FiberMark 3rd Quarter 10Q
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q


Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2005

Commission File Number: 0-20231



FiberMark, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
82-0429330
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)



161 Wellington Road, P.O. Box 498, Brattleboro, VT 05302
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

802-257-0365
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)




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

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No R

 
        The registrant had 7,066,226 shares of FiberMark common stock outstanding as of November 1, 2005.



 





FIBERMARK, INC.
INDEX

   
ITEM 1.
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
ITEM 2.
 
   
ITEM 3.
   
ITEM 4.
   
   
ITEM 1.
   
ITEM 2.
   
ITEM 3.
   
ITEM 4.
   
ITEM 5.
   
ITEM 6.
   
 
   
 
   
 





Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Unaudited
 
 
     
2005
   
2004
 
               
Net sales
 
$
106,979
 
$
107,748
 
               
Cost of sales
   
93,949
   
93,289
 
               
Gross profit
   
13,030
   
14,459
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
9,117
   
10,037
 
Restructuring and facility closure expense (reversal)
   
11,446
   
(209
)
Gain on disposal of assets
   
(317
)
 
-
 
Asset impairment charge
 
 46,557
 
 -
 
               
Income (loss) from operations
   
(53,773
)
 
4,631
 
               
Foreign exchange transaction gain
   
(292
)
 
(211
)
Other (income) expense, net
   
(209
)
 
225
 
Interest expense, net (excluding post-petition contractual interest of $8,525
in both 2005 and 2004)
   
327
   
549
 
Reorganization expense
   
4,098
   
6,477
 
               
Loss before income taxes
   
(57,697
)
 
(2,409
)
               
Income tax expense
   
1,940
   
2,248
 
               
Net loss
 
$
(59,637
)
$
(4,657
)
               
Basic loss per share
 
$
(8.44
)
$
(0.66
)
               
Diluted loss per share
 
$
(8.44
)
$
(0.66
)
               
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
   
7,066
   
7,066
 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
   
7,066
   
7,066
 
               
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
             





Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Unaudited
 
 
     
2005
   
2004
 
               
Net sales
 
$
337,337
 
$
331,187
 
               
Cost of sales
   
289,481
   
277,263
 
               
Gross profit
   
47,856
   
53,924
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
31,451
   
33,983
 
Restructuring and facility closure expense (reversal)
   
11,540
   
(209
)
Gain on disposal of assets
   
(2,222
)
 
-
 
Asset impairment charge
 
 46,557
 
 -
 
               
Income (loss) from operations
   
(39,470
)
 
20,150
 
               
Foreign exchange transaction gain
   
(144
)
 
(482
)
Other expense, net
   
376
   
1,159
 
Interest expense, net (excluding post-petition contractual interest of $25,575 and
$17,142 in 2005 and 2004, respectively)
   
1,435
   
10,159
 
Reorganization expense
   
12,733
   
20,419
 
               
Loss before income taxes
   
(53,870
)
 
(11,105
)
               
Income tax expense
   
9,472
   
9,812
 
               
Net loss
 
$
(63,342
)
$
(20,917
)
               
Basic loss per share
 
$
(8.96
)
$
(2.96
)
               
Diluted loss per share
 
$
(8.96
)
$
(2.96
)
               
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
   
7,066
   
7,066
 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
   
7,066
   
7,066
 
               
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
             

 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
Unaudited
 
   
 
   
September 30,
2005 
   
December 31,
2004
 
ASSETS
             
Current assets:
             
Cash
 
$
13,624
 
$
1,194
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances
   
62,301
   
61,116
 
Inventories
   
68,570
   
73,650
 
Prepaid expenses
   
3,964
   
4,339
 
               
Total current assets 
   
148,459
   
140,299
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
173,844
   
248,853
 
Goodwill
   
8,253
   
9,167
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
3,007
   
2,629
 
Other long-term assets
 
 5,718
 
 4,858
 
               
Total assets
 
$
339,281
 
$
405,806
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
             
Current liabilities:
             
Revolving credit line
 
$
5,613
 
$
2,628
 
Accounts payable
   
24,447
   
24,063
 
Accrued liabilities
   
27,138
   
21,269
 
Accrued income taxes payable
   
18,802
   
15,458
 
Deferred income taxes
   
247
   
279
 
               
Total current liabilities not subject to compromise
   
76,247
   
63,697
 
               
Long-term liabilities:
             
Deferred income taxes
   
17,786
   
28,497
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
47,208
   
48,788
 
               
Total long-term liabilities not subject to compromise
   
64,994
   
77,285
 
               
Liabilities subject to compromise
   
366,573
   
366,700
 
               
Total liabilities
   
507,814
   
507,682
 
               
Stockholders’ deficit:
             
Preferred stock, par value $.001 per share;
             
2,000,000 shares authorized, and none issued
   
-
   
-
 
Series A Junior participatory preferred stock, par value $.001;
             
7,066 shares authorized, and none issued
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock, par value $.001 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized
             
