Edgar Filing: Verso Paper Corp.

a6090936.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number: 001-34056

Verso Paper Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	75-3217389
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

6775 Lenox Center Court, Suite 400, Memphis, Tennessee	38115-4436
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(901) 369-4100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

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

	Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer o
	Non-accelerated filer þ	Smaller reporting company o
	(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

o Yes þ No

As of October 31, 2009, the registrant had 52,374,647 outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION		Page

	Item 1.	Financial Statements

		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3

		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	4

		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity	5

		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6

		Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7

	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	26


	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	35

	Item 4T.	Controls and Procedures	37

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION

	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	39

	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	39

	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	39

	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	39

	Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	39

	Item 5.	Other Information	39

	Item 6.	Exhibits	40

SIGNATURES			41

EXHIBIT INDEX			42

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

VERSO PAPER CORP.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	September 30,			December 31,
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)	2009			2008
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	92,699		$	119,542
Accounts receivable - net		134,344			82,484
Inventories		162,730			195,934
Prepaid expenses and other assets		11,382			2,512
Total Current Assets		401,155			400,472
Property, plant, and equipment - net		1,049,851			1,115,990
Reforestation		13,177			12,725
Intangibles and other assets - net		94,166			88,513
Goodwill		18,695			18,695
Total Assets	$	1,577,044		$	1,636,395
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	101,224		$	123,055
Accrued liabilities		88,468			125,565
Current maturities of long-term debt		-			2,850
Total Current Liabilities		189,692			251,470
Long-term debt		1,248,435			1,354,821
Other liabilities		36,879			40,151
Total Liabilities		1,475,006			1,646,442
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)		-			-
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit):
Preferred stock -- par value $0.01 (20,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued)		-			-
Common stock -- par value $0.01 (250,000,000 shares authorized with 52,374,647
shares issued and outstanding on September 30, 2009 and 52,046,647 shares
issued and outstanding on December 31, 2008)		524			520
Paid-in-capital		212,013			211,752
Retained deficit		(92,267	)		(180,048	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(18,232	)		(42,271	)
Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)		102,038			(10,047	)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	1,577,044		$	1,636,395

Included in the balance sheet line items above are related-party balances as follows:
Accounts receivable	$	12,215		$	8,312
Accounts payable		533			4,135

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

VERSO PAPER CORP.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)	2009			2008			2009			2008
Net sales	$	394,663		$	485,423		$	979,852		$	1,390,932

Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold - (exclusive of
depreciation, amortization, and depletion)		338,592			386,042			906,080			1,138,622
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion		33,229			33,769			100,584			100,656
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		15,085			18,285			45,376			58,838
Restructuring and other charges		369			1,117			643			26,553
Operating income (loss)		7,388			46,210			(72,831	)		66,263
Interest income		(76	)		(126	)		(155	)		(458	)
Interest expense		34,318			27,772			89,900			95,984
Other income, net		(70,349	)		-			(250,357	)		-
Net income (loss)	$	43,495		$	18,564		$	87,781		$	(29,263	)
Earnings (loss) per common share
Basic	$	0.84		$	0.36		$	1.69		$	(0.65	)
Diluted	$	0.83		$	0.36		$	1.69		$	(0.65	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic		52,082,299			52,046,647			52,058,662			44,893,362
Diluted		52,116,036			52,046,647			52,066,085			44,893,362

Included in the financial statement line items
above are related-party transactions as follows
(Notes 10 and 11):
Net sales	$	42,293		$	47,780		$	95,691		$	128,423
Purchases included in cost of products sold		1,271			1,450			3,355			5,711
Restructuring and other charges		-			(41	)		-			23,281

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

VERSO PAPER CORP.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008


											Accumulated
											Other
											Comprehensive
	Common		Common		Paid-in-			Retained			Income			Total
(In thousands)	Shares		Stock		Capital			Deficit			(Loss)			Equity
Beginning balance - January 1, 2008		38,046	$	380	$	48,489		$	(114,100	)	$	(9,870	)	$	(75,101	)
Issuance of common stock		14,000		140		152,161									152,301
Dividends paid									(1,561	)					(1,561	)
Net loss		-		-		-			(29,263	)		-			(29,263	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized losses on derivative
financial instruments, net of
reclassification of $5.8 million of
net gains included in net loss		-		-		-			-			(12,755	)		(12,755	)
Defined benefit pension plan
prior service cost amortization		-		-		-			-			654			654
Total other comprehensive loss		-		-		-			-			(12,101	)		(12,101	)
Comprehensive loss		-		-		-			(29,263	)		(12,101	)		(41,364	)
Equity award expense		-		-		11,126			-			-			11,126
Ending balance - September 30, 2008		52,046	$	520	$	211,776		$	(144,924	)	$	(21,971	)	$	45,401


Beginning balance - January 1, 2009		52,046	$	520	$	211,752		$	(180,048	)	$	(42,271	)	$	(10,047	)
Net income		-		-		-			87,781			-			87,781
Other comprehensive income:
Net unrealized losses on derivative
financial instruments, net of
reclassification of $34.0 million of
net losses included in net income		-		-		-			-			23,146			23,146
Defined benefit pension plan:
Net actuarial loss		-		-		-			-			239			239
Prior service cost amortization		-		-		-			-			654			654
Total other comprehensive income		-		-		-			-			24,039			24,039
Comprehensive income		-		-		-			87,781			24,039			111,820
Common stock issued for restricted
stock		328		4		(4	)		-			-			-
Equity award expense		-		-		265			-			-			265
Ending balance - September 30, 2009		52,374	$	524	$	212,013		$	(92,267	)	$	(18,232	)	$	102,038

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

VERSO PAPER CORP.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2009			2008
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	87,781		$	(29,263	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion		100,584			100,656
Amortization of debt issuance costs		4,379			8,418
Accretion of discount on long-term debt		1,144			-
Gain on early extinguishment of debt		(57,827	)		-
Loss on disposal of fixed assets		164			213
Equity award expense		265			11,126
Change in unrealized losses on derivatives, net		22,556			(12,755	)
Other - net		407			(571	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(52,371	)		(16,726	)
Inventories		28,039			(34,555	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(22,261	)		(19,327	)
Accounts payable		(21,246	)		20,282
Accrued liabilities		(32,392	)		(7,815	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		59,222			19,683
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets		83			108
Capital expenditures		(29,965	)		(60,286	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(29,882	)		(60,178	)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net
of issuance cost of $14.3 million		-			153,716
Dividends paid		-			(1,561	)
Proceeds from long-term debt		352,838			-
Repayments of long-term debt		(398,924	)		(150,138	)
Short-term borrowings (repayments)		-			(3,125	)
Debt issuance costs		(10,097	)		-
Net cash used in financing activities		(56,183	)		(1,108	)
Change in cash and cash equivalents		(26,843	)		(41,603	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		119,542			58,533
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	92,699		$	16,930

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

VERSO PAPER CORP.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2009, AND DECEMBER 31, 2008, AND FOR THE THREE-MONTH AND NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008

1. BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Verso Paper Corp., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries. Unless otherwise noted, the terms “Verso,” “Verso Paper,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer collectively to Verso Paper Corp. and its subsidiaries.

The Company began operations on August 1, 2006, when it acquired the assets and certain liabilities comprising the business of the Coated and Supercalendered Papers Division of International Paper Company, or “International Paper.” The Company was formed by affiliates of Apollo Management, L.P., or “Apollo,” for the purpose of consummating the acquisition from International Paper, or the “Acquisition.” Verso Paper Corp. went public on May 14, 2008, with an initial public offering, or “IPO," of 14 million shares of common stock which generated $152.2 million in net proceeds. Prior to the consummation of the IPO, the accompanying financial statements include the accounts of Verso Paper One Corp., Verso Paper Two Corp., Verso Paper Three Corp., Verso Paper Four Corp., and Verso Paper Five Corp., legal entities under the common control of Verso Paper Management LP.

Verso Paper Corp. is the indirect parent of Verso Paper Finance Holdings LLC, or “Verso Finance,” and Verso Paper Holdings LLC, or “Verso Holdings,” and is a direct subsidiary of Verso Paper Management LP. Verso Paper Corp. is a holding company whose subsidiaries operate in the following three segments: coated and supercalendered papers; hardwood market pulp; and other, consisting of specialty papers. The Company’s core business platform is as a producer of coated freesheet, coated groundwood, and uncoated supercalendered papers. These products serve customers in the catalog, magazine, inserts, and commercial print markets.

Included in this report are the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of September 30, 2009, and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008. The December 31, 2008, condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required annually by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Except as disclosed in the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. All material intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, may not necessarily be indicative of full-year results. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto as of December 31, 2008, and for the year then ended.

