity to incur significant additional debt.

As of December 31, 2005, we had $559 million of debt outstanding. See Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Contractual Financial Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements for the payment schedule of our long-term debt obligations. We expect that existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, cash provided from operations, and our bank credit facilities will be sufficient to meet ongoing cash requirements. Moreover, we have the borrowing capacity to incur significant additional debt and may do so if we enter into one or more strategic, merger, acquisition or other corporate or investment opportunities, or otherwise invest capital in one or more of our businesses. However, failure to generate sufficient cash as our debt becomes due, or to renew credit lines prior to their expiration, may adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flow.

Weather and other natural conditions may limit our timber harvest and sales.

Weather conditions, timber growth cycles and restrictions on access may limit harvesting of our timberlands, as may other factors, including damage by fire, insect infestation, disease, prolonged drought and natural disasters.

We do not insure against losses of timber from any causes, including fire.

The volume and value of timber that can be harvested from our timberlands may be reduced by fire, insect infestation, severe weather, disease, natural disasters, and other causes beyond our control. A reduction in our timber inventory could adversely affect our financial results and cash flows. As is typical in the industry, we do not maintain insurance for any loss to our timber, including losses due to these causes.

A significant portion of the timberland that we own, lease or manage is concentrated in limited geographic areas.

We own, lease or manage approximately 2.5 million acres of timberland and real estate located primarily in the United States and New Zealand. Approximately 1.6 million acres are located principally in Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Accordingly, if the level of production from these forests substantially declines, or if the demand for timber in those regions declines, it could have a material adverse effect on our overall production levels and our revenues.

We are dependent upon attracting and retaining key personnel.

We believe that our success depends, to a significant extent, upon our ability to attract and retain key senior management and operations management personnel. Our failure to recruit and retain these key personnel could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

Market interest rates may influence the price of our common shares.

One of the factors that may influence the price of our common shares will be the annual dividend yield as compared to yields on other financial instruments. Thus, an increase in market interest rates will result in higher yields on other financial instruments, which could adversely affect the price of our common shares.

REIT and Tax-Related Risks

 

If we fail to qualify as a REIT or fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we will have reduced funds available for distribution to our shareholders because our income will be subject to taxation at regular corporate rates.

We intend to operate in accordance with REIT qualifications under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As a REIT, we generally will not pay corporate-level tax on income we distribute to our shareholders (other than the income of TRS) as long as we distribute at least 90 percent of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and by excluding net capital gain). Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code, which are subject to change, perhaps retroactively, and which are

 

10


Table of Contents

not entirely within our control. We cannot assure that we will qualify as a REIT or be able to remain so qualified or that new legislation, U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions will not significantly affect our ability to qualify as a REIT or the federal income tax consequences of such qualification.

If in any taxable year we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will suffer the following negative results:

 

    we will not be allowed a deduction for distributions to shareholders in computing our taxable income; and

 

    we will be subject to federal income tax on our REIT taxable income at regular corporate rates.

In addition, we will be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which the qualification was lost, unless we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. As a result, our net income and the funds available for distribution to our shareholders could be reduced for up to five years or longer.

If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we may need to borrow funds or liquidate some investments or assets to pay the additional tax liability. Accordingly, funds available for distribution to our shareholders would be reduced.

The extent of our use of taxable REIT subsidiaries may affect the price of our common shares relative to the share price of other REITs.

We conduct a portion of our business activities through one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. Our use of taxable REIT subsidiaries enables us to engage in non-REIT qualifying business activities such as the production and sale of performance fibers and wood products, real estate development, sales and development of HBU property and timberlands (as a dealer), sales of logs and lump-sum sales of timber. Taxable REIT subsidiaries are corporations subject to corporate-level tax. Therefore, we pay income taxes on the income generated by our taxable REIT subsidiaries. Under the Code, no more than 20 percent of the value of the gross assets of a REIT may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. This limitation may affect our ability to increase the size of our taxable REIT subsidiaries’ operations. Furthermore, our use of taxable REIT subsidiaries may cause the market to value our common shares differently than the shares of other REITs, which may not use taxable REIT subsidiaries as extensively as we use them.

Lack of shareholder ownership and transfer restrictions in our articles of incorporation may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.

In order to qualify as a REIT, an entity cannot have five or fewer individuals who own, directly or indirectly after applying attribution of ownership rules, 50 percent or more of its outstanding voting shares during the last six months in each calendar year. Although it is not required by law or the REIT provisions of the Code, almost all REITs have adopted ownership and transfer restrictions in their articles of incorporation or organizational documents which seek to assure compliance with that rule. While we are not in violation of the ownership rules, we do not have, nor do we have any current plans to adopt, share ownership and transfer restrictions. As such, the possibility exists, however remote, that five or fewer individuals could acquire 50 percent or more of our outstanding voting shares, which could result in our disqualification as a REIT.

We may be limited in our ability to fund distributions using cash generated through our taxable REIT subsidiaries.

Our ability to receive dividends from our taxable REIT subsidiaries is limited by the rules with which we must comply to maintain our status as a REIT. In particular, at least 75 percent of gross income for each taxable year as a REIT must be derived from sales of our standing timber and other types of qualifying real estate income and no more than 25 percent of our gross income may consist of dividends from our taxable REIT subsidiaries and other non-qualifying income.

This limitation on our ability to receive dividends from our taxable REIT subsidiaries may impact our ability to fund distributions to stockholders using cash flows from our taxable REIT subsidiaries. Despite these restrictions, we have the ability to transfer cash from our taxable REIT subsidiaries to our REIT through intercompany real estate sales. However, these transactions would be subject to federal income tax. The net income of our taxable REIT subsidiaries is not required to be distributed to us, and income that is not distributed will not be subject to the 90 percent income distribution requirement.

Certain of our business activities are potentially subject to prohibited transactions tax.

As a REIT, we will be subject to a 100 percent tax on any net income from “prohibited transactions.” In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property to customers in the ordinary course of business. Sales of

 

11


Table of Contents

performance fibers and wood products which we produce, sales of logs and lump-sum sales of timber, sales of timberlands or other real estate (as a dealer) and certain development activities relating to real estate, could, in certain circumstances, constitute prohibited transactions.

We intend to avoid the 100 percent prohibited transactions tax by conducting activities that would otherwise be prohibited transactions through one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. We may not, however, always be able to identify timberland properties that will become part of our “dealer” real estate sales business. Therefore, if we sell timberlands which we incorrectly identify as property not held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or which subsequently become properties held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, we face the potential of being subject to the 100 percent prohibited transactions tax.

We will have potential deferred and contingent tax liabilities.

We will be subject to a federal corporate-level tax at the highest regular corporate rate (currently 35 percent) on any gain recognized from a taxable sale of any asset which we held at January 1, 2004, the effective date of our REIT status election, that occurs within ten years of that date. However, we will be subject to such tax only to the extent of the difference between our tax basis and the fair market value of those assets as of January 1, 2004 (the “built-in-gain”). Gain from a taxable sale of those assets occurring more than ten years after January 1, 2004 will not be subject to this corporate-level tax.

In addition, the IRS may assert liabilities against us for corporate income taxes for taxable years prior to the time we qualified as a REIT, in which case we will owe these taxes plus interest and penalties, if any. Moreover, any increase in taxable income for those years will result in an increase in accumulated earnings and profits, or E&P, which could cause us to pay an additional taxable distribution to our then-existing shareholders within 90 days of the relevant determination.

Our cash dividends are not guaranteed and may fluctuate.

Generally, REITs are required to distribute 90 percent of their taxable income. However, REITs are required to distribute only their ordinary taxable income and not their net capital gains income. Accordingly, we do not believe that we are required to distribute material amounts of cash given that substantially all of our taxable income is treated as capital gains income. Our Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines the amount of quarterly dividends to be provided to our stockholders based on consideration of a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, our results of operations, cash flow and capital requirements, economic conditions, tax considerations, borrowing capacity and other factors, including debt covenant restrictions that may impose limitations on cash payments, future acquisitions and divestitures, harvest levels, changes in the price and demand for our products and general market demand for timberlands including those timberland properties that have higher and better uses. Consequently, our dividend levels may fluctuate.

We may not be able to complete like-kind exchange transactions for all real estate we sell.

When we sell real estate, we generally seek to match these sales with the acquisition of suitable replacement real estate. This allows us to claim “like-kind exchange” treatment for these transactions under section 1031 and related regulations of the Code. This matching of sales and purchases provides us with significant tax benefits, most importantly the deferral of any gain on the property sold until ultimate disposition of the replacement property. While we attempt to complete like-kind exchanges wherever practical, we will not be able to do so in all instances due to various factors, including the lack of availability of suitable replacement property on acceptable terms and inability to complete a qualifying like-kind exchange transaction within the timeframes required by the Code. The inability to obtain like-kind exchange treatment would result in the payment of taxes with respect to the property sold, and a corresponding reduction in earnings and cash available for distribution to shareholders as dividends.

Item 1B.     UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

12


Table of Contents

Item 2.     PROPERTIES

The following table details the significant properties we own, lease, or manage by reportable segment:

 

Segment

   Location    Total Acres    Fee-Owned Acres    Long-Term
Leased Acres
   Managed Acres

Timber

   Southeast U.S.    1,597,239    1,344,879    252,360   
   Northwest U.S.    371,423    370,797    626   
   New Zealand*    353,561          353,561
   Australia**    113,793          113,793
                        
   Total Timber Acres    2,436,016    1,715,676    252,986    467,354

Real Estate

   Southeast U.S.    37,061    37,061      
                      

Total Timberland and Real Estate Acres

   2,473,077    1,752,737    252,986    467,354
                      
          Capacity/Function    Owned/Leased     

Performance Fibers

   Jesup, Georgia    590,000 metric tons of pulp    Owned   
   Fernandina Beach, Florida    150,000 metric tons of pulp    Owned   
   Jesup, Georgia    Research Facility    Owned   

Wood Products***

   Baxley, Georgia    165 million board feet of lumber    Owned   
   Swainsboro, Georgia    120 million board feet of lumber    Owned   
   Eatonton, Georgia    80 million board feet of lumber    Owned   

Corporate and Other

   Jacksonville, FL    Corporate Headquarters    Leased   
 
  * Acres under Rayonier management, owned by the JV.
  ** Acres under Rayonier management.
  *** These locations also have a combined annual capacity of approximately 730,000 tons of wood chips for pulp and paper manufacturing.

In addition, our wholly-owned subsidiary, SWP, which ceased operations in 1989 except for environmental remedial activities, owns 867 acres of land.

 

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are engaged in various legal actions, including certain environmental proceedings that are discussed more fully in Note 15 — Reserves for Dispositions and Discontinued Operations and Note 16 — Contingencies.

Between 1985 and 1995, SWP sent contaminated soil excavated in connection with the cleanup of various closed wood processing sites to a third-party processor in Louisiana for recycling. The processing facility closed in 1995 and is the subject of a variety of environmental related charges and a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the State of Louisiana, through its Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), in United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana (the Court) against the owner of the processing facility. Also in dispute is disposal liability for approximately 150,000 tons of recycled material from sites operated by SWP that are still owned and retained by the processor. SWP, DOJ and LDEQ have been engaged in discussions regarding a settlement of this matter. On July 14, 2005, DOJ filed a motion to dismiss SWP’s Amended Complaint in Intervention in this case and, in the event the SWP complaint was not dismissed by the Court, filed an answer to the complaint. DOJ also asked the Court for leave to file a counterclaim against SWP and the Company, which would assert claims for cost recovery under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) in respect of the investigation and remediation of the sites owned by the third party processor. Trial in this matter is currently scheduled for June 2006, although potential settlement alternatives are being explored. If no settlement is reached in this matter, we will vigorously defend ourselves. We believe that reserves at December 31, 2005 adequately reflect the probable costs to be incurred upon the ultimate resolution of the dispute.

In 1998, the EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) filed separate lawsuits against the Company, and approximately 30 other defendants, in the U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, seeking recovery of current and future response costs and natural resource damages under applicable federal and state law relating to a contaminated landfill in Chester Township, New Jersey, referred to as Combe Fill South (Combe). It is alleged that the Company’s former Eastern

 

13


Table of Contents

Research Division (ERD) in Whippany, New Jersey sent small quantities of dumpster waste, via a contract hauler, to Combe in the 1960s and early 1970s. We are working with other defendants in a joint defense group, which subsequently filed third-party actions against over 200 parties seeking contribution. A court-ordered, nonbinding alternative dispute resolution process is ongoing and it is expected that the court-appointed neutral will issue a report and recommendations in 2006. Settlement discussions have not substantially progressed to date, but are expected to accelerate upon issuance of the neutral’s report. We believe that reserves at December 31, 2005 adequately reflect the probable costs to be incurred upon the ultimate resolution of these matters.

The Company has been named as a defendant in various other lawsuits and claims arising in the normal course of business. We believe that we have meritorious defenses in connection with such lawsuits and claims, and intend to vigorously contest each of them. In our opinion, the results of these other lawsuits and claims, either individually or in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flow.

 

Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders of Rayonier during the fourth quarter of 2005.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF RAYONIER

W. Lee Nutter, 62, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer — Mr. Nutter joined Rayonier in 1967 in the Northwest Forest Operations and was named Vice President, Timber and Wood in 1984, Vice President, Forest Products in 1985, Senior Vice President, Operations in 1986 and Executive Vice President in 1987. He was elected President and Chief Operating Officer and a director of Rayonier in 1996 and to his current position effective January 1999. Mr. Nutter serves on the Board of Directors of Republic Services, Inc. and on the Board of Directors of the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement. He is also a member of the North Florida Regional Board of SunTrust Bank. Mr. Nutter holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Washington and graduated from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program.

Paul G. Boynton, 41, Senior Vice President, Performance Fibers — Mr. Boynton joined Rayonier in 1999 as Director, Specialty Pulp Marketing and Sales. He was elected Vice President, Performance Fibers Marketing and Sales in October 1999, Vice President, Performance Fibers in January 2002, and to his current position effective July 2002. Prior to joining Rayonier, he held positions with 3M Corporation from 1990 to 1999, most recently as Global Brand Manager, 3M Home Care Division (global manufacturer and marketer of cleaning tool products). He holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University, an M.B.A. from the University of Iowa, and graduated from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program.

Timothy H. Brannon, 58, Senior Vice President, Forest Resources and Wood Products — Mr. Brannon joined Rayonier in 1972 at its Southern Wood Piedmont subsidiary (SWP). He was named Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of SWP in 1983 and President in 1992. Mr. Brannon was elected Rayonier’s Vice President and Director, Performance Fibers Marketing and Sales in 1994, Vice President, Asia Pacific and Managing Director, Rayonier New Zealand in 1998 and to his current position effective March 2002. He holds a B.A. in psychology from Tulane University and graduated from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program.

W. Edwin Frazier, III, 48, Senior Vice President, Administration and Corporate Secretary — Mr. Frazier was promoted to his current position in July 2004. He joined Rayonier in 1999 as Assistant General Counsel, was promoted to Associate General Counsel in 2000 and elected Corporate Secretary in 2001. Mr. Frazier was named Vice President Governance and Corporate Secretary in 2003. From 1991 to 1999, Mr. Frazier was with the legal department of Georgia-Pacific Corporation (a global manufacturer and marketer of tissue, packaging, paper, building products and related chemicals), last serving as Chief Counsel — Corporate. Prior to that, he practiced corporate law with Troutman Sanders in Atlanta. Mr. Frazier holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, a J.D. from Emory University and graduated from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program.

Michael R. Herman, 43, Vice President and General Counsel and Assistant Secretary — Mr. Herman joined Rayonier in 2003 as Vice President and General Counsel and was elected to his current position in October 2003. Prior to joining Rayonier, he served as Vice President and General Counsel of GenTek Inc. (a publicly-traded global manufacturing conglomerate) and in other positions in GenTek’s legal department from 1992 to August 2003. GenTek Inc. filed a voluntary petition for protection under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in October of 2002, and the Bankruptcy Court approved a plan of reorganization for GenTek in November 2003 which resulted in GenTek’s emergence

 

14


Table of Contents

from bankruptcy. Mr. Herman was previously counsel to IBM’s Integrated Systems Solutions Corporation and an Associate with the law firm of Shearman & Sterling. He holds a B.A. in Economics and English from Binghamton University and a J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law.

Carl E. Kraus, 58, Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Investment Officer of TerraPointe LLC — Mr. Kraus joined Rayonier in 2005, and was elected to his current position in October 2005. Prior to joining Rayonier, he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial and Investment Officer and Treasurer of Kramont Realty Trust (a shopping center REIT) from 2002 until it was acquired in 2005 and as Chief Financial Officer for Philips International Realty Corp. (a shopping center REIT) from 1999 to 2002. Mr. Kraus graduated from Temple University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Charles Margiotta, 53, Senior Vice President, Business Development and President of TerraPointe LLC — Mr. Margiotta joined Rayonier in 1976, was named Managing Director, Rayonier New Zealand in 1992, Vice President, Forest & Wood Products in 1997, Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategic Planning in 1998 and was elected to his current position in May 2005. Mr. Margiotta holds a B.B.A. from Pace University and graduated from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program.

Hans E. Vanden Noort, 47, Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer — Mr. Vanden Noort joined Rayonier as Corporate Controller in 2001, and was elected to his current position in August 2005. Prior to joining Rayonier, he held a number of senior management positions with Baker Process, a division of Baker Hughes, Inc. (manufacturer of oilfield service equipment and supplies), most recently as Vice President of Finance and Administration. Mr. Vanden Noort holds a B.B.A. in accounting from the University of Cincinnati, an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan and is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

15


Table of Contents

PART II

 

Item 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Prices of our Common Shares; Dividends

The table below reflects the range of market prices of our Common Shares as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system of the New York Stock Exchange, the only exchange on which our shares are listed, under the trading symbol RYN.

On September 14, 2005, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a three-for-two stock split. The stock split was affected in the form of a stock dividend and on October 17, 2005, one additional share of common stock for every two shares held was issued to shareholders of record on October 3, 2005. Amounts shown below prior to the stock split have been restated.

 

     High    Low    Composite
Volume
   Regular
Dividends

2005

           

Fourth Quarter

   $ 41.68    $ 34.00    23,582,300    $ 0.47

Third Quarter

   $ 38.65    $ 34.79    25,405,350    $ 0.41

Second Quarter

   $ 36.67    $ 32.27    26,014,500    $ 0.41

First Quarter

   $ 33.97    $ 29.01    36,550,050    $ 0.41

2004

           

Fourth Quarter

   $ 33.12    $ 29.94    25,021,350    $ 0.37

Third Quarter

   $ 31.69    $ 28.86    24,936,450    $ 0.37

Second Quarter

   $ 29.71    $ 25.01    32,674,200    $ 0.37

First Quarter

   $ 29.95    $ 26.21    33,904,500    $ 0.37

On February 28, 2006, we announced a first quarter dividend of 47 cents per share payable March 31, 2006, to shareholders of record on March 10, 2006.

There were approximately 12,109 shareholders of record of our Common Shares on February 20, 2006.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

Periodically, we issue shares of our common stock to each of our non-management directors as part of their compensation. These shares are not registered and must be sold in reliance on an exemption from the Securities Act of 1933.

Issuer Repurchases

In 1996, we began a Common Share repurchase program to minimize the dilutive effect on earnings per share of our employee incentive stock plans. This program limits the number of shares that may be purchased each year to the greater of 1.5 percent of outstanding shares at the beginning of the year or the number of incentive shares issued to employees during the year. In October 2000 and July 2003, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of additional shares totaling 1.4 million. These shares were authorized separately from the 1.5 percent of outstanding shares anti-dilutive program, neither of which have expiration dates. No shares under these repurchase plans or otherwise were repurchased in 2005, 2004 or 2003. Below is a summary of shares authorized for repurchase for 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

     2005    2004    2003

Shares authorized for repurchase

   2,066,763    2,052,375    1,732,891

Shares repurchased

        

 

16


Table of Contents
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following historical financial data for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2005 is derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
     (dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)  

Profitability

          

Sales(1)

   $ 1,181     $ 1,163     $ 1,060     $ 1,080     $ 1,088  

Operating income(1)

     183       173       106       130       149  

Provision for dispositions(2)

     (3 )                 (3 )      

Income from continuing operations(8)

     208       160       53       54       55  

Net income

     183       157       50       54       58  

Income from continuing operations:

          

Per share — Diluted(3)

     2.68       2.09       0.82       0.85       0.88  

Per share — Basic(3)

     2.75       2.15       0.84       0.86       0.89  

Net income

          

Per share — Diluted(3)

     2.36       2.05       0.77       0.86       0.93  

Per share — Basic(3)

     2.42       2.11       0.79       0.87       0.94  

Financial Condition:

          

Total assets

   $ 1,839     $ 1,944     $ 1,840     $ 1,889     $ 2,040  

Total debt

     559       659       618       653       865  

Book value

     885       796       711       710       709  

Book value — per share(3)

     11.63       10.62       9.67       11.38       11.52  

Cash Flow:

          

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 254     $ 292     $ 201     $ 246     $ 222  

Cash used for investing activities

     (24 )     (179 )     (90 )     (76 )     (74 )

Cash used for financing activities

     (216 )     (52 )     (115 )     (242 )     (158 )

Capital expenditures

     85       88       84       77       74  

Purchase of timberlands

     24       89                    

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     147       146       151       158       166  

Cash dividends paid(4)

     129       111       105       40       39  

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

          

EBITDA(5)

   $ 378     $ 319     $ 259     $ 294     $ 319  

Adjusted cash available for distribution(6)

     163       113       104       82       127  

Debt to EBITDA

     1.5 to 1       2.1 to 1       2.4 to 1       2.2 to 1       2.7 to 1  

Performance Ratios(%):

          

Operating income to sales

     16       15       10       12       14  

Return on equity(7)

     14       15       7       8       8  

Return on capital(7)

     11       11       7       7       7  

Debt to capital

     39       45       47       48       55  

Other:

          

Timberland and real estate acres — owned, leased,
or managed, in thousands of acres

     2,473       2,155       2,107       2,151       2,267  

Dividends paid — per share

   $ 1.71     $ 1.49     $ 5.62     $ 0.64     $ 0.64  

 

17


Table of Contents
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  

Selected Operating Data:

          

Timber

          

Timber sales volume

          

Northwest U.S. — in millions of board feet

     263       285       225       252       251  

Southeast U.S. — in thousands of short green tons

     4,832       4,291       4,524       4,881       5,395  

New Zealand — in thousands of metric tons*

     464       646       632       805       793  

Real Estate — acres sold

     30,026       35,906       40,595       44,256       67,417  

Performance Fibers

          

Sales volume (thousands of metric tons)

          

Cellulose Specialties

     470       453       435       435       423  

Absorbent Materials

     276       266       273       271       284  

Production as a percent of capacity

     100 %     99 %     97 %     99 %     97 %

Wood Products

          

Lumber sales volume — in millions of board feet

     351       347       310       325       279  

Geographical Data (Non-U.S.)

          

Sales

          

New Zealand

   $ 49     $ 50     $ 45     $ 49     $ 36  

Other

     10       26       12       41       40  
                                        

Total

   $ 59     $ 76     $ 57     $ 90     $ 76  
                                        

Operating Income (Loss)

          

New Zealand

   $ 1     $ 5     $ 7     $ 9     $ 4  

Other

                 (1 )     2       (1 )
                                        

Total

   $ 1     $ 5     $ 6     $ 11     $ 3  
                                        

Timber

          

Sales

          

Northwest U.S.

   $ 99     $ 81     $ 58     $ 65     $ 66  

Southeast U.S.

     86       77       75       86       99  

New Zealand

     23       28       20       21       24  
                                        

Total

   $ 208     $ 186     $ 153     $ 172     $ 189  
                                        

Operating Income

          

Northwest U.S.

   $ 55     $ 42     $ 27     $ 44     $ 46  

Southeast U.S.

     30       24       20       27       41  

New Zealand

     2       6       5       5       7  
                                        

Total

   $ 87     $ 72     $ 52     $ 76     $ 94  
                                        

EBITDA(9)

          

Timber

   $ 185.3     $ 128.2     $ 108.5     $ 137.5     $ 156.6  

Real Estate**

     68.4       79.7       96.3       61.4       72.3  

Performance Fibers

     130.2       125.1       77.6       118.1       117.9  

Wood Products

     23.5       22.3       7.4       (2.8 )     (2.1 )

Other Operations

     1.7       6.9       0.2       (2.4 )     (4.1 )

Corporate and other

     (31.1 )     (43.6 )     (31.4 )     (18.3 )     (21.5 )
                                        

Total

   $ 378.0     $ 318.6     $ 258.6     $ 293.5     $ 319.1  
                                        

* 2005 reflects sales through October 4, 2005, prior to the JV formation.
** Real Estate became a reportable segment in 2005.

 

18


Table of Contents
(1) On August 28, 2005, we sold our MDF business. MDF results have been reclassified to discontinued operations. In addition, operating income excludes the gain from the sale of New Zealand timberlands.
(2) Primarily related to environmental reserves for the closed Port Angeles Mill.
(3) Restated to reflect the October 17, 2005 and June 12, 2003 three-for-two stock splits.
(4) 2003 includes regular dividends of $44 million, and a special cash dividend of $61 million that was made as part of a required accumulated earnings and profits distribution in connection with the Company’s conversion to a REIT on January 1, 2004.
(5) EBITDA is defined as earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization. EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure of the operating cash generating capacity of the Company. See table in Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis for a reconciliation of Cash Provided by Operating Activities to EBITDA.
(6) Adjusted Cash Available for Distribution (Adjusted CAD) is defined as Cash Provided by Operating Activities less capital spending, tax benefits on the exercise of stock options, tax benefits associated with certain strategic acquisitions, changes in committed cash, mandatory debt repayments and proceeds from matured energy forward contracts. Adjusted CAD is a non-GAAP measure of cash generated during a period that is available for dividend distribution, repurchase of the Company’s common shares, debt reduction and for strategic acquisitions net of associated financing. See table in Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis for a reconciliation of Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted CAD.
(7) Based on income in from continuing operations and excludes items of interest “a” through “d”, “f”, and “g” — see note 8 below for details.
(8) Included in the calculation of income from continuing operations are certain items that are infrequent in occurrence and are, in the eyes of management, important to understand the financial performance or liquidity of the Company in the comparative annual periods being reported. These “items of interest” and their effect on income from continuing operations for the periods presented were as follows:

 

    

Increase/(decrease) to Income

from Continuing Operations for the

Year Ended December 31,

Items of Interest, net of tax

   2005     2004     2003     2002     2001

Gain on sale of New Zealand timber assets(a)

   $ 30.5     $     $     $     $

Prior years IRS audit settlements including adjustment of accrued interest(b)

     24.9             2.3            

Tax benefit on repatriated earnings(c)

     25.4                        

Arbitration award(d)

     5.2                        

Disposition reserve(e)

     (1.9 )                 (1.7 )    

Reversal of deferred tax(f)

           77.9                  

U.S. tax on undistributed foreign earnings(g)

           (28.2 )                

REIT expense(h)

           (4.0 )     (5.1 )          

Northwest US harvest delay(i)

           2.7       (2.7 )          

Tax benefit on loan settlements(j)

                 3.6       2.0      

  (a) On October 3, 2005, we sold our New Zealand timber assets to the JV.
  (b) Tax benefits from the favorable resolution of tax audits for prior years and related interest.
  (c) Lower U.S. tax benefit related to the repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings.
  (d) Gain from an arbitration award related to the sharing of insurance proceeds by our former parent company.
  (e) Primarily related to an environmental reserve for the closed Port Angeles, WA mill.
  (f) Reversal of timber-related deferred taxes not required after REIT conversion.
  (g) Additional U.S. tax for eventual repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings generated prior to March 31, 2004.
  (h) REIT conversion expenses.
  (i) Delayed harvest and revenue recognition in the Northwest U.S., resulting from change from lump-sum to pay-as-cut contracts in anticipation of converting to a REIT.
  (j) Tax benefit on foreign exchange loss related to settlement of New Zealand dollar denominated intercompany loans.

 

(9) EBITDA by segment is a critical valuation measure used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker, existing shareholders and potential shareholders to measure how management is performing relative to the assets with which they have been entrusted. The tables below reconcile Cash Provided by Operating Activities from Continuing Operations by segment to EBITDA by segment for the five years ended December 31, 2005.

 

19


Table of Contents

Reconciliation of Cash Provided by Operating Activities from Continuing

Operations by Segment to EBITDA by Segment

(Dollars in Millions)

 

         Timber     Real
Estate*
    Performance
Fibers
    Wood
Products
    Other     Corporate
and
Eliminations
    Total  

2005

                

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 160.5     $ 82.0     $ 123.4     $ 22.2     $ (3.9 )   $ (130.1 )   $ 254.1  

Less:

   Non-cash cost basis of real estate sold            (11.0 )                 (0.8 )           (11.8 )
   Income tax benefit                                    (16.9 )     (16.9 )

Add:

   Gain on New Zealand asset sale      36.9                                     36.9  
   Interest, net                                    38.8       38.8  
   Working capital (decreases) increases      (5.3 )     (2.9 )     2.4       1.3       4.7       23.4       23.6  
   Other balance sheet changes      (6.8 )     0.3       4.4             1.7       53.7       53.3  
                                                          

EBITDA

   $ 185.3     $ 68.4     $ 130.2     $ 23.5     $ 1.7     $ (31.1 )   $ 378.0  
                                                          

2004

                

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 126.2     $ 83.9     $ 125.8     $ 22.6     $ 17.8     $ (84.0 )   $ 292.3  

Less:

   Non-cash cost basis of real estate sold            (10.5 )                 (0.5 )           (11.0 )
   Income tax benefit                                    (33.6 )     (33.6 )

Add:

   Interest, net                                    44.1       44.1  
   Working capital (decreases) increases      (6.4 )     3.5       (2.6 )     (0.3 )     (9.8 )     (21.8 )     (37.4 )
 

 Other balance sheet changes

     8.4       2.8       1.9             (0.6 )     51.7       64.2  
                                                          

EBITDA

   $ 128.2     $ 79.7     $ 125.1     $ 22.3     $ 6.9     $ (43.6 )   $ 318.6  
                                                          

2003

                

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 128.2     $ 102.5     $ 73.3     $ 5.2     $     $ (107.9 )   $ 201.3  

Less:

   Non-cash cost basis of real estate sold            (5.5 )                 (0.4 )           (5.9 )

Add:

   Income tax expense                                    6.1       6.1  
   Interest, net                                    46.0       46.0  
   Working capital (decreases) increases      (16.2 )     (0.7 )     3.4       1.9       1.9       29.3       19.6  
   Other balance sheet changes      (3.5 )           0.9       0.3       (1.3 )     (4.9 )     (8.5 )
                                                          

EBITDA

   $ 108.5     $ 96.3     $ 77.6     $ 7.4     $ 0.2     $ (31.4 )   $ 258.6  
                                                          

2002

                

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 137.9     $ 72.3     $ 118.0     $ (3.9 )   $ 11.1     $ (89.5 )   $ 245.9  

Less:

   Non-cash cost basis of real estate sold            (11.1 )                 (2.6 )           (13.7 )

Add:

   Income tax expense                                    15.7       15.7  
   Interest, net                                    59.8       59.8  
 

 Working capital increases (decreases)

     2.8       0.2       (12.7 )     0.1       (7.8 )     7.9       (9.5 )
   Other balance sheet changes      (3.2 )           12.8       1.0       (3.1 )     (12.2 )     (4.7 )
                                                          

EBITDA

   $ 137.5     $ 61.4     $ 118.1     $ (2.8 )   $ (2.4 )   $ (18.3 )   $ 293.5  
                                                          

2001

                

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 150.3     $ 81.2     $ 136.6     $ (0.9 )   $ (3.0 )   $ (142.0 )   $ 222.2  

Less:

   Non-cash cost basis of real estate sold            (9.1 )                 (0.9 )           (10.0 )

Add:

   Income tax expense                                    26.4       26.4  
   Interest, net                                    67.5       67.5  
 

 Working capital increases (decreases)

     6.5       0.2       (19.0 )     (2.3 )     2.6       14.9       2.9  
   Other balance sheet changes      (0.2 )           0.3       1.1       (2.8 )     11.7       10.1  
                                                          

EBITDA

   $ 156.6     $ 72.3     $ 117.9     $ (2.1 )   $ (4.1 )   $ (21.5 )   $ 319.1  
                                                          

* Real Estate became a reportable segment in 2005.

 

20


Table of Contents
Item 7. M ANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Executive Summary

Our revenues, operating income and cash flows are primarily derived from three core business segments: Timber, Real Estate and Performance Fibers. We own or lease (under long-term agreements) approximately 2.0 million acres of timberland and real estate in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Washington and are the 7th largest private landowner in the United States. In New Zealand, we have a 49.7 percent interest in a JV which owns or leases approximately 354,000 acres of timberland. Our Real Estate segment seeks to maximize the value of those properties which are more valuable for development, recreational or conservation uses than for growing timber. Our Performance Fibers business has been a supplier of premier cellulose specialty grades of pulp for over seventy-five years.

We have consistently produced strong cash flows and operating results by focusing on the following critical financial measures: operating income, EBITDA, adjusted cash available for distribution, debt to capital ratio, return on equity, return on fair market value (Timber and Real Estate) and return on capital employed (Performance Fibers). In addition to these financial measures, we also focus on cash available for distribution, in total and on a per-share basis. Key non-financial measures include safety performance, quality, production as a percent of capacity and various yield statistics.

Our focus is on maximizing returns for shareholders and generating consistently strong cash flows. As a REIT, we expect to be more competitive in pursuing timberland acquisitions to further grow the Company and ultimately distribute more earnings to shareholders in a tax efficient manner. During 2005, the quarterly dividend was increased twice by 11 and 14 percent in February and October, respectively, resulting in the annual dividend increasing to $129 million from $111 million in 2004.

Since 1999, we have used cash flow to reduce debt by approximately $600 million, resulting in a current debt-to-capital ratio of 39 percent. We believe that a debt-to-capital range of 40 to 50 percent is appropriate to keep our weighted average cost of capital low while maintaining an investment grade debt rating and retaining the flexibility to actively pursue growth opportunities. Accordingly, we do not expect to significantly reduce debt in 2006 and, in connection with appropriate growth opportunities, may incur additional debt that causes us to exceed the debt-to-capital range mentioned above.

Operational Strategies

Timber is sold primarily through an auction process, although in the Northwest U.S. we also market timber through log supply agreements. Timber is treated as a stand-alone business, requiring our mills and trading groups to compete with third-party bidders for timber at auction. This promotes realizing market value, generating a true reflection of fair value returns in Timber, while also minimizing the possibility of our manufacturing facilities being subsidized with below-market cost wood. We also focus on optimizing timber returns by continually improving productivity and yields through advanced silvicultural practices which take into account soil, climate and biological considerations.