7,070,026 shares issued and 7,066,226 shares outstanding in 2005 and 2004
   
7
   
7
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
65,496
   
65,496
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(238,050
)
 
(174,708
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
4,049
   
7,364
 
Less treasury stock, 3,800 shares at cost in 2005 and 2004
   
(35
)
 
(35
)
               
Total stockholders’ deficit
   
(168,533
)
 
(101,876
)
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
 
$
339,281
 
$
405,806
 
               
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
             



 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004
(In thousands)
 
Unaudited
 
   
     
2005
   
2004
 
               
Cash flows from operating activities:
             
Net loss
 
$
(63,342
)
$
(20,917
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
14,968
   
13,234
 
Amortization of bond discount
   
-
   
42
 
Gain on disposal of assets
Asset impairment charges
   
(2,222)
55,884
   
(482)
-
 
Deferred income taxes
   
76
   
2
 
Reorganization expense
   
12,733
   
20,419
 
Net cash used for reorganization items
   
(8,382
)
 
(8,760
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
             
Accounts receivable
   
(5,723
)
 
(11,598
)
Inventories
   
1,852
   
(5,465
)
Prepaid expenses
   
340
   
(1,515
)
Other long-term assets
   
(1,063
)
 
(138
)
Accounts payable
   
2,228
   
3,897
 
Accrued liabilities
   
2,653
   
13,986
 
Accrued income taxes payable
   
5,297
   
(2,540
)
Other long-term liabilities
 
 5,090
 
 372
 
               
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
20,389
   
537
 
 
             
Cash flows used for investing activities:
             
Additions to property, plant and equipment
   
(7,396
)
 
(8,859
)
Increase in other intangible assets
   
(248
)
 
-
 
Proceeds from sale of assets
 
 2,662
 
 683
 
               
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(4,982
)
 
(8,176
)
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
             
Net borrowings under revolving credit line
   
2,985
   
6,776
 
Repayment of debt
   
(3,142
)
 
(3,012
)
Debt issuance costs
   
(1,272
)
 
(772
)
Debt issuance costs due to reorganization
   
-
   
(75
)
               
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
(1,429
)
 
2,917
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(1,548
)
 
(457
)
               
Net increase (decrease) in cash
   
12,430
   
(5,179
)
               
Cash at beginning of period
   
1,194
   
6,111
 
               
Cash at end of period
 
$
13,624
 
$
932
 
               
Supplemental cash flow information:
             
               
Interest paid
 
$
1,111
 
$
1,390
 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
 
$
3,651
 
$
12,011
 
               
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
             



FIBERMARK, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2005 and 2004

(Unaudited)

1.  
Bankruptcy Filing

On March 30, 2004, FiberMark, Inc., and its U.S. subsidiaries including FiberMark North America, Inc., and FiberMark International Holdings LLC, (collectively, with FiberMark, Inc., the “Debtors”), filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont (the “Bankruptcy Court”). The Debtor’s cases are being jointly administered as Case No. 04-10463. The Debtors have been and will continue to manage their properties and operate their businesses in the ordinary course of business as debtors-in possession (“DIP”) pursuant to Sections 1107(a) and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code. In general, as DIP, the Debtors are authorized under chapter 11 to continue to operate as an ongoing business, but may not engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the prior approval of the Bankruptcy Court.
 
Under Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, the filing of bankruptcy petitions automatically stayed most actions against the Debtors, including most actions to collect pre-petition indebtedness or to exercise control of the property of the Debtors’ estates. The filing resulted in an immediate acceleration of $100.0 million in principal of the company's 9.375% senior non-amortizing notes and $230.0 million in principal of 10.75% senior non-amortizing notes, subject to the automatic stay. Absent any other order of the Bankruptcy Court, substantially all pre-petition liabilities will be subject to settlement under a plan of reorganization.

Under Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors may assume or reject certain executory contracts and unexpired leases, including leases of real property, subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court and certain other conditions. Obligations under assumed contracts and leases must be satisfied in full, while pre-petition obligations and rejection damage claims associated with rejected contracts and leases will be treated as pre-petition unsecured claims. The rights and claims of various creditors and security holders will be determined by a plan of reorganization that is confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court. Under the priority rules established by the Bankruptcy Code, post-petition liabilities and certain pre-petition liabilities are given priority in payment, and generally all pre-petition unsecured claims must be satisfied before stockholders are entitled to any distribution.

The chapter 11 cases were commenced in order to implement a comprehensive financial restructuring of the company’s U.S. operations including the senior notes. The company believes that the protection afforded by chapter 11 best preserves the Debtors’ ability to continue to serve their customers and preserve the value of their businesses, while they reorganize, and develop and implement a new strategic plan to de-leverage the company’s balance sheet and create an improved long-term capital structure. At this time, it is not possible to predict accurately the outcome of the chapter 11 reorganization process or its effects on the Debtors’ businesses or whether or when the company may subsequently emerge from chapter 11. The company’s future results depend on the timely and successful confirmation and implementation of a plan of reorganization.