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

Accounting Standards Codification — The Financial Accounting Standards Board, or “FASB,” issued Accounting Standards Codification, or “ASC,” 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM, or the “Codification,” as the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or “SEC,” under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative guidance for SEC registrants. All guidance contained in the Codification carries an equal level of authority. All non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification is superseded and deemed non-authoritative. FASB ASC 105 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of FASB ASC 105 had no impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value — In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or “ASU,” 2009-05, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) – Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value, which amends FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, regarding the fair value measurement of liabilities and provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liabilities is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more of the techniques provided for in this update. This ASU is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after issuance, which for the Company will be the fourth quarter of 2009. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Subsequent Events — FASB ASC 855, Subsequent Events, establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. FASB ASC 855 defines (1) the period after the balance sheet date during which a reporting entity’s management should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, (2) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and (3) the disclosures an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. FASB ASC 855 is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of FASB ASC 855 had no impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments — FASB ASC 825-10-65 updates FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments, to increase the frequency of fair value disclosures from an annual basis to a quarterly basis. The guidance relates to fair value disclosures for any financial instruments that are not currently reflected on the balance sheet at fair value. These provisions of FASB ASC 825 are effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. Since these provisions only affect disclosure requirements, the adoption of these provisions under FASB ASC 825 had no impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets — FASB ASC 715-20-65 updates FASB ASC 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits, to require more detailed disclosures about employers’ pension plan assets. New disclosures will include more information on investment strategies, major categories of plan assets, concentrations of risk within plan assets and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets. These provisions of FASB ASC 715 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Since these provisions only affect disclosure requirements, the adoption of these provisions under FASB ASC 715 will have no impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Intangible Assets — FASB ASC 350-30-65 updates FASB ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, and FASB ASC 275, Risks and Uncertainties, to provide guidance on the renewal or extension assumptions used in the determination of the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. The intent is to better match the useful life of the recognized intangible asset to the period of the expected cash flows used to measure its fair value. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of these provisions under FASB ASC 350 and FASB ASC 275 did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities — FASB ASC 815-10-65 updates FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB ASC 815, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. These provisions of FASB ASC 815 were effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Since these provisions only affect disclosure requirements, the adoption of these provisions under FASB ASC 815 had no impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Business Combinations — FASB ASC 805-10-65 updates FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations, to establish principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests; recognizes and measures goodwill acquired in a business combination or gain from a bargain purchase; and establishes disclosure requirements. These provisions of FASB ASC 805 are effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company will apply these provisions of FASB ASC 805 to any future acquisitions.

Noncontrolling Interests — FASB ASC 810-10-65, updates FASB ASC 810, Consolidation, to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. These provisions of FASB ASC 810 are effective, on a prospective basis, for fiscal years and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests should be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The adoption of these provisions under FASB ASC 810 did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Fair Value Measurements — FASB ASC 820-10-65 updates FASB ASC 820 to define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, and expand disclosures about fair value measurements. FASB ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data and requires new disclosures for assets and liabilities measured at fair value based on their level in the hierarchy. These provisions of FASB ASC 820 were effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. However, FASB ASC 820-10-65 delayed the implementation of FASB ASC 820 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The adoption of these provisions of FASB ASC 820 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Other new accounting pronouncements issued but not effective until after September 30, 2009, are not expected to have a significant effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

3. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION

Earnings Per Share — The Company computes earnings per share by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated similarly, except that the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of potentially dilutive securities is included. In accordance with FASB ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, unvested restricted stock awards issued in 2009 contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends and qualify as participating securities. No dividends have been declared or paid in 2009. The following table provides a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
(In thousands, except per share data)	2009		2008		2009		2008
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	43,495	$	18,564	$	87,781	$	(29,263	)

Weighted average common stock outstanding		52,047		52,047		52,047		44,893
Weighted average restricted stock		35		-		12		-
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic		52,082		52,047		52,059		44,893

Dilutive shares from options		34		-		7		-
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted		52,116		52,047		52,066		44,893

Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.84	$	0.36	$	1.69	$	(0.65	)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.83	$	0.36	$	1.69	$	(0.65	)

For the three months ended September 30, 2009, 114,000 weighted average potentially dilutive shares from options with a weighted average exercise price per share of $3.66 were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because including such shares would have been antidilutive. Additionally, 20,000 weighted average potentially dilutive shares from options with an exercise price per share of $1.09 were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because these performance-based options are not expected to vest. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, 94,000 weighted average potentially dilutive shares from options with a weighted average exercise price per share of $2.20 were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because including such shares would have been antidilutive. Additionally, 14,000 weighted average potentially dilutive shares from options with an exercise price per share of $1.09 were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because these performance-based options are not expected to vest. There were no equity awards outstanding in 2008.

During preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, management determined that there were errors in its previously reported loss per common share and weighted average common shares outstanding for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, resulting from its inadvertent use of the number of common shares outstanding at the end of the period in computing loss per share rather than the actual weighted average common shares outstanding for this period. As a result, loss per share and weighted average shares reported above have been restated from amounts previously reported to correct these errors. The restatement has no other effects to the Company's consolidated financial statements. The restatement had the following effects:

	As Previously
	Reported			As Restated
Nine months ended September 30, 2008
Loss per common share	$	(0.56	)	$	(0.65	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (thousands)		52,047			44,893

Inventories and Replacement Parts and Other Supplies — Inventory values include all costs directly associated with manufacturing products: materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead. These values are presented at the lower of cost or market. Costs of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods are determined using the first-in, first-out method. Replacement parts and other supplies are stated using the average cost method.

Inventories by major category include the following:

	September 30,		December 31,
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2009		2008
Raw materials	$	24,765	$	29,858
Woodyard logs		4,726		7,970
Work-in-process		26,930		19,001
Finished goods		80,087		113,050
Replacement parts and other supplies		26,222		26,055
Inventories	$	162,730	$	195,934

Asset Retirement Obligations — In accordance with FASB ASC 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, a liability and an asset are recorded equal to the present value of the estimated costs associated with the retirement of long-lived assets where a legal or contractual obligation exists. The liability is accreted over time, and the asset is depreciated over its useful life. The Company’s asset retirement obligations under this standard relate to closure and post-closure costs for landfills. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in the estimated costs or timing of closure or possible new federal or state regulations affecting the closure.

On September 30, 2009, the Company had $0.8 million of restricted cash included in Other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet related to an asset retirement obligation in the state of Michigan. This cash deposit is required by the state and may only be used for the future closure of a landfill. The following table presents an analysis related to the Company’s asset retirement obligations included in Other liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets:

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2009			2008
Asset retirement obligations, January 1	$	14,028		$	11,614
New liabilities		-			1,091
Accretion expense		572			435
Settlement of existing liabilities		(1,058	)		(1,020	)
Adjustment to existing liabilities		(159	)		2,030
Asset retirement obligations, September 30	$	13,383		$	14,150

In addition to the above obligations, the Company may be required to remove certain materials from its facilities, or to remediate in accordance with current regulations that govern the handling of certain hazardous or potentially hazardous materials. At this time, any such obligations have an indeterminate settlement date, and the Company believes that adequate information does not exist to reasonably estimate any such potential obligations. Accordingly, the Company will record a liability for such remediation when sufficient information becomes available to estimate the obligation.

Property, Plant, and Equipment — Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Interest is capitalized on projects meeting certain criteria and is included in the cost of the assets. The capitalized interest is depreciated over the same useful lives as the related assets. Expenditures for major repairs and improvements are capitalized, whereas normal repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009, interest costs of $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, were capitalized. For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, interest costs of $0.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively, were capitalized.

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. Depreciation expense was $31.4 million and $94.3 million for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009, compared to $31.7 million and $95.0 million for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, respectively.

4. INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS

Intangibles and other assets consist of the following:

	September 30,		December 31,
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2009		2008
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer relationships - net of accumulated amortization of $4.2 million and
$3.3 million, respectively	$	9,045	$	10,020
Patents - net of accumulated amortization of $0.36 million and $0.28 million,
respectively		784		870
Total amortizable intangible assets		9,829		10,890

Unamortizable intangible assets:
Trademarks		21,473		21,473

Other assets:
Financing costs-net of accumulated amortization of $13.1 million and
$14.3 million, respectively		30,691		33,465
Deferred major repair		10,070		9,543
Deferred software cost-net of accumulated amortization of $4.4 million
and $3.0 million, respectively		1,861		2,746
Replacement parts-net		3,546		5,625
Other		16,696		4,771
Total other assets		62,864		56,150
Intangibles and other assets	$	94,166	$	88,513

Amounts reflected in depreciation, amortization, and depletion expense related to intangibles and other assets are as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2009		2008		2009		2008
Intangible amortization	$	354	$	392	$	1,061	$	1,174
Software amortization		495	$	443		1,373	$	1,287
Replacement parts amortization (1)		908	$	1,260		3,680		3,127
_____________
(1) The value of current replacement parts is included in inventory.

The estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets over the next five years is as follows:

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
Remainder of 2009	$	354
2010		1,265
2011		1,065
2012		915
2013		815

5. LONG-TERM DEBT

A summary of long-term debt is as follows:

		As of September 30, 2009							As of December 31, 2008
		Effective
	Original	Interest					Fair					Fair
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	Maturity	Rate			Balance		Value		Balance			Value
Verso Paper Holdings LLC
First Priority Revolving Credit Facility	8/1/2012		3.25	%	$	45,000	$	45,000	$	92,083		$	66,760
First Priority Term Loan	8/1/2013		-			-		-		253,588			183,851
Senior Secured Notes - Fixed	7/1/2014		13.75	%		300,040		333,125		-			-
Second Priority Senior Secured Notes - Fixed	8/1/2014		9.13	%		337,080		260,900		350,000			141,750
Second Priority Senior Secured Notes - Floating	8/1/2014		4.23	%		188,216		121,964		250,000			80,000
Senior Subordinated Notes	8/1/2016		11.38	%		300,000		196,800		300,000			90,000
Verso Paper Finance Holdings LLC
Senior Unsecured Term Loan	2/1/2013		6.78	%		78,099		21,477		112,000			33,600
						1,248,435		979,266		1,357,671			595,961
Less current maturities						-		-		(2,850	)		(2,066	)
Long-term debt					$	1,248,435	$	979,266	$	1,354,821		$	593,895

The Company determines the fair value of its long-term debt based on market information and a review of prices and terms available for similar obligations.