An increasing portion of our acreage has become, or is emerging as, more valuable for development, recreational or conservation purposes than for growing timber. To maximize the value of those properties, we changed our strategy from selling real estate in bulk to becoming more involved in the development of these properties. In 2005, we established a real estate subsidiary, TerraPointe LLC, to lead these development activities and we are currently discussing a number of projects with potential development partners.

In Performance Fibers, the focus has been to improve our position as a premier supplier of cellulose specialties while reducing participation in the more commodity-oriented absorbent materials (primarily fluff pulp) market. We are a market leader in cellulose specialties, utilizing our considerable technical applications expertise to customize product to exacting specifications, which allows differentiation from most other competitors. Conversely, fluff pulp is a semi-commodity with little opportunity for differentiation other than by price, although we do explore ways to enhance the value of these fibers. There are a number of much larger companies in the fluff pulp market and we are not a market leader. We have been successful in executing a strategy of shifting production from absorbent materials to cellulose specialties. In 2005 and 2004, 63 percent of volume was cellulose specialties, versus 61 percent in 2003. Since a further significant shift of volume to cellulose specialties will be operationally limited, our focus will be on improving product mix within cellulose specialties.

Cost control is a critical element to remaining competitive in the performance fibers markets. The keys to success are operating continuously, safely, and efficiently while closely managing raw materials and conversion costs. Capital expenditures

 

21


Table of Contents

typically are directed toward cost reduction and efficiency projects. We use a significant amount of fossil fuels to operate our mills. With the recent surge in energy prices we have initiated a number of capital projects to reduce fossil fuel consumption. As a result, we expect 2006 capital expenditures to increase to approximately $106 million.

Industry and Market Conditions

Market conditions over the past three years have shown improvement. In U.S. timber markets, prices have steadily increased since late 2003 as demand for lumber increased due to strong housing, commercial construction and industrial sectors, a competitive exchange rate and tariffs imposed on wood imports from Canada. In the Southeast U.S., the impact of three major hurricanes in 2004 resulted in lower volumes and some temporary price erosion before gradual improvement in 2005.

Our Southeast U.S. HBU properties have consistently generated strong interest which increased throughout 2005, especially after the formation of TerraPointe LLC.

In Performance Fibers, cellulose specialties’ market demand remains strong. Sales are typically made using one to five year contracts which establish prices and target volumes at the beginning of the year and buffer some of the changes in supply and demand. Our recognized technical and market leadership has allowed us to maintain relatively stable pricing across our cellulose specialties product lines. In 2003, International Paper closed its Natchez, Mississippi mill, a major cellulose specialties competitor, taking approximately 260,000 tons of capacity out of the market. This was the primary driver of 2004 and 2005 price and volume increases in cellulose specialties. In 2005, Weyerhaueser announced plans to permanently close its 155,000 metric ton cellulose specialty mill located in Cosmopolis, Washington, in 2006. Despite these closures, we expect additional capacity to come on-line from competitors in the Southern hemisphere sometime in 2007 through 2009.

Over the past three years, absorbent materials industry capacity has met demand resulting in a relatively small pricing range. However, absorbent materials prices strengthened in 2005, consistent with the commodity paper pulp market, while volumes improved. Sales of absorbent materials are typically made with an annual volume agreement that allows price to move with the market during the year.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, reported in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We base these estimates and assumptions on historical data and trends, current fact patterns, expectations and other sources of information we believe are reasonable. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different conditions.

Merchantable inventory and depletion costs as determined by forestry timber harvest models

Significant assumptions and estimates are used in the recording of timberland inventory cost and depletion. We employ a forestry technical services group at each of our timberland management locations. Merchantable standing timber inventory is estimated annually, using industry-standard computer software. The inventory calculation takes into account growth, in-growth (annual transfer of oldest pre-merchantable age class into the merchantable inventory), timberland sales and the annual harvest specific to each business unit. The age at which timber is considered merchantable is reviewed periodically and updated for changing harvest practices, future harvest age profiles and biological growth factors. An annual depletion rate is established at each business unit by dividing merchantable inventory book cost by standing merchantable inventory. Pre-merchantable records are maintained for each planted year age class, recording acres planted, stems per acre, and costs of planting and tending. Changes in the assumptions and/or estimations used in these calculations may affect our results, in particular, timber inventory and depletion costs. Factors that can impact timber volume include weather changes, losses due to natural causes, differences in actual versus estimated growth rates and changes in the age when timber is considered merchantable. A 3 percent company-wide change in estimated standing merchantable inventory would cause 2005 depletion expense to change by approximately $1.7 million.

In 2005, we acquired 3,531 acres of timberland in the Northwest U.S. resulting in a higher depletion rate which increased depletion expense by approximately $0.7 million. It is anticipated that the full year 2006 impact will increase depletion expense by approximately $1.4 million. In 2004, we acquired 83,000 acres of timberland in the Southeast U.S. resulting in a higher depletion rate which increased depletion expense by approximately $2.4 million and $0.9 million in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

22


Table of Contents

Depreciation of long-lived assets as specifically affected by economic obsolescence

Depreciation expense is computed using the units-of-production method for the Performance Fibers plants and equipment and the straight-line method on all other property, plant and equipment over the useful economic lives of the assets involved. We believe that these depreciation methods are the most appropriate under the circumstances as they most closely match revenues with expenses versus other generally accepted accounting methods. Long-lived assets are periodically reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Cash flows used in such impairment analyses are based on budgeted results, which take into account recent sales and cost data as well as macroeconomic drivers including customer demand, industry capacity and foreign exchange rates. The physical life of equipment, however, may be shortened by economic obsolescence caused by environmental regulation, competition and other causes.

Environmental costs associated with dispositions and discontinued operations

At December 31, 2005, we have $140 million of accrued liabilities for environmental costs relating to past dispositions and discontinued operations, which is expected to be spent over the next 20 years. See Note 15 – Reserves for Dispositions and Discontinued Operations for additional information. Significant estimates are used in determining the proper value of these obligations at a given point in time, especially due to their long-term nature. Typically, these cost estimates do not vary significantly on a quarter to quarter basis. Factors affecting these estimates include, but are not limited to, technological and regulatory changes, results from ongoing work and management’s judgment. We periodically review our environmental liabilities and also engage third party consultants to assess the extent of additional work required due to changes in applicable law and new technologies potentially affecting the remediation of contaminated sites. A material change in any of the estimates could have a favorable or unfavorable effect on the results of our operations. The most recent material change in estimate occurred in 2005, when reserves were increased by $3 million for revised estimates of remediation costs required at the closed Port Angeles, Washington mill site.

Expenditures for all such environmental costs totaled $9 million in 2005 and are expected to increase to $12 million in 2006, primarily as a result of increased spending required at our Washington State and Southern Wood Piedmont sites. Annual expenditures in 2007 and 2008 are expected to be approximately $12 million.

Determining the adequacy of pension assets and liabilities

We have four qualified benefit plans which cover substantially our entire U.S. workforce and an unfunded plan to provide benefits in excess of amounts allowable under current tax law to participants in the qualified plans. Pension expense for all plans was $12.1 million in 2005. Numerous estimates and assumptions are required to determine the proper amount of pension and postretirement liabilities and annual expense to record in our financial statements. The key assumptions include discount rate, return on assets, salary increases, health care cost trends, mortality rates, longevity and service lives of employees. Although there is authoritative guidance on how to select most of these assumptions, management and actuaries exercise some degree of judgment when selecting these assumptions. Different assumptions, as well as actual versus expected results, would change the periodic benefit cost and funded status of the benefit plans recognized in the financial statements.

In determining pension expense in 2005, a $14.3 million return was assumed based on an expected long-term rate of return of 8.5 percent. The actual return for 2005 was $19.4 million. This long-term return assumption (calculated using geometric/compound averaging) was established based on historical long-term rates of return on broad equity and bond indices, discussions with our actuary and investment advisors and consideration of the actual annualized rate of return of 10.5 percent from 1994 (the date of our spin-off from ITT Corporation) through 2005. We periodically review this assumption for reasonableness and have determined that the 2006 long-term rate of return assumption will remain at 8.5 percent. At December 31, 2005 our asset mix consisted of 67 percent equities, 29 percent bonds and 4 percent real estate. We do not expect this mix to change materially in the near future.

In determining future pension obligations, we use a discount rate which is based on rates supplied by our actuary. The actuarial rates are developed by models which incorporate high quality (AAA and AA rated), long-term corporate bond rates into their calculations. The discount rate at December 31, 2005 of 5.75 percent declined from the year-end 2004 rate of 6.0 percent, causing Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) to increase by $8.3 million.

We expect 2006 pension expense to increase to $12.3 million from $12.1 million in 2005 primarily due to the decrease in the discount rate from 6.0 percent to 5.75 percent. Future pension expense will be impacted by many factors including actual

 

23


Table of Contents

investment performance, changes in discount rates, timing of contributions and other employee related matters. The sensitivity of pension expense and obligations to changes in economic assumptions is highlighted below:

 

      Impact on :

Change in Assumption

       Pension Expense                 PBO    

25 bp decrease in discount rate

   + 0.9 million       + 8.3 million

25 bp increase in discount rate

   - 1.0 million       - 6.8 million

25 bp decrease in long-term return on assets

   + 0.5 million      

25 bp increase in long-term return on assets

   - 0.5 million      

The Company’s pension plans were underfunded by $38.3 million at December 31, 2005, an $8.2 million improvement to the December 31, 2004 position primarily due to discretionary contributions of $27.5 million made during 2005. In 2004, discretionary contributions of $20.6 million were made; in addition, $0.4 million of minimum funding requirements were made for the 2003 plan year. There were no minimum funding requirements for the 2005 plan year. There are no required quarterly pension contributions for 2006; however, we expect to contribute between $11 million and $15 million to further reduce the underfunding. Future requirements will vary depending on actual investment performance, changes in valuation assumptions, interest rates, other employee related matters and changes in legislation.

Realizability of both recorded and unrecorded tax assets and liabilities

With the conversion to REIT status effective January 1, 2004, our income tax provision and deferred tax balances changed materially. Certain activities no longer require tax provisions, and the opportunity to capture tax benefits associated with our REIT status has increased. The realization of these tax opportunities requires extensive planning and in many cases is dependent upon events in the future and our strategy in structuring transactional terms and conditions. As a result, our effective tax rate and the amount of taxes paid during various fiscal periods can vary greatly. Also, our projection of estimated tax for the year and our provision for quarterly taxes, in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, could result in greater variability than in the past. Similarly, the opportunity to realize certain deferred tax assets, or to estimate deferred tax liabilities, may be more subjective than in the past.

For example, we have recorded certain deferred tax assets that management believes will be realized in future periods. These assets are reviewed periodically in order to assess their realizability. This review requires us to make assumptions and estimates about future profitability affecting the realization of these tax benefits. If the review indicates that the realizability may be less than likely, a valuation allowance is made at that time.

See Note 9 — Income Taxes for additional policies relating to income taxes.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue recognition policies are critical to the preparation of our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. See Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for a discussion of our revenue recognition policies.

 

24


Table of Contents

Analysis of our results of operations for three years ended December 31, 2005.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
Financial Information (in millions)    2005     2004     2003  

Sales

      

Timber

   $ 208     $ 186     $ 153  

Real Estate

      

Development

     42       25       36  

Rural

     42       67       61  

Other

     2       4       9  
                        

Total Real Estate Sales

     86       96       106  

Performance Fibers

      

Cellulose Specialties

     449       419       378  

Absorbent Materials

     179       163       156  
                        

Total Performance Fibers

     628       582       534  

Wood Products

     137       126       97  

Other operations

     123       174       172  

Intersegment Eliminations

     (1 )     (1 )     (2 )
                        

Total Sales

   $ 1,181     $ 1,163     $ 1,060  
                        

Operating Income (Loss)

      

Timber

   $ 87     $ 72     $ 52  

Real Estate

     64       75       87  

Performance Fibers

     53       47       (3 )

Wood Products

     16       13        

Other Operations

     1       6        

Corporate

     (37 )     (40 )     (30 )

Intersegment eliminations and other (Including Corporate FX)

     (1 )            
                        

Total Operating Income

   $ 183     $ 173     $ 106  

Gain on Sale of New Zealand Timberlands

     37              

Interest Expense

     (47 )     (47 )     (49 )

Interest/Other Income

     18       1       2  

Income Tax Benefit/(Expense)

     17       33       (6 )
                        

Income from Continuing Operations

   $ 208     $ 160     $ 53  

Loss from Discontinued Operations

     (25 )     (3 )     (3 )
                        

Net Income

   $ 183     $ 157     $ 50  
                        

 

25


Table of Contents

Results of Operations, 2005 versus 2004

Timber

In the Northwest U.S., 2005 timber sales improved as prices increased 39 percent over the prior year due to a strong housing market and a reduced log supply from Canada. Our volume declined from 2004 as Northwest timber volume benefited from the deferral of fourth quarter 2003 sales as a result of contract term revisions made in preparation for our REIT conversion on January 1, 2004.

In the Southeast U.S., prices were relatively unchanged compared to the prior year, but pine and hardwood volume rose 13 percent primarily as a result of the 2004 timberland acquisition of 83,000 acres in Alabama.

In New Zealand, sales declined from the prior year primarily due to the fourth quarter sale of our timberlands to a JV in which we hold a 49.7 percent interest. Our equity in the earnings of the JV is included in timber operations. For the fourth quarter of 2005, a loss of $1.4 million was recorded due to start-up costs and delays in harvesting activities.

 

           Changes Attributable to:     
Sales (in millions)    2004    Price   

Volume/

Mix

    Other    2005

Total Sales

   $ 186    $ 22    $ (3 )   $ 3    $ 208
                                   

Operating income increased from the prior year due to strong prices in the Northwest U.S., a $1.2 million favorable lawsuit settlement and higher sales volumes in the Southeast U.S. more than offsetting a higher depletion rate as a result of acquisitions, increased transportation costs and the JV’s start-up costs.

 

           Changes Attributable to:      
Operating Income (in millions)    2004    Price   

Volume/

Mix

   

Costs/

Other

    2005

Total Operating Income

   $ 72    $ 22    $ (2 )   $ (5 )   $ 87
                                    

Real Estate

In conjunction with the formation of TerraPointe, our real estate holdings in the Southeast have been segregated into two groups: development properties and rural properties. Development properties are predominately located in the eleven coastal counties between Savannah, GA and Daytona Beach, FL, while the rural properties essentially include the balance of our ownership in the Southeast. The Other category is comprised of our Northwest real estate holdings.

In 2005, real estate sales and operating income declined from 2004 which included a sale of timber lease rights on approximately 5,500 acres that contributed $26 million in sales and $24 million in operating income (included in the Other columns below). Excluding the 2004 timber lease rights sale, 2005 sales and operating income increased by $16 million and $13 million, respectively, primarily due to higher volume and price per acre in the development group. The nature of our real estate sales is such that year over year fluctuations may be material due to the uncertain timing of transactions.

 

               Changes Attributable to:      
Sales (in millions)        2004    Price   

Volume/

Mix

    Other     2005

Development

   $ 25    $ 11    $ 6     $     $ 42

Rural

     67      2      (1 )     (26 )     42

Other

     4      1      (3 )           2
                                      

Total Sales

   $ 96    $ 14    $ 2     $ (26 )   $ 86
                                      
          Changes Attributable to:      
Operating Income (in millions)   2004    Price    Volume/
Mix
   Costs     Other     2005

Total Operating Income

  $ 75    $ 14    $    $ (1 )   $ (24 )   $ 64
                                          

 

26


Table of Contents

Performance Fibers

In 2005, strong market demand for cellulose specialties resulted in an average price increase of $29 per ton, or 3 percent. Additionally, production efficiencies and fewer maintenance shut-down days in 2005 resulted in a 6 percent volume increase.

The average price of absorbent materials increased by $36 per ton or 6 percent, due to slightly stronger market conditions, and sales volume increased 4 percent.

 

          Changes Attributable to:     
Sales (in millions)    2004    Price    Volume/
Mix
   2005

Cellulose Specialties

   $ 419    $ 14    $ 16    $ 449

Absorbent Materials

     163      10      6      179
                           

Total Sales

   $ 582    $ 24    $ 22    $ 628
                           

Price and volume increases in both cellulose specialties and absorbent materials more than offset higher wood, chemical and energy costs.

 

          Changes Attributable to:      
Operating Income (in millions)    2004    Price    Costs     2005

Total Operating Income

   $ 47    $ 24    $ (18 )   $ 53
                            

Wood Products

Our lumber sales increased from 2004. We realized a 7 percent price increase due to continued strong demand in the housing market and curtailed imports.

 

          Changes Attributable to:     
Sales (in millions)    2004    Price    Volume    2005

Total Sales

   $ 126    $ 9    $ 2    $ 137
                           

In 2005, operating income increased from the prior year as improved prices more than offset higher wood costs.

 

          Changes Attributable to:      
Operating Income (in millions)    2004    Price    Costs     2005

Total Operating Income

   $ 13    $ 9    $ (6 )   $ 16
                            

In the third quarter of 2005, we sold our MDF business. As such, the Wood Products segment has been restated to exclude the operations and assets of MDF in all periods presented. See Note 7 — Sale of Medium-Density Fiberboard Business (MDF) for additional information.

Other Operations

Sales and operating income for 2005 declined as a result of weaker trading activity and lower royalty income from coal extractions. We have no immediate plans to exit these non-core businesses.

Corporate and Other Expenses/Eliminations

Corporate and other expenses were $2 million below 2004 reflecting the absence of REIT conversion costs and lower legal expenses somewhat offset by higher stock price-based incentive compensation costs.

Gain on Sale of New Zealand Timberlands

See Note 6 — Joint Venture Investment for a discussion of the sale of our New Zealand timberlands.

 

27


Table of Contents

Interest Expense

Interest expense for 2005 was comparable to 2004 as higher average debt levels and interest rates were offset by the reversal of previously accrued interest from Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit settlements.

Interest/Other Income

Interest and other income was $18 million compared to $1 million for the prior year. On August 19, 2005, we received a $16.2 million arbitration award from proceedings against ITT Industries, Inc. (as successor-in-interest to our former parent ITT Corporation) over the distribution of environmental litigation insurance recoveries in connection with settlements relating to discontinued operations. Upon receipt of the settlement funds, we recorded $6.4 million of non-operating income, $1.4 million of interest income and $0.4 million of operating income, with the remaining $8 million applied against an existing receivable. We also received $1.9 million of insurance settlement proceeds, recognized a $1.8 million gain on the sale of the EAM manufacturing facility and recorded $2.4 million of interest income from favorable IRS settlements.

Income Tax Benefit/(Expense)

See Note 9 — Income Taxes for information regarding the provision for income taxes.

Outlook

Entering 2006, we have well-positioned core businesses and continue to experience strong demand and pricing for most of our products, particularly real estate properties and premium cellulose specialties. As a result, excluding special items, we expect full-year earnings somewhat above 2005, despite a first quarter that will be below fourth quarter 2005, primarily due to the timing of real estate transactions.

In Real Estate, we continue to focus on building additional value through development of our properties, while in Performance Fibers we recently implemented price increases for 2006 for cellulose specialties. In addition, contracts for most of our cellulose specialties volume, including all acetate sales, provide for a surcharge to help offset the sharp rise in energy costs.

Results of Operations, 2004 versus 2003

Timber

In the Northwest U.S., our 2004 timber sales and operating income improved as our timber prices and volume rose 14 percent and 26 percent, respectively, compared to prior year. In general, the demand for timber in this region increased as the demand for lumber rose due to the strong housing market. Increased demand, coupled with a reduced log supply from Canada as the U.S. dollar weakened, also created favorable market conditions. In addition, our 2004 Northwest timber volume reflected harvesting on contracts delayed from being sold in the fourth quarter of 2003 in order to utilize our new REIT status in 2004. See Item 1—Business for additional information on our REIT conversion.

In the Southeast U.S., 2004 timber sales and operating income increased from 2003 primarily as a result of an 8 percent increase in pine prices as the strong housing market contributed to increased demand. Higher pine prices were partly offset by lower volumes due to the impact of three major hurricanes and wet weather conditions during the latter part of 2004. Compared to 2003, pine and hardwood volumes declined 3 percent and 20 percent, respectively, while hardwood prices decreased 2 percent. We estimate these hurricane-related market conditions reduced our 2004 operating income by approximately $3 million.

In New Zealand, 2004 timber sales and operating income also increased due to stronger demand and to operating the Queen Charlotte forest for all of 2004 compared to only part of the year in 2003. Timber volumes increased 2 percent, while radiata pine prices (converted to U.S. dollars) increased 13 percent in New Zealand due to the strong local currency as well as product mix.

 

           Changes Attributable to:     
Sales (in millions)    2003    Price    Volume /
Mix
   Other    Foreign
Exchange
   2004

Total Sales

   $ 153    $ 15    $ 15    $ 1    $ 2    $ 186
                                         

 

           Changes Attributable to:     
Operating Income (in millions)    2003    Price    Volume /
Mix
   Costs/
Other
    Foreign
Exchange
   2004

Total Operating Income

   $ 52    $ 15    $ 3    $ (2 )   $ 4    $ 72
                                          

 

28


Table of Contents

Real Estate

In 2004, we sold timber lease rights on approximately 5,500 acres that contributed $26 million in sales and $24 million in operating income. However, real estate sales and operating income decreased due to lower acreage sales in 2004. The nature of real estate sales is such that year over year fluctuations may be material due to the uncertainty in the timing of development and conservation land sale opportunities and in the closing of real estate transactions.

 

          Changes Attributable to:     
Sales (in millions)    2003    Price     Volume /
Mix
    Other    2004

Development

   $ 36    $ 1     $ (12 )   $    $ 25

Rural

     61      (10 )     (10 )     26      67

Other

     9      1       (6 )          4
                                    

Total Sales

   $ 106    $ (8 )   $ (28 )   $ 26    $ 96
                                    

 

          Changes Attributable to:     
Operating Income (in millions)    2003    Price     Volume /
Mix
    Other    2004

Total Operating Income

   $ 87    $ (8 )   $ (28 )   $ 24    $ 75
                                    

Performance Fibers

Cellulose specialties sales volumes for 2004 increased approximately 18,000 metric tons, or 4 percent, from 2003 levels. The majority of the higher volume (16,000 metric tons) occurred in the acetate market due to a market share increase caused by the closure of International Paper’s Natchez, Mississippi facility in 2003. The closure also contributed to a price increase of over 8 percent in the acetate product line in 2004.

The Absorbent Materials product line is made up of approximately 80 percent fluff pulp sales where pricing is commodity in nature. During 2004 the average price increased 6 percent over 2003. Absorbent materials sales volumes decreased approximately 3 percent from 2003 principally as a result of a major maintenance shutdown during the fall of 2004 that reduced the number of operating days.

 

          Changes
Attributable to:
     
Sales (in millions)    2003    Price    Volume     2004

Cellulose Specialties

   $ 378    $ 25    $ 16     $ 419

Absorbent Materials

     156      11      (4 )     163
                            

Total Sales

   $ 534    $ 36    $ 12     $ 582
                            

Performance Fibers operating income of $47 million in 2004 compared to an operating loss of $3 million in 2003. The improvement was primarily the result of stronger prices and lower hardwood (due to absence of severe weather-related hardwood shortages), chemical and energy costs.

 

           Changes
Attributable to:
    
Operating Income/(Loss) (in millions)    2003     Price    Volume   

Costs /

Mix

   2004

Total Operating Income/(Loss)

   $ (3 )   $ 36    $ 2    $ 12    $ 47
                                   

Wood Products

Lumber sales prices and volumes increased 16 percent and 12 percent, respectively, over the prior year. Domestic lumber markets strengthened in 2004 due to strong housing starts and reduced Canadian imports resulting from the weaker U.S. dollar and trade tariffs.

 

          Changes
Attributable to:
    
Sales (in millions)    2003    Price    Volume    2004

Total Sales

   $ 97    $ 17    $ 12    $ 126
                           

 

29


Table of Contents

Lumber results improved due to the higher sales prices and volumes partly offset by an increase in raw material and production costs.

 

           Changes
Attributable to:
     
Operating Income (in millions)    2003    Price    Costs     2004

Total Operating Income

   $    $ 17    $ (4 )   $ 13
                            

Other Operations

Trading sales of $174 million were $2 million above 2003 while operating income of $6 million compared favorably to a break-even operating income in 2003. Operating income improved due to higher trading margins and stronger coal royalty income. In 2003, we consolidated certain operations in our non-core businesses in order to improve operating margins; however, there are no immediate plans to exit these businesses.

Corporate and Other Expenses/Eliminations

Corporate and other expenses of $40 million were $10 million above 2003 principally due to higher legal fees and the absence of prior year’s favorable balance sheet foreign exchange translation gains.

Interest Expense

Interest expense of $47 million was $2 million below the prior year due to lower rates.

Interest/Other Income

Interest and other income of $1 million, relating primarily to interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents, was $1 million below 2003.

Provision for Income Taxes

See Note 9 — Income Taxes for information regarding the provision for income taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

On a historical basis, our operations have generally produced consistent cash flows and required limited capital resources. Short-term borrowings help fund cyclicality and seasonality in working capital needs. Long-term debt has historically been used to fund major acquisitions.

In 2005, cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations of $254 million decreased $38 million from 2004. This decrease was primarily due to $30 million of higher income taxes paid and a $6 million increase in discretionary pension contributions. Cash used for investing activities was $155 million below 2004, reflecting $65 million in net cash proceeds generated from the sale of our New Zealand timberlands and $66 million of lower timberland acquisition spending. In addition, the sale of our MDF facility generated approximately $40 million of cash, while the sale of our EAM facility generated approximately $13 million. These cash flows enabled us to reduce debt by $99 million, finance strategic timberland acquisitions and capital expenditures of $24 million and $85 million, respectively, and pay dividends of $129 million. The cash dividends reflect an $18 million increase over prior year. Other financing proceeds include $15 million from the exercise of stock options, a $3 million decrease from 2004. Our debt-to-capital ratio of 39 percent improved from 45 percent at year end as a result of the significant debt reduction and higher net income, partly offset by the increased dividends. Our percentage of debt with fixed interest rates was 73 percent as of December 31, 2005 and 62 percent as of December 31, 2004. As of December 31, 2005, cash and cash equivalents were $146 million, a $62 million increase over the prior year end. The cash equivalents consist of marketable securities with maturities at the date of acquisition of 90 days or less.

Capital expenditures in 2006 are forecast to be approximately $106 million, while dividend payments are expected to increase from $129 million to $144 million in 2006. Cash payments for income taxes in 2006 are anticipated to be between $30 million and $35 million. No significant debt reduction is expected in 2006. We made discretionary pension contributions of $28 million in 2005 and $21 million in 2004, which helped reduce our unfunded status. We anticipate making pension contributions

 

30


Table of Contents

ranging from $11 to $15 million in 2006. We anticipate 2006 pre-tax expenditures of $12 million for environmental costs related to our discontinued operations. See Environmental Regulation for further information.

Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations of $292 million in 2004 increased $91 million from 2003. This increase was due to higher operating income, a $19 million income tax refund relating to 2003 and lower working capital requirements partly offset by a $10 million increase in pension plan contributions. The operating cash flow generated was used to purchase 83,000 acres of timberlands in Alabama for $89 million, finance capital expenditures of $88 million and pay dividends of $111 million. Excluding the $61 million special dividend paid in connection with the REIT conversion in 2003, cash dividends increased $67 million over prior year. Debt also increased $40 million in 2004 as the TRS used its long-term credit facility to finance an intercompany purchase of REIT timberlands (discussed below), to fund a $12 million dividend to the REIT and to refinance $50 million of its 6.15 percent medium-term notes. Despite these increases, our debt-to-capital ratio of 45 percent improved from 47 percent in 2003 as a result of higher net income associated primarily with the net benefit of the two first quarter discrete tax adjustments, partly offset by the higher level of dividends. The percentage of debt with fixed interest rates was 62 percent as of December 31, 2004 and 74 percent as of December 31, 2003. Other financing activities included proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $18 million, which decreased $6 million from 2003. As of December 31, 2004, cash and cash equivalents of $84 million increased $63 million over the prior year end level, while cash investments of $77 million increased $60 million. The cash investments consist of marketable securities with maturities at the date of acquisition of 90 days or less.

In the fourth quarter of 2004, RFR sold approximately $45 million of timberlands to the TRS for subsequent sale to third parties. This intercompany land sale resulted in a taxable gain to the REIT (due to the excess of fair market value over tax basis) requiring it to pay $13 million in income taxes. The TRS financed the purchase by borrowing approximately $40 million from our unsecured revolving credit facility. For financial reporting purposes all sales and costs from this transaction were eliminated upon consolidation; however, TRS’ borrowings from the long-term credit facility and cash proceeds residing at RFR were not. As a result of this transaction and other working capital needs of the TRS ($5 million), our borrowings from the revolving line of credit increased $45 million in 2004.

Liquidity Performance Indicators

The discussion below is presented to enhance the reader’s understanding of our liquidity, our ability to generate cash and satisfy rating agency and creditor requirements. This information includes two measures of financial results: Earnings from Continuing Operations before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (EBITDA), and Adjusted Cash Available for Distribution (Adjusted CAD). These measures are not defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the discussion of EBITDA and Adjusted CAD is not intended to conflict with or change any of the GAAP disclosures described above. Management considers these measures to be important to estimate the enterprise and shareholder values of the Company as a whole and of its core segments, and for allocating capital resources. In addition, analysts, investors and creditors use these measures when analyzing our financial condition and cash generating ability. EBITDA is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission; however, Adjusted CAD as defined may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure of our operating cash generating capacity. In 2005, EBITDA was $378 million, a $59 million increase over 2004 primarily due to higher operating results in all of our core product lines and the non-operating gain from the sale of our New Zealand timberlands. EBITDA was $319 million in 2004, an increase of $60 million over 2003, primarily due to higher operating results in our performance fibers and wood products segments. In 2003, EBITDA was $259 million, a decrease of $35 million from 2002 primarily due to lower operating results.

Below is a reconciliation of Cash Provided by Operating Activities to EBITDA for the five-year period ended December 31, 2005 (in millions of dollars):

 

     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 254.1     $ 292.3     $ 201.3     $ 245.9     $ 222.2  

Gain on sale of New Zealand timberlands

     36.9                          

Non-cash cost basis of real estate sold

     (11.8 )     (11.0 )     (5.9 )     (13.7 )     (10.0 )

Income tax (benefit) expense

     (16.9 )     (33.6 )     6.1       15.7       26.4  

Interest, net

     38.8       44.1       46.0       59.8       67.5  

Working capital increases (decreases)

     23.6       (37.4 )     19.6       (9.5 )     2.9  

Other balance sheet changes

     53.3       64.2       (8.5 )     (4.7 )     10.1  
                                        

EBITDA

   $ 378.0     $ 318.6     $ 258.6     $ 293.5     $ 319.1  
                                        

 

31


Table of Contents

A non-cash expense critical to the economics of both our Timber and Real Estate core businesses is the non-cash cost basis of real estate sold. EBITDA plus the non-cash cost basis of real estate sold for the five years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled $390 million, $330 million, $265 million, $307 million and $329 million, respectively.

Adjusted CAD is a non-GAAP measure of cash generated during a period that is available for dividend distribution, repurchasing common shares, debt reduction and for strategic acquisitions net of associated financing (e.g. realizing LKE tax benefits). We define Cash Available for Distribution (CAD) as Cash Provided by Operating Activities less capital spending, the tax benefit on the exercise of stock options, the tax benefits associated with certain strategic acquisitions, the change in committed cash and the proceeds from matured energy forward contracts. Committed cash represents outstanding checks that have been drawn on our zero balance bank accounts but have not been paid. In compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission requirements for non-GAAP measures, we reduce CAD by mandatory debt repayments resulting in the measure entitled “Adjusted CAD.”

Adjusted CAD was $163 million in 2005, an increase of $50 million from 2004 primarily due to the absence of $50 million in mandatory 2004 debt repayments, and $27 million of reduced LKE tax benefits, partially offset by approximately $38 million of lower operating cash flows. In 2004, Adjusted CAD was $113 million, $9 million above the prior year due to $91 million of higher cash provided by operating activities partly offset by $30 million in LKE tax benefits. In addition, mandatory debt repayments were higher in 2004 by $50 million (subsequently refinanced), further reducing Adjusted CAD. Adjusted CAD was $104 million in 2003, $22 million above the $82 million generated in 2002. This increase was primarily due to lower mandatory debt repayments in 2003 of $80 million, partially offset by lower cash provided by operating activities and higher capital expenditures. Adjusted CAD generated in any period is not necessarily indicative of the amounts that may be generated in future periods.

Below is a reconciliation of Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted CAD for the five-year period ended December 31, 2005 (in millions):

 

     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 254.1     $ 292.3     $ 201.3     $ 245.9     $ 222.2  

Capital spending, net

     (85.2 )     (87.7 )     (84.4 )     (75.9 )     (73.6 )

Purchase of assets previously leased

                 (5.4 )            

LKE tax benefits on third party real estate sales*

     (3.2 )     (11.3 )           (0.7 )      

LKE tax benefits on intercompany real estate sales*

           (19.0 )                  

Change in committed cash

     1.8       (3.5 )     0.4       (1.7 )     7.1  

Tax benefit on exercise of stock options

     (4.6 )     (4.4 )     (4.8 )     (2.5 )     (1.5 )

Proceeds from matured energy forward contracts

     3.9                          
                                        

CAD

     166.8       166.4       107.1       165.1       154.2  

Mandatory debt repayments**

     (3.6 )     (53.6 )     (3.5 )     (83.2 )     (26.8 )
                                        

Adjusted CAD

   $ 163.2     $ 112.8     $ 103.6     $ 81.9     $ 127.4  
                                        

  * Represents income taxes that would have been paid had the Company not completed the LKE transactions.
** Mandatory repayments represent debt that matured and settled during the same year. In addition to the mandatory payments, discretionary debt repayments of $95.0 million, $0, $30.0 million, $130.0 million and $99.5 million were made in 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 respectively.

Liquidity Facilities

In November 2003, we negotiated a $250 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a group of banks that replaced the previous $170 million facility and RFR’s $75 million facility. This facility, which allows the parent company, Rayonier Inc. and its subsidiaries, TRS and RFR, to borrow up to a combined total of $250 million, expires in November 2006. We plan to refinance the facility before it expires. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, there were $0 and $95 million of outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility, respectively. Of the $95 million outstanding on the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2004, $50 million was from refinancing medium term notes that matured in February 2004, while the remaining $45 million was primarily due to financing the intercompany timberland sale from RFR to the TRS. There were no borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2003. Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services assigned the facility and our long-term debt a ‘BBB-’ investment grade rating with a ‘Positive’ outlook. Moody’s Investors Service assigned the facility and our long-term debt a ‘Baa3’ investment grade rating with a ‘Stable’ outlook.