In order to exit chapter 11 successfully, the Debtors must obtain confirmation by the Bankruptcy Court of, a plan of reorganization that satisfies the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code. As provided by the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors had the exclusive right to propose a plan of reorganization within 120 days from the date of filing the petition for relief and any extension periods granted by the Bankruptcy Court. By order entered on August 6, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court extended the exclusive proposal period to November 15, 2004. The right of the Debtors to obtain further extensions was limited by the order. The Debtors filed a proposed Plan of Reorganization and Disclosure Statement with the Bankruptcy Court on November 12, 2004. On December 17, 2004, after obtaining approval of the Disclosure Statement by the Bankruptcy Court, a final Plan of Reorganization and Disclosure Statement was submitted to creditors with the unanimous support of the Creditors Committee. However, the three largest bondholders, who were also members of the Creditors Committee, subsequently voted against the Plan because they were unable to reach agreement among themselves as to certain corporate governance and control issues involving the reorganized company. The confirmation hearing regarding the Plan was continued several times to allow these bondholders additional time to resolve their differences. Finally, with the disagreements among the bondholders continuing and preventing confirmation, the Debtors withdrew the Plan on March 22, 2005.

As a result of escalating allegations of wrongdoing among the three largest bondholders, including claims trading violations and breaches of fiduciary duties, the Bankruptcy Court on April 19, 2005 ordered an official investigation into the allegations by a court-appointed examiner.

On June 23, 2005, in accordance with a schedule established by the Bankruptcy Court, in conjunction with the appointment of the examiner, the Debtors filed an Amended Plan of Reorganization and Disclosure Statement, and were scheduled to have the Disclosure Statement considered for approval at a hearing to be held on July 20, 2005.

On June 25, 2005, the company announced a cost reduction initiative, which included the planned closure of two papermaking production lines in New Jersey and other reductions in salary, general and administrative expenses. This plan was subsequently approved by the Bankruptcy Court on July 20, 2005 and will be fully implemented by the end of 2005. Approximately 135 employees are affected by this cost initiative, the majority of whom were based in New Jersey. See Note 10 for further information.

On July 8, 2005, the examiner filed his report under seal, as required by Court order. With the seal continuing in effect as the Debtors moved toward the hearing on July 20, 2005, preventing the Debtors from adding to the Disclosure Statement any information with respect to the examiner’s conclusion and recommendations, the Debtors requested that the Bankruptcy Court expedite proceedings with respect to unsealing the examiner’s report and agreed to a brief deferral of the Disclosure Statement hearing to allow for such proceedings. On August 19, 2005, the Bankruptcy Court ordered the unsealing of the examiner’s report with certain redactions. To reflect the spirit of the report’s recommendations, the Amended Plan and Disclosure Statement were revised and refiled on August 25, 2005, and again on September 8, 2005, in advance of a continued hearing on the Disclosure Statement set for September 9, 2005. Prior to the commencement of the hearing, the Debtors were advised that a tentative settlement of the issues identified by the examiner had been reached among the three largest bondholders. Although the Debtors sought and obtained approval of the Disclosure Statement at the hearing on September 9, 2005, the Court agreed to defer the commencement of the solicitation process to allow the parties time to finalize the settlement. Thereafter, having determined to accept the settlement, the Debtors further revised the Amended Plan and Disclosure Statement to incorporate the settlement and refiled the documents on September 23, 2005, and again on October 20, 2005, in advance of an additional hearing on the Disclosure Statement on October 27, 2005. At that hearing, the Bankruptcy Court approved the revised Disclosure Statement and authorized the Debtors to commence the process of soliciting votes on the revised Amended Plan. A hearing to consider confirmation of the revised Amended Plan is scheduled for December 2, 2005. Although the Debtors currently expect that the revised Amended Plan will be confirmed following the hearing on December 2, 2005, and will become effective pursuant to its terms shortly thereafter, most likely at the beginning of January 2006, they can provide no assurances that the revised Amended Plan will be confirmed, or if confirmed, will become effective.

The terms of any plan finally confirmed will have a material effect on the company’s subsequent liquidity and its long-term and short-term commitments and cash flow, which we cannot now predict. Continuing delay in obtaining confirmation and implementation of a plan of reorganization may negatively impact the company’s future results.

Until the company’s plan has been confirmed and we have emerged from chapter 11, the company cannot predict the full effect of the chapter 11 reorganization process on the company's businesses, the treatment of creditors and equity holders of the respective Debtors under any plan of reorganization finally confirmed, or the exact timing of the Debtors emergence from chapter 11. Although until a plan is approved there is uncertainty as to the treatment of creditors and equity holders, as did all prior plans, the revised Amended Plan provided for, and any subsequent proposed plan is expected to provide for the cancellation of existing equity interests and for reduced recoveries by holders of debt securities. Accordingly, the company urges that appropriate caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in any of these securities.