Amounts included in interest expense related to long-term debt and amounts of cash interest payments on long-term debt are as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2009		2008		2009		2008
Interest expense	$	32,976	$	26,667	$	86,007	$	88,791
Cash interest paid		37,273		44,011		83,619		111,854
Debt issuance cost amortization (1)		1,398		1,505		4,379		8,418

_____________
(1) Amortization of debt issuance cost is included in interest expense.

Verso Finance has a senior unsecured term loan which matures on February 1, 2013. In May 2008, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds from its IPO to repay $138 million of the outstanding principal of the term loan and to pay a related $1.4 million prepayment penalty. During the third quarter of 2009, the Company repurchased $14.7 million of the term loan for a total price of $4.4 million, which resulted in a gain of $10.0 million, net of write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company has repurchased $41.4 million of the term loan for a total purchase price of $10.2 million, which resulted in a gain of $30.5 million, net of the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. The net gain is recognized in Other income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. As of September 30, 2009, $4.1 million was included in Accounts payable on the condensed consolidated balance sheet for debt purchases that had not settled. The term loan allows Verso Finance to pay interest either in cash or in-kind through the accumulation of the outstanding principal amount. Verso Finance has elected to exercise the PIK option for $8.0 million of interest payments due through September 30, 2009.

During the third quarter of 2009, the Company repurchased and retired $26.3 million of the second priority senior secured floating rate notes due on August 1, 2014, for a total purchase price of $16.0 million, which resulted in a gain of $9.7 million, net of the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. The Company also repurchased and retired $12.9 million of the second priority senior secured fixed rate notes due on August 1, 2014, for a total purchase price of $7.9 million, which resulted in a gain of $4.7 million, net of the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company has repurchased and retired $74.7 million of these fixed and floating rate notes for a total purchase price of $38.1 million, which resulted in gains of $34.8 million, net of the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. In addition, the Company de-designated the interest rate swap hedging interest payments on these notes and recognized losses of $1.3 million on the interest rate swap. The net gain resulting from these transactions is recognized in Other income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

On June 11, 2009, Verso Holdings issued $325.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11.5% senior secured notes due July 1, 2014. These notes are secured by substantially all of the property and assets of Verso Holdings. The notes are secured on a ratable and pari passu basis with Verso Holdings’ senior secured credit facility. The net proceeds after deducting the discount, underwriting fees, and issuance costs were $288.8 million, which funds were used to repay in full $252.9 million outstanding on Verso Holdings’ first priority term loan and to temporarily reduce the debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility by $35.0 million. The write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the term loan resulted in a loss of $5.9 million, which was recognized in Other income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

6. RETIREMENT PLANS

The Company maintains a defined benefit pension plan that provides retirement benefits to hourly employees at the Androscoggin, Bucksport, and Sartell mills. The plan provides defined benefits based on years of credited service times a specified flat dollar benefit rate.

The Company makes contributions that are sufficient to fully fund its actuarially determined costs, generally equal to the minimum amounts required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). In the third quarter of 2009, the Company made contributions of $2.9 million with $1.9 million attributable to the 2009 plan year and $1.0 million attributable to the 2008 plan year. In the third quarter of 2008, the Company made contributions of $3.6 million with $2.1 million attributable to the 2008 plan year and $1.5 million attributable to the 2007 plan year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, contributions totaled $5.0 million, with $3.8 million attributable to the 2009 plan year and $1.2 million attributable to the 2008 plan year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, contributions totaled $7.3 million, with $4.3 million attributable to the 2008 plan year and $3.0 million attributable to the 2007 plan year. The Company expects to make additional contributions of $1.9 million in 2009 related to the 2009 plan year.

The expected return on plan assets assumption for 2009 will be 7.50%. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic expense:

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2009			2008			2009			2008
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	1,591		$	1,494		$	4,775		$	4,482
Interest cost		380			250			1,142			749
Expected return on plan assets		(308	)		(191	)		(926	)		(572	)
Amortization of prior service cost		218			218			654			654
Actuarial loss		81			-			239			-
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,962		$	1,771		$	5,884		$	5,313

The Company also sponsors a 401(k) plan to provide salaried and hourly employees an opportunity to accumulate personal funds and to provide additional benefits for retirement. Contributions may be made on a before-tax basis to the plan. As determined by the provisions of the plan, the Company matches the employees’ basic voluntary contributions; however, in response to the challenging economic conditions, the Company suspended its matching contributions to the 401(k) plan for exempt and non-exempt salaried employees beginning April 3, 2009, which will reduce expense by approximately $3.0 million on an annual basis.

In the third quarter of 2009, the Company offered a voluntary early retirement program to certain eligible employees. The offer was accepted by 71 employees. The Company’s voluntary early retirement program resulted in a charge of $4.2 million to cost of products sold, consisting of separation and accrued medical and dental benefits, and is expected to result in an annual cost savings of $7.1 million. The voluntary early retirement program is expected to be completed by June 30, 2010. The Company also initiated a reduction in workforce resulting in the elimination of eight positions which is expected to be completed by December 31, 2009. The reduction in workforce resulted in a charge of $0.5 million to selling, general, and administrative expense, consisting of separation and accrued medical and dental benefits, and is expected to result in annual cost savings of $0.8 million.

7. EQUITY AWARDS

The Verso Paper Corp. 2008 Incentive Award Plan, as amended, or the “Incentive Plan,” authorizes the issuance of stock awards covering up to 4,250,000 shares of common stock of the Company. Under the Incentive Plan, stock awards may be granted to employees and non-employee directors upon approval by the board of directors. The Company has issued non-qualified stock options to certain non-employee directors that vest upon grant and expire 10 years from the date of grant. The Company also has issued both time-based and performance-based non-qualified stock options to officers and management employees in 2009. These time-based options vest one to three years from the date of grant and expire seven years from the date of grant. The performance-based options vest one to three years from the date of grant based on the achievement of certain performance criteria tied to Verso’s calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and expire seven years from the date of grant. However, the performance period has not begun and performance criteria have not been communicated to the participants for 41,998 of these performance-based options, and thus no expense has been recognized related to these options.

A summary of stock option plan activity (including the performance-based options) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, is provided below:

			Weighted		Weighted
			Average		Average
	Options		Exercise		Fair Value
	Outstanding		Price		at Grant Date
January 1, 2009		15,200	$	1.43	$	0.46
Options granted		1,083,202		3.55		2.37
Performance options granted (1)		83,998		1.13		1.33
September 30, 2009		1,182,400	$	3.35	$	2.28

Options exercisable		30,400	$	1.07
Options expected to vest		1,130,996		3.45

_____________

(1)	Performance-based grants for which the performance period has not begun are treated as variable awards, and the weighted average fair value is determined as of September 30, 2009.

The Company used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options granted in 2009 with the following assumptions:

Expected weighted-average life of options granted	5.0 years
Range of volatility rates based on historical industry volatility		31.82% - 69.29%
Range of risk-free interest rates		1.97% - 3.16%
Expected dividend yield		-

Expected lives of options granted are determined based on the vesting period and contractual terms of the options. Expected volatility is estimated using historical industry volatility determined over the expected lives of the options.

On September 30, 2009, there was $2.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.9 years.

Additionally, on September 21, 2009, the Company issued 328,000 restricted stock awards to its executives and certain senior managers, which have a grant date fair value of $3.69 per share. The restrictions lapse in equal annual installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. As of September 30, 2009, there was $1.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.0 years. The restrictions on these shares automatically lapse in the event of a change of control as defined in the Incentive Plan.

Simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO, the limited partnership agreement of Verso Paper Corp.’s parent, Verso Paper Management LP, or the “Partnership,” was amended to, among other things, change its equity structure from multiple classes of units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership to a single class of units representing such interests. The conversion from the prior multiple-class unit structure, or the “Legacy Units,” to a new single class of units in the Partnership was designed to correlate the equity structure of the Partnership with the post-IPO equity structure of Verso Paper Corp.

In connection with the IPO and the amendment of the limited partnership agreement of the Partnership, the Legacy Class C Units of the Partnership previously granted to certain members of our management were vested as of May 20, 2008. Prior to the amendment, the Legacy Class C Units were to vest only if certain performance targets were met. As a result of the accelerated vesting of the Legacy Class C Units, the Company recognized $10.8 million of equity compensation expense. Assumptions applied under the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the Legacy Class C Units were as follows: expected term of one year, volatility rate of 36.65% based on historical industry volatility, expected dividend rate of 1%, and average risk free rate of 2.0%.

Certain members of our management were granted Legacy Class B Units, which vest over a five-year period at the rate of 20% per year on each anniversary of the grant date. As of September 30, 2009, there was $0.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested Legacy Class B Units. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.8 years.