 

32


Table of Contents

In conjunction with our $250 million revolving credit facility, certain covenants must be met, including ratios based on the facility’s definition of EBITDA (Covenant EBITDA). Covenant EBITDA consists of earnings from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes and any provision for dispositions, income taxes, interest expense, depreciation, depletion, amortization and the non-cash cost basis of real estate sold. A dividend restriction covenant limits the sum of dividends in any period of four fiscal quarters to 90 percent of Covenant Funds From Operations (Covenant FFO) plus the aggregate amount of dividends permitted under Covenant FFO in excess of the amount of dividends paid during the prior four fiscal quarters. Covenant FFO is defined as Consolidated Net Income excluding gains or losses from debt restructuring and investments in marketable securities plus depletion, depreciation and amortization and the non-cash cost basis of real estate sold. In addition, there are covenant requirements for RFR setting a minimum ratio of cash flow to fixed charges.

The covenants listed below are calculated on a trailing 12-month basis. The most restrictive long-term debt covenants in effect as of December 31, 2005, were as follows:

 

    

Covenant
Requirement

  

Actual ratio at
December 31,
2005

   Favorable
(Unfavorable)

Covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense should not be less than

   2.50 to 1    8.50 to 1    6.00

Total debt to Covenant EBITDA should not exceed

   4.00 to 1    1.41 to 1    2.59

RFR cash flow available for fixed charges to RFR fixed charges should not be less than

   2.50 to 1    3.93 to 1    1.43

Dividends paid should not exceed 90 percent of Covenant FFO

   90%    42%    48%

We are currently in compliance with all of our financial covenants. In addition to the financial covenants listed above, the credit agreements include customary covenants that limit the incurrence of debt, the disposition of assets, and the making of certain payments between RFR and Rayonier among others. An asset sales covenant in the RFR installment note-related agreements requires us, subject to certain exceptions, to either reinvest cumulative timberland sales proceeds in excess of $100 million (the “excess proceeds”) in timberland-related investments and activities or, once the amount of excess proceeds not reinvested exceeds $50 million, to make an offer to the note holders to prepay the notes ratably in the amount of the excess proceeds. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the amount of excess proceeds was approximately $31 million and $16 million, respectively.

Contractual Financial Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In addition to using cash flow from operations, we finance our operations through the issuance of debt, and by entering into leases. These financial obligations are recorded in accordance with accounting rules applicable to the underlying transaction, with the result that some are recorded as liabilities on the Balance Sheet, while others are required to be disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

The following table aggregates contractual financial obligations as of December 31, 2005 and anticipated cash spending by period:

 

     Total    Payments Due by Period
Contractual Financial Obligations (000’s)       2006    2007-2008    2009-2010    Thereafter

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 3,310    $ 3,310    $    $    $

Long-term debt

     557,770           141,890      148,780      267,100

Interest payments on long-term debt *

     238,852      45,924      80,311      55,120      57,497

Operating leases—timberland **

     90,041      4,715      9,398      9,178      66,750

Operating leases—PP&E, offices

     15,476      3,173      4,562      3,455      4,286

Purchase obligations

     958      624      334          

Other long-term liabilities

     2,587      930      473      473      711
                                  

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 908,994    $ 58,676    $ 236,968    $ 217,006    $ 396,344
                                  

  * Projected interest payments for variable-rate debt were calculated based on outstanding principal amounts and interest rates as of December 31, 2005.
** The majority of timberland leases are subject to escalation clauses based on either the Consumer Price Index or the Producer Price Index.

 

33


Table of Contents

The nature and purpose of our off-balance sheet arrangements are to provide credit support for certain suppliers/vendors and customers in case of their default on critical Company-related obligations, and collateral for certain self-insurance programs that we maintain. These arrangements consist of standby letters of credit and surety bonds. As part of our ongoing operations, we also periodically issue guarantees to third parties. Off-balance sheet arrangements are not considered to be a source of liquidity or capital resource and do not expose us to material risks or material unfavorable financial impacts.

The following table aggregates financial commitments as of December 31, 2005:

 

Financial Commitments (000’s)    Maximum
Potential
Payment
   Carrying
Amount of
Liability

Standby letters of credit(1)

   $ 78,146    $ 62,104

Guarantees(2)

     11,262      96

Surety bonds(3)

     7,219      1,940
             

Total financial commitments

   $ 96,627    $ 64,140
             

(1) Approximately $62 million of the standby letters of credit serve as credit support for industrial revenue bonds. The remaining letters of credit support various insurance coverages, primarily workers’ compensation and pollution requirements. These letters of credit will expire at various dates during 2006 and are typically rolled over as required.

 

(2) In conjunction with the sale of our New Zealand timberlands to the JV in October 2005 (see Note 6 — Joint Venture Investment for additional information), we guaranteed five years of Crown Forest license obligations with annual potential payments of approximately $1.2 million. The JV is the primary obligor and has posted a bank performance bond with the New Zealand government. If the JV fails to pay the obligation, the New Zealand government will demand payment from the bank that posted the bond. We would have to perform if the bank defaulted on the bond. A $54 thousand liability, representing our obligation to perform, was recorded in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others. This guarantee expires in 2010.

In conjunction with the sale of our New Zealand East Coast timber operations in 2002, we guaranteed five years of Crown Forest license obligations. In late 2003, the buyer defaulted on its loan payments to its creditors and went into receivership with the 2004 obligation paid by the receiver. The property was then re-sold. The new owner is the primary obligor and has posted a bank performance bond with the New Zealand government. If the new owner fails to pay the obligations, the New Zealand government will demand payment from the owner’s bankers pursuant to the bond. We would have to perform under the guarantee and seek legal redress from the owner if the bankers defaulted on the bond. We expect the owner’s bond to be sufficient to cover the license obligations. As of December 31, 2005, two years of obligations remained, estimated at $1.5 million per year. This guarantee expires in 2007.

In 2004, we sold approximately 15,000 acres of timberland for approximately $25 million. A 15-year installment note was received from the buyer, with a fixed interest rate of 5.17 percent. In addition, the buyer delivered an irrevocable letter of credit from a major banking institution that secures all payments of principal and interest under the installment note. We monetized the note by contributing the note and the letter of credit to a bankruptcy-remote limited liability subsidiary that meets the requirements of a qualified special purpose entity (QSPE) as defined by SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. As such, the QSPE is not consolidated in our financial statements. Using the installment note and the letter of credit as collateral, the QSPE issued $22.5 million of 15-year Senior Secured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 5 percent and remitted cash of $22.5 million to the Company. At closing, we recorded a retained interest of $2.8 million in the QSPE. In conjunction with this timberland sale and note monetization, we issued a make-whole agreement pursuant to which we guaranteed $2.5 million of obligations of the QSPE. The fair market value of the guarantee of $43 thousand was recorded to reflect the obligation to perform under the make-whole agreement.

In conjunction with our $250 million revolving credit facility, Rayonier Inc. guarantees the borrowings of RFR and TRS. Additionally, TRS guarantees the borrowings of Rayonier Inc. There were no outstanding borrowings on our revolving credit facility at December 31, 2005. At December 31, 2004, TRS had $95 million of debt outstanding on the facility that was guaranteed by Rayonier. See Note 12 – Debt for additional information on the revolving credit facility.

 

(3) We issue surety bonds primarily to secure timber in the State of Washington and to provide collateral for the workers’ compensation self-insurance program in that state. These surety bonds expire at various dates during 2006 and 2007 and are renewed as required.

 

34


Table of Contents

In May 2004, we completed a Form S-4 acquisition shelf registration to offer and issue 7,000,000 common shares for the acquisition of other businesses, assets or properties. As of December 31, 2005, no common shares have been offered or issued under the S-4 shelf registration. In September 2003, we completed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement to offer $500 million of new public debt and/or equity securities. This registration statement replaced the previous $150 million shelf registration which was subsequently deregistered. On December 19, 2003, 6.4 million common shares were issued under the S-3 shelf registration as part of a special stock dividend paid in conjunction with our conversion to a REIT. The fair market value of the shares at the day of issuance was $253 million, leaving $247 million available under the $500 million shelf registration at December 31, 2005.

New Accounting Standards

See Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for our discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements that will affect our financial results and disclosures in future periods.

Environmental Regulation

Rayonier is subject to stringent environmental laws and regulations concerning air emissions, water discharges and waste handling and disposal. Such environmental laws and regulations include the Federal Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, and state laws and regulations governing similar activities. Our management closely monitors our environmental responsibilities, and believes that we are in substantial compliance with current environmental requirements. However, significant expenditures over the next 10 years will be required in the area of environmental compliance. During 2005, 2004 and 2003, we spent approximately $6 million, $7 million and $10 million, respectively, for capital projects related to environmental compliance for ongoing operations. During 2006 and 2007, our spending is expected to decrease to approximately $4 million and $2 million per year, respectively, on such capital projects.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its Cluster Rules governing air emissions in 1998 but, due to the specialty nature of Rayonier’s Performance Fibers products and operations, the agency postponed finalizing water discharge rules and certain air emissions rules governing our two Performance Fibers dissolving pulp mills and two other similar mills. (The EPA uses the term “Cluster Rules” to identify parallel rule-making for water and air technology-based discharge limits for pulp and paper mills.) In late 2003, EPA informed us that it was delegating its Cluster Rule rulemaking authority for these four mills to the environmental agencies of the respective states. We will continue to work with the EPA and the applicable state environmental authorities to establish such rules for our mills, but the timing and costs associated with such rulemaking are uncertain. It is our opinion that capital costs to be incurred over the next five years (2006—2010) associated with Cluster Rule compliance and other environmental regulations are not expected to exceed $21 million. Such capital expenditures are not expected to cause total capital expenditures, including those relating to environmental, to exceed an annual average of $100 million to $110 million.

Federal, state and local laws and regulations intended to protect threatened and endangered species, as well as wetlands and waterways, limit and may prevent timber harvesting, road building and other activities on private lands, including a portion of our timberlands. In the Northwest, in particular, over the past several years the harvest of timber from parts of our timberlands in the State of Washington has been both temporarily and permanently restricted as a result of the listing of the northern spotted owl, the marbled murrelet and several species of salmon and trout as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. In 1999, the timber industry and federal, state, local and tribal governments, entered into an agreement, known as the Forests and Fish Report, which led the Washington Forest Practices Board to adopt rules further restricting timber harvesting within buffers along streams with fish habitat. All of these restrictions have caused us over time to restructure and reschedule our harvest plans and have reduced the total volume of timber available for harvest. For the most part, however, these restrictions had been anticipated and we expect to sustain past harvest levels in the foreseeable future.

We currently estimate that expenditures during 2006 and 2007 for environmental remediation and monitoring costs for all dispositions and discontinued operations will total approximately $12 million per year. Such costs, including monitoring and remediation costs, will be charged against our reserves for estimated environmental obligations which we believe are sufficient for costs expected to be incurred over the next 20 years. At December 31, 2005, these accrued liabilities totaled approximately $140 million. The actual future environmental costs will be dependent on the outcome of negotiations with federal and state agencies and may also be affected by changes in applicable laws and regulations, the exercise of discretion in interpretation of applicable law and regulations by governmental agencies and changes in environmental remediation technology. Based on information currently available, we do not believe that any future changes in estimates would materially affect our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

35


Table of Contents
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market and Other Economic Risks

We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign exchange rates. Our objective is to minimize the economic impact of these market risks. We use derivatives in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors; derivatives are managed by a senior executive committee whose responsibilities include initiating, managing and monitoring resulting exposures. We do not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Cyclical pricing of commodity market paper pulp ultimately influences Performance Fibers prices, particularly in the Absorbent Materials product line. However, since we are a non-integrated producer of specialized Performance Fibers for non-papermaking end uses, our high-value product mix tends to lag (on both the upturn and downturn) commodity paper pulp prices with peaks and valleys that are less severe.

We periodically enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to interest rate changes. These swaps involve the exchange of fixed and variable interest rate payments without exchanging principal amounts. At December 31, 2005, two interest rate swap agreements were held. One agreement with a notional amount of $50 million swaps a fixed 8.288 percent interest rate for a six-month LIBOR rate plus 4.7825 percent. The second agreement with a notional amount of $40 million swaps a fixed 8.288 percent interest rate for a six-month LIBOR rate plus 4.99 percent. The fair value of these interest rate swaps at year-end, which mature in 2007, was a liability of $2.5 million. The market risk resulting from a one percentage point (100 basis points) change in the six-month LIBOR rate amounts to an approximate change of $0.9 million in our pre-tax income/loss.

The fair market value of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is also subject to interest rate risk; however, we intend to hold most of our debt until maturity. Occasionally, when favorable economic conditions exist, we opt to refinance callable bonds. The estimated fair value of our fixed-rate debt at December 31, 2005, was $451 million compared to $407 million in carrying value. Generally, the fair market value of fixed-rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. A hypothetical one-percentage point increase/decrease in prevailing interest rates at December 31, 2005, would result in a corresponding decrease/increase in the fair value of our fixed-rate debt of approximately $21 million.

We periodically enter into commodity forward contracts to fix some of our fuel oil and natural gas costs. The forward contracts partially mitigate the risk of a change in Performance Fibers margins resulting from an increase or decrease in these energy costs. We do not enter into commodity forwards for trading or speculative purposes. The net amounts paid or received under the contracts are recognized as an adjustment to fuel oil or natural gas expense. A hypothetical 10 percent increase/decrease in the prevailing price of natural gas and fuel oil would result in a change of $0.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively, in our pre-tax income/loss. Our natural gas and fuel oil contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and as such mark-to-market adjustments are recorded in “Other operating (income) expense, net.”

Primarily all of our revenues and expenses are U.S. dollar-denominated. However, the JV is subject to the risks of foreign currency fluctuations. At December 31, 2005, all forward foreign currency contracts to purchase New Zealand dollars had matured.

 

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

See Index to Financial Statements on page ii.

 

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

 

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Rayonier management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures. Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)), are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this annual report on Form 10-K, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no control evaluation can provide absolute assurance that all control exceptions and instances of fraud have been prevented or detected on a timely basis. Even systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance that their objectives are achieved.

 

36


Table of Contents

Based on an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s management, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Principal Financial Officers concluded that the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2005.

In the quarter ended December 31, 2005, based upon the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Exchange Act, there were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that would materially affect or are reasonably likely to affect our internal control over financial reporting.

See Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting at F-1, followed by the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable.

PART III

Certain information required by Part III is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company’s 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”).

 

Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information required by this Item with respect to directors is incorporated by reference to the information in the section entitled “Election of Directors” and “Report of the Audit Committee” in the Proxy Statement. The information required by this Item with respect to disclosure of any known late filing or failure by an insider to file a report required by Section 16 of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement.

The information called for by Item 10 with respect to executive officers is either set forth above in Part I under the caption Executive Officers of Rayonier or incorporated herein by reference to the definitive proxy statement referred to above.

Our Standard of Ethics and Code of Corporate Conduct, which is applicable to our principal executive, financial and accounting officers, is available on our website, www.rayonier.com. Recent amendments to the Code of Corporate Conduct have been posted on our website. Any other amendments to or waivers of the Standard of Ethics and Code of Corporate Conduct will also be disclosed on such website.

On July 11, 2005, we filed with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) the Annual CEO Certification regarding our compliance with the NYSE’s Corporate Governance Standards as required by Section 303A-12(a). In addition, we have filed, as exhibits to the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, the applicable certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Co-Principal Financial Officers required under Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement.

 

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

The information called for by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Share Ownership” in the Proxy Statement.

 

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement.

 

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information called for by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Report of the Audit Committee” in the Proxy Statement.

 

37


Table of Contents

PART IV

 

Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Documents filed as a part of this report:

 

  (1) See Index to Financial Statements on page ii for a list of the financial statements filed as part of this report.

 

  (2) See Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, the required matter is not present or the required information has otherwise been supplied in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

 

  (3) See Exhibit Index on pages F-41 through F-44 for a list of the exhibits filed or incorporated herein as part of this report.

 

38


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To Our Shareholders:

The management of Rayonier Inc. and its subsidiaries is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our system of internal controls over financial reporting was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Rayonier Inc.’s management, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Principal Financial Officers, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. In making this assessment, we used the framework included in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2005.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. The report, which expresses unqualified opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is on page F-3.

 

LOGO

W. L. Nutter
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
February 28, 2006

 

LOGO

H. E. Vanden Noort
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Co-Principal Financial Officer
February 28, 2006

 

LOGO

C. E. Kraus
Senior Vice President, Finance and Co-Principal Financial Officer
February 28, 2006

 

F-1


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Rayonier Inc.

Jacksonville, Florida

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rayonier Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index to Financial Statement Schedules. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Rayonier Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 28, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

LOGO

Certified Public Accountants

Jacksonville, Florida

February 28, 2006

 

F-2


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Rayonier Inc.

Jacksonville, Florida

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Rayonier Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules as of and for the year ended December 31, 2005 of the Company and our report dated February 28, 2006, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedules.

LOGO

Certified Public Accountants

Jacksonville, Florida

February 28, 2006

 

F-3


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Years Ended December 31,

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

 

     2005     2004     2003  

SALES

   $ 1,180,708     $ 1,162,778     $ 1,059,584  
                        

Costs and Expenses

      

Cost of sales

     942,103       937,039       905,562  

Selling and general expenses

     64,403       59,297       54,739  

Other operating (income) expense, net

     (10,401 )     (6,184 )     (6,748 )
                        
     996,105       990,152       953,553  

Equity in loss of New Zealand joint venture

     (1,411 )            
                        

OPERATING INCOME

     183,192       172,626       106,031  

Gain on sale of New Zealand timberlands

     36,968              
                        

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS, INCLUDING GAIN ON SALE OF NEW ZEALAND TIMBERLANDS

     220,160       172,626       106,031  

Interest expense

     (46,961 )     (46,718 )     (48,738 )

Interest and miscellaneous income, net

     17,648       506       1,894  
                        

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     190,847       126,414       59,187  

Income tax benefit (provision)

     16,948       33,649       (6,083 )
                        

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     207,795       160,063       53,104  
                        

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET (Note 7)

      

Income (loss) on discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $10,459, ($196), and $278

     (24,956 )     (3,162 )     (3,132 )
                        

NET INCOME

     182,839       156,901       49,972  
                        

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

      

Unrealized gain (loss) on hedged transactions, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $230, $191 and ($25)

     (410 )     (339 )     44  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (9,705 )     11,611       22,159  

Minimum pension liability adjustment

     16,323       (217 )     (925 )
                        

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

   $ 189,047     $ 167,956     $ 71,250  
                        

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

      

BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

      

Continuing Operations

   $ 2.75     $ 2.15     $ 0.84  

Discontinued Operations

     (0.33 )     (0.04 )     (0.05 )
                        

Net Income

   $ 2.42     $ 2.11     $ 0.79  
                        

DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

      

Continuing Operations

   $ 2.68     $ 2.09     $ 0.82  

Discontinued Operations

     (0.32 )     (0.04 )     (0.05 )
                        

Net Income

   $ 2.36     $ 2.05     $ 0.77  
                        

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-4


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31,

(Dollars in thousands unless otherwise noted)

 

     2005     2004  

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 146,227     $ 84,117  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,158 and $1,271

     88,378       87,483  

Inventory

     85,545       76,660  

Other current assets

     33,948       39,736  

Assets of discontinued operations (Note 7)

           81,447  
                

Total current assets

     354,098       369,443  
                

TIMBER, TIMBERLANDS AND LOGGING ROADS, NET OF DEPLETION AND AMORTIZATION

     927,019       1,053,481  

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

    

Land

     20,896       19,989  

Buildings

     114,644       114,384  

Machinery and equipment

     1,216,864       1,198,903  
                

Total property, plant and equipment

     1,352,404       1,333,276  

Less—accumulated depreciation

     (991,094 )     (936,161 )
                
     361,310       397,115  
                

INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE

     81,648        

OTHER ASSETS

     114,989       124,281  
                
   $ 1,839,064     $ 1,944,320  
                

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Accounts payable

   $ 66,362     $ 62,774  

Bank loans and current maturities

     3,310       48,575  

Accrued taxes

     19,634       45,562  

Accrued payroll and benefits

     23,380       24,043  

Accrued interest

     1,924       5,093  

Accrued customer incentives

     9,087       9,077  

Other current liabilities

     33,951       30,348  

Current reserves for dispositions and discontinued operations

     12,422       12,126  

Liabilities associated with discontinued operations (Note 7)

           9,127  
                

Total current liabilities

     170,070       246,725  
                

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     32,236       56,881  

LONG-TERM DEBT

     555,213       610,290  

NON-CURRENT RESERVES FOR DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     127,960       133,928  

OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

     68,733       100,108  

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (Notes 16 and 18)

    

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Common Shares, 120,000,000 shares authorized, 76,092,566 and 74,966,330 shares issued and outstanding

     422,364       393,513  

Retained earnings

     454,884       401,479  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     7,604       1,396  
                
     884,852       796,388  
                
   $ 1,839,064     $ 1,944,320  
                

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 31,

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

     2005     2004     2003  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Income from continuing operations

   $ 207,795     $ 160,063     $ 53,104  

Non-cash items included in income:

      

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     147,388       146,458       150,602  

Non-cash cost of real estate sales

     11,845       11,006       5,853  

Gain on sale of New Zealand timberlands

     (36,968 )            

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

     (47,592 )     (52,463 )     1,389  

Other

     (1,378 )            

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable

     (1,422 )     2,069       6,742  

(Increase) decrease in inventory

     (9,624 )     1,775       (558 )

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable

     (969 )     5,668       (3,966 )

Decrease in current timber purchase agreements and other current assets

     7,177       8,244       1,059  

(Decrease) increase in accrued liabilities

     (11,846 )     19,672       (19,122 )

Increase in other non-current liabilities

     8,758       8,566       11,699  

(Increase) decrease in non-current timber purchase agreements and other assets

     (10,322 )     (10,933 )     4,381  

Expenditures for dispositions and discontinued operations

     (8,697 )     (7,801 )     (9,885 )
                        

CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     254,145       292,324       201,298  
                        

CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     7,762       3,104       6,913  
                        

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      

Proceeds from the sale of NZ timberlands

     186,771              

Investment in NZ joint venture

     (121,930 )            

Capital expenditures

     (85,261 )     (87,670 )     (84,376 )

Purchase of timberlands

     (23,527 )     (89,264 )      

Purchase of assets previously leased

                 (5,363 )

Proceeds from the sale of other assets

     13,054              

Proceeds from matured energy forward contracts

     3,853              

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

     3,297       (2,212 )      
                        

CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     (23,743 )     (179,146 )     (89,739 )
                        

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     39,600       (1,639 )     (893 )
                        

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Issuance of debt

     150,000       188,000       137,500  

Repayment of debt

     (248,575 )     (146,545 )     (171,020 )

Dividends paid

     (129,249 )     (111,197 )     (105,350 )

Issuance of common shares

     15,121       17,743       23,699  

Payment on forward currency contract

     (2,506 )            

Cash in lieu of fractional shares

     (356 )           (173 )
                        

CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     (215,565 )     (51,999 )     (115,344 )
                        

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

     (89 )     76       238  
                        

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

      

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

     62,110       62,720       2,473  

Balance, beginning of year

     84,117       21,397       18,924  
                        

Balance, end of year

   $ 146,227     $ 84,117     $ 21,397  
                        

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

      

Cash paid (received) during the period:

      

Interest

   $ 48,502     $ 44,817     $ 50,777  
                        

Income taxes

   $ 29,009     $ (579 )   $ 18,420  
                        

Non-cash investing activity:

      

Capital assets purchased on account

   $ 4,561     $     $  
                        

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

1. NATURE OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Effective January 1, 2004, the Company was restructured to qualify as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). It is generally not required to pay federal income taxes on its U.S. timber harvest operations and other REIT-qualifying activities contingent upon meeting applicable distribution, income, asset, shareholder and other tests. However, the Company is subject to corporate taxes on built-in gains (the excess of fair market value over tax basis at January 1, 2004) on taxable sales of property from the REIT during the first ten years following the election to be taxed as a REIT. The U.S. timber operations are conducted by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P. (RFR). Non-REIT-qualifying and foreign operations, which continue to pay corporate-level tax on earnings, were transferred to Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc. (TRS), a wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary of Rayonier Inc. These operations include the Performance Fibers and Wood Products businesses as well as the Real Estate segment’s marketing of high value property (referred to as higher and better use, “HBU”).

Rayonier operates in four reportable business segments as defined by SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information: Timber, Real Estate, Performance Fibers, and Wood Products. See Note 3 — Segment and Geographical Information for information regarding the restructure of the former Timber and Real Estate segment into separate operating and reportable business segments.

Timber

Rayonier owns, leases, or manages approximately 2.4 million acres of timberlands located in the U.S., New Zealand and Australia. The Company’s Timber segment includes all activities that relate to the harvesting of timber in addition to managing timberlands and selling timber and logs to third parties.

Real Estate

Rayonier has invested in timberlands seeking to maximize its total return from a full cycle of ownership, which now includes developing or selling portions of its asset base to capture the appreciated value. An increasing portion of Rayonier’s acreage has become, or is emerging as, more valuable for development, recreational or conservation purposes than for growing of timber. In 2005, the Company expanded its focus from sales of medium and large tracts of land to include more value-added activities, such as seeking entitlements and implementing infrastructure improvements directly or in participation with other developers, and established a real estate subsidiary, TerraPointe LLC, to lead these development activities.

Performance Fibers

Rayonier is a manufacturer of high-performance cellulose fibers with two production facilities in Jesup, GA and Fernandina Beach, FL, which have a combined annual capacity of approximately 740,000 metric tons. These fiber products are sold throughout the world to industrial companies that produce a wide variety of products. Approximately 62 percent of performance fiber sales are to export customers, primarily in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Cellulose Specialties — Rayonier is a producer of specialty cellulose products, most of which are used in dissolving chemical applications that require a highly purified form of cellulose fiber. The Company concentrates on producing the most high-value, technologically-demanding forms of cellulose specialty products, such as cellulose acetate and high-purity cellulose ethers, and is a leading supplier of these products.

Absorbent Materials — Rayonier is a supplier of performance fibers for absorbent hygiene products. These fibers are typically referred to as fluff fibers and are used as an absorbent medium in products such as disposable baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, incontinence pads, convalescent bed pads, industrial towels and wipes and non-woven fabrics.

Wood Products

The Company operates and sells dimension and specialty lumber products through three lumber manufacturing facilities in the U.S. In 2005, Rayonier sold its medium-density fiberboard (MDF) business located in New Zealand and, as a result, restated prior years to reflect the operating results of MDF as discontinued operations. See Note 7 — Sale of Medium-Density Fiberboard Business (MDF) for additional information.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

1. NATURE OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

Other

Rayonier operates log trading businesses in the Northwest U.S., New Zealand and Chile, including exporting logs from New Zealand and Chile. The Company also trades wood products, purchasing lumber and wood panel products for sale in both domestic and export markets, and derives royalty income from coal mining activity on its timberlands in Lewis County, Washington.

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Rayonier and its subsidiaries, in which it has a majority ownership or controlling interest. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. For income tax purposes, the Company files two U.S. federal tax returns, one for REIT operations and a consolidated filing for TRS operations, and several foreign subsidiaries are taxed in foreign jurisdictions.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. There are risks inherent in estimating and therefore actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Standards

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a revision to Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation; SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. SFAS No. 123(R) supersedes Accounting Principals Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. SFAS No. 123(R) requires that all stock-based compensation, including options, be expensed at fair value as of the grant date over the vesting period. Companies will be required to use an option pricing model (i.e., Black-Scholes or Binomial) to determine compensation expense, consistent with the model used in the required disclosures of SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective transition method. The stock-based compensation expense for 2006 is not expected to be materially different than the expense recorded in 2005 under APB No. 25. The Company’s stock option plans provide for immediate vesting upon retirement and, in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), all stock options granted to retirement eligible employees after January 1, 2006 will be expensed upon grant. The Company will continue to allocate the expense for unvested stock options granted prior to January 1, 2006 over the vesting period, unless the employee retires. See Note 19 — Incentive Stock Plans for additional information about the Company’s stock-based compensation awards.

In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 109-1, Application of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act) includes tax relief for domestic manufacturers by providing a tax deduction of up to 9 percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of “qualified production activities income” (as defined by the Act) or taxable income. In conjunction with creating this new deduction, the Act phases out the current Extraterritorial Income Exclusion (EIE) over the next two years. The FSP requires that the new deduction be accounted for as a special deduction because it is based on the future performance of specific activities, including level of wages. The Company adopted the provisions of FSP 109-1 in 2005 and recorded a tax benefit comparable to that under the EIE in 2004.

In December 2004, the FASB issued FSP 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. SFAS No. 109 requires adjustment of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the effect of a change in tax rates in the period that includes the enactment date of the Act. The purpose of this

 

F-8


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

FSP was to grant companies additional time to evaluate the effect of the Act on their plans for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings, postpone recognition until such determination is made and to provide guidance for disclosures during reporting periods when determination has not yet been made. The FSP requires disclosure of a company’s status of its determination, its expected date of completion and a range of reasonably possible amounts considered for repatriation, including the related tax effects of doing so. The Company repatriated qualifying earnings during the third and fourth quarters of 2005 and has substantially completed the required reinvestment of the dividends in the U.S. as required by the Act. See Note 9 — Income Taxes.

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. This statement amends the guidance in Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, Chapter 4 — Inventory Pricing to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). This statement requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this statement requires that allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2006, which did not have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include time deposits with maturities at date of acquisition of three months or less.

Inventory

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The costs of manufactured performance fibers are determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Other products are valued on an average cost basis. Inventory costs include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. Physical counts of inventories are taken at least annually. The need for a provision for estimated losses from obsolete, excess or slow-moving inventories is reviewed periodically.

HBU real estate properties that are expected to be sold within one year are included in inventory, while properties that are expected to be sold after one year are included in “Other assets.”

Equity Method Investments

In 2005, the Company entered into a joint venture (JV) with RREEF Infrastructure, the global infrastructure investing arm of Deutsche Asset Management. The Company’s investment of approximately $122 million, representing a 49.7 percent equity interest, was made primarily by its REIT. The Company accounts for its interest in the JV under the equity method of accounting in accordance with APB No. 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock. Rayonier does not have a controlling financial interest but exerts significant influence over the JV’s operating and financial policies.

Timber Purchase Agreements and Timber-Cutting Contracts

Rayonier purchases timber for use in its Performance Fibers, Wood Products and trading operations. Timber that will be harvested within one year of the balance sheet date is classified as a current asset with the remainder classified as a non-current asset. Generally, the Company does not have sales contracts that are matched to specific timber purchase agreements; therefore Rayonier evaluates the realizability of timber purchases and timber-cutting contracts based on the estimated aggregate purchase price and harvesting cost of such timber and the sales values to be realized. Losses are recorded in the period that a determination is made that the aggregate costs in a major operating area will not be fully recoverable.

Timber

Costs relating to acquiring, planting and growing of timber including real estate taxes, lease rental payments and site preparation are capitalized. Such accumulated costs attributed to merchantable timber are charged to cost of goods sold at the

 

F-9


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

time the timber is harvested or the timberland is sold, based on the relationship of harvested timber to the estimated volume of currently merchantable timber. Timber is stated at the lower of cost or market value.

Property, Plant, Equipment and Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment additions are recorded at cost, including applicable freight, taxes, interest, construction and installation costs. Pulp mill assets are accounted for using the composite method. Upon ordinary retirement or sale of property, accumulated depreciation is charged with the cost of the property removed and credited with the proceeds of salvage value, with no gain or loss recognized. Gains and losses with respect to any significant or unusual retirements of assets and all other assets not accounted for under the composite method are included in operating income.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

The Company depreciates its assets using units-of-production and straight-line depreciation methods. At its Performance Fibers facilities, the units-of-production method is used for all assets except office, lab, and transportation equipment which are depreciated using the straight-line method over 10 to 15 years. In addition, all of the assets at the Company’s sawmills are depreciated using the straight-line method over 3 to 15 years. Buildings and land improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over 25 to 35 years and 15 to 25 years, respectively. Rayonier normally claims the maximum depreciation deduction allowable for tax purposes.

The Company utilizes the accrue-in-advance method within the fiscal year to record reserves for planned annual major maintenance during shut down at its two Performance Fibers mills. Routine repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The major types of maintenance costs accrued as required by Emerging Issues Task Force Topic D-88, Planned Major Maintenance Activities, include, but are not limited to, repair and operating labor, supplies and purchased services. No major maintenance accruals were outstanding at December 31, 2005 or 2004.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of the Company’s New Zealand-based operations and its JV investment is the New Zealand dollar. All assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the respective balance sheet dates with the resulting translation gain or loss recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), (AOCI), within shareholders’ equity.

Financial Instruments

The Company is exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign exchange rates. The Company’s objective is to partially mitigate the economic impact of these market risks. Derivatives are used, as noted below, in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and are managed by a senior executive committee, whose responsibilities include initiating, managing and monitoring resulting exposures. The Company does not enter into such financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, requires that all derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swap agreements and foreign exchange contracts be recognized in the financial statements and measured at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding them. Transactions that provide for the forward purchase or sale of raw materials are not included in the financial statements until physical delivery of the product, as these transactions are done in the normal course of business and qualify for treatment as normal purchases and sales under SFAS No. 133.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

Rayonier periodically uses swap agreements to manage exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Such agreements involve the exchange of fixed rate interest payments for floating rate payments over the life of the agreement without the exchange of any underlying principal amounts. Rayonier’s credit exposure is limited to the fair value of the agreements, and the Company enters into agreements only with counterparties having a long-term bond rating of “A” or higher. The Company does not enter into interest rate swap agreements for trading or speculative purposes and matches the terms and contract amounts to existing debt or debt expected to be refinanced. The Company’s interest rate swaps qualify as fair value hedges under SFAS No. 133 and as such the net effect of the swaps are recorded as interest expense. In addition, the Company marks the interest rate swap agreements to market by recording an asset or liability and a corresponding increase or decrease in its long-term debt.

Commodity Swap Agreements

The Company periodically enters into commodity forward contracts to fix some of its fuel oil and natural gas costs at its Performance Fibers mills. The forward contracts partially mitigate the risk of a change in Performance Fibers margins resulting from an increase or decrease in fuel oil and natural gas prices. The Company’s commodity agreements do not qualify for hedge accounting and are marked to market. Gains or losses resulting from the valuation are recorded in “Other operating income, net.”

Fair Value

Rayonier uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents — The carrying amount is equal to fair market value.

Debt — The Company’s short-term bank loans and floating rate debt approximate fair value. The fair value of fixed rate long-term debt is based upon quoted market prices for these or similar issues or rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and maturities.