To augment its financial flexibility during the chapter 11 process, the Debtors negotiated with GE Commercial Finance, and received final approval from the Bankruptcy Court on April 27, 2004, to enter into a $30 million Debtor-in-Possession revolving credit facility (“DIP Facility”). The 15-month DIP Facility commitment is based on availability from North American assets, including receivables, inventory, and fixed assets, that are calculated on the same basis as the pre-petition facility. The German operations continue to be funded under an amended and restated existing credit facility, which no longer includes the North American borrowing base. Under the two credit agreements, our pro forma borrowing base is substantially the same as the borrowing base under the pre-petition facility. Various covenants and restrictions on our operations under the prior credit facility continue to apply under the DIP Facility without material modification, together with an additional restriction on the amount of funds that can be transferred from our German operations to support North American operations. Both facilities matured on June 30, 2005, but were extended through the end of 2005, with a subsequent extension to be obtained through January 31, 2006, to accommodate any potential delay in emergence from chapter 11. It is anticipated that the Debtors will enter into new exit financing facilities to replace the DIP and German revolving credit facilities in conjunction with the implementation of a confirmed plan of reorganization.

Since the filing, the company's available cash and continued cash flow from operations, as well as cash provided under its DIP facility, have been adequate to fund ongoing operations and meet obligations to customers, vendors and employees in the ordinary course of business and management believes it will continue to be adequate during the balance of the chapter 11 process.

At hearings held on April 27, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court granted final approval of the Debtors' "first day" motions for various relief designed to stabilize their operations and business relationships with their customers, vendors, employees and other entities, and entered orders granting authority to the Debtors to, among other things: (1) pay certain pre-petition and post-petition employee wages, benefits and other employee obligations; (2) honor customer programs; (3) pay certain pre-petition taxes and fees; (4) pay certain pre-petition obligations to foreign vendors; (5) pay certain pre-petition shipping charges; (6) pay certain pre-petition claims of critical vendors; (7) pay certain pre-petition claims of mechanics and materialmen; (8) continue use of existing cash management system and bank accounts; (9) honor consignment arrangements; (10) provide for treatment of valid reclamation claims; and (11) enter into the new credit facility with GE Commercial Finance.

FiberMark, Inc., and the other Debtors have incurred, and will continue to incur, significant reorganization expenses resulting from the filing and the continuing chapter 11 proceedings. The amount of these expenses, which are being expensed as incurred and reported as reorganization items, is expected to continue to have a material effect on the company's results of operations in 2005.

The potential adverse publicity associated with the filing and the continuing chapter 11 proceedings, and the resulting uncertainty regarding the company's future prospects may hinder the company's ongoing business activities and its ability to operate, fund and execute its business plan by: impairing relations with existing and potential customers; limiting the company's ability to obtain trade credit; impairing present and future relationships with vendors; and negatively impacting the ability of the company to attract, retain and compensate key employees and to retain all employees. By order dated August 6, 2004, the Debtors obtained authorization from the Bankruptcy Court to implement key employee retention and severance plans. The aggregate cost of the retention plan could range up to $3.6 million. Since the chapter 11 filing, $2.7 million has been recorded as reorganization expenses, of which $0.3 million was recorded in 2005. During 2004, $1.1 million was disbursed in accordance with the retention plan. As of September 30, 2005, the company has approximately $1.6 million accrued in accordance with the plan. The cost of the severance plan will depend upon employee terminations. As of September 30, 2005, approximately $0.7 million has been accrued under the severance plan.

While operating as DIP under the protection of chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and subject to Bankruptcy Court approval or otherwise as permitted in the normal course of business, the Debtors may sell or otherwise dispose of assets and liquidate or settle liabilities for amounts other than those reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Further, a plan of reorganization could materially change the amounts and classifications reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements, which do not give effect to any adjustments to the carrying value of assets or amount of liabilities that might be necessary as a consequence of a plan of reorganization. Liabilities and obligations whose treatment and satisfaction is dependent on the outcome of the chapter 11 cases have been segregated and classified as liabilities subject to compromise in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, schedules have been filed by the Debtors with the Bankruptcy Court setting forth the assets and liabilities of the Debtors as of the date of filing. A general bar date of July 29, 2004, was established for the filing of proofs of claim against the Debtors. Differences between amounts recorded by the Debtors and claims filed by creditors have been substantially resolved as part of the proceedings in the chapter 11 cases. The ultimate number and allowed amount of the substantial majority of such claims are presently known, however, because the settlement terms of each such allowed claim are subject to a confirmed plan of reorganization, the ultimate distribution with respect to allowed claims is not presently ascertainable.

The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the company in its current structure will continue as a going concern. The above factors mentioned, among other things, raise substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. The ability of the company to continue as a going concern is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the confirmation its plan of reorganization by the Bankruptcy Court, customer retention and the new company's ability to continue to provide high quality products and services. If a plan of reorganization is not confirmed and implemented, the company may be forced to liquidate under applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. There can be no assurance of the level of recovery that the company's creditors would receive in such liquidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities if the company is forced to liquidate.