Certain of our directors were granted Legacy Class D Units, which were vested upon grant. The fair value of Legacy Class D Units granted to directors in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, was approximately $0.1 million. The Company estimates the fair value of management equity awards using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Key input assumptions applied under the Black-Scholes option pricing model for this grant were as follows: expected term of five years, volatility rate of 36.65% based on historical industry volatility, no expected dividends and an average risk free rate of 3.0%.

Equity compensation expense pertaining to Legacy Class B Units, stock options and restricted stock awards was $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009, respectively. Equity award expense for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, was $0.1 million and $11.1 million, respectively, which for the nine-month period included the $10.8 million related to the vesting of the Legacy Class C Units.

8. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGES

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted FASB ASC 815-10-50, which expands the quarterly and annual disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities.

In the normal course of business, the Company utilizes derivatives contracts as part of its risk management strategy to manage its exposure to market fluctuations in energy prices and interest rates. These instruments are subject to credit and market risks in excess of the amount recorded on the balance sheet in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Controls and monitoring procedures for these instruments have been established and are routinely reevaluated. Credit risk represents the potential loss that may occur because a party to a transaction fails to perform according to the terms of the contract. The measure of credit exposure is the replacement cost of contracts with a positive fair value. The Company manages credit risk by entering into financial instrument transactions only through approved counterparties. Market risk represents the potential loss due to the decrease in the value of a financial instrument caused primarily by changes in commodity prices. The Company manages market risk by establishing and monitoring limits on the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken.

Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet as other assets or other liabilities measured at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models may be applied. For a cash flow hedge accounted for under FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument, to the extent that it is effective, are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to earnings as the hedged transaction impacts net income. Any ineffective portion of a cash flow hedge is recognized currently in earnings. Cash flows from derivative contracts are reported as operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

The Company enters into short-term, fixed-price energy swaps as hedges designed to mitigate the risk of changes in commodity prices for future purchase commitments. These fixed-price swaps involve the exchange of net cash settlements, based on changes in the price of the underlying commodity index compared to the fixed price offering, at specified intervals without the exchange of any underlying principal. The Company has designated its energy hedging relationships as cash flow hedges under FASB ASC 815 with net gains or losses attributable to effective hedging recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income and any ineffectiveness recognized in Cost of products sold. Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income are expected to be reclassified into cost of products sold in the period in which the hedged cash flows affect earnings.

In February 2008, the Company entered into a two-year, $250 million notional value receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap in connection with the Company’s outstanding floating rate notes that mature in 2014. The notes pay interest quarterly based on a three-month LIBOR. The Company is hedging the cash flow exposure on its quarterly variable-rate interest payments due to changes in the benchmark interest rate (three-month LIBOR) and designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge under FASB ASC 815. During the first nine months of 2009, the Company repurchased $41.4 million of the hedged notes and de-designated the interest-rate swap hedging the interest payments on the debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, $1.3 million of losses have been recognized in Other income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

The following table presents information about the volume and fair value amounts of the Company’s derivative instruments.

	At September 30, 2009						At December 31, 2008
			Fair Value Measurements						Fair Value Measurements				Balance
	Notional		Derivative		Derivative		Notional		Derivative		Derivative		Sheet
(dollars in thousands)	Volume		Asset		Liability		Volume		Asset		Liability		Location
Derivatives designated as hedging
instruments under FASB ASC 815
Short-term, fixed price energy swaps - MMBtu's		4,607,109	$	585	$	5,937		7,242,456	$	-	$	26,878	Other assets/ Accrued liabilties
Interest rate swaps, receive-variable, pay-fixed	$	-		-		-	$	250,000		-		3,677	Other liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedging
instruments under FASB ASC 815
Interest rate swaps, receive-variable, pay-fixed	$	250,000		-		2,997	$	-		-		-	Other liabilities

The following tables present information about the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on Accumulated other comprehensive income and the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

	Gain (Loss) Recognized						Gain (Loss) Reclassified
	in Accumulated OCI						from Accumulated OCI					Location of
	At			At			Nine Months Ended					Gain (Loss)
	September 30,			December 31,			September 30,					on Statements
(dollars in thousands)	2009			2008			2009			2008		of Operations
Derivatives designated as hedging
instruments under FASB ASC 815
Short-term, fixed price energy swaps (1)	$	(5,333	)	$	(25,852	)	$	(31,333	)	$	5,493	Cost of products sold
Interest rate swaps, receive-variable, pay-fixed (1)		(1,115	)		(3,859	)		(2,677	)		336	Interest expense

_____________

(1)	Net losses at September 30, 2009, are expected to be reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings within the next 12 months.

							Gain (Loss) Recognized
	Gain (Loss) Recognized						on Derivative						Location of
	on Derivative						(Ineffective Portion)						Gain (Loss)
	Nine Months Ended September 30,												on Statements
(dollars in thousands)		2009			2008			2009			2008		of Operations
Derivatives designated as hedging
instruments under FASB ASC 815
Short-term, fixed price energy swaps	$	(3,683	)	$	(4,086	)	$	(54	)	$	(45	)	Cost of products sold
Derivatives not designated as hedging
instruments under FASB ASC 815
Short-term, fixed price energy swaps		-			1,578								Cost of products sold
Interest rate swaps, receive-variable, pay-fixed		(1,347	)		-								Other income

9. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FASB ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted FASB ASC 820 as it relates to financial assets and liabilities and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, and adopted FASB ASC 820 as it relates to nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 1, 2009. The adoption of these provisions of FASB ASC 820 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

The fair value framework requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions used to value the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:

■ Level 1:	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

■ Level 2:	Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1. For example, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.

■ Level 3:	Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumption about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

As of September 30, 2009, the fair values of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized as follows:

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
ASSETS
Deferred compensation assets	$	579	$	579	$	-	$	-
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative carbon credits (a)		274		-		274		-
Commodity swaps (a)		585		-		585		-
Total assets at fair value on September 30, 2009	$	1,438	$	579	$	859	$	-

LIABILITIES
Commodity swaps (a)	$	5,937	$	-	$	5,937	$	-
Interest rate swaps (b)		2,997		-		2,997		-
Deferred compensation liabilities		579		579		-		-
Total liabilities at fair value on September 30, 2009	$	9,513	$	579	$	8,934	$	-

_____________
(a) Based on observable market data.
(b) Based on observable inputs for the liability (interest rates and yield curves observable at specific intervals).

The Company did not record any impairment charges on long-lived assets and no significant events requiring non-financial assets and liabilities to be measured at fair value occurred (subsequent to initial recognition) during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company had net sales to International Paper of $42.3 million and $95.7 million for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009, respectively, compared to $47.8 million and $128.4 million for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, respectively. The Company had purchases from International Paper, included in cost of products sold, of $1.3 million and $3.4 million for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009, respectively, compared to $1.4 million and $5.7 million for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, respectively.

Subsequent to the Acquisition, the Company entered into a management consulting agreement with Apollo relating to the provision of certain financial and strategic advisory services and consulting services. Upon consummation of the IPO in 2008, Apollo terminated the annual fee arrangement under the management agreement for its consulting and advisory services in exchange for a one-time fee of $23.1 million. Although the annual fee arrangement was terminated in connection with the IPO, the management consulting agreement remains in effect and will expire on August 1, 2018.

11. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES

Restructuring and other charges are comprised of transition and other non-recurring costs associated with the Acquisition and carve out of our operations from those of International Paper, including costs of a transition service agreement with International Paper, technology migration costs, consulting and legal fees, and other one-time costs related to us operating as a stand-alone business. The charges for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009, were $0.4 million and $0.7 million, compared to $1.1 million and $26.5 million for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, respectively. The charges in 2008 included the one-time fee of $23.1 million to terminate the annual fee arrangement under the management consulting agreement with Apollo.

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Bucksport Energy LLC — The Company has a joint ownership interest with Bucksport Energy LLC, an unrelated third party, in a cogeneration power plant producing steam and electricity. The plant was built in 2000 and is located at and supports the Bucksport mill. Each co-owner owns an undivided proportional share of the plant’s assets. The Company owns 28% of the steam and electricity produced by the plant. The Company may purchase its remaining electrical needs from the plant at market rates. The Company is obligated to purchase the remaining 72% of the steam output from the plant at fuel cost plus a contractually fixed fee per unit of steam. Power generation and operating expenses are divided on the same basis as ownership. The Company has cash which is restricted in its use and may be used only to fund the ongoing energy operations of this investment. At September 30, 2009, the Company had $0.2 million of restricted cash included in Other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Alternative Fuel Tax Credit — The U.S. government provides an excise tax credit for companies that use alternative fuel mixtures in their businesses equal to $0.50 per gallon of alternative fuel contained in the mixture. In January and February 2009, the Internal Revenue Service certified that the Company’s operations at its Androscoggin and Quinnesec mills qualified for the alternative fuel mixture tax credit. Although there is some uncertainty as to the continued existence and availability of the alternative fuel mixture tax credit, the Company is reasonably assured that the tax credit for the alternative fuel mixture used by the Company through September 30, 2009, has been earned and will be collected from the U.S. government. Accordingly, during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recognized $189.1 million of alternative fuel mixture tax credits for the period from September 2008 through September 2009, including $10.7 million for claims pending at September 30, 2009. These credits are recognized in Other income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations, net of $1.5 million of associated expenses. The receivable for claims pending is recognized in Accounts receivable – net on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Thilmany, LLC — In connection with the Acquisition, the Company assumed a twelve-year supply agreement with Thilmany, LLC, or “Thilmany,” for the specialty paper products manufactured on paper machine no. 5 at the Androscoggin mill. The agreement requires Thilmany to pay the Company a variable charge for the paper purchased and a fixed charge for the availability of the no. 5 paper machine. The Company is responsible for the machine’s routine maintenance and Thilmany is responsible for any capital expenditures specific to the machine. Thilmany has the right to terminate the agreement if certain events occur.