Interest rate swap agreements — The fair value of interest rate swap agreements is based upon the estimated cost to terminate the agreements, taking into account current interest rates. The Company obtains a market valuation of the fair value of the swap.

Commodity swap agreements — The fair value of fuel oil and natural gas swap agreements is based upon the estimated cost to terminate the agreements, taking into account current prices. The Company obtains a market valuation of the fair value of the swap.

Revenue Recognition

The Company generally recognizes revenues when the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred, (iii) the Company’s price to the buyer is fixed and determinable, and (iv) collectibility is reasonably assured.

Revenue from the sale of timber is recorded when title passes to the buyer. Timber sales in the Southeast U.S. and Northwest U.S. are primarily made on a pay-as-cut basis, which qualify for capital gains treatment under Section 631(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). These contracts generally require a minimum 15 percent initial payment and title and risk of loss are transferred when the timber is cut.

Real estate sales are recorded when title passes and when full payment or a minimum down payment of 25 percent is received and full collectibility is assured, in compliance with SFAS No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate. If a down payment of less than 25 percent is received at closing, the Company records revenue based on the installment method. The Company follows the same revenue recognition policy when recording intercompany real estate sales from the REIT to the TRS and eliminates these transactions on a consolidated basis.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Revenue from domestic sales of Performance Fibers products is recorded when goods are shipped and title passes. Foreign sales of Performance Fibers products are recorded when the customer or agent receives the goods and title passes.

Lumber sales are recorded when the goods are shipped and title passes.

The Company’s Other segment includes log and wood products trading sales. In the Northwest U.S. and in Chile, all log trading sales are domestic and revenue is recorded when the goods are received by the customer and title passes. In New Zealand, approximately half of the log trading sales are exported. Domestic New Zealand sales are recorded when the goods are received by the customer and title passes. Revenue on export sales is recorded when the goods are shipped to the customer and title passes.

Revenue is recognized on domestic wood products trading sales when the product arrives at the contracted destination and title passes. Export wood products trading revenue is recognized when the product is shipped and title passes.

Freight and handling costs

Costs for freight and handling are reported in cost of sales.

Environmental Costs

Rayonier expenses environmental costs related to ongoing businesses resulting from current operations. Expenditures that meaningfully extend the life or increase the efficiency of operating assets are capitalized. The Company expenses environmental obligations related to dispositions or discontinued operations from which no current or future benefit is discernible and accrues its obligation to remediate and monitor environmental liabilities. These obligations are projected for a span of up to 20 years from inception of individual projects and require significant estimates to determine the proper amount at any point in time. Generally, monitoring expense obligations are fixed once remediation projects are at or near completion. The projected period, from 2006 through 2025, reflects the time in which potential future costs are both estimable and probable and are reviewed annually and adjusted when necessary, based on technological, regulatory or other changes that may affect them. The Company will accrue additional expense as new obligations become probable beyond the time frame of the initial reserve. Environmental reserves are reflected in current and non-current “Reserves for dispositions and discontinued operations” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Research and Development

Research and development efforts are directed primarily at further developing existing core products and technologies, improving the quality of cellulose fiber grades, absorbent materials and related products, improving manufacturing efficiency, reducing energy needs and developing improved environmental controls. Research activities related to timberland operations include genetic tree improvement programs as well as applied silviculture programs to identify management practices that improve financial returns from timberland assets. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and aggregated $6.2 million, $7.3 million and $9.2 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are provided using the asset and liability method under the provisions of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Income taxes on foreign operations are provided based upon the statutory tax rates of the applicable foreign country. U.S. income taxes have not been provided on foreign earnings that the Company intends to permanently reinvest overseas.

Stock-Based Employee Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation utilizing the intrinsic value based method under APB No. 25. The 1994 Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan (the 1994 Plan) which expired as to new grants on December 31, 2003, provided for the grant of up to 4.5 million common shares of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights,

 

F-12


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

performance shares and restricted stock, subject to certain limitations. Outstanding awards under the 1994 Plan were adjusted for the June 2003 stock split, the December 2003 stock dividend, and the October 2005 stock split. The exercise price of each non-qualified stock option equaled the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The non-qualified stock option’s maximum term, under the 1994 plan, is 10 years and two days from the date of grant. Effective January 1, 2004, the Company adopted the 2004 Rayonier Incentive Stock and Management Bonus Plan (the 2004 Plan). The 2004 Plan, as amended in May 2004 by shareholder approval, provides for 4.5 million common shares to be granted for incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and restricted stock, subject to certain limitations. Outstanding awards under the 2004 Plan were adjusted for the October 2005 stock split. The 2004 Plan’s provision regarding exercise price of each non-qualified stock option is the same as the 1994 Plan discussed above. The non-qualified stock option’s maximum term, under the 2004 plan, is 10 years from the date of grant.

Pursuant to the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148, the following table provides an expanded reconciliation for all periods presented that adds back to reported net income the recorded expense under APB No. 25, net of related income tax effects, deducts the total fair value expense under SFAS No. 123, net of related income tax effects and shows the reported and pro forma earnings per share amounts. See Note 19 — Incentive Stock Plans for additional information regarding the Company’s stock options.

 

     2005     2004     2003  

Net income, as reported

   $ 182,839     $ 156,901     $ 49,972  

Total stock-based employee compensation cost included in the determination of net income, net of related tax effects

     8,016       6,594       7,007  

Total stock-based employee compensation cost determined under fair value method, net of related tax effects

     (7,278 )     (6,619 )     (6,258 )
                        

Pro forma net income

   $ 183,577     $ 156,876     $ 50,721  
                        

* Earnings per share:

      

Basic, as reported

   $ 2.42     $ 2.11     $ 0.79  

Basic, pro forma

   $ 2.43     $ 2.11     $ 0.80  

Diluted, as reported

   $ 2.36     $ 2.05     $ 0.77  

Diluted, pro forma

   $ 2.36     $ 2.05     $ 0.78  

* Earnings per share amounts for 2004 and 2003 have been restated to reflect the three-for-two stock split on October 17, 2005.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits

Rayonier records pension and postretirement costs and liabilities, including an additional minimum liability, in accordance with SFAS No. 87, Employers’ Accounting for Pensions, and SFAS No. 106(R), Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions. Several estimates and assumptions are required to record these costs and liabilities, including discount rate, return on assets, salary increases, health care cost trends, and longevity and service lives of employees. Management reviews and updates these assumptions periodically. See Note 20 — Employee Benefit Plans, for the disclosures required by SFAS No. 132(R), Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.

Reclassifications

Certain 2004 and 2003 amounts have been reclassified to agree with the current year presentation.

 

3. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Rayonier operates in four reportable business segments as defined by SFAS No. 131: Timber, Real Estate, Performance Fibers, and Wood Products. Prior to the third quarter of 2005, Rayonier operated in three reportable business segments: Timber and Real Estate, Performance Fibers, and Wood Products. The Timber and Real Estate segment’s strategies included buying,

 

F-13


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

3. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION (Continued)

 

selling and managing timber and timberlands, as well as selling higher and better use (HBU) real estate to be used for conservation, development and large tract preservation. During the third quarter of 2005, the Company expanded its focus from sales of medium and large tracts of land to include more value-added activities, such as seeking entitlements and implementing infrastructure improvements directly or in participation with other developers, and established a real estate subsidiary, TerraPointe LLC, to lead these development activities. Under the new structure, the real estate operations are considered a separate operating and reportable business segment as defined by SFAS No. 131. Prior period operating results of the Timber and Real Estate segments presented herein conform to the new segment structure.

Timber sales include all activities that relate to the harvesting of timber. Real Estate sales currently include the sale of all properties, including those designated for HBU. In the future, the real estate segment may include revenue generated from properties with entitlements and infrastructure improvements, some of which may be in participation with developers. The assets of the Real Estate segment include HBU property held by TerraPointe and parcels under contract previously in the Timber segment. Allocations of depletion expense and non-cash costs of land sold are recorded when the Real Estate segment sells an asset from the Timber segment. The Performance Fibers segment includes two major product lines, Cellulose Specialties and Absorbent Materials. The Wood Products segment is comprised of the Company’s lumber operations. The Company’s remaining operations include purchasing, harvesting and selling timber acquired from third parties (log trading) and trading wood products. As permitted by SFAS No. 131, these operations are combined and reported in an “Other” category. The accounting policies of all operating segments are the same as those described in Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Sales between operating segments are made based on fair market value and intercompany profit or loss is eliminated in consolidation. The Company evaluates financial performance based on the operating income of the segments.

Operating income/(loss), as stated in the following table and as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, is equal to segment income/(loss). The income/(loss) items below “Operating income” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income are not allocated to segments. These items, which include interest, miscellaneous income/(expense) and income tax (expense)/benefit, are not considered by Company management to be part of segment operations.

In 2005, the Company entered into a joint venture (JV) with RREEF Infrastructure, the global infrastructure investing arm of Deutsche Asset Management, under which the JV purchased approximately 354,000 acres of New Zealand timberlands, including 118,000 acres from Rayonier. The Company’s investment of approximately $122 million, representing a 49.7 percent equity interest, was made primarily by its REIT. In addition to having an equity investment, the Company manages the JV’s 354,000 acres of timberlands for which it receives a management fee. The JV is included in the Timber segment. See Note 6 — Joint Venture Investment for additional information on the JV.

In August 2005, the Company sold its MDF business and the operations are now shown as discontinued operations (see Note 7 — Sale of Medium-Density Fiberboard Business (MDF)). These operations were previously included in the Wood Products segment, which has been restated to exclude the operations and assets of MDF for all periods presented.

In 2005, no single customer or group of customers under common control represented 10 percent or more of the Company’s consolidated sales; however, two customers comprised 10 and 18 percent of the Performance Fibers segment’s sales, and one customer comprised 16 percent of the Timber segment’s sales. The loss of any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on these segments’ results of operations.

In 2004, a group of customers under the common control of Eastman Chemical Company and its affiliates represented approximately 20 percent of the Performance Fibers segment’s sales and 11 percent of the Company’s consolidated sales.

In 2003, no single customer or group of customers under common control represented 10 percent or more of any segment’s sales or the Company’s consolidated sales.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

3. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION (Continued)

 

Segment information for each of the three years ended December 31, 2005, follows (in millions of dollars):

 

     Sales     Operating Income/
(Loss)
 
     2005     2004     2003     2005     2004     2003  

Timber

   $ 208     $ 186     $ 153     $ 87     $ 72     $ 52  

Real Estate *

     86       96       106       64       75       87  

Performance Fibers

     628       582       534       53       47       (3 )

Wood Products

     137       126       97       16       13        

Other

     123       174       172       1       6        

Corporate and eliminations **

     (1 )     (1 )     (2 )     (38 )     (40 )     (30 )
                                                

Total

   $ 1,181     $ 1,163     $ 1,060     $ 183     $ 173     $ 106  
                                                

* Operating income includes a charge for the non-cash cost of real estate sold of $11 million, $10 million and $6 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
** Includes unallocated corporate expenses and intersegment eliminations.

 

     Gross Capital
Expenditures
   Depreciation,
Depletion and
Amortization
   Identifiable Assets
     2005    2004    2003    2005    2004    2003    2005    2004    2003

Timber *

   $ 58    $ 124    $ 34    $ 61    $ 56    $ 57    $ 959    $ 1,118    $ 1,033

Real Estate

                    4      4      9      30      39      30

Performance Fibers

     45      47      44      75      77      78      460      489      518

Wood Products

     5      5      11      7      8      6      40      44      47

Other

     1      1      2           1      1      35      30      41

Corporate

                                   310      137      82

Dispositions

                                   5      5      5

Discontinued Operations

                                        82      84
                                                              

Total

   $ 109    $ 177    $ 91    $ 147    $ 146    $ 151    $ 1,839    $ 1,944    $ 1,840
                                                              

* Timber gross capital expenditures include strategic acquisitions of $24 million and $89 million in 2005 and 2004, respectively. Timber assets include the $82 million equity method investment in the JV.

Product Line Information

Sales by product line for each of the three years ended December 31, 2005, were as follows (in millions of dollars):

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2005     2004     2003  

Timber

   $ 208     $ 186     $ 153  

Real Estate

      

Rural

     42       25       36  

Development

     42       67       61  

Other

     2       4       9  
                        

Total Real Estate

   $ 86     $ 96     $ 106  
                        

Performance Fibers

      

Cellulose Specialties

     449       419       378  

Absorbent Materials

     179       163       156  
                        

Total Performance Fibers

   $ 628     $ 582     $ 534  
                        

Wood Products

     137       126       97  

Other

     123       174       172  

Intersegment Eliminations

     (1 )     (1 )     (2 )
                        

Total Sales

   $ 1,181     $ 1,163     $ 1,060  
                        

 

F-15


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

3. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION (Continued)

 

Geographical Operating Information

Information by geographical operating area for each of the three years ended December 31, 2005, was as follows (in millions of dollars):

 

     Sales    Operating
Income/(Loss)
    Identifiable Assets
     2005    2004    2003    2005    2004    2003     2005    2004    2003

United States

   $ 1,122    $ 1,087    $ 1,003    $ 182    $ 168    $ 100     $ 1,731    $ 1,680    $ 1,578

New Zealand

     49      50      45      1      5      7       97      227      207

All Other

     10      26      12                (1 )     11      37      55
                                                               

Total

   $ 1,181    $ 1,163    $ 1,060    $ 183    $ 173    $ 106     $ 1,839    $ 1,944    $ 1,840
                                                               

Rayonier’s sales by destination for each of the three years ended December 31, 2005, were as follows (in millions of dollars):

 

     Sales by Destination
     2005    %    2004    %    2003    %

United States

   $ 739    63    $ 736    63    $ 667    63

Europe

     161    14      134    11      128    12

Japan

     72    6      80    7      73    7

China

     61    5      66    6      62    6

Other Asia

     52    4      54    5      40    3

Latin America

     37    3      31    3      30    3

New Zealand

     30    2      30    2      30    3

Canada

     20    2      20    2      22    2

All other

     9    1      12    1      8    1
                                   

Total Sales

   $ 1,181    100    $ 1,163    100    $ 1,060    100
                                   

The majority of sales to foreign countries are denominated in U.S. dollars.

 

4. LIKE-KIND EXCHANGES AND RESTRICTED CASH

Under current law, the built-in gains tax from the sale of REIT property referred to in Note 9 — Income Taxes can be eliminated if sales proceeds from relinquished properties are reinvested in similar property within required time periods as outlined in Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 1031 regarding like-kind exchanges (LKE), so long as the replacement property is owned at least until expiration of the built-in gain period (ten-year period which began on January 1, 2004). However, this does not restrict the Company’s ability to sell timber on a pay-as-cut basis from such replacement property during the built-in gain period. In 2005 and 2004, the Company realized a tax benefit of $3.2 million or $0.04 per share, and $11.3 million or $0.15 per share, respectively, resulting from LKE of real estate.

The proceeds from real estate sales are accounted for as restricted cash and must be deposited with a third party intermediary in order to qualify for LKE treatment if a suitable replacement property is acquired. In the event that the LKE purchases are not completed, the proceeds are returned to the Company and reclassified as available cash after 180 days. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company had $2.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively, of proceeds from real estate sales classified as restricted cash in “Other assets”, which were deposited with an LKE intermediary. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $3.5 million deposited with an LKE intermediary recorded in “Other current assets” from real estate sales not matched with LKE purchases, which was returned to Rayonier in January 2005.

 

5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

The qualifying earnings of Rayonier International Financial Services Limited (RIFSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of TRS, were repatriated on August 12, 2005 and October 5, 2005. RIFSL received a $227.8 million New Zealand dollar (NZD)

 

F-16


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

 

payment on intercompany notes denominated in New Zealand dollars on October 3, 2005. On August 1, 2005, the Company began recording the impact of the fluctuations in the New Zealand dollar in its Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, since Rayonier New Zealand Limited (RNZ) intended to repay the intercompany notes. Prior to the settlement of these notes, the Company recorded a $2.4 million gain from revaluing the intercompany notes to the September 30, 2005 NZD/USD foreign exchange rate in “Interest and miscellaneous income, net.” In order to minimize the economic exposure from exchange rates, RIFSL entered into a foreign currency forward to hedge the conversion of New Zealand dollars to U.S. dollars. The contract matured on October 3, 2005 and the Company recorded a loss of $2.5 million on this forward currency contract.

In the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, gains of approximately $0.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, were recorded on foreign currency contracts primarily reflecting realized gains on matured contracts, plus the time value changes for outstanding contracts. In 2005 and 2004, the gains and losses representing the change in the forward contracts’ time value, which are excluded for purposes of measuring the contracts’ effectiveness, were insignificant and recorded in earnings over the life of the contracts. The Company had mark-to-market unrealized after-tax gains of approximately $0.4 million in AOCI in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004.

The Company had no outstanding foreign currency contracts at December 31, 2005. At December 31, 2004, the Company held $4.6 million of New Zealand foreign currency contracts maturing through June 2005. The largest amount of foreign currency forward contracts outstanding during 2005 and 2004 totaled $7.5 million and $10 million, respectively.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

In April 2003, RFR entered into an interest rate swap on $40 million of 8.288 percent fixed rate notes payable maturing on December 31, 2007. The swap converts interest payments from the fixed rate to a six-month LIBOR plus 4.99 percent rate and qualifies as a fair value hedge under SFAS No. 133. As such, the net effect from the interest rate swap is recorded as interest expense. During the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, this swap increased the Company’s interest expense by an immaterial amount and reduced the Company’s interest expense by $0.7 million, respectively. Based upon current interest rates for similar transactions, the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement at December 31, 2005 resulted in a liability of approximately $1.2 million and a corresponding decrease in debt.

In April 2004, RFR entered into an interest rate swap on $50 million of 8.288 percent fixed rate notes payable maturing on December 31, 2007. The swap converts interest payments from the fixed rate to a six month LIBOR plus 4.7825 percent rate and qualifies as a fair value hedge under SFAS No. 133. As such, the net effect of the interest rate swap is recorded in interest expense. The swap agreement settles every June 30 and December 31, until maturity. During the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, this swap reduced the Company’s interest expense by $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Based upon current interest rates for similar transactions, the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement at December 31, 2005 resulted in a liability of approximately $1.3 million and a corresponding decrease in debt.

Commodity Swap Agreements

During the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company realized gains of $3.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, on fuel oil forward contracts that matured. The mark-to-market valuation on outstanding fuel oil forward contracts at December 31, 2005 and 2004 resulted in an asset of $0.8 million and a liability of $0.1 million, respectively. The mark-to-market adjustments were recorded in “Other operating income/expense.”

During the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company realized gains of $0.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively, on natural gas forward contracts that matured. The mark-to-market valuation on outstanding natural gas forward contracts at December 31, 2005 and 2004 resulted in an asset of $0.3 million and a liability of $0.2 million, respectively. The mark-to-market adjustments were recorded in “Other operating income/expense.”

 

F-17


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

 

At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the estimated fair values of Rayonier’s financial instruments were as follows:

 

     2005     2004  

Asset (liability)

   Carrying
Amount
    Fair Value     Carrying
Amount
    Fair Value  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 146,227     $ 146,227     $ 84,117     $ 84,117  

Long-term debt

   $ (555,213 )   $ (602,217 )   $ (610,290 )   $ (660,020 )

Foreign currency forward contracts

   $     $     $ 685     $ 685  

Interest rate swap agreements

   $ (2,557 )   $ (2,557 )   $ (790 )   $ (790 )

Commodity swap agreements

   $ 1,037     $ 1,037     $ (294 )   $ (294 )

See Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Financial Instruments, for the methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments.

 

6. JOINT VENTURE INVESTMENT

On October 3, 2005, the Company entered into a JV arrangement with RREEF Infrastructure, the global infrastructure investing arm of Deutsche Asset Management, under which the JV purchased approximately 354,000 acres of New Zealand timberlands. The JV used investor capital of approximately $245 million and secured bank debt of approximately $260 million to purchase RNZ’s (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rayonier Inc.) forests consisting of 118,000 acres for approximately $187 million and 236,000 acres of New Zealand forests from Carter Holt Harvey (CHH), an Australasian forest products company, for approximately $301 million. The Company’s investment of approximately $122 million represents a 49.7 percent equity interest in the JV. The Company may reduce its equity interest in the future. In addition to having an equity investment, RNZ is serving as the manager of the JV forests.

The sale of RNZ’s forests resulted in $65 million in cash proceeds, net of the Company’s investment in the JV, and a $73 million gain, of which $37 million was recognized (based on the proportion of non-Rayonier (outside) interest in the JV on the date of sale) and the remaining $36 million was deferred. Rayonier’s investment in the JV is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income from the JV is reported in the Timber segment as operating income since the Company will manage the forests and its JV interest is an extension of RNZ’s operations. The JV is subject to New Zealand income taxes, however its timber harvest operations are REIT-qualifying and therefore, the Company generally is not required to pay U.S. federal income taxes on its equity investment income.

In the fourth quarter of 2005, Rayonier recorded a loss of $1.4 million due to JV start-up costs and delays in harvesting activities. Rayonier’s equity method investment at December 31, 2005 was $82 million, while its proportionate share of the fair market value of the JV’s net assets at December 31, 2005 was $118 million. The difference represents Rayonier’s unrecognized gain which will be recognized as timber and timberland is sold.

The Company’s recorded investment in the JV at December 31, 2005 was derived as follows (in millions of dollars):

 

     2005  

Initial investment in JV

   $ 121.9  

Deferred gain

     (36.6 )

Equity in loss of JV

     (1.4 )

Foreign exchange translation loss/other

     (2.2 )
        

Total

   $ 81.7  
        

 

F-18


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

6. JOINT VENTURE INVESTMENT (Continued)

 

Summarized financial information for the JV during 2005 and at December 31, 2005 is as follows (in millions):

 

     2005  

Sales

   $ 21.7  

Operating loss

   $ (2.1 )

Pretax loss from operations

   $ (10.4 )

Net loss*

   $ (6.9 )
     December 31**  

Current assets

   $ 19.8  

Timber and timberlands

     528.6  
        

Total assets

   $ 548.4  
        

Current liabilities

   $ 14.9  

Noncurrent liabilities

     298.3  

Partners’ capital

     235.2  
        

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 548.4  
        

 

* The Company’s equity interest in the net loss of $1.4 million excludes interest on partners’ debt and includes the amortization of deferred gain.
** The final purchase price allocation has not been completed for the JV.

 

7. SALE OF MEDIUM-DENSITY FIBERBOARD BUSINESS (MDF)

In August 2005, the Company sold its MDF business located in New Zealand to Dongwha Hong Kong International Limited for approximately $40 million. The sale resulted in an insignificant gain. Prior to the sale, in the second quarter of 2005, an after-tax loss of $24.1 million was recorded to adjust the MDF assets to fair market value. The operations of MDF qualify as discontinued operations in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The operating results of MDF have been segregated from continuing operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for all periods presented and the assets and liabilities associated with the MDF facility have been classified as “Assets of discontinued operations” and “Liabilities associated with discontinued operations” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004. The MDF operations and associated assets were previously reported in the Company’s Wood Products segment.

Operating results of the discontinued operation are summarized below:

 

     Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
     2005     2004     2003  

Sales

   $ 31,873     $ 44,218     $ 41,267  

Operating loss, including impairment loss

   $ (35,415 )   $ (2,966 )   $ (3,410 )

Impairment loss, net of income tax benefit of $9,136

   $ (24,102 )   $     $  

Loss from sale of discontinued operations

   $ (27 )   $     $  

Net loss from discontinued operations

   $ (24,956 )   $ (3,162 )   $ (3,132 )

 

F-19


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

7. SALE OF MEDIUM-DENSITY FIBERBOARD BUSINESS (MDF) (Continued)

 

The Consolidated Balance Sheet included assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as follows:

 

     December 31,
2004

Assets

  

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 3,993

Inventory

     8,202

Other current assets

     507

Property and equipment, net

     66,203

Other assets

     2,542
      

Total assets of discontinued operations

   $ 81,447
      

Liabilities

  

Accounts payable

   $ 3,775

Other current liabilities

     5,352
      

Total liabilities associated with discontinued operations

   $ 9,127
      

 

8. OTHER ASSETS

Other assets include prepaid pension costs, long-term receivables, manufacturing and maintenance supplies not expected to be utilized within the next 12 months, HBU real estate inventory not expected to be sold within the next 12 months, and other deferred expenses including debt issuance and capitalized software costs. Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the term of the debt to which they relate using a method that approximates the interest method and totaled $1.0 million, $1.0 million and $2.3 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Software costs are capitalized and amortized over a period not exceeding five years using the straight-line method. Amortization of deferred software costs totaled $1.0 million, $1.6 million, and $2.7 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

9. INCOME TAXES

The components of “Income from continuing operations, before income taxes” consist of U.S. income of $139.1 million, $111.1 million and $30.6 million, and foreign income of $51.7 million, $15.3 million and $28.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

The benefit from/(provision for) income taxes from continuing operations consist of the following:

 

     2005     2004     2003  

Current

      

U.S. federal

   $ (25,637 )   $ (15,755 )   $ (2,687 )

State and local

     514       (977 )     (183 )

Foreign

     (5,521 )     (2,082 )     (1,824 )
                        
     (30,644 )     (18,814 )     (4,694 )
                        

Deferred

      

U.S. federal

     51,845       48,643       (2,101 )

State and local

     660       (86 )     (185 )

Foreign

     (4,913 )     3,906       897  
                        
     47,592       52,463       (1,389 )
                        

Total

   $ 16,948     $ 33,649     $ (6,083 )
                        

 

F-20


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

9. INCOME TAXES (Continued)

 

Deferred income taxes result from recording revenues and expenses for financial reporting in one period but in different periods for tax reporting purposes. The nature of the temporary differences and the resulting net deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:

 

     2005     2004  

Gross deferred tax assets:

    

Reserves for dispositions and discontinued operations

   $ 51,609     $ 56,642  

Gains on timberland sales

     11,700       6,485  

Employee benefits

     27,717       34,812  

Foreign and state NOL carryforwards

     13,564       43,858  

State tax credit carryforwards

     10,242       8,357  

Other

     11,398       22,363  
                
     126,230       172,517  
                

Gross deferred tax liabilities:

    

Accelerated depreciation and depletion

     (88,300 )     (129,138 )

Tax on undistributed foreign earnings

           (32,900 )

Pension and other employee benefits

     (31,015 )     (26,155 )

Other

     (2,271 )     (5,631 )
                
     (121,586 )     (193,824 )
                

Less: Valuation allowance

     (18,626 )     (16,745 )
                

Net deferred tax liability

   $ (13,982 )   $ (38,052 )
                

Current net deferred tax asset

   $ 14,056     $ 8,395  

Noncurrent deferred tax asset

     4,198       10,434  

Noncurrent net deferred tax liability

     (32,236 )     (56,881 )
                

Net deferred tax liability

   $ (13,982 )   $ (38,052 )
                

Included in the above table are foreign and state net operating loss (NOL) and state tax credit carryforwards. At December 31, 2005, the Company had New Zealand NOL carryforwards of $16 million with an indefinite carryforward period. The Company also had $149.3 million of state NOL carryforwards and $10.2 million of Georgia state tax credit carryforwards. In general, the state NOL and credit carryforwards have an expiration term of 15 years. Based on its expectation regarding realization of these state tax benefits, the Company has recorded an $18.6 million valuation allowance representing the entire amount of the state tax benefits, as of December 31, 2005. Management believes that it will obtain the full benefit of the remaining net deferred tax assets based on its evaluation of the Company’s anticipated profitability over the period of years that the temporary differences are expected to reverse.

In 2005 and 2004, the Company recorded tax benefits of $6.2 million and $4.4 million, respectively, related to the exercise of stock options. These amounts were credited directly to shareholders’ equity and are not included in the consolidated tax provisions.

General REIT Requirements

As a REIT, if certain requirements are met, only the taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to corporate income taxes. However, the Company is subject to corporate income tax on built-in gains (the excess of fair market value over tax basis on property held upon REIT conversion at January 1, 2004) on taxable sales of such property by the REIT during the first ten years following the election to be taxed as a REIT. In accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company estimated the amount of timberland (and other assets) that will be sold within the ten year built-in gain period and retained a deferred tax liability for the book/tax basis difference for the expected income tax on such built-in gains. All deferred tax liabilities and assets related to the taxable REIT subsidiaries were retained. The remaining deferred tax liability of $78 million resulting primarily from U.S. timberland temporary differences was reversed in the first quarter of 2004 and recorded as an income tax benefit.

As a REIT, the Company can be subject to a 100 percent tax on the gain from entering into “prohibited transactions.” The Company believes it did not engage in any prohibited transactions during 2005 and 2004.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

9. INCOME TAXES (Continued)

 

The table below summarizes the historical tax characteristics of distributions to shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. Per share amounts shown below prior to the stock split occurring on October 17, 2005 have been restated.

 

     2005    2004

Capital gain

   $ 1.35    $ 1.02

Non-taxable return of capital

     0.36      0.47
             

Total cash distributions

   $ 1.71    $ 1.49
             

Built-In Gains Tax

Under current law, the built-in gains tax from the sale of timberlands (REIT property) can be deferred and eliminated if sales proceeds from relinquished properties are reinvested in similar property within the requirements of Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 1031 regarding LKE, so long as the replacement property is owned at least until expiration of the ten-year built-in gain period (which began on January 1, 2004). However, this does not restrict the Company’s ability to harvest timber on a pay-as-cut basis from such replacement property during the ten-year built-in gain period.

Undistributed Foreign Earnings

Prior to March 31, 2004, the Company did not provide for U.S. taxes on undistributed foreign earnings including approximately $123 million of undistributed foreign earnings it intended to permanently reinvest overseas. Following the Company’s conversion to a REIT, this strategy was reevaluated with a greater likelihood of most future investments being made in U.S. timberlands. Accordingly, during 2004, the Company recognized $33.9 million of tax expense on undistributed foreign earnings that it expected to ultimately repatriate. On October 22, 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act (the Act) was signed into law. The Act included a deduction of 85 percent of certain foreign earnings that were repatriated prior to December 31, 2005. During 2005, the Company repatriated qualifying earnings approximating $154 million, and substantially completed the required reinvestment of the dividends in the U.S. Accordingly, a tax benefit of $25.4 million was recorded in 2005.

Tax Audits

In April 2005, Rayonier executed a settlement agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding a disputed issue for its 1996 and 1997 taxable years. The Company reversed the final $9.5 million of federal tax reserves previously established for this issue in the first quarter of 2005 and reversed the final $1.7 million of state tax reserves in the third quarter of 2005 upon the filing of amended state tax returns reflecting the IRS settlement.

In June 2005, Rayonier reached an agreement with the IRS regarding disputed issues for its 1998 and 1999 taxable years, resulting in the second quarter reversal of a $7.2 million liability previously established for these issues. The Company expects to receive cash refunds of approximately $1.8 million for tax deposits previously paid on the disputed issues.

In August 2005, the IRS completed its field examination of taxable years 2000, 2001 and 2002. Rayonier reached an agreement with the IRS regarding certain disputed issues for those years, resulting in the third quarter reversal of a $3.1 million reserve previously established for these issues. The Company has appealed the IRS’ findings for “unagreed” issues and cannot predict the ultimate outcome and resolution of the disputed items at this time. The Company is in a net overpayment position of approximately $9.0 million before consideration of the disputed items.

The Company has other matters under review by various taxing authorities, including the IRS items noted above. The Company believes its positions on these matters as well as others, including the unagreed issues, are technically sound and its tax reserves at December 31, 2005 adequately reflect the probable resolution of these items. Nevertheless, it is reasonably possible that the final resolution of these matters could result in an additional tax liability of up to $8.5 million above established reserves.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

9. INCOME TAXES (Continued)

 

Provision for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations

The effective tax rate, before discrete items, increased from 11.4 percent in 2004, to 14.2 percent in 2005 due to lower LKE tax benefits and non-U.S. operations tax benefits.

The Company’s overall net tax benefit of $16.9 million for 2005 included the following discrete adjustments:

 

  i. the recognition of non-realizable New Zealand tax credits on U.S. withholding tax for prior years’ intercompany note interest ($2.9 million expense),

 

  ii. favorable IRS audit settlements, including the adjustment of accrued interest expense/income ($19.8 million benefit),

 

  iii. the effect of foreign exchange rate changes on U.S. tax on undistributed foreign earnings ($1.6 million benefit),

 

  iv. a U.S. tax benefit on repatriation of foreign earnings ($25.4 million benefit),

 

  v. tax expense on a favorable arbitration award ($3.0 million expense),

 

  vi. favorable adjustment of employee related costs between non-taxable and taxable entities ($1.5 million benefit), and

 

  vii. return to accrual adjustments ($0.3 million expense).

The Company’s overall tax benefit of $33.6 million for 2004 included the following discrete adjustments:

 

  i. a reversal of deferred taxes resulting from the REIT conversion ($77.9 million benefit),

 

  ii. the establishment of a liability for repatriation of foreign earnings ($28.2 million expense),

 

  iii. return to accrual adjustments ($1.4 million benefit), and

 

  iv. the effect of foreign exchange rate changes on U.S. tax on undistributed foreign earnings ($3.0 million expense).

The Company’s effective tax rate is below the 35 percent U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to tax benefits associated with being a REIT and LKE transactions. Partially offsetting these benefits is the loss of tax deductibility on interest expense ($19.1 million) and corporate overhead expenses associated with REIT activities ($13.9 million). The Company’s net tax benefit from REIT activities for 2005 was $28.3 million. During 2005, the Company completed LKE transactions for $10.2 million of its timberland real estate sales which resulted in tax benefits of $3.2 million. During 2004, the Company completed an $89 million LKE transaction, which resulted in a tax benefit of $11.3 million.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

9. INCOME TAXES (Continued)

 

A reconciliation of the income tax provision at the U.S. statutory rate to the reported provision for income taxes follows:

 

     2005     %     2004     %     2003     %  

Income tax provision from continuing operations at U.S. statutory rate

   $ (66,797 )   (35.0 )   $ (44,244 )   (35.0 )   $ (20,715 )   (35.0 )

State and local taxes, net of federal benefit

     (1,028 )   (0.5 )     (638 )   (0.5 )     (272 )   (0.5 )

REIT income not subject to federal tax

     28,255     14.8       24,506     19.4            

Foreign operations*

     6,896     3.6       4,451     3.5       11,416     19.3  

Tax benefit on foreign sales

     2,560     1.3       2,359     1.8       1,416     2.4  

Permanent differences

     257     0.1       856     0.7       1,051     1.8  

Discrete items included in pretax income

     4,920     1.6 **                    

Tax credits and other, net

     (214 )   (0.1 )     (1,671 )   (1.3 )     (1,051 )   (1.8 )
                                          

Income tax provision from continuing operations before discrete items

     (25,151 )   (14.2 )     (14,381 )   (11.4 )     (8,155 )   (13.8 )

U.S. tax benefit on repatriation of foreign earnings

     25,400     13.3                      

Favorable IRS audit settlements, including adjustment of accrued interest expense/income

     19,837     11.0 **               2,323     3.9  

Tax on favorable arbitration award

     (2,977 )   (1.2 )**                    

Non-realizability of New Zealand tax credits on U.S. withholding tax for prior years’ intercompany note interest

     (2,955 )   (1.5 )                    

Foreign exchange rate change on U.S. tax from undistributed foreign earnings

     1,600     0.8       (3,000 )   (2.4 )          

Favorable adjustment of employee related costs between non-taxable and taxable entities

     1,462     0.8                      

Return to accrual adjustment

     (268 )   (0.2 )     1,376     1.1       (251 )   (0.4 )

Reversal of deferred tax liability—REIT conversion

               77,854     63.1            

U.S. tax on prior undistributed foreign earnings

               (28,200 )   (22.9 )          
                                          

Income tax benefit/(provision) from continuing operations as reported

   $ 16,948     8.8     $ 33,649     27.5     $ (6,083 )   (10.3 )
                                          

* Primarily from foreign exchange and rate differentials.
** Adjusted for change in pretax income due to discrete items.