 
2.  
Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004, included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A. 

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Statement of Position No. 90-7, Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code ("SOP 90-7"). SOP 90-7 requires an entity to distinguish pre-petition liabilities subject to compromise from post-petition liabilities in the company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The caption "liabilities subject to compromise" reflects the company's best current estimate of the amount of pre-petition claims that will be restructured in the company’s chapter 11 cases. In addition, the company's condensed consolidated statements of operations portray the results of operations of the reporting entity during chapter 11 proceedings. As a result, any revenue, expenses, realized gains and losses, and provision for losses resulting directly from the reorganization of the company are reported separately as reorganization items. In accordance with SOP 90-7, the company stopped accruing interest expense on its non-amortizing senior notes subsequent to March 30, 2004.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years to conform to the current year presentation.


3.  
Changes in Accounting Principles and Recently Issued Standards

In November 2004 the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. This Statement amends the guidance in ARB No. 43 to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage) and requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges. Furthermore, the Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. This Statement is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The company has completed its evaluation of SFAS No. 151 and determined that there will be no material impact on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows upon adoption.

In December 2004 the FASB issued a revision to FASB Statement No. 123, SFAS No. 123R, Stock-Based Payment, focusing primarily on accounting for transactions in which an organization issues stock options or share-based payments for employee services. SFAS 123R will become effective for the company on January 1, 2006. The company is evaluating the impact this Statement will have on the company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In December 2004 the FASB issued FSP FAS 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. The American Jobs Creation Act allows a special one-time dividends received deduction on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings to a U.S. taxpayer (repatriation provision), provided certain criteria are met. The company has repatriated some of its foreign earnings so far in 2005 and may elect to repatriate additional amounts of such earnings in 2005. FSP 109-2 provides accounting and disclosure guidance for the repatriation provision. Although FSP 109-2 is effective immediately, it allows companies additional time beyond the enactment date to evaluate the effects of the provision on its plan for investment or repatriation of unremitted foreign earnings. This FSP will not have a material effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows in 2005 due to net operating loss carryforwards.
 
In March 2005 the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations. This Interpretation clarifies that the term conditional asset retirement obligation as used in SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and / or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. This Interpretation also clarifies the timing and estimation of fair value as it relates to an asset retirement obligation. This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. The company is evaluating the impact, if any, this Interpretation will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In May 2005 the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3. This Statement changes the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle by requiring retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle unless impracticable. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005.

4.  
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

The reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted loss per common share computations for the company's reported net loss follows (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     
2005
   
2004
   
2005
   
2004
 
Numerator:
                         
Loss available to common shareholders used in basic diluted loss per share
 
$
(59,637
)
$
(4,657
)
$
(63,342
)
$
(20,917
)
                           
Denominator:
                         
Denominator for basic loss per share:
                         
Weighted average shares
   
7,066,226
   
7,066,226
   
7,066,226
   
7,066,226
 
                           
Effect of dilutive securities:
                         
Fixed stock options
 
 *
 
 *
 
 *
 
 *
 
                           
Denominator for diluted loss per share:
                         
Adjusted weighted average shares
   
7,066,226
   
7,066,226
   
7,066,226
   
7,066,226
 
                           
Basic loss per share
 
$
(8.44
)
$
(0.66
)
$
(8.96
)
$
(2.96
)
                           
Diluted loss per share
 
$
(8.44
)
$
(0.66
)
$
(8.96
)
$
(2.96
)

 
*
The average closing stock price of our common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 and the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, was less than the exercise price on all options outstanding during those periods. Therefore, there were no incremental shares to be considered in the diluted loss per share calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, and the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. In the periods where losses were incurred, no incremental shares were included because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

The above weighted average shares calculations exclude any impact of any reorganization plan that may require the issuance of common stock or common stock equivalents.

5.  
Stock-Based Compensation

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure, amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. It also amends the disclosure provisions of that Statement to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income (loss) of an entity’s accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation. The company has chosen to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. Accordingly, compensation cost for stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the company’s stock at the date of the grant over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock.

No stock options were granted under the plans during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. Had compensation expense for the company’s stock option awards been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards granted after 1994 consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, the company’s net income (loss) would have been changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     
2005
   
2004
   
2005
   
2004
 
Net loss, as reported
 
$
(59,637
)
$
(4,657
)
$
(63,342
)
$
(20,917
)
Total stock based employees  compensation determined under  fair value method
 
$
(62
)
$
(112
)
$
(188
)
$
(336
)
Net loss, pro forma
 
$
(59,699
)
$
(4,769
)
$
(63,530
)
$
(21,253
)
                           
Basic loss per share, as reported
 
$
(8.44
)
$
(0.66
)
$
(8.96
)
$
(2.96
)
Basic loss per share, pro forma
 
$
(8.45
)
$
(0.67
)
$
(8.99
)
$
(3.01
)
                           