In October 2009, Thilmany (together with its parent company, Packaging Dynamics Corporation) served the Company with a lawsuit filed in circuit court in Outagamie County, Wisconsin. Thilmany alleges in the lawsuit that the alternative fuel mixture tax credits that the Company has received from the operation of the Androscoggin mill have the effect of reducing the Company’s costs associated with operating the Androscoggin mill (including paper machine no. 5) and producing the pulp that the Company uses to manufacture paper products for Thilmany under the supply agreement between the parties. Thilmany seeks unspecified damages for the Company’s alleged breach of contract for failing to provide Thilmany with a prorated share of the purported cost savings attributable to the tax credits and a declaration that Thilmany is entitled to a prorated share of any such future costs savings attributable to the Company’s use of alternative fuel mixtures at the Androscoggin mill. The Company is evaluating the lawsuit and intends to respond in the near future.

The Company is involved in legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of its business. The Company does not believe that any liability that may result from these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial statements.

13. INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT

The Company operates in three operating segments: coated and supercalendered papers; hardwood market pulp; and other, consisting of specialty papers. The Company operates in one geographic segment, the United States. The Company’s core business platform is as a producer of coated freesheet, coated groundwood, and uncoated supercalendered papers. These products serve customers in the catalog, magazine, inserts, and commercial print markets.

The following table summarizes the industry segment data for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2009			2008			2009			2008
Net Sales:
Coated and supercalendered	$	352,506		$	432,608		$	865,229		$	1,239,854
Hardwood market pulp		28,041			41,019			73,799			118,861
Other		14,116			11,796			40,824			32,217
Total	$	394,663		$	485,423		$	979,852		$	1,390,932

Operating Income (Loss):
Coated and supercalendered	$	7,851			37,670		$	(49,322	)		43,131
Hardwood market pulp		1,097			9,857			(17,652	)		27,140
Other		(1,560	)		(1,317	)		(5,857	)		(4,008	)
Total	$	7,388		$	46,210		$	(72,831	)	$	66,263

Depreciation, Amortization, and Depletion:
Coated and supercalendered	$	27,458		$	27,920		$	83,856		$	84,386
Hardwood market pulp		4,682			5,119			13,551			14,023
Other		1,089			730			3,177			2,247
Total	$	33,229		$	33,769		$	100,584		$	100,656

Capital Spending:
Coated and supercalendered	$	3,889		$	16,825		$	25,163		$	49,720
Hardwood market pulp		65			1,138			3,429			8,033
Other		488			693			1,373			2,533
Total	$	4,442		$	18,656		$	29,965		$	60,286

14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On October 9, 2009, Walter Thomas Williams, III, an accounts payable employee of the Company, was arrested on federal wire fraud charges for embezzling funds from the Company. An internal investigation has revealed that Mr. Williams altered the processing of vendor payments to divert approximately $10.2 million of funds to his and his wife’s bank accounts between March 2008 and October 2009. There is no evidence, however, that any of the Company’s vendors was harmed as a result of Mr. Williams’ actions. On October 12, 2009, the Company filed a civil lawsuit against Mr. Williams and his wife in state court in DeSoto County, Mississippi, seeking damages arising from the embezzlement and injunctive relief to prevent the Williamses from transferring or diminishing their assets. The court promptly issued a temporary restraining order and prejudgment attachment, and subsequently issued a permanent injunction, which authorize the Company to seize the Williamses’ property and to have their bank and other financial accounts frozen and held in trust for the Company’s benefit. Pursuant to these court orders, the Company has moved aggressively to seize the Williamses’ assets, including cash, real estate, motor vehicles, and assorted personal property. On October 12, 2009, the Company also filed a claim under its fidelity insurance policy, which provides $10 million in insurance coverage after a $150,000 deductible.

Based on the information currently known to the Company, the Company incurred embezzlement losses of $1.3 million in 2008 and $0.7 million and $2.2 million in the first and second quarters of 2009, respectively, and $6.0 million subsequent to June 30, 2009. The financial statements presented for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, include $150,000 in anticipated losses which are included in Selling, general, and administrative expenses, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. A $10.0 million receivable for funds that the Company believes are probable of recovery is included in Other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2009. The effect of the embezzlement in prior periods did not result in a material misstatement of the Company’s previously issued financial statements.

The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through November 5, 2009, the date on which the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q were issued.

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

Overview

We are a leading North American supplier of coated papers to catalog and magazine publishers. Coated paper is used primarily in media and marketing applications, including catalogs, magazines, and commercial printing applications such as high-end advertising brochures, annual reports, and direct mail advertising. We are North America’s second largest producer of coated groundwood paper which is used primarily for catalogs and magazines. We are also a low cost producer of coated freesheet paper which is used primarily for annual reports, brochures, and magazine covers. In addition, we have a growing presence in supercalendered paper which is primarily used for retail inserts, but also increasingly for catalogs and magazines. We also produce and sell market kraft pulp which is used to manufacture printing and writing paper grades and tissue products. We have recently expanded our product line of specialty papers by introducing new specialty papers for applications in flexible packaging.

Financial Summary

The economic downturn has presented a significant challenge for manufacturers of coated paper as reduced spending on advertising and the overall weak retail market significantly impacted our customers, especially magazine and catalog publishers, resulting in unprecedented declines in demand for coated papers in the first half of 2009. Coated paper demand strengthened during the third quarter of 2009 but was slightly below levels experienced in the third quarter of 2008. In addition to normal seasonal factors, demand has increased as merchant and end-user coated paper inventories have returned to more normal levels from the elevated levels accumulated during a time of price increases in 2008. Coated paper prices remained under pressure from the peak levels reached in the second half of 2008. Improved demand combined with market downtime, announced closures, and movements to other grades serve to balance supply with demand.

Our net sales for the third quarter of 2009 decreased 18.7% year over year as the average sales price fell 16.8% from the peak reached in the third quarter of 2008. Average sales prices for coated papers have decreased steadily over the last three quarters in response to weak demand. While total sales volume was 2.3% lower than last year’s level, on a sequential quarter basis volume increased 31.5%, reflecting an increase in demand, which includes the effects of normal seasonality and low customer inventory levels.

In response to the economic downturn, we continue to assess and implement, as appropriate, various expense reduction initiatives. Our company-wide cost reduction program, which is expected to yield $72 million in cost reductions, has produced approximately $43 million of savings during the first nine months of 2009. Management expects to achieve most of these savings in 2009 and continues to search for and develop additional cost savings measures. Included in this program are material usage reductions, energy usage reductions, labor cost savings, chemical substitution, salary freezes, selling, general, and administrative expense reductions, and workforce planning improvements. Additionally, new product initiatives have contributed to a 26.7% increase in net sales for our other segment in the first nine months of 2009, reflecting the development of new paper product offerings for our customers.

Also included in the results for 2009 are net benefits from alternative fuel mixture tax credits provided by the U.S. government for our use of black liquor in alternative fuel mixtures. There is some possibility that the U.S. government will amend the alternative fuel mixture tax credit to eliminate or reduce its benefits for pulp and paper companies prior to its scheduled expiration on December 31, 2009. Any such amendment of the tax credit could have a material adverse effect on our results.

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2009			2008			2009			2008
Net sales	$	394,663		$	485,423		$	979,852		$	1,390,932
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold - exclusive of
depreciation, amortization, and depletion		338,592			386,042			906,080			1,138,622
Depreciation, amortization, and depletion		33,229			33,769			100,584			100,656
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		15,085			18,285			45,376			58,838
Restructuring and other charges		369			1,117			643			26,553
Operating (loss) income		7,388			46,210			(72,831	)		66,263
Interest income		(76	)		(126	)		(155	)		(458	)
Interest expense		34,318			27,772			89,900			95,984
Other income, net		(70,349	)		-			(250,357	)		-
Net (loss) income	$	43,495		$	18,564		$	87,781		$	(29,263	)

Results of Operations – Third Quarter of 2009 Compared to Third Quarter of 2008

Net Sales. Net sales for the third quarter of 2009 decreased 18.7% to $394.7 million from $485.4 million in the third quarter of 2008 as the average sales price per ton for all of our products fell 16.8% from the peak reached in the third quarter of 2008. Average sales prices for coated papers decreased steadily over the last three quarters in response to weak demand. While total sales volume was 2.3% lower than last year’s level, on a sequential quarter basis volume increased 31.5%, reflecting an increase in demand which includes the effects of normal seasonality and low customer inventory levels.

Net sales for our coated and supercalendered papers segment decreased 18.5% to $352.5 million in the third quarter of 2009 from $432.6 million in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease reflects a 16.0% decrease in average paper sales price per ton and a 3.0% decrease in paper sales volume for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the same period last year.

Net sales for our market pulp segment decreased 31.6% to $28.0 million in the third quarter of 2009 from $41.0 million for the same period in 2008. This decline was due to a 28.9% decrease in average sales price per ton and a 3.9% decrease in sales volume compared to the third quarter of 2008.