On June 28, 2005, the Board of Directors approved a plan to sell the MDF business located in New Zealand and on August 28, 2005, the Company completed the sale. During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company’s pre-tax losses from the MDF business were $35.4 million $3.0 million, and $3.4 million, respectively. See Note 7 — Sale of Medium-Density Fiberboard Business (MDF) for additional information.

A reconciliation of the income tax provision from discontinued operations at the U.S. statutory rate to the reported provision for income taxes follows:

 

     2005     %     2004     %     2003     %  

Income tax benefit from discontinued operations at U.S. statutory rate

   $ 12,395     35.0     $ 1,038     35.0     $ 1,193     35.0  

State and local income tax benefit

     425     1.2       36     1.2       38     1.1  

Permanent differences related to foreign exchange rate changes

     (2,361 )   (6.7 )     (1,270 )   (42.8 )     (953 )   (27.9 )
                                          

Income tax benefit/(provision) from discontinued operations as
reported

   $ 10,459     29.5     $ (196 )   (6.6 )   $ 278     8.2  
                                          

 

10. INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing income from continuing operations by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing income from continuing operations by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of outstanding stock options, contingent performance shares and restricted shares. In 2005, there were 26,500 stock options that

 

F-24


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

10. INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS PER COMMON SHARE (Continued)

 

were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS due to their anti-dilutive effect. In 2004, there were no stock options, contingent performance shares or restricted shares that were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS due to their anti-dilutive effect; however, in 2003, 322,800 were excluded under those circumstances.

The following table provides details of the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 

     2005    2004*    2003*

Income from continuing operations**

   $ 207,795    $ 160,063    $ 53,104
                    

Shares used for determining basic EPS

     75,504,800      74,445,864      63,394,252

Dilutive effect of:

        

Stock options

     1,413,135      1,446,683      686,351

Contingent shares and restricted shares

     726,317      640,716      546,320
                    

Shares used for determining diluted EPS

     77,644,252      76,533,263      64,626,923
                    

* Share amounts have been restated to reflect the October 17, 2005 three-for-two stock split.
** Income from continuing operations for 2004 and 2003 have been restated for the sale of the MDF business in 2005. See Note 7 — Sale of Medium-Density Fiberboard Business (MDF) for more information.

On December 19, 2003, the Company paid a special dividend in conjunction with its conversion to a REIT. The dividend consisted of 9,527,963 shares of common stock and $61 million in cash. The following reflects the pro forma results giving effect to the common stock dividend on January 1, 2003 for diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2003:

 

     2003

Income from continuing operations

   $ 53,104
      

Diluted earnings per share:

  

As reported

   $ 0.82

Pro forma

   $ 0.72

 

11. INVENTORY

As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, Rayonier’s inventory included the following:

 

     2005    2004

Finished goods*

   $ 65,214    $ 60,155

Work in progress

     8,666      7,908

Raw materials

     10,013      6,863

Manufacturing and maintenance supplies

     1,652      1,734
             

Total inventory

   $ 85,545    $ 76,660
             

* Includes $9.9 million and $9.7 million of HBU real estate held for sale at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

12. DEBT

Rayonier’s debt included the following at December 31, 2005 and 2004:

 

     2005     2004  

Revolving credit facility borrowings at a weighted average interest rate of 3.46%

   $     $ 95,000  

Term loans due 2006 at interest rates of 5.67% at December 31, 2005 and 3.63% at December 31, 2004

     2,795       5,885  

Pollution control and industrial revenue bonds due 2006-2020 at variable interest rates of 4.73% to 6.20%

     73,285       73,770  

Installment notes due 2007-2014 at fixed interest rates of 8.29% to 8.64%

     485,000       485,000  

Interest rate swap carrying value

     (2,557 )     (790 )
                

Total debt

     558,523       658,865  

Less: Current maturities

     (3,310 )     (48,575 )
                

Long-term debt

   $ 555,213     $ 610,290  
                

 

F-25


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

12. DEBT (Continued)

 

Principal payments due during the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

 

2006

   $ 3,310

2007

     118,005

2008

     23,885

2009

     148,120

2010

     660

Thereafter

     267,100
      

Total Debt

   $ 561,080
      

Rayonier has the ability to borrow up to $250 million under an unsecured revolving credit facility that expires in November 2006. The Company plans to refinance the facility before it expires. During 2004, the Company utilized $50 million of the revolving credit facility to refinance the medium term notes that matured and $45 million was utilized by the TRS to purchase timberland from RFR, for a total of $95 million. These borrowings were subsequently repaid in 2005. The Company had $235 million and $141 million of available borrowings at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The 2005 and 2004 available borrowings have been reduced by $15 million and $14 million of standby letters of credit issued under the facility, respectively. In addition to the credit facility, the Company has on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a shelf registration statement to offer $500 million of new public debt and equity securities, of which, $247 million was available at December 31, 2005 and 2004.

The Company reduced its long-term debt by $99 million in 2005 primarily due to strong operating cash flows, net proceeds from the monetization of the New Zealand timber assets and the sale of the MDF business. During 2004, the Company increased its long-term debt by $45 million.

The carrying value of long-term debt was decreased by $2.5 million and $0.8 million, as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, to reflect the fair market value of the interest rate swaps held. See Note 5 — Financial Instruments for more information.

In connection with the Company’s long term debt and $250 million revolving credit facility, certain covenants must be met, including ratios based on the facility’s definition of EBITDA (Covenant EBITDA). Covenant EBITDA consists of earnings from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes and any provision for dispositions, income taxes, interest expense, depreciation, depletion, amortization and the non-cash cost basis of real estate sold. In addition, there are covenant requirements in effect for RFR setting a minimum ratio of cash flow to fixed charges.

The Company’s dividend restriction covenant limits the sum of dividends in any period of four fiscal quarters to 90 percent of Covenant Funds from Operations (Covenant FFO) plus the aggregate amount of dividends permitted under Covenant FFO in excess of the amount of dividends paid during the prior four fiscal quarters. Covenant FFO is defined as Consolidated Net Income excluding gains or losses from debt restructuring and investments in marketable securities plus depletion, depreciation and amortization and the non-cash cost basis of real estate sold.

The covenants are calculated on a trailing 12-month basis. The most restrictive long-term debt covenants in effect for Rayonier as of December 31, 2005, were as follows:

 

      

Covenant

Requirement

   

Actual ratio at

December 31, 2005

   

Favorable

(Unfavorable)

 

Covenant EBITDA to consolidated interest expense should not be less than

     2.50 to 1     8.50 to 1     6.00  

Total debt to Covenant EBITDA should not exceed

     4.00 to 1     1.41 to 1     2.59  

RFR cash flow available for fixed charges to RFR fixed charges should not be less than

     2.50 to 1     3.93 to 1     1.43  

Dividends paid should not exceed 90 percent of Covenant FFO

     90 %   42 %   48 %

The Company is currently in compliance with all of its financial covenants. In addition to the financial covenants listed above, the credit agreements include customary covenants that limit the incurrence of debt, the disposition of assets, and the making of certain payments between RFR and Rayonier among others. An asset sales covenant in the Company’s RFR installment note-related agreements requires the Company, subject to certain exceptions, to either reinvest cumulative timberland sales proceeds in excess of $100 million (the “excess proceeds”) in timberland-related investments and activities, or,

 

F-26


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

12. DEBT (Continued)

 

once the amount of excess proceeds not reinvested exceeds $50 million, to make an offer to the note holders to prepay the notes ratably in the amount of the excess proceeds. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004 the amount of excess proceeds was approximately $31 million and $16 million, respectively.

As part of the Company’s REIT conversion and related restructuring, assets and debt were generally separated into two operating groups. One, RFR, owns most of the Company’s REIT eligible assets and conducts most of the REIT eligible activities. The other, TRS, directly and indirectly owns all other assets, conducts the activities not generally eligible for a REIT and, in the restructuring, assumed some debt of the Company and RFR in order to ensure that each of the operating groups has a capital structure appropriate to their business. The debt remaining in RFR and the parent company, with an associated deductible annual interest expense of $19 million, will not generate a tax benefit for the Company as it did prior to 2004 because as a REIT, it is not expected to have an ordinary income tax liability. Similarly, other costs borne by the Company or RFR which ordinarily are deductible for determining taxable income will not generally reduce the Company’s tax liability.

 

13. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

An analysis of shareholders’ equity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2005 is shown below. In the first quarter 2005, the Company’s quarterly dividend increased to $0.41 per common share and in the fourth quarter 2005 the Company’s quarterly dividend increased to $0.47 per common share which was $0.10 per share above the fourth quarter 2004 dividend. On September 14, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a three-for-two stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend. On October 17, 2005, one additional share of common stock was issued for every two shares held to shareholders of record on October 3, 2005. The common share and dividends per share amounts for 2004 and 2003 shown below have been restated to reflect the 2005 stock split.

 

                      

Accumulated Other

Comprehensive

Income/(Loss)

       
     Common Shares    

Retained

Earnings

     

Shareholders’

Equity

 
     Shares     Amount        

Balance, January 1, 2003

   62,363,690     $ 76,613     $ 664,037     $ (30,938 )   $ 709,712  

Net income

               49,972             49,972  

Dividends ($0.70 per share)

               (44,248 )           (44,248 )

Special dividend—common stock

   9,527,963       252,650       (252,650 )            

Special dividend—cash

               (61,155 )           (61,155 )

Cash in lieu of fractional shares

         (173 )                 (173 )

Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans

   1,635,821       30,951                   30,951  

Unrealized gain on hedged transactions

                     44       44  

Minimum pension liability adjustment

                     (925 )     (925 )

Tax benefit on exercise of stock options

         4,769                   4,769  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                     22,159       22,159  
                                      

Balance, December 31, 2003

   73,527,474     $ 364,810     $ 355,956     $ (9,660 )   $ 711,106  

Net income

               156,901             156,901  

Dividends ($1.49 per share)

               (111,378 )           (111,378 )

Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans

   1,438,856       24,323                   24,323  

Unrealized loss on hedged transactions

                     (338 )     (338 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment

                     (217 )     (217 )

Tax benefit on exercise of stock options

         4,380                   4,380  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                     11,611       11,611  
                                      

Balance, December 31, 2004

   74,966,330     $ 393,513     $ 401,479     $ 1,396     $ 796,388  

Net income

               182,839             182,839  

Dividends ($1.71 per share)

               (129,434 )           (129,434 )

Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans

   1,132,390       23,029                   23,029  

Cash in lieu of fractional shares

   (6,154 )     (356 )                 (356 )

Unrealized loss on hedged transactions

                     (410 )     (410 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment

                     16,323       16,323  

Tax benefit on exercise of stock options

         6,178                   6,178  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                     (9,705 )     (9,705 )
                                      

Balance, December 31, 2005

   76,092,566     $ 422,364     $ 454,884     $ 7,604     $ 884,852  
                                      

 

F-27


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

14.    ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)

Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) was comprised of the following as of December 31, 2005 and 2004:

 

       2005      2004  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     $ 24,065      $ 33,770  

Unrealized gains on hedged transactions, net of tax

              410  

Minimum pension liability adjustments, net of tax

       (16,461 )      (32,784 )
                   

Total

     $ 7,604      $ 1,396  
                   

 

15. RESERVES FOR DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The Company’s dispositions and discontinued operations include Rayonier’s Port Angeles, WA mill, which was closed in 1997; its wholly owned subsidiary, Southern Wood Piedmont Company (SWP), which ceased operations in 1989 except for remedial activities; its Eastern Research Division (ERD), which ceased operations in 1981; and other miscellaneous assets held for disposition. SWP has been designated a potentially responsible party (PRP), or has had other claims made against it, under the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and/or comparable state statutes relating to ten former wood processing sites where the Company no longer operates.

An analysis of activity in the reserves for dispositions and discontinued operations for the two years ended December 31, 2005, is as follows:

 

     2005     2004  

Balance, January 1,

   $ 146,054     $ 153,625  

Expenditures charged to reserves

     (8,697 )     (7,801 )

Additions to reserves

     3,025       460  

Reclassifications and other adjustments

           (230 )
                

Balance, December 31,

     140,382       146,054  

Less: Current portion

     (12,422 )     (12,126 )
                

Non-current portion

   $ 127,960     $ 133,928  
                

Rayonier has identified specific reserves for three SWP sites, (Augusta, GA, Spartanburg, SC, and East Point, GA) and Port Angeles, WA as material and requiring separate disclosure. An analysis of the reserve activity for the two years ended December 31, 2005 is as follows:

 

     RESERVE ACTIVITY (in millions) as of December 31,

Sites

   2003    Expenditures     Revisions to
Estimates*
    2004    Expenditures     Revisions to
Estimates*
    2005

Augusta, GA

   $ 19.5    $ (0.7 )   $     $ 18.8    $ (0.8 )   $ (0.6 )   $ 17.4

Spartanburg, SC

     18.9      (0.7 )           18.2      (0.9 )     (0.1 )     17.2

East Point, GA

     13.6      (0.5 )     0.7       13.8      (0.4 )     (0.7 )     12.7

Other SWP sites

     83.1      (2.4 )     (0.7 )     80.0      (4.7 )     1.4       76.7
                                                    

Total SWP

     135.1      (4.3 )           130.8      (6.8 )           124.0

Port Angeles, WA

     12.5      (3.1 )     (0.4 )     9.0      (1.6 )     1.1       8.5

All other sites

     6.0      (0.4 )     0.7       6.3      (0.3 )     1.9       7.9
                                                    

TOTAL

   $ 153.6    $ (7.8 )   $ 0.3     $ 146.1    $ (8.7 )   $ 3.0     $ 140.4
                                                    

* Includes reclassifications between the reserves.

A brief description of each of these sites is as follows:

Augusta, Georgia — SWP operated a wood treating plant at this site from 1928 to 1988 and is the only known PRP. The majority of visually contaminated surface soils have been removed, and currently remediation activities consist of a groundwater recovery system. The site operates under a 10-year Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)/Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 hazardous waste permit, which expires in 2014. Current cost estimates could change if discharge volumes increase or decrease drastically or if changes to current remediation activities are required in the future. Total spending to date at December 31, 2005 was $60.8 million. The Company’s current reserves cover its obligations for remaining remedial and monitoring activities through 2025.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

15. RESERVES FOR DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

Spartanburg, South Carolina — SWP operated a wood treatment plant at this site from 1925 to 1989 and is the only known PRP at this site. Remediation activities include: (1) a recovery system and biological wastewater treatment plant, (2) an ozone-sparging system treating soil and groundwater and (3) an ion-exchange resin system treating groundwater. The cost estimate for this site includes cleanup of an adjoining area also owned by SWP, which appears to have received runoff from a portion of the former operating plant. SWP is currently awaiting applicable permits prior to starting the cleanup of the adjoining property. Total spending to date at December 31, 2005 was $33.8 million. The Company’s current reserves cover its obligations for remaining remedial and monitoring activities through 2025.

East Point, Georgia — SWP operated a wood preserving facility at this site from 1908 to 1984 which is subject to a 30-year RCRA hazardous waste facility permit, the conditions of which are renewed every 10 years. The facility has active remedial measures in place, although limited additional remedial measures may be necessary. Total spending to date at December 31, 2005 was $14.6 million. The Company’s current reserves cover its obligations for remaining remedial and monitoring activities through 2025. Also included in the reserves for the SWP sites are soil remediation costs related to the recycling of 150,000 tons of contaminated soil by a third-party processor in Louisiana. See Note 16 — Contingencies for additional information.

Port Angeles, Washington — Rayonier operated a dissolving sulfite pulp mill on a 70-acre site on Port Angeles, Washington’s harbor from 1930 to 1997. The mill was dismantled in 1997 and 1998 and was evaluated for Superfund listing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the same period. The EPA subsequently deferred the site to the State of Washington in May 2000. Mill demolition, extensive investigation and several interim clean up actions for petroleum and PCB contamination have been completed; however, reserves for this site of approximately $8.5 million are required at December 31, 2005 for further remediation and monitoring costs.

Cumulative environmental and disposition spending for all other sites included in the reserves was $102 million as of December 31, 2005.

Rayonier currently estimates that expenditures for environmental remediation, monitoring and other costs for all dispositions and discontinued operations in 2006 and 2007 will be approximately $12 million per year. Such costs will be charged against reserves for dispositions and discontinued operations, which include environmental investigation, remediation and monitoring costs. The Company believes established reserves are sufficient for costs expected to be incurred over the next 20 years with respect to its dispositions and discontinued operations. Remedial actions for these sites vary, but can include, among other remedies, removal of contaminated soils, groundwater recovery and treatment systems, and source remediation and/or control.

In addition, the Company is exposed to the risk of reasonably possible additional losses in excess of the established reserves. As of December 31, 2005, this amount could range up to $29 million and arises from uncertainty over the effectiveness of treatments, additional contamination that may be discovered, changes in applicable law and the exercise of discretion in interpretation of applicable law and regulations by governmental agencies, and in environmental remediation technology.

The reliability and precision of cost estimates for these sites and the amount of actual future environmental costs can be impacted by various factors, including but not limited to significant changes in discharge volumes, requirements to perform additional or different remediation, changes in environmental remediation technology, the extent of groundwater contamination migration, additional findings of contaminated soil or sediment off-site, remedy selection, and the outcome of negotiations with federal and state agencies. Additionally, a site’s potential for Brownfields (environmentally impacted site considered for re-development), or other similar projects, could accelerate expenditures as well as impact the amount and/or type of remediation required, as could new laws, regulations and the exercise of discretion in interpretation of applicable law and regulations by governmental agencies. Based on information currently available, the Company does not believe that any future changes in estimates, if necessary, would materially affect its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

16. CONTINGENCIES

From time to time , Rayonier may become liable with respect to pending and threatened litigation and environmental and other matters.

Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in various legal actions, including those involving environmental matters that are discussed more fully in Note 15 — Reserves for Dispositions and Discontinued Operations. While the ultimate results of these legal actions and related claims cannot be determined, the Company does not expect that they will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Between 1985 and 1995, SWP (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company) sent contaminated soil excavated in connection with the cleanup of various closed wood processing sites (East Point) to a third-party processor in Louisiana for recycling. The processing facility closed in 1995 and is the subject of a variety of environmental related charges and a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the State of Louisiana, through its Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), in United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana (the Court) against the owner of the processing facility. Also in dispute is disposal liability for approximately 150,000 tons of recycled material from sites operated by SWP that are still owned and retained by the processor. SWP, DOJ and LDEQ have been engaged in discussions regarding a settlement of this matter. On July 14, 2005 DOJ filed a motion to dismiss SWP’s Amended Complaint in Intervention in this case and, in the event the SWP complaint was not dismissed by the Court, DOJ filed an answer to the complaint. DOJ also asked the Court for leave to file a counterclaim against SWP and the Company, which would assert claims for cost recovery under CERCLA in respect of the investigation and remediation of the sites owned by the third party processor. Trial in this matter is currently scheduled for June 2006, although potential settlement alternatives are being explored. If no settlement is reached in this matter, the Company will vigorously defend itself. The Company believes that its reserves at December 31, 2005 adequately reflect the probable costs to be incurred upon the ultimate resolution of the dispute.

In 1998, the EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) filed separate lawsuits against Rayonier Inc., and approximately 30 other defendants, in the U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, seeking recovery of current and future response costs and natural resource damages under applicable federal and state law relating to a contaminated landfill in Chester Township, New Jersey, referred to as Combe Fill South (Combe). It is alleged that the Company’s former ERD in Whippany, New Jersey sent small quantities of dumpster waste, via a contract hauler, to Combe in the 1960s and early 1970s. The Company is working with other defendants in a joint defense group, which subsequently filed third-party actions against over 200 parties seeking contribution. A court-ordered, nonbinding alternative dispute resolution process is ongoing and it is expected that the court-appointed neutral will issue a report and recommendations sometime in 2006. Settlement discussions have not substantially progressed to date, but are expected to accelerate upon issuance of the neutral’s report. The Company believes that its reserves at December 31, 2005 adequately reflect the probable costs to be incurred upon the ultimate resolution of these matters.

The Company received an April 22, 2005 letter from the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (EPD), which identified it as a responsible party under the Georgia Hazardous Site Response Act for potential polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination allegedly originating from a third party-owned site in Jesup, Georgia. Approximately 60 other parties received similar letters. It is unclear at this time as to the nature, extent or scope of any potential contamination at the site. The Company is currently unable to estimate the amount and probability of any potential exposure.

In the third quarter of 2005, the Company advised EPD of the results of certain testing undertaken by the Company at its Jesup, Georgia mill. This testing related to potential non-capture of certain methanol emissions during a particular stage of the mill’s pulp manufacturing process. The potential non-capture at issue appears to have taken place during portions of three years between 2001 and 2004. While the Company’s position is that no applicable law or regulation has been violated, EPD was voluntarily notified by the Company. To date, no notices of violation or citations have been issued by EPD. Discussions with EPD over this matter are ongoing, and there can be no assurances as to the outcome. The Company believes that its reserves at December 31, 2005 adequately reflect the probable costs to be incurred upon the ultimate resolution of this matter.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

16. CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

 

The Company and the Board of Assessors of Wayne County, Georgia (the County) executed an agreement which, among other things, provided that the parties would resolve a property tax dispute through binding arbitration, and on December 22, 2004, the arbitration agreement was approved by the Georgia Superior Court (the Court). On September 10, 2005, after completion of a six-day arbitration, the Company received a favorable arbitration ruling in connection with a dispute over property tax assessments for tax years 2002 to 2004 for the Jesup mill real and personal property located in the County. The arbitrators’ decision will result in the County owing the Company a refund of approximately $5.1 million for excess taxes paid. Additionally, the decision would allow the Company to reverse its $2.8 million accrued property tax balance. In December 2005, the County filed motions with the Court claiming, among other things, that it did not have the power and authority to enter into the arbitration agreement with Rayonier, and that the arbitrators’ favorable decision should be vacated. The Company is vigorously opposing the County’s motions. Due to the County’s actions, and in compliance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, no refund for excess taxes paid or adjustment for taxes accrued have been recorded in the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2005.

Environmental Matters

Rayonier is subject to stringent environmental laws and regulations concerning air emissions, water discharges and waste handling and disposal. Such environmental laws and regulations include the Federal Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and CERCLA and similar state laws and regulations. Management closely monitors its environmental responsibilities, and believes that the Company is in substantial compliance with current environmental requirements. In addition to ongoing compliance with laws and regulations, the Company’s facilities operate in accordance with various permits, which are issued by state and federal environmental agencies. Many of these permits impose operating conditions on the Company which require significant expenditures to ensure permit compliance. In addition, upon renewal and renegotiation of these permits, the issuing agencies often seek to impose new or additional conditions in response to new environmental laws and regulations, or more stringent interpretations of existing laws and regulations. It is the opinion of management that substantial expenditures over the next ten years will be required in the area of environmental compliance. During 2006 and 2007, Rayonier expects spending on environmental capital projects, exclusive of discontinued operations described in Note 15 — Reserves for Dispositions and Discontinued Operations, to be approximately $4 million and $2 million, respectively.

The EPA finalized its Cluster Rules governing air emissions in 1998 but, due to the specialty nature of Rayonier’s Performance Fibers products and operations, the agency postponed finalizing water discharge rules and certain air emissions rules governing the Company’s two Performance Fibers dissolving pulp mills and two other similar mills. (The EPA uses the term “Cluster Rules” to identify parallel rule-making for water and air technology-based discharge limits for pulp and paper mills.) In late 2003, EPA informed Rayonier that it was delegating its Cluster Rule rulemaking authority for these four mills to the environmental agencies of the respective states. Rayonier will continue to work with the EPA and the applicable state environmental authorities to establish such rules for its mills, but the timing and costs associated with such rulemaking are uncertain. In the opinion of management, capital costs to be incurred over the next five years (2006 - 2010) associated with Cluster Rule compliance and other environmental regulations are not expected to exceed $21 million. Such capital expenditures are not expected to cause total capital expenditures to exceed an annual average of $100 million to $110 million.

Federal, state and local laws and regulations intended to protect threatened and endangered species, as well as wetlands and waterways, limit and may in certain cases prevent timber harvesting, road building and other activities on private lands, including a portion of the Company’s timberlands. Over the past several years, the harvest of timber from the Company’s timberlands in the State of Washington has been restricted as a result of the listing of the northern spotted owl, the marbled murrelet and several species of salmon and trout as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. In 1999, the timber industry and federal, state, local and tribal governments, entered into an agreement, known as the Forests and Fish Report, which led the Washington Forest Practices Board to adopt rules further restricting timber harvesting within buffers along streams with fish habitat. All of these restrictions have caused Rayonier over time to restructure and reschedule its harvest plans and have reduced the total volume of timber available for harvest. For the most part, however, the Company anticipated these restrictions and expects to sustain past harvest levels in the foreseeable future.

 

F-31


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

17. GUARANTEES

The Company provides financial guarantees as required by creditors, insurance programs, and State and foreign governmental agencies. As of December 31, 2005, the following financial guarantees were outstanding:

 

Financial Commitments (000’s)    Maximum
Potential Payment
   Carrying Amount
of Liability

Standby letters of credit(1)

   $ 78,146    $ 62,104

Guarantees(2)

     11,262      96

Surety bonds(3)

     7,219      1,940
             

Total financial commitments

   $ 96,627    $ 64,140
             

(1) Approximately $62 million of the standby letters of credit serve as credit support for industrial revenue bonds. The remaining letters of credit support various insurance coverages, primarily workers’ compensation and pollution requirements. These letters of credit will expire at various dates during 2006 and are typically rolled over as required.

 

(2) In conjunction with the sale of Rayonier’s New Zealand timberlands to the JV in October 2005 (see Note 6 — Joint Venture Investment for additional information), the Company guaranteed five years of Crown Forest license obligations with annual potential payments of approximately $1.2 million. The JV is the primary obligor and has posted a bank performance bond with the New Zealand government. If the JV fails to pay the obligation, the New Zealand government will demand payment from the bank that posted the bond. The Company would have to perform if the bank defaulted on the bond. A $54 thousand liability, representing Rayonier’s obligation to perform, was recorded in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others. This guarantee expires in 2010.

In conjunction with the sale of Rayonier’s New Zealand East Coast timber operations in 2002, the Company guaranteed five years of Crown Forest license obligations. In late 2003, the buyer defaulted on its loan payments to its creditors and went into receivership with the 2004 obligation paid by the receiver. The property was then re-sold. The new owner is the primary obligor and has posted a bank performance bond with the New Zealand government. If the new owner fails to pay the obligations, the New Zealand government will demand payment from the owner’s bankers pursuant to the bond. Rayonier would have to perform under the guarantee and seek legal redress from the owner if the bankers defaulted on the bond. The Company expects the owner’s bond to be sufficient to cover the license obligations. As of December 31, 2005, two years of obligations remained, estimated at $1.5 million per year. This guarantee expires in 2007.

In 2004, the Company sold approximately 15,000 acres of timberland for approximately $25 million. A 15-year installment note was received from the buyer, with a fixed interest rate of 5.17 percent. In addition, the buyer delivered an irrevocable letter of credit from a major banking institution that secures all payments of principal and interest under the installment note. The Company monetized the note by contributing the note and the letter of credit to a bankruptcy-remote limited liability subsidiary that meets the requirements of a qualified special purpose entity (QSPE) as defined by SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. As such, the QSPE is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. Using the installment note and the letter of credit as collateral, the QSPE issued $22.5 million of 15-year Senior Secured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 5 percent and remitted cash of $22.5 million to the Company. At closing, the Company recorded a retained interest of $2.8 million in the QSPE. In conjunction with this timberland sale and note monetization, the Company issued a make-whole agreement pursuant to which Rayonier guaranteed $2.5 million of obligations of the QSPE. The fair market value of the guarantee of $43 thousand was recorded to reflect the obligation to perform under the make-whole agreement.

In conjunction with the Company’s $250 million revolving credit facility, Rayonier Inc. guarantees the borrowings of RFR and TRS. Additionally, TRS guarantees the borrowings of Rayonier Inc. There were no outstanding borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility at December 31, 2005. At December 31, 2004, TRS had $95 million of debt outstanding on the facility that was guaranteed by Rayonier. See Note 12 — Debt for additional information on the revolving credit facility.

 

(3) The Company issues surety bonds primarily to secure timber in the State of Washington and to provide collateral for the workers’ compensation self-insurance program in that state. These surety bonds expire at various dates during 2006 and 2007 and are renewed as required.

 

F-32


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

18. COMMITMENTS

The Company leases certain buildings, machinery and equipment under various operating leases. Total rental expense for operating leases amounted to $4.1 million, $4.1 million and $6.9 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Company also has long-term leases on certain timberlands in the Southeast U.S. These leases typically have initial terms of approximately 30 to 65 years, with renewal provisions in some cases. Such leases are generally noncancellable and require minimum annual rental payments. Total expense for long-term leases on timberlands amounted to $5.3 million, $5.6 million, and $5.4 million in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. The future minimum lease payments table excludes New Zealand Crown Forest License agreements which are now part of the JV. See Note 6 — Joint Venture Investment.

At December 31, 2005, the future minimum payments under noncancellable operating and timberland leases were as follows:

 

     Operating
Leases*
   Timberland
Leases**
   Total

2006

   $ 3,173    $ 4,715    $ 7,888

2007

     2,362      4,699      7,061

2008

     2,200      4,699      6,899

2009

     1,770      4,589      6,359

2010

     1,685      4,589      6,274

Thereafter through 2036

     4,286      66,750      71,036
                    
   $ 15,476    $ 90,041    $ 105,517
                    

* Amounts exclude sublease income of $0.3 million in 2006.
** The majority of timberland leases are subject to escalation clauses based on either the Consumer Price Index or Producer Price Index.

 

19. INCENTIVE STOCK PLANS

The Company applies the intrinsic value based method of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, to account for its stock plans. See Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Stock-based Compensation for a presentation of pro forma net income and earnings per share information pursuant to the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148 and a description of the 1994 and 2004 Rayonier Incentive Stock plans. All share and share price amounts have been restated to reflect the three-for-two stock split on October 17, 2005. Restatements do not affect the aggregate cost of the options granted.

Restricted stock granted under the 2004 and 1994 Plans vest upon completion of a three-year period. During 2005, 2004 and 2003, 30,000, 45,000 and 42,731 restricted shares were granted at a weighted average price of $34.06, $28.98 and $16.57, respectively, per share.

In 2005, 2004 and 2003, 231,788, 209,925 and 288,441 common shares of Company stock were reserved for contingent performance shares, with grant-date fair values of $32.27, $27.72 and $17.22, respectively.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following chart provides a tabular overview of the weighted average assumptions and related fair value calculations of options granted for the three years ended December 31:

 

     2005     2004     2003  

Dividend yield

     5.1 %     5.4 %     3.0 %

Expected volatility

     31.0 %     31.8 %     30.3 %

Risk-free rate

     3.9 %     3.8 %     3.9 %

Expected life (in years)

     6.7       6.7       7.0  

Fair value of options granted

   $ 6.62     $ 5.47     $ 5.47  

 

F-33


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

19. INCENTIVE STOCK PLANS (Continued)

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option plans as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, and changes during the years then ended is presented below:

 

     2005    2004    2003
   Number of
Shares
 
 
   
 
 
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Number of
Shares
 
 
   
 
 
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Number of
Shares
 
 
   
 
 
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
                                      

Options outstanding at beginning of year

   4,154,293     $ 17.98    5,151,876     $ 16.79    5,693,057     $ 15.34

Granted

   526,236     $ 32.55    232,500     $ 27.72    1,228,140     $ 19.95

Exercised

   (947,500 )   $ 15.96    (1,205,796 )   $ 14.71    (1,676,285 )   $ 14.14

Canceled

   (45,071 )   $ 24.85    (24,287 )   $ 21.51    (93,036 )   $ 17.39
                          

Outstanding at end of year

   3,687,958     $ 20.50    4,154,293     $ 17.98    5,151,876     $ 16.79
                          

Options exercisable at year-end

   2,729,135     $ 18.00    2,902,541     $ 16.62    3,965,513     $ 15.73
                          

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2005:

 

    

Outstanding

   Exercisable

Range of

Exercise Prices

   Number of
Shares
   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
  

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

(in years)

   Number of
Shares
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$12.49 - $15.96

   838,099    $14.68    3.6    838,099    $14.68

$16.39 - $17.51

   1,239,082    $17.29    5.6    1,005,052    $17.30

$18.09 - $19.00

   563,026    $18.59    6.0    563,026    $18.59

$22.53 - $27.72

   533,376    $27.50    8.0    300,833    $27.44

$32.27 - $40.65

   514,375    $32.56    9.1    22,125    $32.27
                  

Total

   3,687,958          2,729,135   
                  

 

20. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has four qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of its employees and an unfunded plan that provides benefits in excess of amounts allowable under current tax law in the qualified plans. Certain plans are subject to union negotiation. Employee benefit plan liabilities are calculated using actuarial estimates and management assumptions. These estimates are based on historical information, along with certain assumptions about future events. Changes in assumptions, as well as changes in actual experience, could cause the estimates to change.