Diluted loss per share, as reported
 
$
(8.44
)
$
(0.66
)
$
(8.96
)
$
(2.96
)
Diluted loss per share, pro forma
 
$
(8.45
)
$
(0.67
)
$
(8.99
)
$
(3.01
)

6.  
Comprehensive Loss

Comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, consists of net loss and foreign currency translation adjustments as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     
2005
   
2004
   
2005
   
2004
 
Net loss
Minimum pension liability adjustment
 
$
(59,637)
529
 
$
(4,657)
-
 
$
(63,342)
529
 
$
(20,917)
-
 
Currency translation adjustment, net
   
(534
)
 
(1,379
)
 
(3,844
)
 
(2,572
)
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(59,642
)
$
(6,036
)
$
(66,657
)
$
(23,489
)

7.  
Inventories

Inventories at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 
   
September 30,
2005
   
December 31,
2004
 
Raw material
 
$
18,164
 
$
20,745
 
Work in progress
   
25,183
   
25,048
 
Finished goods
   
18,135
   
20,159
 
Finished goods on consignment
   
3,059
   
3,443
 
Stores inventory
   
2,934
   
2,920
 
Operating supplies
   
1,095
   
1,335
 
Total inventories
 
$
68,570
 
$
73,650
 



8.  
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table provides the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for each major class of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (in thousands):

 
 
Gross Carrying Value 
Accumulated Amortization
 
   
September 30,
2005
   
December 31,
2004
   
September 30,
2005
   
December 31,
2004
 
Amortizable intangible assets:
                         
                           
Debt issue costs
 
$
4,409
 
$
2,380
 
$
2,934
 
$
1,561
 
Acquired technology
   
846
   
846
   
116
   
84
 
Other
   
1,746
   
1,930
   
944
   
882
 
                           
Total amortizable intangible assets
 
$
7,001
 
$
5,156
 
$
3,994
 
$
2,527
 


The total intangible amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $57,000 and $305,000, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $1,021,000 and $1,491,000.

In connection with the chapter 11 filing, the company amended and restated the GE credit facility, originally initiated in November 2003, to exclude the North American borrowing base which has been included in a new DIP credit facility entered into on April 1, 2004, also with GE. Deferred financing costs associated with the North American borrowing base on the original facility of $1,328,000 were written off and were reported as reorganization expenses in the first quarter of 2004. Also, in connection with the chapter 11 filing the company wrote-off and recorded as reorganization expenses in the first quarter of 2004, $7,447,000 relating to the remaining balance on the deferred finance costs associated with the senior non-amortizing notes.

For the period ended September 30, 2005, the company had $8,253,000 of goodwill, which is all associated with foreign entities. The change in goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, is the result of exchange rate fluctuations upon the consolidation of the foreign subsidiaries.

 
9.  
Segment Information:

The following table categorizes net sales in each product family into the appropriate operating segment
(in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
 
 
Operating Segments
Operating Segments
   
German
Operations
   
North American
Operations
   
Total
   
German
Operations
   
North American
Operations
   
Total
 
Net sales
                                     
Product family
                                 
Office products
 
$
-
 
$
20,122
 
$
20,122
 
$
-
 
$
20,616
 
$
20,616
 
Publishing and packaging
   
-
   
24,576
   
24,576
   
-
   
24,938
   
24,938
 
Technical specialties
   
50,557
   
11,724
   
62,281
   
47,924
   
14,270
   
62,194
 
                                     
   
$
50,557
 
$
56,422
 
$
106,979
 
$
47,924
 
$
59,824
 
$
107,748
 


 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
 
 
Operating Segments
Operating Segments
 
   
German
Operations
   
North American
Operations
   
Total
   
German
Operations
   
North American
Operations
   
Total
 
Net sales
                                     
Product family
                             
Office products
 
$
-
 
$
58,609
 
$
58,609
 
$
-
 
$
58,587
 
$
58,587
 
Publishing and packaging
   
-
   
73,184
   
73,184
   
-
   
75,369
   
75,369
 
Technical specialties
   
169,185
   
36,359
   
205,544
   
156,096
   
41,135
   
197,231
 
                                       
   
$
169,185
 
$
168,152
 
$
337,337
 
$
156,096
 
$
175,091
 
$
331,187
 



 



9. Segment Information (continued): 

The following table presents selected financial data for each of our operating segments for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
 
 
 
Operating Segments
Operating Segments
 
   
German
Operations
   
North American
Operations
   
Total
   
German
Operations
   
North American
Operations
   
Total
 
                                       
Total sales
 
$
50,557
 
$
56,422
 
$
106,979
 
$
47,163
 
$
58,865
 
$
106,028
 
Less: inter-segment net sales
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
761
   