Net sales for our other segment increased 19.7% to $14.2 million in the third quarter of 2009 from $11.8 million in the third quarter of 2008. The improvement in 2009 is due to a 29.5% increase in sales volume, reflecting the development of new paper product offerings for our customers. Average sales price per ton decreased 7.6% compared to the third quarter of 2008.

Cost of sales. Cost of sales, including depreciation, amortization, and depletion, decreased 11.4% to $371.8 million from $419.8 million in the third quarter of 2008, primarily reflecting lower input costs, which includes the effects of our expense reduction initiatives, and the decline in sales volume. Our gross margin, excluding depreciation, amortization, and depletion, was 14.2% for the third quarter of 2009 compared to 20.5% for the third quarter of 2008, reflecting lower average sales prices during the third quarter of 2009 and $5.3 million of unabsorbed costs resulting from almost 26,000 tons of market downtime taken in the third quarter of 2009. Depreciation, amortization, and depletion expenses were $33.3 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared to $33.8 million in the third quarter of 2008.

Selling, general, and administrative. Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $15.1 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared to $18.3 million for the same period in 2008, reflecting the effect of our expense reduction initiatives.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the third quarter of 2009 was $34.3 million compared to $27.8 million for the same period in 2008. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher interest rates on outstanding debt in the third quarter of 2009.

Other income. Other income was $70.3 million for the third quarter of 2009, which includes $46.7 million in net benefits from alternative fuel mixture tax credits provided by the U.S. government for our use of black liquor in alternative fuel mixtures and $23.6 million in net gains related to the early retirement of debt.

Restructuring and other charges. Restructuring and other charges for the third quarter of 2009 were $0.4 million compared to $1.1 million for the third quarter of 2008. Restructuring and other charges are comprised of transition and other costs, including those associated with the Acquisition (i.e., technology migration costs, consulting and legal fees, and other one-time costs).

Results of Operations – First Nine Months of 2009 Compared to First Nine Months of 2008

Net Sales. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreased 29.6% to $979.9 million from $1,390.9 million as total sales volume decreased 20.8% compared to last year, reflecting lower demand for coated papers and market pulp in a difficult economic environment and lower sales prices. The average sales price per ton for all of our products fell 11.1% in 2009 due to the weak demand.

Net sales for our coated and supercalendered papers segment decreased 30.2% to $865.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $1,239.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease reflects a 24.4% decrease in paper sales volume and a 7.7% decrease in average paper sales price per ton for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period last year.

Net sales for our market pulp segment decreased 37.9% to $73.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $118.9 million for the same period in 2008. This decline was due to a 33.7% decrease in average sales price per ton combined with a 6.4% decrease in sales volume compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Net sales for our other segment increased 26.7% to $40.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $32.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. New product offerings contributed to the improvement as sales volume increased 29.1% in 2009. This was partially offset by a 1.8% decrease in average sales price per ton compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Cost of sales. Cost of sales, including depreciation, amortization, and depletion, decreased 18.8% to $1,006.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $1,239.3 million for the same period last year, primarily reflecting the decline in sales volume and the effects of our expense reduction initiatives. Our gross margin, excluding depreciation, amortization, and depletion, was 7.5% for the first nine months of 2009, compared to 18.1% for the first nine months of 2008, reflecting lower average sales prices in 2009 and $70.1 million of unabsorbed costs resulting from almost 320,000 tons of market downtime taken in the first nine months of 2009 as we curtailed production in response to weak demand for coated papers. Depreciation, amortization, and depletion expenses were $100.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $100.7 million for the same period in 2008.

Selling, general, and administrative. Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $45.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $58.8 million for the same period in 2008, reflecting the absence of expenses associated with our IPO and the effect of our expense reduction initiatives.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $89.9 million compared to $96.0 million for the same period in 2008. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower interest rates on floating rate debt in 2009.

Other income. Other income was $250.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, which includes $189.1 million in net benefits from alternative fuel mixture tax credits provided by the U.S. government for our use of black liquor in alternative fuel mixtures and $57.8 million in net gains related to the early retirement of debt.

Restructuring and other charges. Restructuring and other charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, were $0.7 million compared to $26.5 million for the same period in 2008. Restructuring and other charges are comprised of transition and other costs, including those associated with the Acquisition (i.e., technology migration costs, consulting and legal fees, and other one-time costs). Subsequent to the Acquisition, we entered into a management agreement with Apollo relating to the provision of certain financial and strategic advisory services and consulting services. Upon consummation of the IPO, Apollo terminated the annual fee arrangement under the management agreement for a one-time fee of $23.1 million.

Seasonality

We are exposed to fluctuations in quarterly net sales volumes and expenses due to seasonal factors. These seasonal factors are common in the coated paper industry. Typically, the first two quarters are our slowest quarters due to lower demand for coated paper during this period. Our third quarter is generally our strongest quarter, reflecting an increase in printing related to end-of-year magazines, increased end-of-year direct mailings, and holiday season catalogs. Our working capital and accounts receivable generally peak in the third quarter, while inventory generally peaks in the second quarter in anticipation of the third quarter season. We expect our seasonality trends to continue for the foreseeable future.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We rely primarily upon cash flow from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility to finance operations, capital expenditures, and fluctuations in debt service requirements. We believe that our ability to manage cash flow and working capital levels, particularly inventory and accounts payable, will allow us to meet our current and future obligations, pay scheduled principal and interest payments, and provide funds for working capital, capital expenditures, and other needs of the business for at least the next twelve months. However, given the uncertainty of the current economic environment, no assurance can be given that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that future borrowings will be available under our revolving credit facility in an amount sufficient to fund our liquidity needs. As of September 30, 2009, $106.5 million was available for future borrowing under our revolving credit facility, after reduction for $32.6 million in letters of credit and $45.0 million in outstanding borrowings. As we focus on managing our expenses and cash flows, we continue to assess and implement, as appropriate, various earnings and expense reduction initiatives. Management has developed a company-wide cost reduction program, which we expect to yield $72 million in cost reductions. Management expects to achieve most of the cost reductions in 2009.

Net cash flows from operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $59.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $19.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to improved performance with net income of $87.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to net losses of $29.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. This increase in earnings includes $189.1 million in net benefits from alternative fuel mixture tax credits provided by the U.S. government for our use of black liquor in alternative fuel mixtures. There is some possibility that the U.S. government will amend the alternative fuel mixture tax credit to eliminate or reduce its benefits for pulp and paper companies prior to its scheduled expiration on December 31, 2009. Any such amendment of the tax credit could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Partially offsetting this positive impact on cash flows from operating activities was the negative impact of changes in working capital in 2009, which included declines in accrued liabilities and accounts payable, primarily due to lower input costs, and an increase in accounts receivable, reflecting the recent improvement in sales and accruals for alternative fuel mixture tax credits.

Net cash flows from investing activities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, we used $29.9 million and $60.2 million, respectively, of net cash in investing activities due to investments in capital expenditures. Management has significantly reduced expected annual capital expenditures from $81 million in 2008 to a projected $33 million in 2009, the majority of which were realized during the first half of the year while the mills were experiencing significant market downtime.

Net cash flows from financing activities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, financing activities used net cash of $56.2 million reflecting principal payments of $297.9 million on long-term debt and $47.1 million in net payments on our revolving credit facility, partially offset by $288.8 million in proceeds from the issuance of $325.0 million in senior secured notes net of discount, underwriting fees, and issuance costs. This compares to $1.1 million of net cash used in 2008 due to principal payments of $153.3 million on outstanding borrowings and dividends paid of $1.6 million offset by net proceeds of $153.7 million from the issuance of common stock.

Indebtedness. As of September 30, 2009, our aggregate indebtedness was $1,248.4 million, net of $25.0 million of unamortized discounts.

On September 30, 2009, Verso Paper Holdings LLC, or “Verso Holdings,” had a credit facility and outstanding debt securities consisting of:

·	$200 million revolving credit facility maturing in 2012, under which $45.0 million was outstanding, $32.6 million in letters of credit were issued, and $106.5 million was available for future borrowing on September 30, 2009.

·	$325 million aggregate principal amount of 11½% senior secured fixed rate notes due 2014;

·	$337 million aggregate principal amount of 9⅛% second priority senior secured fixed rate notes due 2014;

·	$188 million aggregate principal amount of second priority senior secured floating rate notes due 2014; and

·	$300 million aggregate principal amount of 11⅜% senior subordinated fixed rate notes due 2016.

The revolving credit facility bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.00% and/or Prime plus 2.00%, and the weighted average interest rate at September 30, 2009, was 3.25%. Verso Holdings is required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the revolving credit facility in respect of unutilized commitments at a rate equal to 0.50% per annum and customary letter of credit and agency fees. The revolving credit facility is secured by first priority security interests in, and mortgages on, substantially all tangible and intangible assets of Verso Holdings and each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. It is also secured by first priority pledges of all the equity interests owned by Verso Holdings in its subsidiaries. The obligations under the revolving credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed by Verso Paper Finance Holdings LLC, or “Verso Finance,” and, subject to certain exceptions, each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. On June 3, 2009, the credit agreement was amended and restated to provide for the issuance of the senior secured notes due July 1, 2014 (see below). The amendment also, among other things, increased the applicable margin for the interest rate on borrowings under the revolving credit facility to 3.0% for Eurodollar loans and 2.0% for base rate loans and eliminated the requirement to maintain a net first-lien secured debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio. The revolving credit facility is secured on a ratable and pari passu basis with these senior secured notes.