 

F-34


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

20. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

 

The following tables set forth the change in projected benefit obligation and plan assets and reconcile the funded status and the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the pension and postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31:

 

     Pension     Postretirement  
     2005     2004     2005     2004  

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation

        

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 215,850     $ 201,814     $ 37,642     $ 30,830  

Service cost

     6,973       6,861       613       607  

Interest cost

     13,173       12,202       2,157       1,950  

Actuarial loss

     15,760       4,297       3,988       7,221  

Plan amendments

     2,333                    

Benefits paid

     (10,032 )     (9,324 )     (4,327 )     (2,966 )
                                

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 244,057     $ 215,850     $ 40,073     $ 37,642  
                                

Change in Plan Assets

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 169,394     $ 137,373     $     $  

Actual return on plan assets

     19,421       20,800              

Employer contributions

     27,497       21,291       4,327       2,966  

Benefits paid

     (10,032 )     (9,324 )     (4,327 )     (2,966 )

Other expense

     (505 )     (746 )            
                                

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 205,775     $ 169,394     $     $  
                                

Reconciliation of Funded Status at End of Year

        

Funded status

   $ (38,282 )   $ (46,456 )   $ (40,073 )   $ (37,642 )

Unrecognized prior service cost

     10,533       9,622       3,149       3,432  

Unrecognized actuarial net loss

     66,640       60,288       20,751       17,803  

Unrecognized net transition asset

                        
                                

Net prepaid /(accrued) benefit cost

   $ 38,891     $ 23,454     $ (16,173 )   $ (16,407 )
                                

Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated

        

Balance Sheets Consist of:

        

Prepaid benefit cost

   $ 49,777     $ 32,026     $     $  

Accrued benefit liability

     (33,414 )     (65,322 )     (16,173 )     (16,407 )

Intangible asset

     1,337       9,891              

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     21,191       46,859              
                                

Net amount recognized

   $ 38,891     $ 23,454     $ (16,173 )   $ (16,407 )
                                

For plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the following table sets forth the projected and accumulated benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31:

 

     2005    2004

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 131,777    $ 215,850

Accumulated benefit obligation

     112,682      202,691

Fair value of plan assets

     87,017      169,394

The provisions of SFAS No. 87, Employers’ Accounting for Pensions require recording an additional minimum liability when the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds plan assets. As a result, the Company had an additional minimum liability of $22.5 million and $56.8 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, recorded in “Other non-current liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. This additional liability may be offset by an intangible asset to the extent of previously unrecognized prior service cost. An intangible asset of $1.3 million and $9.9 million was included in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The remaining offset of $16.5 million and $32.8

 

F-35


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

20. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

 

million, net of related tax benefits of $4.7 million and $14.1 million, as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, was included as a component of Shareholders’ Equity in AOCI.

The following tables set forth the components of net pension and postretirement benefit cost and the amount of additional minimum liability included in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) for the three years ended December 31:

 

     Pension     Postretirement
     2005     2004     2003     2005    2004    2003

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

        

Service cost

   $ 6,973     $ 6,861     $ 6,640     $ 613    $ 607    $ 643

Interest cost

     13,173       12,202       11,203       2,157      1,950      1,933

Expected return on plan assets

     (14,298 )     (13,095 )     (12,710 )              

Amortization of prior service cost

     1,421       1,504       1,602       283      283      288

Amortization of losses

     4,791       3,141       1,347       1,040      745      613

Amortization of transition asset

           (2 )     (198 )              
                                            

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 12,060     $ 10,611     $ 7,884     $ 4,093    $ 3,585    $ 3,477
                                            
     Pension                
     2005     2004     2003                

(Decrease)/increase in minimum liability included in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)

   $ (16,323 )   $ 217     $ 925          
                                

The following table sets forth the principal assumptions inherent in the determination of benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost of the pension and postretirement benefit plans as of December 31:

 

       Pension     Postretirement  
       2005     2004     2005     2004  

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:

          

Discount rate

     5.75 %   6.00 %   5.75 %   6.00 %

Rate of compensation increase

     4.50 %   4.50 %        

Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31:

          

Discount rate

     6.00 %   6.25 %   6.00 %   6.25 %

Expected long-term return on plan assets

     8.50 %   8.50 %        

Rate of compensation increase

     4.50 %   4.50 %        

At December 31, 2005, the plans’ discount rate decreased from 6.0 percent to 5.75 percent, which closely approximates interest rates on high quality, long-term obligations. Effective January 1, 2006, the expected return on plan assets remained at 8.5 percent which is based on historical long-term rates of return on broad equity and bond indices and consideration of the actual annualized rate of return since the Company’s spin-off from ITT in 1994. The Company’s external consultants utilize this information in developing assumptions for returns, risks and correlation of asset classes which is then used to establish the asset allocation ranges.

The following table sets forth the assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31:

 

     Postretirement  
     2005     2004  

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

   9.00 %   10.00 %

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)

   4.75 %   4.75 %

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

   2011     2011  

 

F-36


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

20. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement benefit plans. The following table shows the effect of a one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trends:

 

     1 Percent  

Effect on:

   Increase    Decrease  

Total of service and interest cost components

   $ 86    $ (78 )

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation

   $ 1,002    $ (925 )

Investment of Plan Assets

The Company’s pension plans’ asset allocation at December 31, 2005 and 2004, and target allocation ranges by asset category are as follows:

 

     Percentage of Plan Assets    

Target
Allocation

Range

 

Asset Category

   2005     2004    

Domestic Equity Securities

   39.9 %   42.2 %   40-45 %

International Equity Securities

   27.3 %   26.1 %   20-30 %

Domestic Fixed Income Securities

   25.0 %   23.7 %   25-30 %

International Fixed Income Securities

   4.3 %   4.5 %   4-6 %

Real Estate

   3.5 %   3.5 %   2-4 %
              

Total

   100 %   100 %  
              

The Rayonier Pension Fund Trust and Investment Committee and the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors oversee the pension plans’ investment program which is designed to maximize returns and provide sufficient liquidity to meet plan obligations while maintaining acceptable risk levels. The investment approach emphasizes diversification by allocating the plans’ assets among asset categories and selecting investment managers whose various styles will be minimally correlative with each other. Investments within the equity categories may include large capitalization, small capitalization and emerging market securities, while the international fixed income portfolio may include emerging markets debt. Pension assets did not include a direct investment in Rayonier common stock at December 31, 2005 and 2004.

Cash Flows

Expected benefit payments over future years are as follows:

 

     Pension
Benefits
  

Postretirement

Benefits

2006

   $ 10,620    $ 2,724

2007

   $ 11,443    $ 2,705

2008

   $ 12,251    $ 2,778

2009

   $ 13,147    $ 2,894

2010

   $ 14,091    $ 3,015

2011 -2015

   $ 84,260    $ 15,727

The Company anticipates making discretionary pension contributions ranging from $11 million to $15 million in 2006.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company also provides defined contribution plans to all of its hourly and salaried employees. Company contributions charged to expense for these plans were $2.5 million, $2.5 million, and $2.4 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Rayonier Hourly and Salaried Defined Contribution Plans include Rayonier common stock with a fair market value of $77.7 million and $67.6 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

F-37


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)

 

21. QUARTERLY RESULTS FOR 2005 and 2004 (UNAUDITED)

 

(Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)    Quarter Ended    

Total

Year

     March 31     June 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31    

2005*

          

Sales

   $ 274,972     $ 290,287     $ 299,537     $ 315,912     $ 1,180,708

Operating Income

     47,308       48,902       50,955       36,027       183,192

Net income

     34,459 (1)     16,876 (2)     75,018 (3)     56,486 (4)     182,839

Basic EPS

     0.46       0.22       0.99       0.75       2.42

Diluted EPS

     0.45       0.22       0.96       0.73       2.36

2004*

          

Sales

   $ 283,829     $ 326,633     $ 267,853     $ 284,463     $ 1,162,778

Operating Income

     43,050       71,224       32,166       26,186       172,626

Net income

     75,535 (5)     43,713       24,125       13,528       156,901

Basic EPS

     1.01       0.59       0.33       0.18       2.11

Diluted EPS

     0.98       0.57       0.32       0.18       2.05

* 2004 and first quarter 2005 sales and operating income have been restated to exclude the MDF discontinued operation.
(1) First quarter 2005 included tax benefit for prior years’ IRS audit settlement of $9.5 million.
(2) Second quarter 2005 included tax benefit for prior years’ IRS audit settlement of $7.2 million and a loss on discontinued operations of $24.7 million.
(3) Third quarter 2005 included a tax benefit of $25.8 million associated with the repatriation of foreign earnings; tax benefits and adjustment of accrued interest expense/income of $8.2 million resulting from IRS audit settlements; and a favorable non-operating income adjustment of $5.2 million resulting from an arbitration award.
(4) Fourth quarter 2005 included a $30.5 million gain on the sale of New Zealand timberlands to the JV.
(5) First quarter ended March 31, 2004 included the reversal of timber-related deferred taxes not required after REIT conversion of $77.9 million and additional U.S. tax for repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings of ($28.2) million.

 

22. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On February 28, 2006, the Company announced a first quarter dividend of 47 cents per share payable March 31, 2006, to shareholders of record on March 10, 2006.

 

F-38


Table of Contents

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003 (In Thousands)

 

Description

  

Balance at

Beginning of Year

  

Charged to Cost

and Expenses

  

Deductions(1)

   

Balance at End of

Year

          

Year ended December 31, 2005

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 1,271    $ 298    $ (411 )   $ 1,158

Maintenance accrual

          10,608      (10,608 )    
                            

Total

   $ 1,271    $ 10,906    $ (11,019 )   $ 1,158
                            

Year ended December 31, 2004

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 2,225    $ 57    $ (1,011 )   $ 1,271

Maintenance accrual

     1,526      17,275      (18,801 )    
                            

Total

   $ 3,751    $ 17,332    $ (19,812 )   $ 1,271
                            

Year ended December 31, 2003

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 2,665    $ 87    $ (527 )   $ 2,225

Maintenance accrual

     1,500      14,575      (14,549 )     1,526
                            

Total

   $   4,165    $ 14,662    $ (15,076 )   $   3,751
                            

(1) Primarily collections, payments and adjustments to required reserves.

 

F-39


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

RAYONIER INC.

By:  

/s/ HANS E. VANDEN NOORT

 

Hans E. Vanden Noort

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

March 1, 2006

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/ W. L. NUTTER

W. L. Nutter

(Principal Executive Officer)

  

Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

  March 1, 2006

/S/ CARL E. KRAUS

Carl E. Kraus

(Principal Financial Officer)

  

Senior Vice President, Finance

  March 1, 2006

/S/ HANS E. VANDEN NOORT

Hans E. Vanden Noort

(Principal Accounting Officer)

  

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

  March 1, 2006

*

Rand V. Araskog

  

Director

 

*

Ronald M. Gross

  

Director

 

*

James H. Hance, Jr.

  

Director

 

*

Richard D. Kincaid

  

Director

 

*

Paul G. Kirk, Jr.

  

Director

 

*

Thomas I. Morgan

  

Director

 

*

Katherine D. Ortega

  

Director

 

*

Carl S. Sloane

  

Director

 

*

Ronald Townsend

  

Director

 

 

*By:  

/s/ HANS E. VANDEN NOORT

    March 1, 2006
 

Hans E. Vanden Noort

Attorney-In-Fact

   

 

F-40


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.
  

Description

  

Location

2.1    Purchase and Sale Agreement dated July 28, 1999 between Rayonier Inc. and Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s November 12, 1999 Form 8-K/A, Amendment No. 1
2.2    First Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 25, 1999 between Rayonier Inc. and Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant’s November 12, 1999 Form 8-K/A, Amendment No. 1
2.3    Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated October 25, 1999 between Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.) and Timber Capital Holdings LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to the Registrant’s November 12, 1999 Form 8-K/A, Amendment No. 1
2.4    Assignment Agreement dated October 25, 1999 between Rayonier Inc. and Rayonier Timberlands Operating Company, L.P    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 to the Registrant’s November 12, 1999 Form 8-K/A, Amendment No. 1
2.5    Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement dated December 18, 2003 by and among Rayonier Inc., Rayonier Timberlands Operating Company, L.P., Rayonier Timberlands, L.P., Rayonier Timberlands Management, LLC, Rayonier Forest Resources, LLC, Rayland, LLC, Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc., Rayonier Minerals, LLC, Rayonier Forest Properties, LLC, Rayonier Wood Products, LLC, Rayonier Wood Procurement, LLC, Rayonier International Wood Products, LLC, Rayonier Forest Operations, LLC, Rayonier Properties, LLC and Rayonier Performance Fibers, LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s January 15, 2004 Form 8-K
3.1    Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2004 Form 10-Q
3.2    By-Laws    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
4.1    Indenture dated as of September 1, 1992 between the Company and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee, with respect to certain debt securities of the Company    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1993 Form 10-K
4.2    First Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 13, 1993    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1993 Form 10-K
4.3    Three-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated effective November 24, 2003 among Rayonier Inc., Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc. and Rayonier Timberlands Operating Company, L.P. as Borrowers, the banks named therein as Initial Lenders, and Credit Suisse First Boston as Administrative Agent for the Lenders    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
4.4    Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 25, 1999 between Rayonier Timberlands Operating Company, L.P. and Timber Capital Holdings LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s September 30, 1999 Form 10-Q
4.5    Form S-4 Registration Statement    Incorporated by referenced to the Registrant’s April 26, 2004 S-4 Filing
4.6    Amendment No. 1 to Form S-4 Registration Statement    Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s May 6, 2004 S-4/A Filing
4.7    Other instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures    Not required to be filed. The Registrant hereby agrees to file with the Commission a copy of any other instrument defining the rights of holders of the Registrant’s long-term debt upon request of the Commission

 

F-41


Table of Contents
Exhibit
No.
  

Description

  

Location

  9    Voting trust agreement    None
10.1    Rayonier 1994 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended    Filed herewith
10.2    Rayonier Inc. Executive Severance Pay Plan (f/k/a Rayonier Supplemental Senior Executive Severance Pay Plan)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s September 30, 2005 Form 10-Q
10.3    Rayonier Investment and Savings Plan for Salaried Employees    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1997 Form 10-K
10.4    Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees of Rayonier Inc. effective as of March 1, 1994, Amended and Restated January 1, 2000 and Further Amended Through October 19, 2001    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2001 Form 10-K
10.5    Amendment to Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees effective as of January 1, 2002    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
10.6    Amendment to Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees effective as of January 1, 2003    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
10.7    Amendment to Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees effective as of January 1, 2004 dated October 10, 2003    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
10.8    Amendment to Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees effective as of January 1, 2004 dated December 15, 2003    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
10.9    Form of Indemnification Agreement between Rayonier Inc. and its Directors and Officers    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1993 Form 10-K
10.10    Rayonier Inc. Excess Benefit Plan    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1993 Form 10-K
10.11    Amendment to Rayonier Inc. Excess Benefit Plan dated August 18, 1997    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1997 Form 10-K
10.12    Rayonier Inc. Excess Savings and Deferred Compensation Plan    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1997 Form 10-K
10.13    Form of Rayonier Inc. Excess Savings and Deferred Compensation Plan Agreements    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1995 Form 10-K
10.14    Form of Indemnification Agreement between Registrant and directors of Rayonier Forest Resources Company, its wholly owned subsidiary which is Managing General Partner of Rayonier Timberlands, L.P., who are not also directors of Registrant    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s March 31, 1994 Form 10-Q
10.15    Description of Rayonier 1994 Incentive Stock Plan Contingent Performance Share Awards    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s June 30, 1994 Form 10-Q
10.16    Form of Rayonier 1994 Incentive Stock Plan Contingent Performance Share Award Agreement    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s June 30, 1994 Form 10-Q
10.17    Form of Rayonier 1994 Incentive Stock Plan Restricted Share Award Agreement    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1995 Form 10-K
10.18    Form of Rayonier 1994 Incentive Stock Non-qualified Stock Option Award Agreement    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1995 Form 10-K
10.19    Rayonier Substitute Stock Option Plan    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-52891)
10.20    Form of Rayonier Substitute Stock Option Award Agreements    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1995 Form 10-K
10.21    Rayonier 2004 Incentive Stock and Management Bonus Plan, as amended    Filed herewith

 

F-42


Table of Contents
Exhibit
No.
  

Description

  

Location

10.22    Form of Rayonier 2004 Incentive Stock and Management Bonus Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
10.23    Form of Rayonier 2004 Incentive Stock and Management Bonus Plan Restricted Share Award Agreement    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
10.24    Description of 2004 Rayonier Incentive Stock and Management Bonus Plan Performance Share Awards    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
10.25    Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreement dated June 22, 1994 between Rayonier Inc. and Ronald M. Gross    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s June 30, 1994 Form 10-Q
10.26    Amendment to Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreement, dated July 22, 1997    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1997 Form 10-K
10.27    Deferred Compensation / Supplemental Retirement Agreement dated June 28, 1994 between Rayonier Inc. and Ronald M. Gross    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s June 30, 1994 Form 10-Q
10.28    Amendment to Deferred Compensation / Supplemental Retirement Agreement, dated July 22, 1997    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1997 Form 10-K
10.29    Consulting Agreement dated October 19, 1998 between Rayonier Inc. and Ronald M. Gross    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1998 Form 10-K
10.30    Form of Rayonier Outside Directors Compensation Program/Cash Deferral Option Agreement    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1999 Form 10-K
10.31    Change in Control Agreement for W. Lee Nutter.    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s September 30, 2001, Form 10-Q
10.32    Retention Agreement dated December 31, 2003 with Paul G. Boynton    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
10.33    Trust Agreement for the Rayonier Inc. Legal Resources Trust    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2001 Form 10-K
10.34    Trust Agreement for the Rayonier Inc. Supplemental Senior Executive Severance Pay Plan and the Change in Control Agreement for W. Lee Nutter Executive Severance Trust    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2001 Form 10-K
10.35    Description of Rayonier Key Executive Insurance Program f/k/a Rayonier Split-Dollar Life Insurance/Deferred Compensation Retention Benefit Program    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2002 Form 10-K
10.36    Waiver, Release and Non-Disclosure Agreement between Rayonier Inc. and William S. Berry dated March 15, 2002    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2002 Form 10-K
10.37    2005 Annual Corporate Bonus Program    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2004 Form 10-K
10.38    Master Shareholder Agreement in Relation to Matariki Forests, dated July 15, 2005, by and among SAS Trustee Corporation, Deutsche Asset Management (Australia) Limited, Rayonier Canterbury LLC, Rayonier New Zealand Limited, Cameron and Company Limited, Matariki Forests Australia Pty Limited, Matariki Forestry Group and Matariki Forests    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2005 Form 10-Q
10.39    Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of Assets, dated July 15, 2005, between Rayonier New Zealand Limited, as seller, and Matariki Forests, as purchaser    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2005 Form 10-Q
10.40    Description of Rayonier 2006 Performance Share Award Program    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s December 14, 2005 Form 8-K

 

F-43


Table of Contents
Exhibit
No.
  

Description

  

Location

11    Statement re computation of per share earnings    Not required to be filed
12    Statements re computation of ratios    Filed herewith
13    Annual report to security holders, Form 10-Q or quarterly report to security holders    Not applicable
14    Code of Ethics    Not required to be filed
16    Letter re change in certifying accountant    Not applicable
18    Letter re change in accounting principles    Not applicable
21    Subsidiaries of the Registrant    Filed herewith
22    Published report regarding matters submitted to vote of security holders    None
23    Consents of experts and counsel    Filed herewith
24    Powers of attorney    Filed herewith
31.1    Chief Executive Officer’s Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) and pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    Filed herewith
31.2    Co-Principal Financial Officer’s Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) and pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    Filed herewith
31.3    Co-Principal Financial Officer’s Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) and pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    Filed herewith
32    Certification of Periodic Financial Reports Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    Furnished herewith

 

F-44

Rayonier 1994 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended

Exhibit 10.1

RAYONIER INC.

4,500,000 Common Shares

RAYONIER 1994 INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN

PLAN INFORMATION

THIS DOCUMENT CONSTITUTES PART OF A PROSPECTUS COVERING SECURITIES

THAT HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE

SECURITIES ACT OF 1933.

The Prospectus covers such additional securities as may be issuable as a result of anti-dilution provisions

contained in the instruments pursuant to which securities covered by the Prospectus are issued.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES

AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS

THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES

COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE

PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A

CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

As amended December 29, 2005

Additional information about the Plan and its administration may be obtained by writing the Manager of Stock Option Plan Administration, Rayonier Inc., 50 No. Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, or telephoning the Manager at (904) 357-9100.


Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of the Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in the Prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of the Prospectus. Any such document, as well as Rayonier’s most recent annual report to shareholders and any other report or communication distributed to Rayonier shareholders generally, may be obtained without charge by written request to W. Edwin Frazier, III, Corporate Secretary, Rayonier Inc., 50 No. Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, or by telephoning W. Edwin Frazier, III at (904) 357-9100.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

General Information

   3

The Plan

   4

Administration

   13

Federal Tax Treatment

   13

 

2


GENERAL INFORMATION

The Rayonier 1994 Incentive Stock Plan (the “Plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors of Rayonier Inc. and approved by its shareholder to be effective March 1, 1994.

The maximum number of common shares of Rayonier Inc. (the “Common Shares”) for which incentive stock options may be issued under the Plan is one million (1,000,000); the maximum number of shares available for issuance under the Plan generally is determined annually as a function of a percentage of the total number of outstanding Common Shares plus unused carryover from prior years, pursuant to and subject to additional limitations set forth in, Section 3 of the Plan. The Plan does not contain any limitation on the number of shares for which options may be granted to any one employee, other than due to tax requirements relating to incentive stock options. The total number of shares available under the Plan registered currently on Form S-8 with the Securities & Exchange Commission is four million five hundred thousand (4,500,000).

In addition to non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options, the committee administering the Plan (the “Committee”) may grant stock appreciation rights (“SAR’s”) in connection with options to those employees who are considered directors or executive officers for purposes of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Plan permits the Committee to award performance shares and restricted stock, as well as non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options and SAR’s. Reference is made to the text of the Plan herein for a complete description of awards permitted under the Plan and the relevant provisions and conditions applicable thereto.

The prospectus does not cover resales of Common Shares acquired pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. Resales may be subject to restrictions or limitations imposed by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Plan is not subject to any of the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Furthermore, Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code relating to certain qualified pension, profit-sharing and stock bonus plans does not apply to the Plan.

Plan participants receive information with respect to their participation, including the date of grant, the exercise price, the amount exercisable and the expiration date, as well as applicable information concerning whatever performance shares or restricted stock may be relevant to them.

 

3


1994 RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN

1. Purpose

The purpose of the 1994 Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan is to motivate and reward superior performance on the part of employees of Rayonier and its subsidiaries and to thereby attract and retain employees of superior ability. In addition, the Plan is intended to further opportunities for stock ownership by such employees in order to increase their proprietary interest in Rayonier and, as a result, their interest in the success of the Company. Awards will be made, in the discretion of the Committee, to Key Employees (including officers and directors who are also employees) whose responsibilities and decisions directly affect the performance of any Participating Company and its subsidiaries. Such incentive awards may consist of stock options, stock appreciation rights payable in stock or cash, performance shares, restricted stock or any combination of the foregoing, as the Committee may determine.

2. Definitions

When used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

“Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

“Award” means an award granted to any Key Employee in accordance with the provisions of the Plan in the form of Options, Rights, Performance Shares or Restricted Stock, or any combination of the foregoing.

“Award Agreement” means the written agreement evidencing each Award granted to a Key Employee under the Plan.

“Beneficiary” means the beneficiary or beneficiaries designated pursuant to Section 10 to receive the amount, if any, payable under the Plan upon the death of a Key Employee.

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

“Change in Control” has the meaning specified in the Retirement Plan.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now in effect or as hereafter amended. (All citations to sections of the Code are to such sections as they may from time to time be amended or renumbered.)

“Committee” means the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board or such other committee as may be designated by the Board to administer the Plan.

“Company” means Rayonier Inc. and its successors and assigns.

“Fair Market Value”, unless otherwise indicated in the provisions of this Plan, means, as of any date, the composite closing price for one share of Stock on the New York Stock Exchange or, if no sales of Stock have taken place on such date, the composite closing price on the most recent date on which selling prices were quoted, the determination to be made in the discretion of the Committee.

“Incentive Stock Option” means a stock option qualified under Section 422 of the Code.

“Key Employee” means an employee (including any officer or director who is also an employee) of any Participating Company whose responsibilities and decisions, in the judgment of the Committee, directly affect the performance of the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

4


“Limited Stock Appreciation Right” means a stock appreciation right which shall become exercisable automatically upon the occurrence of an Acceleration Event as described in Section 9 of the Plan.

“Option” means an option awarded under Section 5 of the Plan to purchase Stock of the Company, which option may be an Incentive Stock Option or a non-qualified stock option.

“Participating Company” means the Company or any subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company; provided, however, for Incentive Stock Options only, “Participating Company” means the Company or any corporation which at the time such Option is granted qualifies as a “subsidiary” of the Company under Section 425(f) of the Code.

“Performance Share” means a performance share awarded under Section 6 of the Plan.

“Plan” means the 1994 Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan, as the same may be amended, administered or interpreted from time to time.

“Plan Year” means the calendar year.

“Retirement” means eligibility to receive immediate retirement benefits under a Participating Company pension plan.

“Restricted Stock” means Stock awarded under Section 7 of the Plan subject to such restrictions as the Committee deems appropriate or desirable.

“Retirement Plan” means the Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees of Rayonier Inc., as amended effective July 18, 1997, and as the same may be thereafter amended from time to time prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control.

“Right” means a stock appreciation right awarded in connection with an option under Section 5 of the Plan.

“Stock” means the common shares of the Company.

“Total Disability” means the complete and permanent inability of a Key Employee to perform all of his or her duties under the terms of his or her employment with any Participating Company, as determined by the Committee upon the basis of such evidence, including independent medical reports and data, as the Committee deems appropriate or necessary.

“Voting Securities” means any securities of the Company that vote generally in the election of directors.

3. Shares Subject to the Plan

The aggregate number of shares of Stock which may be awarded under the Plan in any Plan Year shall be subject to an annual limit. The maximum number of shares of Stock for which Awards may be granted under the Plan in each Plan Year shall be 1.5 percent (l.5%) of the total of the issued and outstanding shares of Stock reported in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ending immediately prior to any Plan Year. Any unused portion of the annual limit for any Plan Year shall be carried forward and be made available for awards in succeeding Plan Years.

No more than twenty percent (20%) of such total number of shares on a cumulative basis shall be available for restricted stock and performance shares Awards. In addition to the foregoing, in no event shall more than one million (1,000,000) shares of Stock be cumulatively available for Awards of incentive stock options under the Plan. For any Plan Year, no individual employee may receive an Award of stock options for more than ten percent (10%) of the annual limit on available shares applicable to that Plan Year.

 

5


Subject to the above limitations, shares of Stock to be issued under the Plan may be made available from the authorized but unissued shares, or from shares purchased in the open market. For the purpose of computing the total number of shares of Stock available for Awards under the Plan, there shall be counted against the foregoing limitations the number of shares of Stock which equal the value of performance share Awards, in each case determined as at the dates on which such Awards are granted. If any Awards under the Plan are forfeited, terminated, expire unexercised, are settled in cash in lieu of Stock or are exchanged for other Awards, the shares of Stock which were theretofore subject to such Awards shall again be available for Awards under the Plan to the extent of such forfeiture or expiration of such Awards. Further, any shares that are exchanged (either actually or constructively) by optionees as full or partial payment to the Company of the purchase price of shares being acquired through the exercise of a stock option granted under the Plan may be available for subsequent Awards, provided however, that such shares may be awarded only to those participants who are not directors or executive officers (as that term is defined in the rules and regulations under Section 16 of the Exchange Act).

4. Grant of Awards and Award Agreements

(a) Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall (i) determine and designate from time to time those Key Employees or groups of Key Employees to whom Awards are to be granted; (ii) determine the form or forms of Award to be granted to any Key Employee; (iii) determine the amount or number of shares of Stock subject to each Award; and (iv) determine the terms and conditions of each Award.

(b) Each Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written Award Agreement. Such agreement shall be subject to and incorporate the express terms and conditions, if any, required under the Plan or required by the Committee.

5. Stock Options and Rights

(a) With respect to Options and Rights, the Committee shall (i) authorize the granting of Incentive Stock Options, non-qualified stock options, or a combination of Incentive Stock Options and non-qualified stock options; (ii) authorize the granting of Rights which may be granted in connection with all or part of any Option granted under this Plan, either concurrently with the grant of the option or at any time thereafter during the term of the Option; (iii) determine the number of shares of Stock subject to each Option or the number of shares of Stock that shall be used to determine the value of a Right; and (iv) determine the time or times when and the manner in which each Option or Right shall be exercisable and the duration of the exercise period.

(b) Any option issued hereunder which is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option shall be subject to such limitations or requirements as may be necessary for the purposes of Section 422 of the Code or any regulations and rulings thereunder to the extent and in such form as determined by the Committee in its discretion.

(c) Rights may be granted only to Key Employees who may be considered directors or officers of the Company for purposes of Section 16 of the Act.

(d) The exercise period for a non-qualified stock option and any related Right shall not exceed ten years and two days from the date of grant, and the exercise period for an Incentive Stock Option and any related Right shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant.

(e) The Option price per share shall be determined by the Committee at the time any Option is granted and shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the date the Option is granted.

(f) No part of any Option or Right may be exercised until the Key Employee who has been granted the Award shall have remained in the employ of a Participating Company for such period after the date of grant as the Committee may specify, if any, and the Committee may further require exercisability in installments; provided, however, the period during which a Right is exercisable shall commence no earlier than six months following the date the Option or Right is granted.

 

6


(g) The purchase price of the shares as to which an Option shall be exercised shall be paid to the Company at the time of exercise either in cash or Stock already owned by the optionee having a total Fair Market Value equal to the purchase price, or a combination of cash and Stock having a total fair market value, as so determined, equal to the purchase price. The Committee shall determine acceptable methods for tendering Stock as payment upon exercise of an Option and may impose such limitations and prohibitions on the use of Stock to exercise an Option as it deems appropriate.

(h) Unless Section 9 shall provide otherwise, Rights granted to a director or officer shall terminate when such person ceases to be considered a director or officer of the Company subject to Section 16 of the Act.

(i) In case of termination of employment, the following provisions shall apply:

(A) If a Key Employee who has been granted an Option shall die before such Option has expired, his or her Option may be exercised in full by the person or persons to whom the Key Employee’s rights under the Option pass by will, or if no such person has such right, by his or her executors or administrators, at any time, or from time to time, within five years after the date of the Key Employee’s death or within such other period, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify, but not later than the expiration date specified in Section 5(d) above.

(B) If the Key Employee’s employment by any Participating Company terminates because of his or her Retirement or Total Disability, he or she may exercise his or her Options in full at any time, or from time to time, within five years after the date of the termination of his or her employment or within such other period, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify, but not later than the expiration date specified in Section 5(d) above. Any such Options not fully exercisable immediately prior to such optionee’s retirement shall become fully exercisable upon such retirement unless the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall otherwise determine.

(C) Except as provided in Section 9, if the Key Employee shall voluntarily resign before eligibility for Retirement or he or she is terminated for cause as determined by the Committee, the Options or Rights shall be cancelled coincident with the effective date of the termination of employment.

(D) If the Key Employee’s employment terminates for any other reason, he or she may exercise his or her Options, to the extent that he or she shall have been entitled to do so at the date of the termination of his or her employment, at any time, or from time to time, within three months after the date of the termination of his or her employment or within such other period, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify, but not later than the expiration date specified in Section 5(d) above.

(j) No Option or Right granted under the Plan shall be transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the optionee, an Option or Right shall be exercisable only by the Key Employee to whom the Option or Right is granted.

(k) With respect to an Incentive Stock Option, the Committee shall specify such terms and provisions as the Committee may determine to be necessary or desirable in order to qualify such Option as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

(1) With respect to the exercisability and settlement of Rights:

(i) Upon exercise of a Right, the Key Employee shall be entitled, subject to such terms and conditions the Committee may specify, to receive upon exercise thereof all or a portion of the excess of (A) the Fair Market Value of a specified number of shares of Stock at

 

7


the time of exercise, as determined by the Committee, over (B) a specified amount which shall not, subject to Section 5(e), be less than the Fair Market Value of such specified number of shares of Stock at the time the Right is granted. Upon exercise of a Right, payment of such excess shall be made as the Committee shall specify in cash, the issuance or transfer to the Key Employee of whole shares of Stock with a Fair Market Value at such time equal to any excess, or a combination of cash and shares of Stock with a combined Fair Market Value at such time equal to any such excess, all as determined by the Committee. The Company will not issue a fractional share of Stock and, if a fractional share would otherwise be issuable, the Company shall pay cash equal to the Fair Market Value of the fractional share of Stock at such time.

(ii) For the purposes of Subsection (i) of this Section 5(l), in the case of any such Right or portion thereof, other than a Right related to an Incentive Stock Option, exercised for cash during a “window period” specified by Rule 16b-3 under the Act, the Fair Market Value of the Stock at the time of such exercise shall be the highest composite daily closing price of the Stock during such window period.

(iii) In the event of the exercise of such Right, the Company’s obligation in respect of any related Option or such portion thereof will be discharged by payment of the Right so exercised.

6. Performance Shares

(a) Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall (i) determine and designate from time to time those Key Employees or groups of Key Employees to whom Awards of Performance Shares are to be made, (ii) determine the Performance Period (the “Performance Period”) and Performance Objectives (the “Performance Objectives”) applicable to such Awards, (iii) determine the form of settlement of a Performance Share and (iv) generally determine the terms and conditions of each such Award. At any date, each Performance Share shall have a value equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock at such date; provided that the Committee may limit the aggregate amount payable upon the settlement of any Award.

(b) The Committee shall determine a Performance Period of not less than two nor more than five years. Performance Periods may overlap and Key Employees may participate simultaneously with respect to Performance Shares for which different Performance Periods are prescribed.

(c) The Committee shall determine the Performance Objectives of Awards of Performance Shares. Performance Objectives may vary from Key Employee to Key Employee and between groups of Key Employees and shall be based upon such performance criteria or combination of factor as the Committee may deem appropriate, including, but not limited to, minimum earnings per share or return on equity. If during the course of a Performance Period there shall occur significant events which the Committee expects to have a substantial effect on the applicable Performance Objectives during such period, the Committee may revise such Performance Objectives.

(d) At the beginning of a Performance Period, the Committee shall determine for each Key Employee or group of Key Employees the number of Performance Shares or the percentage of Performance Shares which shall be paid to the Key Employee or member of the group of Key Employees if Performance Objectives are met in whole or in part.

(e) If a Key Employee terminates service with all Participating Companies during a Performance Period because of death, Total Disability, Retirement, or under other circumstances where the Committee in its sole discretion finds that a waiver would be in the best interests of the Company, that Key Employee may, as determined by the Committee, be entitled to an Award of Performance Shares at the end of the Performance Period based upon the extent to which the Performance Objectives were satisfied at the end of such period, which Award, in the discretion of the Committee, may be maintained without change or reduced and prorated for the portion of the Performance Period during which the Key Employee was employed by any

 

8


Participating Company; provided, however, the Committee may provide for an earlier payment in settlement of such Performance Shares in such amount and under such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate or desirable. If a Key Employee terminates service with all Participating Companies during a Performance Period for any other reason, then such Key Employee shall not be entitled to any Award with respect to that Performance Period unless the Committee shall otherwise determine.