959
   
1,720
 
Total net sales
 
$
50,557
 
$
56,422
 
$
106,979
 
$
47,924
 
$
59,824
 
$
107,748
 
                                       
Income (loss) from operations
 
$
4,322
 
$
(58,095
)
$
(53,773
)
$
6,048
 
$
(1,417
)
$
4,631
 
                                       
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
1,563
 
$
3,139
 
$
4,702
 
$
1,243
 
$
3,113
 
$
4,356
 



 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
 
 
Operating Segments 
Operating Segments
 
   
German
Operations 
   
North American
Operations
   
Total
   
German
Operations
   
North American
Operations
   
Total
 
                                       
Total sales
 
$
169,203
 
$
168,152
 
$
337,355
 
$
156,096
 
$
175,197
 
$
331,293
 
Less: inter-segment net sales
   
(18
)
 
-
   
(18
)
 
-
   
(106
)
 
(106
)
Total net sales
 
$
169,185
 
$
168,152
 
$
337,337
 
$
156,096
 
$
175,091
 
$
331,187
 
                                       
Income (loss) from operations
 
$
24,016
 
$
(63,486
)
$
(39,470
)
$
24,890
 
$
(4,740
)
$
20,150
 
                                       
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
4,802
 
$
10,166
 
$
14,968
 
$
3,762
 
$
9,472
 
$
13,234
 



 



10.  
Restructuring and Asset Impairment
 
On June 24, 2005, the company announced a program to improve the cost structure of its North American Operations, which was approved by the Bankruptcy Court on July 20, 2005. The cost reduction initiative includes the closure of its Hughesville, New Jersey facility and one of its two paper machines in Warren Glen, New Jersey, along with the further reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses. Certain products will be transferred to other facilities with the consolidation process expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2005. The initiative also includes the termination of 135 employees.
 
This event triggered an impairment review of all long-lived assets in the company’s U.S. operations. In accordance with SFAS 144, we determined that the lowest level asset group for which identifiable cash flows were available consisted of the long-lived assets of the combined U.S. operations. Our analysis indicated that the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows over the estimated life of the primary assets were less than the carrying value, which resulted in the need to perform a fair market valuation. As a result, we engaged an independent valuation firm to perform a fair market valuation of all tangible fixed assets in the U.S. The valuation firm, using a market value approach, considered factors such as physical and functional obsolescence in determining fair market values. The net book value of assets included in the cost reduction initiative were reduced to their fair market value resulting in the asset write-off of $9.3 million included in restructuring expenses in the third quarter of 2005. The net book value of all other U.S. fixed assets were reduced to their fair market value resulting in the asset impairment charge of $46.6 million in the third quarter of 2005.
 
In the third quarter of 2005, the company also reversed prior facility closure and restructuring expenses due to the settlement of a contract.
 
A summary of restructuring and asset impairment charges as of September 30, 2005 follows (in thousands):

 
   
2001 Provision
   
2005 Provision
   
2005
Charges and Expenditures
   
Charges and Uses Since Inception
   
Balance September 30, 2005
 
                                 
2005 North American cost reduction initiative:
                               
Employee-related expenses:
                               
  Severance
   $
-
   $
1,813
   $
(94
)
 $
(94
)
 $
1,719
 
  Other benefits
   
-
   
559
   
(106
)
 
(106
)
 
453
 
Asset write-offs
   
-
   
9,327
   
(9,327
)
 
(9,327
)
 
-
 
Other consolidation costs
   
-
   
205
   
(205
)
 
(205
)
 
-
 
   
-
   
11,904
   
(9,732
)
 
(9,732
)
 
2,172
 
2001 Fitchburg Closure:
                               
Contractual obligations
   
740
   
-
   
(364
)
 
(513
)
 
227
 
                                 
     $
740
   $
11,904
   $
(10,096
)
 $
(10,245
)
 $
2,399
 


Summary of restructuring and facility closure expense (reversal) (in thousands):
         
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30 
Nine Months Ended
September 30
     
2005
   
2004
   
2005
   
2004
 
Provision for 2005 North American cost reduction initiative
   $
11,810
   $
-
   $
11,904
   $
-
 
Changes to 2001 facility closure
   
(364
)
 
-
   
(364
)
 
-
 
Changes to 2003 North American restructuring
   
-
   
(209
)
 
-
   
(209
)
     $
11,446
   $
(209
)
 $
11,540
   $
(209
)


 
11. Pension and Post-retirement Benefits

The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, and 2004 are as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Pension Benefits 
Post-Retirement Benefits
     
2005
   
2004
   
2005
   
2004
 
Service cost
 
$
324
 
$
337
 
$
104
 
$
91
 
Interest cost
   
512
   
732
   
205
   
195
 
Return on assets
   
(225
)
 
(339
)
 
-
   
-
 
Net amortization & deferrals:
                       
Unrecognized transition obligation
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Unrecognized prior service cost
   
(131
)
 
103
   
(18
)
 