On June 11, 2009, Verso Holdings issued $325.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11.5% senior secured notes due July 1, 2014. These fixed-rate notes pay interest semi-annually. The notes are secured by substantially all of the property and assets of Verso Holdings and each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. The notes are secured on a ratable and pari passu basis with Verso Holdings’ senior secured credit facility. The net proceeds, after deducting the discount, underwriting fees, and issuance costs, were $288.8 million, which funds were used to repay in full $252.9 million outstanding on Verso Holdings’ first priority term loan and to temporarily reduce the debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility by $35.0 million. The write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the term loan resulted in a loss of $5.9 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company repurchased and retired $12.9 million of Verso Holdings’ second priority senior secured fixed-rate notes due on August 1, 2014, for a total purchase price of $7.9 million, which resulted in a gain of $4.7 million, net of the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company repurchased and retired $61.8 million of Verso Holdings’ second priority senior secured floating-rate notes due on August 1, 2014, for a total purchase price of $30.1 million, which resulted in a gain of $30.2 million, net of the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. In addition, we de-designated the interest rate swap hedging interest payments on these notes and recognized losses of $1.3 million on the interest rate swap. The second priority senior secured fixed rate notes have a fixed interest rate of 9.125% and pay interest semiannually. The second priority senior secured floating rate notes bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.75% and pay interest quarterly. At September 30, 2009, the interest rate was 4.23%. The original principal amount of the senior subordinated notes was outstanding at September 30, 2009. These subordinated notes have a fixed interest rate of 11.375% and pay interest semi-annually. The second priority senior secured fixed rate and floating rate notes have the benefit of a second priority security interest in the collateral securing our senior secured credit facility, while the subordinated notes are unsecured.

The indentures governing our notes contain various covenants which limit our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness; pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our stock; make investments; sell assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries; enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends; consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; enter into transactions with our affiliates; and incur liens. As of September 30, 2009, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

Additionally, Verso Finance has $78.1 million aggregate principal amount outstanding on its senior unsecured floating-rate term loan which matures in 2013. In May 2008, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds from its IPO to repay $138 million of the outstanding principal of the term loan and to pay a related $1.4 million prepayment penalty. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company repurchased $41.4 million of the term loan for a total purchase price of $10.2 million, which resulted in a gain of $30.5 million, net of the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. The net gain is recognized in Other income on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The term loan bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 6.25% on interest payments made in cash and LIBOR plus 7.00% for interest paid in-kind, or “PIK,” and added to the principal balance. The weighted-average interest rate in effect on September 30, 2009, was 6.78%. The term loan allows Verso Finance to pay interest either in cash or in-kind through the accumulation of the outstanding principal amount. Verso Finance has elected to exercise the PIK option for $8.0 million of interest payments due through September 30, 2009.

In addition, as a holding company, our investments in our operating subsidiaries, including Verso Paper LLC, constitute substantially all of our operating assets. Consequently, our subsidiaries conduct all of our consolidated operations and own substantially all of our operating assets. Our principal source of the cash we need to pay our debts is the cash that our subsidiaries generate from their operations and their borrowings. Our subsidiaries are not obligated to make funds available to us. The terms of the senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing the outstanding notes of our subsidiaries significantly restrict our subsidiaries from paying dividends and otherwise transferring assets to us. Furthermore, our subsidiaries will be permitted under the terms of the senior secured credit facilities and the indentures to incur additional indebtedness that may severely restrict or prohibit the making of distributions, the payment of dividends or the making of loans by such subsidiaries to us. Although the terms of the debt agreements of our subsidiaries do not restrict our operating subsidiaries from obtaining funds from their respective subsidiaries to fund their operations and payments on indebtedness, there can be no assurance that the agreements governing the current and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries will permit our subsidiaries to provide us with sufficient dividends, distributions or loans to fund our obligations or pay dividends to our stockholders.

The Company may elect to retire its outstanding debt in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. These repurchases may be funded through available cash from operations and borrowings from our credit facilities. Such repurchases are dependent on prevailing market conditions, the Company’s liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors.

Covenant Compliance

The credit agreement and the indentures governing Verso Holdings’ outstanding notes contain restrictive covenants that limit our ability to take certain actions, such as incurring additional debt or making acquisitions. These covenants can result in limiting our long-term growth prospects by hindering our ability to incur future indebtedness or grow through acquisitions. At September 30, 2009, we were in compliance in all material respects with the covenants in our debt agreements.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations. Our consolidated condensed financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and follow general practices within the industry in which we operate. The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make certain judgments and assumptions in determining accounting estimates. Accounting estimates are considered critical if the estimate requires management to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made, and different estimates reasonably could have been used in the current period, or changes in the accounting estimate are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, that would have a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operations.

Management believes the following critical accounting policies are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require subjective or complex judgments. These judgments about critical accounting estimates are based on information available to us as of the date of the financial statements.

Accounting standards whose application may have a significant effect on the reported results of operations and financial position, and that can require judgments by management that affect their application, include the following: FASB ASC 450, Contingencies, FASB ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, FASB ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, FASB ASC 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits.

Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable, as measured by comparing their net book value to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows generated by their use.

Goodwill and other intangible assets are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 350. Intangible assets primarily consist of trademarks, customer-related intangible assets and patents obtained through business acquisitions. Impairment is the condition that exists when the carrying amount of these assets exceed their implied fair value. An impairment evaluation of the carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives is conducted annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. The Company has identified the following trademarks as intangible assets with an indefinite life: Influence®, Liberty®, and Advocate®. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level and has been allocated to the “Coated” segment. The valuation as of October 1, 2008, indicated no impairment of goodwill or trademarks assigned indefinite lives.

The evaluation for impairment is performed by comparing the carrying amount of these assets to their estimated fair value. If impairment is indicated, then an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the asset to its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value is generally determined on the basis of discounted future cash flows. Management believes the accounting estimates associated with determining fair value as part of the impairment test is a critical accounting estimate because estimates and assumptions are made about the Company’s future performance and cash flows. While management uses the best information available to estimate future performance and cash flows, future adjustments to management’s projections may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the estimates.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations. We offer various pension plans to employees. The calculation of the obligations and related expenses under these plans requires the use of actuarial valuation methods and assumptions, including the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rates, projected future compensation increases, health care cost trend rates, and mortality rates. Actuarial valuations and assumptions used in the determination of future values of plan assets and liabilities are subject to management judgment and may differ significantly if different assumptions are used.

Contingent liabilities. A liability is contingent if the outcome or amount is not presently known, but may become known in the future as a result of the occurrence of some uncertain future event. We estimate our contingent liabilities based on management’s estimates about the probability of outcomes and their ability to estimate the range of exposure. Accounting standards require that a liability be recorded if management determines that it is probable that a loss has occurred and the loss can be reasonably estimated. In addition, it must be probable that the loss will be confirmed by some future event. As part of the estimation process, management is required to make assumptions about matters that are by their nature highly uncertain.

The assessment of contingent liabilities, including legal contingencies, asset retirement obligations, and environ-mental costs and obligations, involves the use of critical estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Management’s estimates are based on their belief that future events will validate the current assumptions regarding the ultimate outcome of these exposures. However, there can be no assurance that future events will not differ from management’s assessments.

Recent Accounting Developments

Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value — In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or “ASU,” 2009-05, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) – Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value, which amends FASB ASC 820 regarding the fair value measurement of liabilities and provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liabilities is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more of the techniques provided for in this update. This ASU is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after issuance, which for us will be the fourth quarter of 2009. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets — FASB ASC 715-20-65 updates FASB ASC 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits, to require more detailed disclosures about employers’ pension plan assets. New disclosures will include more information on investment strategies, major categories of plan assets, concentrations of risk within plan assets and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets. These provisions of FASB ASC 715 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Since this update only affects disclosure requirements, the adoption of these provisions under FASB ASC 715 will have no impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Forward-Looking Statements

In this quarterly report, all statements that are not purely historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “estimate,” “intend,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available business, economic, financial, and other information and reflect management’s current beliefs, expectations, and views with respect to future developments and their potential effects on Verso. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties that may affect Verso and its business. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other sections of this quarterly report and to Verso’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Verso assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement made in this quarterly report to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or actual outcomes.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from fluctuations in our paper prices, interest rates, energy prices, and commodity prices for our inputs.

Paper Prices

Our sales, which we report net of rebates, allowances, and discounts, are a function of the number of tons of paper that we sell and the price at which we sell our paper. The coated paper industry is cyclical, which results in changes in both volume and price. Paper prices historically have been a function of macro-economic factors, which influence supply and demand. Price has historically been substantially more variable than volume and can change significantly over relatively short time periods.

We are primarily focused on serving two end-user segments: catalogs and magazines. Coated paper demand is primarily driven by advertising and print media usage. Advertising spending and magazine and catalog circulation tend to correlate with GDP in the United States - they rise with a strong economy and contract with a weak economy.