(f) Each Award of a Performance Share shall be paid in whole shares of Stock, or cash, or a combination of Stock and cash either as a lump sum payment or in annual installments, all as the Committee shall determine, with payment to commence as soon as practicable after the end of the relevant Performance Period.

7. Restricted Stock

(a) Restricted Stock shall be subject to a restriction period (after which restrictions will lapse) which shall mean a period commencing on the date the Award is granted and ending on such date as the Committee shall determine (the “Restriction Period”). The Committee may provide for the lapse of restrictions in installments where deemed appropriate.

(b) Except when the Committee determines otherwise pursuant to Section 7(d), if a Key Employee terminates employment with all Participating Companies for any reason before the expiration of the Restriction Period, all shares of Restricted Stock still subject to restriction shall be forfeited by the Key Employee and shall be reacquired by the Company.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7, no shares of Restricted Stock received by a Key Employee shall be sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of during the Restriction Period.

(d) In cases of death, Total Disability or Retirement or in cases of special circumstances, the Committee may, in its sole discretion when it finds that a waiver would be in the best interests of the Company, elect to waive any or all remaining restrictions with respect to such Key Employee’s Restricted Stock.

(e) The Committee may require, under such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate or desirable, that the certificates for Stock delivered under the Plan may be held in custody by a bank or other institution, or that the Company may itself hold such shares in custody until the Restriction Period expires or until restrictions thereon otherwise lapse, and may require, as a condition of any Award of Restricted Stock that the Key Employee shall have delivered a stock power endorsed in blank relating to the Restricted Stock.

(f) Nothing in this Section 7 shall preclude a Key Employee from exchanging any shares of Restricted Stock subject to the restrictions contained herein for any other shares of Stock that are similarly restricted.

(g) Subject to Section 7(e) and Section 8, each Key Employee entitled to receive Restricted Stock under the Plan shall be issued a certificate for the shares of Stock. Such certificate shall be registered in the name of the Key Employee, and shall bear an appropriate legend reciting the terms, conditions and restrictions, if any, applicable to such Award and shall be subject to appropriate stop-transfer orders.

8. Certificates for Awards of Stock

(a) The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates for shares of Stock prior to (i) the listing of such shares on any stock exchange on which the Stock may then be listed and (ii) the completion of any registration or qualification of such shares under any federal or state law, or any ruling or regulation of any government body which the Company shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable.

(b) All certificates for shares of Stock delivered under the Plan shall also be subject to such stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and

 

9


other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which the Stock is then listed and any applicable federal or state securities laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be placed on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. The foregoing provisions of this Section 8(b) shall not be effective if and to the extent that the shares of Stock delivered under the Plan are covered by an effective and current registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, or if and so long as the Committee determines that application of such provisions is no longer required or desirable. In making such determination, the Committee may rely upon an opinion of counsel for the Company.

(c) Except for the restrictions on Restricted Stock under Section 7, each Key Employee who receives Stock in settlement of an Award of Stock, shall have all of the rights of a shareholder with respect to such shares, including the right to vote the shares and receive dividends and other distributions. No Key Employee awarded an Option, a Right or Performance Share shall have any right as a shareholder with respect to any shares covered by his or her Option, Right or Performance Share prior to the date of issuance to him or her of a certificate or certificates for such shares.

9. Change in Control

Notwithstanding any provisions in this Plan to the contrary:

(a) Each outstanding Option granted under the Plan shall become immediately exercisable in full for the aggregate number of shares covered thereby and all related Rights shall also become exercisable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and shall continue to be exercisable in full for cash for a period of 60 calendar days beginning on the date that such Change in Control occurs and ending on the 60th calendar day following that date; provided, however, that (A) no Right shall become exercisable earlier than six months following the date the Right is granted, and (B) no Option or Right shall be exercisable beyond the expiration date of its original term.

(b) Options and Rights shall not terminate and shall continue to be fully exercisable for a period of seven months following the occurrence of a Change in Control in the case of an employee who is terminated other than for just cause or who voluntarily terminates his or her employment because he or she in good faith believes that as a result of such Change in Control he or she is unable effectively to discharge his or her present duties or the duties of the position he or she occupied just prior to the occurrence of such Change in Control. For purposes of Section 9 only, termination shall be for “just cause” only if such termination is based on fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement on the part of the employee which results in a final conviction of a felony. Under no circumstances, however, shall any Option or Right be exercised beyond the expiration date of its original term.

(c) Any Right or portion thereof may be exercised for cash within the 60-calendar-day period following the occurrence of a Change in Control with settlement, except in the case of a Right related to an Incentive Stock Option, based on the “Formula Price” which shall be the highest of (A) the highest composite daily closing price of the Stock during the period beginning on the 60th calendar day prior to the date on which the Right is exercised and ending on the date such Right is exercised, (B) the highest gross price paid for the Stock during the same period of time, as reported in a report on Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or (C) the highest gross price paid or to be paid for a share of Stock (whether by way of exchange, conversion, distribution upon merger, liquidation or otherwise) in any of the transactions set forth in the definition of “Change in Control” in the Retirement Plan.

(d) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, Limited Stock Appreciation Rights shall automatically be granted as to any Option with respect to which Rights are not then outstanding; provided, however, that Limited Stock Appreciation Rights shall be provided at the time of grant of any Incentive Stock Option subject to exercisability upon the occurrence of a Change in Control. Limited Stock Appreciation Rights shall entitle the holder thereof, upon exercise of such rights and surrender of the related Option or any portion thereof, to receive, without payment to the Company (except for

 

10


applicable withholding taxes), an amount in cash equal to the excess, if any, of the Formula Price as that term is defined in Section 9 over the option price of the Stock as provided in such Option; provided that in the case of the exercise of any such Limited Stock Appreciation Right or portion thereof related to an Incentive Stock Option, the Fair Market Value of the Stock at the time of such exercise shall be substituted for the Formula Price. Each such Limited Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable only during the period beginning on the first business day following the occurrence of such Change in Control and ending on the 60th calendar day following such date and only to the same extent the related Option is exercisable. Upon exercise of a Limited Stock Appreciation Right and surrender of the related Option, or portion thereof, such Option, to the extent surrendered, shall not thereafter be exercisable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the automatic grant of a Limited Stock Appreciation Right pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 9(d) is suspended effective December 31, 2005. However, the Committee may grant such Limited Stock Appreciation Rights in connection with a Change in Control at any time it deems appropriate, in its sole discretion. The Committee shall advise the Board by no later than July 1, 2006 as to the Committee’s recommendation on whether further amendment of this Section 9(d) to reinstate its original terms, in whole or in part, or to substitute other terms consistent with the intent of this provision is warranted, subject to the approval of the Board in its discretion.

(e) The restrictions applicable to Awards of Restricted Stock issued pursuant to Section 7 shall lapse upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and the Company shall issue stock certificates without a restrictive legend. Key Employees holding Restricted Stock on the date of a Change in Control may tender such Restricted Stock to the Company which shall pay the Formula Price as that term is defined in Section 9; provided, such Restricted Stock must be tendered to the Company within 60 calendar days of the Change in Control.

(f) If a Change in Control occurs during the course of a Performance Period applicable to an Award of Performance Shares pursuant to Section 6, then the Key Employee shall be deemed to have satisfied the Performance Objectives and settlement of such Performance Shares shall be based on the Formula Price, as defined in this Section 9.

10. Beneficiary

(a) Each Key Employee shall file with the Company a written designation of one or more persons as the Beneficiary who shall be entitled to receive the Award, if any, payable under the Plan upon his or her death. A Key Employee may from time-to-time revoke or change his or her Beneficiary designation without the consent of any prior Beneficiary by filing a new designation with the Company. The last such designation received by the Company shall be controlling; provided, however, that no designation, or change or revocation thereof, shall be effective unless received by the Company prior to the Key Employee’s death, and in no event shall it be effective as of a date prior to such receipt.

(b) If no such Beneficiary designation is in effect at the time of a Key Employee’s death, or if no designated Beneficiary survives the Key Employee or if such designation conflicts with law, the Key Employee’s estate shall be entitled to receive the Award, if any, payable under the Plan upon his or her death. If the Committee is in doubt as to the right of any person to receive such Award, the Company may retain such Award, without liability for any interest thereon, until the Committee determines the rights thereto, or the Company may pay such Award into any court of appropriate jurisdiction and such payment shall be a complete discharge of the liability of the Company therefor.

11. Administration of the Plan

(a) Each member of the Committee shall be both a member of the Board and a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3)(i) under the Act or successor rule or regulation. No member of the Committee shall be, or shall have been, eligible to receive an Award under the Plan or any other plan maintained by any Participating Company to acquire stock, stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares or restricted stock of a Participating Company at any time within the one year immediately preceding the member’s appointment to the Committee.

 

11


(b) All decisions, determinations or actions of the Committee made or taken pursuant to grants of authority under the Plan shall be made or taken in the sole discretion of the Committee and shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons for all purposes.

(c) The Committee shall have full power, discretion and authority to interpret, construe and administer the Plan and any part thereof, and its interpretations and constructions thereof and actions taken thereunder shall be, except as otherwise determined by the Board, final, conclusive and binding on all persons for all purposes.

(d) The Committee’s decisions and determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Key Employees, whether or not such Key Employees are similarly situated.

(e) The Committee may, in its sole discretion, delegate such of its powers as it deems appropriate.

(f) If a Change in Control has not occurred and if the Committee determines that a Key Employee has taken action inimical to the best interests of any Participating Company, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, terminate in whole or in part such portion of any Option (including any related Right) as has not yet become exercisable at the time of termination, terminate any Performance Share Award for which the Performance Period has not been completed or terminate any Award of Restricted Stock for which the Restriction Period has not lapsed.

12. Amendment, Extension or Termination

The Board may, at any time, amend or terminate the Plan and, specifically, may make such modifications to the Plan as it deems necessary to avoid the application of Section 162(m) of the Code and the Treasury regulations issued thereunder. However, no amendment shall, without approval by a majority of the Company’s stockholders, (a) alter the group of persons eligible to participate in the Plan, (b) except as provided in Section 13 increase the maximum number of shares of Stock which are available for Awards under the Plan or (c) extend the period during which awards may be granted beyond December 31, 2003. If a Change in Control has occurred, no amendment or termination shall impair the rights of any person with respect to a prior Award.

13. Adjustments in Event of Change in Common Stock

In the event of any recapitalization, reclassification, split-up or consolidation of shares of Stock or, stock dividend, merger or consolidation of the Company or sale by the Company of all or a portion of its assets, the Committee may make such adjustments in the Stock subject to Awards, including Stock subject to purchase by an Option, or the terms, conditions or restrictions on Stock or Awards, including the price payable upon the exercise of such Option, as the Committee deems equitable.

14. Miscellaneous

(a) Except as provided in Section 9, nothing in this Plan or any Award granted hereunder shall confer upon any employee any right to continue in the employ of any Participating Company or interfere in any way with the right of any Participating Company to terminate his or her employment at any time. No Award payable under the Plan shall be deemed salary or compensation for the purpose of computing benefits under any employee benefit plan or other arrangement of any Participating Company for the benefit of its employees unless the Company shall determine otherwise. No Key Employee shall have any claim to an Award until it is actually granted under the Plan. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company under this Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Company. All payments to be made hereunder shall be paid from the general funds of the Company and no special or separate fund shall be established and no segregation of assets shall be made to assure payment of such amounts except as provided in Section 7(e) with respect to Restricted Stock.

 

12


(b) The Committee may cause to be made, as a condition precedent to the payment of any Award, or otherwise, appropriate arrangements with the Key Employee or his or her Beneficiary, for the withholding of any federal, state, local or foreign taxes.

(c) The Plan and the grant of Awards shall be subject to all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations and to such approvals by any government or regulatory agency as may be required.

(d) The terms of the Plan shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.

(e) Captions preceding the sections hereof are inserted solely as a matter of convenience and in no way define or limit the scope or intent of any provision hereof.

15. Effective Date, Term of Plan and Shareholder Approval

The effective date of the Plan was March 1, 1994 and was approved by the Company’s shareholders within twelve months before such date. The Plan was amended and restated effective October 16, 1998. No Award shall be granted under this Plan after the Plan’s termination date. The Plan’s termination date shall be December 31, 2003. The Plan will continue in effect for existing Awards as long as any such Award is outstanding.

ADMINISTRATION

The Plan is administered by a Committee of the Board of Directors of Rayonier, presently designated as the Compensation and Management Development Committee, the members of which serve during the pleasure of the Board. The Committee is composed of directors none of whom is an officer or employee of Rayonier and none of whom is eligible to receive any award under the Plan.

FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT

The following is a brief summary of the current Federal income tax rules generally applicable to options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and restricted stock. Recipients of Awards and Substitute Stock Options should consult their own tax advisors as to the specific Federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to them.

A. Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

Options granted under the Plan may be either non-qualified options or “incentive stock options” qualifying under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Substitute Stock Options are non-qualified options.

Non-qualified Options

An optionee is not subject to Federal income tax upon grant of a non-qualified option. At the time of exercise, the optionee will realize compensation income (subject to withholding) to the extent that the then fair market value of the stock exceeds the option price. The amount of such income will constitute an addition to the optionee’s tax basis in the optioned stock. Sale of the shares will result in capital gain or loss (long-term or short-term depending on the optionee’s holding period). Rayonier is entitled to a Federal tax deduction at the same time and to the same extent that the optionee realizes compensation income.

 

13


Incentive Stock Options (“ISOs”)

Options under the Plan denominated as ISOs are intended to constitute incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. An optionee is not subject to Federal income tax upon either the grant or exercise of an ISO. If the optionee holds the shares acquired upon exercise for at least one year after issuance of the optioned shares and until at least two years after grant of the option, then the difference between the amount realized on a subsequent sale or other taxable disposition of the shares and the option price will constitute long-term capital gain or loss. To obtain favorable tax treatment, an ISO must be exercised within three months after termination of employment (other than by retirement, disability, or death) with Rayonier or subsidiary. To obtain favorable tax treatment, an ISO must be exercised within three months of retirement or within one year of cessation of employment for disability (with no limitation in the case of death), notwithstanding any longer exercise period permitted under the terms of the Plan. Rayonier will not be entitled to a Federal tax deduction with respect to the grant or exercise of the ISO.

If the optionee disposes of the shares acquired under an ISO before the requisite holding period, he or she will be deemed to have made a “disqualifying disposition” of the shares and will realize compensation income in the year of disposition equal to the lesser of the fair market value of the shares at exercise or the amount realized on their disposition over the option price of the shares. (However, if the disposition is by gift or by sale to a related party, the compensation income must be measured by the value of the shares at exercise over the option price.) Any gain recognized upon a disqualifying disposition in excess of the ordinary income portion will constitute either short-term or long-term capital gain. In the event of a disqualifying disposition, Rayonier will be entitled to a Federal tax deduction in the amount of the compensation income realized by the optionee.

The option spread on the exercise of an ISO is an adjustment in computing alternative minimum taxable income. No adjustment is required, however, if the optionee made a disqualifying disposition of the shares in the same year as he or she is taxed on the exercise.

Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)

SARs may be awarded to officers and directors of Rayonier subject to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to both incentive stock options and non-qualified options granted under the Plan. An optionee is not taxed upon the grant of SARs. An optionee exercising SARs for cash will realize compensation income (subject to withholding) in the amount of the cash received. Rayonier is entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and to the same extent that the optionee realizes compensation income.

B. Performance Shares

A recipient of performance shares generally will realize compensation income (subject to withholding) when and to the extent that payment is made, whether in the form of cash or shares of Rayonier Common Shares. To the extent that payment is made in the form of stock, income shall be measured by the then fair market value of the shares, which shall constitute an addition to the recipient’s tax basis in such shares. Rayonier will be entitled to a Federal tax deduction for the value of payment at the time of payment.

C. Restricted Stock

A recipient of restricted stock generally will realize compensation income (subject to withholding) when and to the extent that the restrictions on the shares lapse, as measured by the value of the shares at the time of lapse. The recipient’s holding period for the shares will not commence until the date of lapse, and dividends paid during the restriction period will be treated as compensation. The income realized on lapse of the restrictions will constitute an addition to the recipient’s tax basis in the shares.

In lieu of deferred recognition of income, the recipient may file an election with the Internal Revenue Service, within 30 days of award, to realize compensation income at the time of award, as measured by the fair market value of the stock on the date of award determined without regard to the restrictions. The income realized will constitute an addition to the tax basis of the shares. In the case of such election, any appreciation

 

14


(or depreciation) on the shares during the restriction period will give rise to capital gain (or capital loss). In the event that the recipient terminates employment during the restriction period and forfeits his or her shares, no deduction may be claimed and the taxes paid on award of the shares shall be forfeited.

Rayonier will be entitled to a Federal tax deduction at the same time and to the same extent that the recipient realizes compensation income.

 

15

Rayonier 2004 Incentive Stock and Management Bonus Plan, as amended

Exhibit 10.21

RAYONIER INC.

4,500,000 Common Shares

2004 RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK

AND

MANAGEMENT BONUS PLAN

PLAN INFORMATION

THIS DOCUMENT CONSTITUTES PART OF A PROSPECTUS COVERING SECURITIES

THAT HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE

SECURITIES ACT OF 1933.

The Prospectus covers such additional securities as may be issuable as a result of anti-dilution provisions

contained in the instruments pursuant to which securities covered by the Prospectus are issued.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES

AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS

THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES

COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE

PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A

CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

As amended December 29, 2005

 

1


Additional information about the Plan and its administration may be obtained by writing the Manager of Stock Option Plan Administration, Rayonier Inc., 50 No. Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, or telephoning the Manager at (904) 357-9100.

Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of the Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in the Prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of the Prospectus. Any such document, as well as Rayonier’s most recent annual report to shareholders and any other report or communication distributed to Rayonier shareholders generally, may be obtained without charge by written request to W. Edwin Frazier, III, Senior Vice President, Administration and Corporate Secretary, Rayonier Inc., 50 No. Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, or by telephoning W. Edwin Frazier, III at (904) 357-9100.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

General Information

   3

The Plan

   4

Administration

   15

Federal Tax Treatment

   17

 

2


GENERAL INFORMATION

The 2004 Rayonier Incentive Stock and Management Bonus Plan (the “Plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors of Rayonier Inc. and approved by its shareholder to be effective January 1, 2004.

The maximum number of common shares of Rayonier Inc. (the “Common Shares”) for which incentive stock options may be issued under the Plan is one million (1,000,000). The total number of shares available under the Plan registered currently on Form S-8 with the Securities & Exchange Commission is four million five hundred thousand (4,500,000).

In addition to non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options, the committee administering the Plan (the “Committee”) may grant stock appreciation rights (“SAR’s”) in connection with options to those employees who are considered directors or executive officers for purposes of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Plan permits the Committee to award performance shares and restricted stock, as well as non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, SAR’s, Restricted Stock units and senior management bonus awards in stock or in cash. Reference is made to the text of the Plan herein for a complete description of awards permitted under the Plan and the relevant provisions and conditions applicable thereto.

The prospectus does not cover resales of Common Shares acquired pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. Resales may be subject to restrictions or limitations imposed by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Plan is not subject to any of the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Furthermore, Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code relating to certain qualified pension, profit-sharing and stock bonus plans does not apply to the Plan.

Plan participants receive information with respect to their participation, including the date of grant, the exercise price, the amount exercisable and the expiration date, applicable information concerning performance shares or restricted stock and bonus awards that may be relevant to them.

The Plan contains a 1.16 million share limitation on the number of shares which may be issued as restricted or performance share awards, as well as an annual limitation on the number of shares which one employee may be awarded annually.

 

3


2004 RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK AND MANAGEMENT BONUS PLAN

1. Purpose

The purpose of the 2004 Rayonier Incentive Stock and Management Bonus Plan is to motivate and reward superior performance on the part of employees of Rayonier and its subsidiaries and to thereby attract and retain employees of superior ability. In addition, the Plan is intended to further opportunities for stock ownership by such employees in order to increase their proprietary interest in Rayonier and, as a result, their interest in the success of the Company. Awards will be made, in the discretion of the Committee, to Key Employees (including officers and directors who are also employees) whose responsibilities and decisions directly affect the performance of any Participating Company and its subsidiaries. Such incentive awards may consist of stock options, stock appreciation rights payable in stock or cash, performance shares, restricted stock, performance bonus awards or any combination of the foregoing, as the Committee may determine.

2. Definitions

When used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

“Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

“Award” means an award granted to any Key Employee in accordance with the provisions of the Plan in the form of Options, Rights, Performance Shares, Restricted Stock or Performance Bonus Awards, or any combination of the foregoing.

“Award Agreement” means the written agreement evidencing each Award, other than Performance Bonus Awards, granted to a Key Employee under the Plan.

“Beneficiary” means the estate of a Key Employee or such other beneficiary or beneficiaries lawfully designated pursuant to Section 11 to receive the amount, if any, payable under the Plan upon the death of a Key Employee.

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

“Change in Control” has the meaning specified in the Retirement Plan.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now in effect or as hereafter amended. (All citations to sections of the Code are to such sections as they may from time to time be amended or renumbered.)

“Committee” means the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board or such other committee as may be designated by the Board to administer the Plan.

“Company” means Rayonier Inc. and its successors and assigns.

“Fair Market Value”, unless otherwise indicated in the provisions of this Plan, means, as of any date, the composite closing price for one share of Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the most recently completed trading day or, if no sales of Stock have taken place on such date, the composite closing price on the most recent date on which selling prices were quoted, the determination to be made in the discretion of the Committee.

 

4


“GAAP” means U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

“Incentive Stock Option” means a stock option qualified under Section 422 of the Code.

“Key Employee” means an employee (including any officer or director who is also an employee) of any Participating Company whose responsibilities and decisions, in the judgment of the Committee, directly affect the performance of the Company and its subsidiaries.

“Limited Stock Appreciation Right” means a stock appreciation right that shall become exercisable automatically upon the occurrence of a Change in Control as described in Section 10 of the Plan.

“Option” means an option awarded under Section 5 of the Plan to purchase Stock of the Company, which option may be an Incentive Stock Option or a non-qualified stock option.

“Participating Company” means the Company or any subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company; provided, however, for Incentive Stock Options only, “Participating Company” means the Company or any corporation that at the time such Option is granted qualifies as a “subsidiary” of the Company under Section 425(f) of the Code.

“Participant” means each Key Employee of the Participating Company selected by the Committee as eligible for a Performance Bonus Award who could potentially be described in Section 162(m)(3) of the Code, as well as, in the discretion of the Committee, the President and Chief Executive Officer and any Key Employee reporting directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Performance Bonus Award” means the right of a Participant to receive cash following the completion of a Performance Period based upon performance in respect of one or more of the Performance Goals during such Performance Period, as specified in Section 9.

“Performance Goals” means or may be expressed in terms of any, but not limited to, of the following business criteria: (i) net income, (ii) earnings per share, (iii) operating income, (iv) operating cash flow, (v) earnings before income taxes and depreciation, (vi) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, (vii) operating margins (viii) reductions in operating expenses, (ix) sales or return on sales (x) total stockholder return (xi) return on equity, (xii) return on total capital, (xiii) return on invested capital, (xiv) return on assets, (xv) economic value added, (xvi) cost reductions and savings, (xvii) increase in surplus, (xviii) productivity improvements, (xix) an executive’s attainment of personal objectives with respect to any of the foregoing criteria or other criteria such as growth and profitability, customer satisfaction, leadership effectiveness, business development, negotiating transactions and sales or developing long term business goals. A Performance Goal may be measured over a Performance Period on a periodic, annual, cumulative or average basis and may be established on a corporate-wide basis or established with respect to one or more operating units, divisions, subsidiaries, acquired businesses, minority investments, partnerships or joint ventures. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Performance Goals will be determined using GAAP consistently applied during a Performance Period by no later than the earlier of the date that is ninety days after the commencement of the Performance Period or the day prior to the date on which twenty-five percent of the Performance Period has elapsed.

“Performance Objective” means the level or levels of performance required to be attained with respect to specified Performance Goals in order that a Key Employee shall become entitled to specified rights in connection with a Performance Share or Performance Bonus Award.

“Performance Period” means the calendar year, or such other shorter or longer period designated by the Committee, during which performance will be measured in order to determine a Key Employee’s entitlement to receive payment of a Performance Share or Performance Bonus Award, respectively.

 

5


“Performance Share” means a performance share awarded under Section 6 of the Plan.

“Plan” means the 2004 Rayonier Incentive Stock and Management Bonus Plan, as the same may be amended, administered or interpreted from time to time.

“Plan Year” means the calendar year.

“Retirement” means eligibility to receive immediate retirement benefits under a Participating Company pension plan.

“Restricted Stock” means Stock awarded under Section 7 of the Plan subject to such restrictions as the Committee deems appropriate or desirable.

“Restricted Stock Unit” has the meaning set forth in Section 6 of the Plan.

“Retirement Plan” means the Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees of Rayonier Inc., as amended effective July 18, 1997, and as the same may be thereafter amended from time to time prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control.

“Right” means a stock appreciation right awarded in connection with an option under Section 5 of the Plan.

“Share Limit” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.

“Stock” means the common shares of the Company.

“Total Disability” means the complete and permanent inability of a Key Employee to perform all of his or her duties under the terms of his or her employment with any Participating Company, as determined by the Committee upon the basis of such evidence, including independent medical reports and data, as the Committee deems appropriate or necessary.

“Voting Securities” means any securities of the Company that vote generally in the election of directors.

3. Shares Subject to the Plan

The aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be awarded under the Plan is 4.5 million.

No more than 1.16 million of such total number of shares shall be available for restricted stock and Performance Share Awards. In addition to the foregoing, in no event shall more than one million (1,000,000) shares of Stock be cumulatively available for Awards of incentive stock options under the Plan. For any Plan Year, no individual employee may receive an Award of Options, Performance Shares, Restricted Stock or Rights for more than four percent (4%) of the total number of shares authorized under the Plan (with respect to any Key Employee, his or her “Share Limit”). The number of shares available in each category hereunder shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 14 in connection with a Stock split, Stock dividend, or other extraordinary transaction affecting the Stock.

Subject to the above limitations, shares of Stock to be issued under the Plan may be made available from the authorized but unissued shares, or from shares purchased in the open market. For the purpose of computing the total number of shares of Stock available for Awards under the Plan, there shall be counted against the foregoing limitations the number of shares of Stock that equal the maximum number of Performance Share Awards issuable in any outstanding grant, in each case determined as at the dates on which such Awards are granted. If any Awards under the Plan are forfeited, terminated, expire unexercised, are settled in cash in lieu of Stock or are exchanged for other Awards, the shares of Stock that were theretofore subject to such Awards shall again be available for Awards under the Plan to the extent of such

 

6


forfeiture or expiration of such Awards. Further, any shares that are exchanged (either actually or constructively) by optionees as full or partial payment to the Company of the purchase price of shares being acquired through the exercise of a stock option granted under the Plan may be available for subsequent Awards.

4. Grant of Awards and Award Agreements

(a) Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall (i) determine and designate from time to time those Key Employees or groups of Key Employees to whom Awards are to be granted; (ii) determine the form or forms of Award to be granted to any Key Employee; (iii) determine the amount or number of shares of Stock subject to each Award; and (iv) determine the terms and conditions of each Award.

(b) Each Award, other than Performance Bonus Awards, granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written Award Agreement. Such agreement shall be subject to and incorporate the express terms and conditions, if any, required under the Plan or required by the Committee.

5. Stock Options and Rights

(a) With respect to Options and Rights, the Committee shall (i) authorize the granting of Incentive Stock Options, non-qualified stock options, or a combination of Incentive Stock Options and non-qualified stock options; (ii) authorize the granting of Rights that may be granted in connection with all or part of any Option granted under this Plan, either concurrently with the grant of the Option or at any time thereafter during the term of the Option; (iii) determine the number of shares of Stock subject to each Option or the number of shares of Stock that shall be used to determine the value of a Right; and (iv) determine the time or times when and the manner in which each Option or Right shall be exercisable and the duration of the exercise period.

(b) Any Option issued hereunder that is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option shall be subject to such limitations or requirements as may be necessary for the purposes of Section 422 of the Code or any regulations and rulings thereunder to the extent and in such form as determined by the Committee in its discretion.

(c) Rights may be granted only to Key Employees who may be considered directors or officers of the Company for purposes of Section 16 of the Act.

(d) The exercise period for a non-qualified stock option and any related Right shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant, and the exercise period for an Incentive Stock Option and any related Right shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant.

(e) The Option price per share shall be determined by the Committee at the time any Option is granted and shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the date the Option is granted.

(f) No part of any Option or Right may be exercised until the Key Employee who has been granted the Award shall have remained in the employ of a Participating Company for such period after the date of grant as the Committee may specify, if any, and the Committee may further require exercisability in installments; provided, however, the period during which a Right is exercisable shall commence no earlier than six months following the date the Option or Right is granted.

(g) The purchase price of the shares as to which an Option shall be exercised shall be paid to the Company at the time of exercise either in cash or Stock already owned by the optionee having a total Fair Market Value equal to the purchase price, or a combination of cash and Stock having a total fair market value, as so determined, equal to the purchase price. The Committee shall determine acceptable methods for tendering Stock as payment upon exercise of an Option and may impose such limitations and prohibitions on the use of Stock to exercise an Option as it deems appropriate.

 

7


(h) Unless Section 10 shall provide otherwise, Rights granted to a director or officer shall terminate when such person ceases to be considered a director or officer of the Company subject to Section 16 of the Act.

(i) In case of termination of employment, the following provisions shall apply:

(A) If a Key Employee who has been granted an Option shall die before such Option has expired, his or her Option may be exercised in full by the person or persons to whom the Key Employee’s rights under the Option pass by will, or if no such person has such right, by his or her executors or administrators, at any time, or from time to time, within five years after the date of the Key Employee’s death or within such other period, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify, but not later than the expiration date specified in Section 5(d) above.

(B) If the Key Employee’s employment by any Participating Company terminates because of his or her Retirement or Total Disability, he or she may exercise his or her Options in full at any time, or from time to time, within five years after the date of the termination of his or her employment or within such other period, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify, but not later than the expiration date specified in Section 5(d) above. Any such Options not fully exercisable immediately prior to such optionee’s Retirement shall become fully exercisable upon such Retirement unless the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall otherwise determine.

(C) Except as provided in Section 10, if the Key Employee shall voluntarily resign before eligibility for Retirement or he or she is terminated for cause as determined by the Committee, the Options shall be cancelled coincident with the effective date of the termination of employment.

(D) If the Key Employee’s employment terminates for any other reason, he or she may exercise his or her Options, to the extent that he or she shall have been entitled to do so at the date of the termination of his or her employment, at any time, or from time to time, within three months after the date of the termination of his or her employment or within such other period, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify, but not later than the expiration date specified in Section 5(d) above.

(j) No Option or Right granted under the Plan shall be transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the optionee, an Option or Right shall be exercisable only by the Key Employee to whom the Option or Right is granted.

(k) With respect to an Incentive Stock Option, the Committee shall specify such terms and provisions as the Committee may determine to be necessary or desirable in order to qualify such Option as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

(l) With respect to the exercisability and settlement of Rights:

(i) Upon exercise of a Right, the Key Employee shall be entitled, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify, to receive upon exercise thereof all or a portion of the excess of (A) the Fair Market Value of a specified number of shares of Stock at the time of exercise, as determined by the Committee, over (B) a specified amount that shall not, subject to Section 5(e), be less than the Fair Market Value of such specified number of shares of Stock at the time the Right is granted. Upon exercise of a Right, payment of such excess shall be made as the Committee shall specify in cash, the issuance or transfer to the Key Employee of whole shares of Stock with a Fair Market Value at such time equal to any excess, or a combination of cash and shares of Stock with a combined Fair Market Value at such time equal to any such excess, all as determined by the Committee. The Company will not issue a fractional share of Stock and, if a fractional share would otherwise be issuable, the Company shall pay cash equal to the Fair Market Value of the fractional share of Stock at such time.

 

8


(ii) For the purposes of Subsection (i) of this Section 5(l), in the case of any such Right or portion thereof, other than a Right related to an Incentive Stock Option, exercised for cash during a “window period” specified by Rule 16b-3 under the Act, the Fair Market Value of the Stock at the time of such exercise shall be the highest composite daily closing price of the Stock during such window period.

(iii) In the event of the exercise of such Right, the Company’s obligation in respect of any related Option or such portion thereof will be discharged by payment of the Right so exercised.

6. Performance Shares

(a) Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall (i) determine and designate from time to time those Key Employees or groups of Key Employees to whom Awards of Performance Shares are to be made, (ii) determine the Performance Period and Performance Objectives applicable to such Awards, (iii) determine the form of settlement of a Performance Share and (iv) generally determine the terms and conditions of each such Award. At any date, each Performance Share shall have a value equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock at such date; provided that the Committee may limit the aggregate amount payable upon the settlement of any Award.

(b) The Committee shall determine a Performance Period of not less than two nor more than five years with respect to the award of Performance Shares. Performance Periods may overlap and Key Employees may participate simultaneously with respect to Performance Shares for which different Performance Periods are prescribed.

(c) The Committee shall determine the Performance Objectives of Awards of Performance Shares. Performance Objectives may vary from Key Employee to Key Employee and between groups of Key Employees and shall be based upon such Performance Goals as the Committee may deem appropriate. The Performance Objective shall be established by the Committee prior to, or reasonably promptly following the inception of, a Performance Period but, to the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code, by no later than the earlier of the date that is ninety days after the commencement of the Performance Period or the day prior to the date on which twenty-five percent of the Performance Period has elapsed.

(d) Following the completion of each Performance Period, the Committee shall certify in writing, in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code to the extent applicable, whether the Performance Objective and other material terms for paying amounts in respect of each Performance Share Award related to that Performance Period have been achieved or met. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, Performance Share Awards shall not be settled until the Committee has made the certification specified under this Section 6(d).

(e) The Committee is authorized at any time during or after a Performance Period to reduce or eliminate the Performance Share Award of any Key Employee for any reason, including, without limitation, changes in the position or duties of any Key Employee with the Participating Company during or after a Performance Period, whether due to any termination of employment (including death, disability, retirement, voluntary termination or termination with or without cause) or otherwise. In addition, to the extent necessary to preserve the intended economic effects of the Plan to the Participating Company and the Key Employee, the Committee shall adjust Performance Objectives, the Performance Share Awards or both to take into account: (i) a change in corporate capitalization, (ii) a corporate transaction, such as any merger of the Company or any subsidiary into another corporation, any consolidation of the Company or any subsidiary into another corporation, any separation of the Company or any subsidiary (including a spin-off or the distribution of stock or property of the Company or any subsidiary), any reorganization of the Company or any subsidiary or a large, special and non-recurring dividend paid or distributed by the Company (whether or not such reorganization comes within the definition of Section 368 of the Code), (iii) any partial or complete liquidation of the Company or any subsidiary or (iv) a change in accounting or other relevant rules or regulations (any adjustment pursuant to this Clause (iv) shall be subject to the timing requirements of the last sentence of the definition of

 

9


Performance Goal set forth in Section 2 of the Plan); provided, however, that no adjustment hereunder shall be authorized or made if and to the extent that the Committee determines that such authority or the making of such adjustment would cause the Performance Bonus Awards to fail to qualify as “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to a particular Key Employee.

(f) At the beginning of a Performance Period, the Committee shall determine for each Key Employee or group of Key Employees the number of Performance Shares or the percentage of Performance Shares that shall be paid to the Key Employee or member of the group of Key Employees if Performance Objectives are met in whole or in part.

(g) If a Key Employee terminates service with all Participating Companies during a Performance Period because of death, Total Disability, Retirement, or under other circumstances where the Committee in its sole discretion finds that a waiver would be in the best interests of the Company, that Key Employee may, as determined by the Committee, be entitled to an Award of Performance Shares at the end of the Performance Period based upon the extent to which the Performance Objectives were satisfied at the end of such period, which Award, in the discretion of the Committee, may be maintained without change or reduced and prorated for the portion of the Performance Period during which the Key Employee was employed by any Participating Company; provided, however, the Committee may provide for an earlier payment in settlement of such Performance Shares in such amount and under such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate or desirable, but only to the extent consistent with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code to the extent applicable in respect of such Key Employee. If a Key Employee terminates service with all Participating Companies during a Performance Period for any other reason, then such Key Employee shall not be entitled to any Award with respect to that Performance Period unless the Committee shall otherwise determine.

(h) Each Award of a Performance Share shall be paid in whole shares of Stock, or cash, or a combination of Stock and cash either as a lump sum payment or in annual installments, all as the Committee shall determine, with payment to commence as soon as practicable after the end of the relevant Performance Period but no earlier than following the determination made in Section 6(d) hereof. Subject to the terms of the applicable program, the Award may also be paid in shares of Stock or Restricted Stock.

(i) With respect to Performance Shares that may be settled through the grant of Stock, a Key Employee shall not be granted Performance Shares for all of the Performance Periods commencing in a calendar year that permit the Key Employee to earn Stock covering more than the Share Limit in respect of such Key Employee. In addition, separate and apart from the limit in the previous sentence, with respect to Performance Share Awards to be settled in cash, a Key Employee shall not be granted Performance Share Awards for all of the Performance Periods commencing in a calendar year that permit the Key Employee in the aggregate to earn a cash payment in excess of the Fair Market Value of the Share Limit as of the first day of the first Performance Period commencing in such calendar year.

(j) Performance Share Awards may be structured in the form of Restricted Stock Units or any substantially similar instrument evidencing the right to receive a share of Stock, or a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock, at some future date upon the lapse of the applicable restrictions established by the Committee or upon the satisfaction of any applicable Performance Goals established by the Committee hereunder. To the extent provided for by the Committee, the rules of Section 7 shall apply to Restricted Stock Units payable in Stock.

7. Restricted Stock

(a) Restricted Stock shall be subject to a restriction period (after which restrictions will lapse), which shall mean a period commencing on the date the Award is granted and ending on such date as the Committee shall determine (the “Restriction Period”). The Committee may provide for the lapse of restrictions in installments where deemed appropriate.

 

10


(b) Except when the Committee determines otherwise pursuant to Section 7(d), if a Key Employee terminates employment with all Participating Companies for any reason before the expiration of the Restriction Period, all shares of Restricted Stock still subject to restriction shall be forfeited by the Key Employee and shall be reacquired by the Company.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7, no shares of Restricted Stock received by a Key Employee shall be sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of during the Restriction Period.

(d) In cases of death, Total Disability or Retirement or in cases of special circumstances, the Committee may, in its sole discretion when it finds that a waiver would be in the best interests of the Company, elect to waive any or all remaining restrictions with respect to such Key Employee’s Restricted Stock.

(e) The Committee may require, under such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate or desirable, that the certificates for Stock delivered under the Plan may be held in custody by a bank or other institution, or that the Company may itself hold such shares in custody until the Restriction Period expires or until restrictions thereon otherwise lapse, and may require, as a condition of any Award of Restricted Stock that the Key Employee shall have delivered a stock power endorsed in blank relating to the Restricted Stock.

(f) Nothing in this Section 7 shall preclude a Key Employee from exchanging any shares of Restricted Stock subject to the restrictions contained herein for any other shares of Stock that are similarly restricted.

(g) Subject to Section 7(e) and Section 8, each Key Employee entitled to receive Restricted Stock under the Plan shall be issued a certificate for the shares of Stock. Such certificate shall be registered in the name of the Key Employee, and shall bear an appropriate legend reciting the terms, conditions and restrictions, if any, applicable to such Award and shall be subject to appropriate stop-transfer orders.

8. Certificates for Awards of Stock

(a) The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates for shares of Stock prior to (i) the listing of such shares on any stock exchange on which the Stock may then be listed and (ii) the completion of any registration or qualification of such shares under any federal or state law, or any ruling or regulation of any government body that the Company shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable.

(b) All certificates for shares of Stock delivered under the Plan shall also be subject to such stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which the Stock is then listed and any applicable federal or state securities laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be placed on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. The foregoing provisions of this Section 8(b) shall not be effective if and to the extent that the shares of Stock delivered under the Plan are covered by an effective and current registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, or if and so long as the Committee determines that application of such provisions is no longer required or desirable. In making such determination, the Committee may rely upon an opinion of counsel for the Company.

(c) Except for the restrictions on Restricted Stock under Section 7, each Key Employee who receives Stock in settlement of an Award of Stock, shall have all of the rights of a shareholder with respect to such shares, including the right to vote the shares and receive dividends and other distributions. No Key Employee awarded an Option, a Right or Performance Share shall have any right as a shareholder with respect to any shares covered by his or her Option, Right or Performance Share prior to the date of issuance to him or her of a certificate or certificates for such shares.

 

11


9. Management Performance Bonus Awards

(a) Form of Award. The Committee is authorized to grant Awards pursuant to this Section 9. An Award shall represent the conditional right of the Participant to receive cash, or at the discretion of the Committee (and subject to the limitations in Section 3), in whole or in part in shares of stock, based upon achievement of one or more pre-established Performance Objectives during a Performance Period, subject to the terms of this Section 9 and the other applicable terms of the Plan. Awards shall be subject to such conditions, including deferral of settlement, risks of forfeiture, restrictions on transferability and other terms and conditions as shall be specified by the Committee. The Performance Bonus Award hereunder may take the form of a percentage of a bonus pool the magnitude of which shall be determined in a manner consistent with the determination of individual Performance Bonus Awards based on individual Performance Objectives hereunder for all of the members in the pool, with the time period for establishing the magnitude of the pool and the fixing of the applicable percentage available to any individual determined in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code applicable to any such individuals in the pool.

(b) Performance Objectives. The Committee shall establish the Performance Objective for each Performance Bonus Award, consisting of one or more business criteria permitted as Performance Goals hereunder, one or more levels of performance with respect to each such criteria, and the amount or amounts payable or other rights that the Participant will be entitled to upon achievement of such levels of performance. The Performance Objective shall be established by the Committee prior to, or reasonably promptly following the inception of, a Performance Period but, to the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code, by no later than the earlier of the date that is ninety days after the commencement of the Performance Period or the day prior to the date on which twenty-five percent of the Performance Period has elapsed.

(c) Additional Provisions Applicable to Performance Bonus Awards. More than one Performance Goal may be incorporated in a Performance Objective, in which case achievement with respect to each Performance Goal may be assessed individually or in combination with each other. The Committee may, in connection with the establishment of Performance Objectives for a Performance Period, establish a matrix setting forth the relationship between performance on two or more Performance Goals and the amount of the Performance Bonus Award payable for that Performance Period. The level or levels of performance specified with respect to a Performance Goal may be established in absolute terms, as objectives relative to performance in prior periods, as an objective compared to the performance of one or more comparable companies or an index covering multiple companies, or otherwise as the Committee may determine. Performance Objectives shall be objective and shall otherwise meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code. Performance Objectives may differ for Performance Bonus Awards granted to any one Participant or to different Participants.

(d) Duration of the Performance Period. The Committee shall establish the duration of each Performance Period at the time that it sets the Performance Objectives applicable to that Performance Period. The Committee shall be authorized to permit overlapping or consecutive Performance Periods.

(e) Certification. Following the completion of each Performance Period, the Committee shall certify in writing, in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, whether the Performance Objective and other material terms for paying amounts in respect of each Performance Bonus Award related to that Performance Period have been achieved or met. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, Performance Bonus Awards shall not be settled until the Committee has made the certification specified under this Section 9(e).

(f) Adjustment. The Committee is authorized at any time during or after a Performance Period to reduce or eliminate the Performance Bonus Award of any Participant for any reason, including, without limitation, changes in the position or duties of any Participant with the Participating Company during or after a Performance Period, whether due to any termination of employment (including death, disability, Retirement, voluntary termination or termination with or without cause) or otherwise. In addition, to the extent necessary to preserve the intended economic effects of the Plan to the Participating Company and the Participants, the Committee shall adjust Performance Objectives, the Performance Bonus Awards or both to

 

12


take into account: (i) a change in corporate capitalization, (ii) a corporate transaction, such as any merger of the Company or any subsidiary into another corporation, any consolidation of the Company or any subsidiary into another corporation, any separation of the Company or any subsidiary (including a spin-off or the distribution of stock or property of the Company or any subsidiary), any reorganization of the Company or any subsidiary or a large, special and non-recurring dividend paid or distributed by the Company (whether or not such reorganization comes within the definition of Section 368 of the Code), (iii) any partial or complete liquidation of the Company or any subsidiary or (iv) a change in accounting or other relevant rules or regulations (any adjustment pursuant to this Clause (iv) shall be subject to the timing requirements of the last sentence of the definition of Performance Goal set forth in Section 2 of the Plan); provided, however, that no adjustment hereunder shall be authorized or made if and to the extent that the Committee determines that such authority or the making of such adjustment would cause the Performance Bonus Awards to fail to qualify as “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.

(g) Timing of Payment. Except as provided below, any amounts payable in respect of Performance Bonus Awards for a Performance Period will generally be paid as soon as practicable following the determination in respect thereof made pursuant to Section 9(e).

(h) Deferral of Payments. Subject to such terms, conditions and administrative guidelines as the Committee shall specify from time to time, a Participant shall have the right to elect to defer receipt of part or all of any payment due with respect to a Performance Bonus Award.

(i) Maximum Amount Payable Per Participant Under This Section 9. A Participant shall not be granted Performance Bonus Awards for all of the Performance Periods commencing in a calendar year that permit the Participant in the aggregate to earn a payment in excess of 200% of the Participant’s base salary in effect at the beginning of such calendar year.

(j) Termination of Employment. In the event a Participant terminates employment for any reason during a Performance Period or prior to the Performance Bonus Award payment, he or she (or his or her Beneficiary, in the case of death) shall not be entitled to receive any Performance Bonus Award for such Performance Period unless the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, elects to pay all or any part of a Performance Bonus Award to such Participant.

10. Change in Control

Notwithstanding any provisions in this Plan to the contrary:

(a) Each outstanding Option granted under the Plan shall become immediately exercisable in full for the aggregate number of shares covered thereby and all related Rights shall also become exercisable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and shall continue to be exercisable in full for cash for a period of 60 calendar days beginning on the date that such Change in Control occurs and ending on the 60th calendar day following that date; provided, however, that no Option or Right shall be exercisable beyond the expiration date of its original term.

(b) Options and Rights shall not terminate and shall continue to be fully exercisable for a period of seven months following the occurrence of a Change in Control in the case of an employee who is terminated other than for just cause or who voluntarily terminates his or her employment because he or she in good faith believes that as a result of such Change in Control he or she is unable effectively to discharge the duties of the position he or she occupied just prior to the occurrence of such Change in Control. For purposes of Section 10 only, termination shall be for “just cause” only if such termination is based on fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement on the part of the employee that results in a final conviction of a felony. Under no circumstances, however, shall any Option or Right be exercised beyond the expiration date of its original term.

(c) Any Right or portion thereof may be exercised for cash within the 60-calendar-day period following the occurrence of a Change in Control with settlement, except in the case of a Right

 

13


related to an Incentive Stock Option, based on the “Formula Price” that shall be the highest of (A) the highest composite daily closing price of the Stock during the period beginning on the 60th calendar day prior to the date on which the Right is exercised and ending on the date such Right is exercised, (B) the highest gross price paid for the Stock during the same period of time, as reported in a report on Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or (C) the highest gross price paid or to be paid for a share of Stock (whether by way of exchange, conversion, distribution upon merger, liquidation or otherwise) in any of the transactions set forth in the definition of “Change in Control” in the Retirement Plan.

(d) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, Limited Stock Appreciation Rights shall automatically be granted as to any Option with respect to which Rights are not then outstanding; provided, however, that Limited Stock Appreciation Rights shall be provided at the time of grant of any Incentive Stock Option subject to exercisability upon the occurrence of a Change in Control. Limited Stock Appreciation Rights shall entitle the holder thereof, upon exercise of such rights and surrender of the related Option or any portion thereof, to receive, without payment to the Company (except for applicable withholding taxes), an amount in cash equal to the excess, if any, of the Formula Price as that term is defined in Section 10 over the exercise price of the Stock as provided in such Option; provided that in the case of the exercise of any such Limited Stock Appreciation Right or portion thereof related to an Incentive Stock Option, the Fair Market Value of the Stock at the time of such exercise shall be substituted for the Formula Price. Each such Limited Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable only during the period beginning on the first business day following the occurrence of such Change in Control and ending on the 60th calendar day following such date and only to the same extent the related Option is exercisable. Upon exercise of a Limited Stock Appreciation Right and surrender of the related Option, or portion thereof, such Option, to the extent surrendered, shall not thereafter be exercisable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the automatic grant of a Limited Stock Appreciation Right pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 10(d) is suspended effective December 31, 2005. However, the Committee may grant such Limited Stock Appreciation Rights in connection with a Change in Control at any time it deems appropriate, in its sole discretion. The Committee shall advise the Board by no later than July 1, 2006 as to the Committee’s recommendation on whether further amendment of this Section 10(d) to reinstate its original terms, in whole or in part, or to substitute other terms consistent with the intent of this provision is warranted, subject to the approval of the Board in its discretion.

(e) The restrictions applicable to Awards of Restricted Stock issued pursuant to Section 7 shall lapse upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and the Company shall issue stock certificates without a restrictive legend. Key Employees holding Restricted Stock on the date of a Change in Control may tender such Restricted Stock to the Company that shall pay the Formula Price as that term is defined in Section 10; provided, such Restricted Stock must be tendered to the Company within 60 calendar days of the Change in Control.

(f) If a Change in Control occurs during the course of a Performance Period applicable to an Award of Performance Shares pursuant to Section 6, then the Key Employee shall be deemed to have satisfied the Performance Objectives and settlement of such Performance Shares shall be based on the Formula Price, as defined in this Section 10.

11. Beneficiary

The Beneficiary of a Key Employee shall be the Key Employee’s estate, which shall be entitled to receive the Award, if any, payable under the Plan upon his or her death. A Key Employee may file with the Company a written designation of one or more persons as a Beneficiary in lieu of his or her estate, who shall be entitled to receive the Award, if any, payable under the Plan upon his or her death, subject to the enforceability of the designation under applicable law at that time. A Key Employee may from time-to-time revoke or change his or her Beneficiary designation, with or without the consent of any prior Beneficiary as required by applicable law, by filing a new designation with the Company. Subject to the foregoing, the last such designation received by the Company shall be controlling; provided, however, that no designation, or change or revocation thereof, shall be effective unless received by the Company prior to the Key Employee’s

 

14


death, and in no event shall it be effective as of a date prior to such receipt. If the Committee is in doubt as to the right of any person to receive such Award, the Company may retain such Award, without liability for any interest thereon, until the Committee determines the rights thereto, or the Company may pay such Award into any court of appropriate jurisdiction and such payment shall be a complete discharge of the liability of the Company therefore.

12. Administration of the Plan

(a) Each member of the Committee shall be both a member of the Board, a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3)(i) under the Act or successor rule or regulation and an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

(b) All decisions, determinations or actions of the Committee made or taken pursuant to grants of authority under the Plan shall be made or taken in the sole discretion of the Committee and shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons for all purposes.

(c) The Committee shall have full power, discretion and authority to interpret, construe and administer the Plan and any part thereof, and its interpretations and constructions thereof and actions taken thereunder shall be, except as otherwise determined by the Board, final, conclusive and binding on all persons for all purposes.

(d) The Committee’s decisions and determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Key Employees, whether or not such Key Employees are similarly situated.

(e) The Committee may, in its sole discretion, delegate such of its powers as it deems appropriate; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its responsibility (i) to make Awards to executive officers of the Company; (ii) to make Awards that are intended to constitute “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code; or (iii) to certify the satisfaction of Performance Objectives pursuant to Sections 6(d) or 9(e) in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code. The Committee may also appoint agents to assist in the day-to-day administration of the Plan and may delegate the authority to execute documents under the Plan to one or more members of the Committee or to one or more officers of the Company.

(f) If a Change in Control has not occurred and if the Committee determines that a Key Employee has taken action inimical to the best interests of any Participating Company, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, terminate in whole or in part such portion of any Option (including any related Right) as has not yet become exercisable at the time of termination, terminate any Performance Share Award for which the Performance Period has not been completed or terminate any Award of Restricted Stock for which the Restriction Period has not lapsed.

13. Amendment, Extension or Termination

The Board may, at any time, amend or terminate the Plan and, specifically, may make such modifications to the Plan as it deems necessary to avoid the application of Section 162(m) of the Code and the Treasury regulations issued thereunder. However, no amendment shall, without approval by a majority of the Company’s stockholders, (a) alter the group of persons eligible to participate in the Plan, (b) except as provided in Section 14 increase the maximum number of shares of Stock that are available for Awards under the Plan, or (c) except for adjustments pursuant to Section 14 or as otherwise provided for in the Plan, decrease the Option price for any outstanding Option after the date the Option is granted or accept the surrender of any outstanding Option as consideration for the grant of a new Option with a lower price than the Option being surrendered. If a Change in Control has occurred, no amendment or termination shall impair the rights of any person with respect to a prior Award.

14. Adjustments in Event of Change in Common Stock

In the event of any recapitalization, reclassification, split-up or consolidation of shares of Stock or

 

15


stock dividend, merger or consolidation of the Company or sale by the Company of all or a portion of its assets, the Committee may make such adjustments in the Stock subject to Awards, including Stock subject to purchase by an Option, or the terms, conditions or restrictions on Stock or Awards, including the price payable upon the exercise of such Option, as the Committee deems equitable. With respect to Awards intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, such adjustments shall be made only to the extent that the Committee determines that such adjustments may be made without a loss of deductibility for such Awards under Section 162(m) of the Code.

15. Forfeiture of Gains on Exercise. Except following a Change in Control, if the Key Employee terminates employment in breach of any covenants and conditions subsequent set forth in Section 16 and becomes employed by a competitor of the Company within one year after the date of exercise of any Option or the receipt of any Award, the Key Employee shall pay to the Company an amount equal to any gain from the exercise of the Option or the value of the Award other than Options, in each case measured by the amount reported as taxable compensation to the Key Employee by the Company for federal income tax purposes and in the case of Options that are incentive stock options, in an amount equal to the amount that would have been reported as taxable income were such Options not incentive stock options, and in each case without regard to any subsequent fluctuation in the market price of the shares of common stock of the Company. Any such amount due hereunder shall be paid by the Key Employee within thirty days of becoming employed by a competitor. By accepting an Option or other Award hereunder, the Key Employee is authorizing the Company to withhold, to the extent permitted by law, the amount owed to the Company hereunder from any amounts that the Company may owe to the Key Employee in any capacity whatsoever.

16. Conditions Subsequent. Except after a Change in Control, the exercise of any Option or Right and the receipt of any Award shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions subsequent: (i) that Key Employee refrain from engaging in any activity that in the opinion of the Committee is competitive with any activity of the Company or any Subsidiary, excluding any activity undertaken upon the written approval or request of the Company, (ii) that Key Employee refrain from otherwise acting in a manner inimical or in any way contrary to the best interests of the Company, and (iii) that the Key Employee furnish the Company such information with respect to the satisfaction of the foregoing conditions subsequent as the Committee shall reasonably request. In addition, except as may otherwise be excused by action of the Committee, the Key Employee by the exercise of the Option or the receipt of the Award agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, unless earlier terminated by the Company or by the Key Employee by reason of his or her death, disability or retirement.

17. Miscellaneous

(a) Except as provided in Section 10, nothing in this Plan or any Award granted hereunder shall confer upon any employee any right to continue in the employ of any Participating Company or interfere in any way with the right of any Participating Company to terminate his or her employment at any time. No Award payable under the Plan shall be deemed salary or compensation for the purpose of computing benefits under any employee benefit plan or other arrangement of any Participating Company for the benefit of its employees unless the Company shall determine otherwise. No Key Employee shall have any claim to an Award until it is actually granted under the Plan. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company under this Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Company. All payments to be made hereunder shall be paid from the general funds of the Company and no special or separate fund shall be established and no segregation of assets shall be made to assure payment of such amounts except as provided in Section 7(e) with respect to Restricted Stock.

(b) The Committee may cause to be made, as a condition precedent to the payment of any Award, or otherwise, appropriate arrangements with the Key Employee or his or her Beneficiary, for the withholding of any federal, state, local or foreign taxes.

(c) The Plan and the grant of Awards shall be subject to all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations and to such approvals by any government or regulatory agency as may be required.

 

16


(d) The terms of the Plan shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.

(e) Captions preceding the sections hereof are inserted solely as a matter of convenience and in no way define or limit the scope or intent of any provision hereof.

(f) To the extent Awards issued under the Plan are intended to be exempt from the application of Section 162(m) of the Code, which restricts under certain circumstances the Federal income tax deduction for compensation paid by a public company to named executives in excess of $1 million per year, the Committee may, without stockholder approval, amend the Plan retroactively or prospectively to the extent it determines necessary in order to comply with any subsequent clarification of Section 162(m) of the Code required to preserve the Company’s Federal income tax deduction for compensation paid pursuant to the Plan.

18. Effective Date, Term of Plan and Shareholder Approval

The effective date of the Plan is January 1, 2004. The Plan will continue in effect for existing Awards as long as any such Award is outstanding. Unless the Company determines otherwise, Section 6 and 9 of the Plan and the definition of “Performance Goal” shall be submitted to the Company’s stockholders at the first stockholder meeting that occurs in the fifth year following the year in which the Plan was last approved by stockholders (or any earlier meeting designated by the Board), in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code.

FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT

The following is a brief summary of the current Federal income tax rules generally applicable to options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and restricted stock. Recipients of Awards and Substitute Stock Options should consult their own tax advisors as to the specific Federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to them.

A. Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

Options granted under the Plan may be either non-qualified options or “incentive stock options” qualifying under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Substitute Stock Options are non-qualified options.

Non-qualified Options

An optionee is not subject to Federal income tax upon grant of a non-qualified option. At the time of exercise, the optionee will realize compensation income (subject to withholding) to the extent that the then fair market value of the stock exceeds the option price. The amount of such income will constitute an addition to the optionee’s tax basis in the optioned stock. Sale of the shares will result in capital gain or loss (long-term or short-term depending on the optionee’s holding period). Rayonier is entitled to a Federal tax deduction at the same time and to the same extent that the optionee realizes compensation income.

Incentive Stock Options (“ISOs”)

Options under the Plan denominated as ISOs are intended to constitute incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. An optionee is not subject to Federal income tax upon either the grant or exercise of an ISO. If the optionee holds the shares acquired upon exercise for at least one year after issuance of the optioned shares and until at least two years after grant of the option, then the difference between the amount realized on a subsequent sale or other taxable disposition of the shares and the option price will constitute long-term capital gain or loss. To obtain favorable tax treatment, an ISO must be exercised within three months after termination of employment (other than by retirement, disability, or death) with Rayonier or subsidiary. To obtain favorable tax treatment, an ISO must be exercised within three months of retirement or within one year of cessation of employment for disability (with no limitation in the case of death), notwithstanding any longer exercise period permitted under the terms of the Plan. Rayonier will not be entitled to a Federal tax deduction with respect to the grant or exercise of the ISO.

 

17


If the optionee disposes of the shares acquired under an ISO before the requisite holding period, he or she will be deemed to have made a “disqualifying disposition” of the shares and will realize compensation income in the year of disposition equal to the lesser of the fair market value of the shares at exercise or the amount realized on their disposition over the option price of the shares. (However, if the disposition is by gift or by sale to a related party, the compensation income must be measured by the value of the shares at exercise over the option price.) Any gain recognized upon a disqualifying disposition in excess of the ordinary income portion will constitute either short-term or long-term capital gain. In the event of a disqualifying disposition, Rayonier will be entitled to a Federal tax deduction in the amount of the compensation income realized by the optionee.

The option spread on the exercise of an ISO is an adjustment in computing alternative minimum taxable income. No adjustment is required, however, if the optionee made a disqualifying disposition of the shares in the same year as he or she is taxed on the exercise.

Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)

SARs may be awarded to officers and directors of Rayonier subject to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to both incentive stock options and non-qualified options granted under the Plan. An optionee is not taxed upon the grant of SARs. An optionee exercising SARs for cash will realize compensation income (subject to withholding) in the amount of the cash received. Rayonier is entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and to the same extent that the optionee realizes compensation income.

B. Performance Shares

A recipient of performance shares generally will realize compensation income (subject to withholding) when and to the extent that payment is made, whether in the form of cash or shares of Rayonier Common Shares. To the extent that payment is made in the form of stock, income shall be measured by the then fair market value of the shares, which shall constitute an addition to the recipient’s tax basis in such shares. Rayonier will be entitled to a Federal tax deduction for the value of payment at the time of payment.

C. Restricted Stock

A recipient of restricted stock generally will realize compensation income (subject to withholding) when and to the extent that the restrictions on the shares lapse, as measured by the value of the shares at the time of lapse. The recipient’s holding period for the shares will not commence until the date of lapse, and dividends paid during the restriction period will be treated as compensation. The income realized on lapse of the restrictions will constitute an addition to the recipient’s tax basis in the shares.

In lieu of deferred recognition of income, the recipient may file an election with the Internal Revenue Service, within 30 days of award, to realize compensation income at the time of award, as measured by the fair market value of the stock on the date of award determined without regard to the restrictions. The income realized will constitute an addition to the tax basis of the shares. In the case of such election, any appreciation (or depreciation) on the shares during the restriction period will give rise to capital gain (or capital loss). In the event that the recipient terminates employment during the restriction period and forfeits his or her shares, no deduction may be claimed and the taxes paid on award of the shares shall be forfeited.

Rayonier will be entitled to a Federal tax deduction at the same time and to the same extent that the recipient realizes compensation income.

 

18

Statements re computation of ratios

EXHIBIT 12

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Unaudited, thousands of dollars)

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2005     2004     2003    2002    2001

Earnings:

            

Income from continuing operations

   $ 207,795     $ 160,063     $ 53,104    $ 53,742    $ 54,550

Add:

            

Income tax expense/(benefit)

     (16,948 )     (33,649 )     6,083      15,735      26,365

Amortization of capitalized interest

     1,876       2,408       2,501      2,531      2,625
                                    
     192,723       128,822       61,688      72,008      83,540
                                    

Adjustments to earnings for fixed charges:

            

Interest and other financial charges

     46,961       46,718       48,738      62,383      70,314

Interest factor attributable to rentals

     722       476       288      823      1,633
                                    
     47,683       47,194       49,026      63,206      71,947
                                    

Earnings as adjusted

   $ 240,406     $ 176,016     $ 110,714    $ 135,214    $ 155,487
                                    

Fixed Charges:

            

Total fixed charges from above

   $ 47,683     $ 47,194     $ 49,026    $ 63,206    $ 71,947
                                    

Ratio of earnings as adjusted to total fixed charges

     5.04       3.73       2.26      2.14      2.16
                                    
Subsidiaries of the Registrant

EXHIBIT 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF RAYONIER INC.

As of 12/31/2005

 

Name of Subsidiary   

State/Country of

Incorporation/Organization

Forestal Rayonier Chile Ltd    Delaware
Matariki Forests    New Zealand
Matariki Forestry Group    New Zealand
RayAd, Inc.    Delaware
Rayonier Australia Pty Ltd.    South Australia
Rayonier Canterbury, LLC    Delaware
Rayonier China Limited    Delaware
Rayonier Distribution Corp.    Delaware
Rayonier Far East Ltd.    Delaware
Rayonier Foreign Sales Corporation    U.S. Virgin Islands
Rayonier Forest Management, Inc.    Delaware
Rayonier Forest Operations, LLC    Delaware
Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P.    Delaware
The Rayonier Foundation    New York
Rayonier HB Limited    New Zealand
Rayonier Industries Ltd.    New York
Rayonier International Financial Services Limited    New Zealand
Rayonier International Wood Products, LLC    Delaware
Rayonier Minerals, LLC    Delaware
Rayonier New Zealand Limited    New Zealand
Rayonier New Zealand Services Company    Delaware
Rayonier NZ Management Limited    New Zealand
Rayonier Performance Fibers, LLC    Delaware
Rayonier Properties, LLC    Delaware
Rayonier Timberlands Management, LLC    Delaware
Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc.    Delaware
Rayonier Wood Procurement, LLC    Delaware
Rayonier Wood Products, LLC    Delaware
REMI Environmental, Inc.    Delaware
RLA Trading Corporation    Delaware
Southern Wood Piedmont Company    Delaware
TerraPointe LLC    Delaware
Consents of experts and counsel

EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-52857 on Form S-3, Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-114858 on Form S-4, and in Registration Statement Nos. 333-129175 and 333-129176 on Forms S-8 of our reports dated February 28, 2005, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Rayonier Inc. and subsidiaries and management’s report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Rayonier Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2005.

LOGO

Jacksonville, Florida

February 28, 2006

Powers of attorney

EXHIBIT 24

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Hans E. Vanden Noort, Michael R. Herman and W. Edwin Frazier, III his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power in each to act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign in the name of such person and in each of his offices and capacities with Rayonier Inc. (the “Company”), the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, together with any amendments thereto, and to file same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Dated: January 23, 2006  

/s/ Rand V. Araskog

  Rand V. Araskog


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Hans E. Vanden Noort, Michael R. Herman and W. Edwin Frazier, III his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power in each to act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign in the name of such person and in each of his offices and capacities with Rayonier Inc. (the “Company”), the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, together with any amendments thereto, and to file same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Dated: January 30, 2006  

/s/ Ronald M. Gross

  Ronald M. Gross


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Hans E. Vanden Noort, Michael R. Herman and W. Edwin Frazier, III his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power in each to act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign in the name of such person and in each of his offices and capacities with Rayonier Inc. (the “Company”), the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, together with any amendments thereto, and to file same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Dated: January 23, 2006  

/s/ James H. Hance, Jr.

  James H. Hance, Jr.


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Hans E. Vanden Noort, Michael R. Herman and W. Edwin Frazier, III his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power in each to act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign in the name of such person and in each of his offices and capacities with Rayonier Inc. (the “Company”), the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, together with any amendments thereto, and to file same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Dated: February 7, 2006  

/s/ Richard D. Kincaid

  Richard D. Kincaid


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Hans E. Vanden Noort, Michael R. Herman and W. Edwin Frazier, III his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power in each to act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign in the name of such person and in each of his offices and capacities with Rayonier Inc. (the “Company”), the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, together with any amendments thereto, and to file same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Dated: January 24, 2006  

/s/ Paul G. Kirk, Jr.

  Paul G. Kirk, Jr.


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Hans E. Vanden Noort, Michael R. Herman and W. Edwin Frazier, III his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power in each to act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign in the name of such person and in each of his offices and capacities with Rayonier Inc. (the “Company”), the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, together with any amendments thereto, and to file same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Dated: January 23, 2006  

/s/ Thomas I. Morgan

  Thomas I. Morgan


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Hans E. Vanden Noort, Michael R. Herman and W. Edwin Frazier, III her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power in each to act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign in the name of such person and in each of her offices and capacities with Rayonier Inc. (the “Company”), the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, together with any amendments thereto, and to file same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Dated: January 23, 2006  

/s/ Katherine D. Ortega

  Katherine D. Ortega


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Hans E. Vanden Noort, Michael R. Herman and W. Edwin Frazier, III his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power in each to act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign in the name of such person and in each of his offices and capacities with Rayonier Inc. (the “Company”), the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, together with any amendments thereto, and to file same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Dated: January 22, 2006  

/s/ Carl S. Sloane

  Carl S. Sloane


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Hans E. Vanden Noort, Michael R. Herman and W. Edwin Frazier, III his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power in each to act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign in the name of such person and in each of his offices and capacities with Rayonier Inc. (the “Company”), the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, together with any amendments thereto, and to file same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Dated: February 1, 2006  

/s/ Ronald Townsend

  Ronald Townsend
Chief Executive Officer's Certification Pursuant to Section 302

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, W. L. Nutter, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rayonier Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 1, 2006

 

/s/ W. L. NUTTER

 

W. L. Nutter

 

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer, Rayonier Inc.

Co-Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Hans E. Vanden Noort, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rayonier Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 1, 2006

 

/s/ HANS E. VANDEN NOORT

  Hans E. Vanden Noort
 

Senior Vice President and

Chief Accounting Officer, Rayonier Inc.

 

Co-Principal Financial Officer's Certification Pursuant to Section 302

EXHIBIT 31.3

CERTIFICATION

I, Carl E. Kraus, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rayonier Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 1, 2006

 

/s/ CARL E. KRAUS

 

Carl E. Kraus

  Senior Vice President — Finance, Rayonier Inc.

 

Certification of Periodic Financial Reports under Section 906

EXHIBIT 32

CERTIFICATION

The undersigned hereby certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

 

1. The Annual Report on Form 10-K of Rayonier Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended December 31, 2005 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

2. The information in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ W. L. NUTTER

   

/s/ HANS E. VANDEN NOORT

   

/s/ CARL E. KRAUS

W. L. Nutter

   

Hans E. Vanden Noort

   

Carl E. Kraus

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

   

Senior Vice President and

Chief Accounting Officer

    Senior Vice President, Finance

March 1, 2006

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Rayonier and will be retained by Rayonier and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.