The majority of our products are sold under contracts with our customers. Contracted sales are more prevalent for coated groundwood paper, as opposed to coated freesheet paper, which is more often sold without a contract. Our contracts generally specify the volumes to be sold to the customer over the contract term, as well as the pricing parameters for those sales. Most of our contracts are negotiated on an annual basis, with only a few having terms extending beyond one year. Typically, our contracts provide for quarterly price adjustments based on market price movements. The large portion of contracted sales allows us to plan our production runs well in advance, optimizing production over our integrated mill system and thereby reducing costs and increasing overall efficiency.

We reach our end-users through several channels, including printers, brokers, paper merchants, and direct sales to end-users. We sell and market our products to approximately 100 customers. Through the third quarter of 2009, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total net sales.

Interest Rates

We issued fixed- and floating-rate debt to finance the Acquisition in order to manage our variability to cash flows from interest rates. Borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities and our floating-rate notes accrue interest at variable rates, and a 100 basis point increase in quoted interest rates on our debt balances outstanding as of September 30, 2009, under our first priority revolving facility and our floating-rate notes would increase our annual interest expense by $3.1 million. While we may enter into agreements limiting our exposure to higher interest rates, any such agreements may not offer complete protection from this risk.

Derivatives

In the normal course of business, we utilize derivatives contracts as part of our risk management strategy to manage our exposure to market fluctuations in energy prices and interest rates. These instruments are subject to credit and market risks in excess of the amount recorded on the balance sheet in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Controls and monitoring procedures for these instruments have been established and are routinely reevaluated. We have an Energy Risk Management Policy which was adopted by our board of directors and is monitored by an Energy Risk Management Committee composed of our senior management. In addition, we have an Interest Rate Risk Committee which was formed to monitor our Interest Rate Risk Management Policy. Credit risk represents the potential loss that may occur because a party to a transaction fails to perform according to the terms of the contract. The measure of credit exposure is the replacement cost of contracts with a positive fair value. We manage credit risk by entering into financial instrument transactions only through approved counterparties. Market risk represents the potential loss due to the decrease in the value of a financial instrument caused primarily by changes in commodity prices or interest rates. We manage market risk by establishing and monitoring limits on the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken.

We do not hedge the entire exposure of our operations from commodity price volatility for a variety of reasons. To the extent that we do not hedge against commodity price volatility, our results of operations may be affected either favorably or unfavorably by a shift in the future price curve. As of September 30, 2009, we had net unrealized losses of $5.4 million on open commodity contracts with maturities of one to 18 months. These derivative instruments involve the exchange of net cash settlements, based on changes in the price of the underlying commodity index compared to the fixed price offering, at specified intervals without the exchange of any underlying principal. A 10% decrease in commodity prices would have a negative impact of approximately $2.7 million on the fair value of such instruments. This quantification of exposure to market risk does not take into account the offsetting impact of changes in prices on anticipated future energy purchases.

In February 2008, we entered into a two-year $250 million notional value receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap in connection with our outstanding floating rate notes that mature in 2014. We are hedging the cash flow exposure on our quarterly variable-rate interest payments due to changes in the benchmark interest rate (three-month LIBOR). During the first nine months of 2009, we repurchased $41.4 million of the hedged notes and de-designated the interest-rate swap hedging the interest payments on the debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, $1.3 million of losses have been recognized in Other income on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. On September 30, 2009, the fair value of this swap was a loss of $3.0 million. A 10% decrease in interest rates would have a negative impact of approximately $0.1 million on the fair value of this instrument.

Commodity Prices

We are subject to changes in our cost of sales caused by movements underlying commodity prices. The principal components of our cost of sales are chemicals, wood, energy, labor, maintenance, and depreciation, amortization, and depletion. Costs for commodities, including chemicals, wood, and energy, are the most variable component of our cost of sales because their prices can fluctuate substantially, sometimes within a relatively short period of time. In addition, our aggregate commodity purchases fluctuate based on the volume of paper that we produce.

Chemicals. Chemicals utilized in the manufacturing of coated papers include latex, starch, calcium carbonate, and titanium dioxide. We purchase these chemicals from a variety of suppliers and are not dependent on any single supplier to satisfy our chemical needs. In the near term, we expect the rate of inflation for our total chemical costs to be lower than that experienced over the last two years. However, we expect imbalances in supply and demand will drive higher prices for certain chemicals.

Wood. Our costs to purchase wood are affected directly by market costs of wood in our regional markets and indirectly by the effect of higher fuel costs on logging and transportation of timber to our facilities. While we have in place fiber supply agreements that ensure a substantial portion of our wood requirements, purchases under these agreements are typically at market rates. As we have begun to utilize wood harvested from our 23,000-acre hybrid poplar woodlands located near Alexandria, Minnesota, our ongoing wood costs should be positively impacted.

Energy. We produce a large portion of our energy requirements, historically producing approximately 50% of our energy needs for our coated paper mills from sources such as waste wood and paper, hydroelectric facilities, chemicals from our pulping process including black liquor, our own steam recovery boilers, and internal energy cogeneration facilities. Our external energy purchases vary across each of our mills and include fuel oil, natural gas, coal, and electricity. While our internal energy production capacity mitigates the volatility of our overall energy expenditures, we expect prices for energy to remain volatile for the foreseeable future and our energy costs to increase in a high energy cost environment. As prices fluctuate, we have some ability to switch between certain energy sources in order to minimize costs. We utilize derivatives contracts as part of our risk management strategy to manage our exposure to market fluctuations in energy prices.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None.

ITEM 4T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file and submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error or the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures, and even effective disclosure controls and procedures can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2009. Based upon this evaluation, for the reasons discussed below, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of September 30, 2009, certain disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.

Management determined that as of September 30, 2009, we did not maintain design or operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over financial reporting relating to the cash disbursement process. Management has concluded that as a result of these control deficiencies, a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting existed as of September 30, 2009. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In light of the material weakness indicated, we performed additional analysis to ensure that the consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, management believes that the consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

In connection with the material weakness in internal control indicated above, remediation actions have been and continue to be implemented by us to ensure the accuracy of our consolidated financial statements and prevent or detect potential material misstatements on a timely basis. Management plans to complete all of its remediation actions during the fourth quarter of 2009. Management will continue to evaluate the design of these new controls and procedures, and once placed in operation for a sufficient period of time, these controls and procedures will be subject to appropriate testing in order to determine whether they are operating effectively.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2009, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In October 2009, Thilmany, LLC (together with its parent company, Packaging Dynamics Corporation) served us with a lawsuit filed in circuit court in Outagamie County, Wisconsin. Thilmany alleges in the lawsuit that the alternative fuel mixture tax credits that we have received from the operation of the Androscoggin mill have the effect of reducing our costs associated with operating the Androscoggin mill (including paper machine no. 5) and producing the pulp that we use to manufacture paper products for Thilmany under a long-term supply agreement. Thilmany seeks unspecified damages for our alleged breach of contract for failing to provide Thilmany with a prorated share of the purported cost savings attributable to the tax credits and a declaration that Thilmany is entitled to a prorated share of any such future costs savings attributable to our use of alternative fuel mixtures at the Androscoggin mill. We are evaluating the lawsuit and intend to respond in the near future.

We are involved in legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business. We do not believe that any liability that may result from these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

For a detailed discussion of risk factors affecting us, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

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

Not applicable.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

On October 9, 2009, Walter Thomas Williams, III, one of our accounts payable employees, was arrested on federal wire fraud charges for embezzling funds from us. An internal investigation has revealed that Mr. Williams altered the processing of vendor payments to divert approximately $10.2 million of funds to his and his wife’s bank accounts between March 2008 and October 2009. There is no evidence, however, that any of our vendors was harmed as a result of Mr. Williams’ actions. On October 12, 2009, we filed a civil lawsuit against Mr. Williams and his wife in state court in DeSoto County, Mississippi, seeking damages arising from the embezzlement and injunctive relief to prevent the Williamses from transferring or diminishing their assets. The court promptly issued a temporary restraining order and prejudgment attachment, and subsequently issued a permanent injunction, which authorize us to seize the Williamses’ property and to have their bank and other financial accounts frozen and held in trust for our benefit. Pursuant to these court orders, we have moved aggressively to seize the Williamses’ assets, including cash, real estate, motor vehicles, and assorted personal property. On October 12, 2009, we also filed a claim under our fidelity insurance policy, which provides $10 million in insurance coverage after a $150,000 deductible.

Based on the information currently known to us, we incurred embezzlement losses of $1.3 million in 2008 and $0.7 million and $2.2 million in the first and second quarters of 2009, respectively, and $6.0 million subsequent to June 30, 2009. The financial statements presented as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, include $150,000 in anticipated losses and a $10.0 million receivable for funds we expect to recover. The effect of the embezzlement in prior periods did not result in a material misstatement of our previously issued financial statements.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are included with this report:

Exhibit
Number	Description

3.1		Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Verso Paper Corp.*

3.2		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Verso Paper Corp.*

31.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code.

32.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code.

* Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2007, as amended (Registration Statement No. 333-148201).

SIGNATURES

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

Date: November 5, 2009

	VERSO PAPER CORP.


	By:	/s/ Michael A. Jackson
		Michael A. Jackson
		President and Chief Executive Officer


	By:	/s/ Robert P. Mundy
		Robert P. Mundy
		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are included with this report:

Exhibit
Number	Description

3.1		Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Verso Paper Corp.*

3.2		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Verso Paper Corp.*

31.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code.

32.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code.

* Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2007, as amended (Registration Statement No. 333-148201).