1
 
Unrecognized net loss
   
401
   
271
   
54
   
38
 
Recognized settlement loss
 
 -
 
 190
 
 -
 
 -
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
881
 
$
1,294
 
$
345
 
$
325
 

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
Pension Benefits
 
Post-Retirement Benefits
 
     
2005
   
2004
   
2005
   
2004
 
Service cost
 
$
985
 
$
1,015
 
$
311
 
$
274
 
Interest cost
   
2,056
   
2,212
   
615
   
586
 
Return on assets
   
(974
)
 
(1,017
)
 
-
   
-
 
Net amortization & deferrals:
                         
Unrecognized transition obligation
   
-
   
1
   
-
   
-
 
Unrecognized prior service cost
   
75
   
309
   
(52
)
 
4
 
Unrecognized net loss
   
1,321
   
818
   
162
   
111
 
Recognized settlement loss
 
 -
 
 570
 
 -
 
 -
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
3,463
 
$
3,908
 
$
1,036
 
$
975
 

On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (“Act”) was signed into law. The Act expands Medicare primarily by adding a prescription drug benefit for Medicare-eligible individuals beginning in 2006. Pursuant to guidance provided in FASB Staff Position SFAS No. 106-1, the company has chosen to defer recognition of the Act, and, accordingly, the post-retirement benefit obligations and net periodic post-retirement benefit cost do not reflect any potential impact of the legislation. In May 2004 the FASB issued an FSP (FASB Staff Position) on SFAS No. 106-2, Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (“Act”). The FSP on SFAS 106-2 requires that the effects of the federal subsidy be considered an actuarial gain and treated like similar gains and losses.  It also requires certain disclosures for sponsors of retiree medical programs. This FSP is effective in the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2004. The accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation and the net periodic post-retirement benefit cost do not reflect any amount associated with the subsidy because the company is unable to conclude whether the benefits provided by the plan are actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D under the Act.

On June 25, 2005, the company announced a cost reduction initiative, which included the planned closure of two papermaking production lines in New Jersey and other reductions in salary, general and administrative expenses. This plan was subsequently approved by the Bankruptcy Court on July 20, 2005 and will be fully implemented by the end of 2005. Approximately 135 employees are affected by this cost initiative, the majority of whom were based in New Jersey. Curtailment costs associated with company-sponsored pension and post-retirement plans that arise from this cost reduction initiative are estimated to be immaterial.

Effective with the chapter 11 filing on March 30, 2004, the company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) benefits were frozen, which resulted in $2.1 million of curtailment charges. These curtailment charges have been calculated by the company’s external actuaries and have been recorded in the third quarter of 2005 as reorganization expense.

12. Reorganization

In accordance with SOP 90-7, the company is required to separately identify the reorganization expenses related to the March 30, 2004, chapter 11 filing. Reorganization items in the condensed consolidated and DIP statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 consist of (in thousands):

 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2005
   
Three Months
Ended
September 30, 2004
 
Professional fees
 
$
1,365
 
$
4,720
 
Employee retention, retirement and severance costs
   
2,733
   
1,155
 
Rejection of contractual obligations
   
-
   
602
 
Reorganization expenses
 
$
4,098
 
$
6,477
 


 
 
 Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2005
 
 Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2004
 
Professional fees
 
$
9,670
 
$
7,638
 
Employee retention, retirement and severance costs
   
3,063
   
2,187
 
Write-off of unamortized bond discount
   
-
   
1,217
 
Write-off of deferred financing costs
   
-
   
8,775
 
Rejection of contractual obligations
   
-
   
602
 
Reorganization expenses
 
$
12,733
 
$
20,419
 





13. Debtor Financial Information

The three and nine month condensed combined financial statements of the Debtors for 2005 and 2004 are presented below. These statements reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Debtors on a combined basis, including certain amounts and transactions between Debtors and non-debtor subsidiaries of the company, which are eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Condensed Combined Statements of Operations (in thousands):
 
     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2005
 
 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2004
 
Net sales
 
$
51,566
 
$
55,737
 
               
Cost of sales
   
46,847
   
49,405
 
               
Gross profit
   
4,719
   
6,332
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
5,966
   
8,336
 
Restructuring and facility closure expense
(reversal)
   
11,446
   
(209
)
Gain on disposal of assets
   
(314
)
 
-
 
Asset impairment charge
   
46,557
   
-
 
               
Loss from operations
   
(58,936
)
 
(1,795
)
               
Foreign exchange transaction loss
   
7
   
-
 
Other (income) expense, net
   
(121
)
 
148
 
Equity in income from subsidiaries
   
(3,324
)
 
(3,909
)
Interest expense, net
   
41
   
146
 
Reorganization expense
   
4,098
   
6,477
 
               
Loss before income taxes
   
(59,637
)
 
(4,657
)
               
Income tax expense
   
-
   
-
 
               
Net loss
 
$
(59,637
)
$
(4,657
)




Condensed Combined Statements of Operations (in thousands):

 
 
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2005
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004
 
Net sales
 
$
154,581
 
$
163,630
 
               
Cost of sales
   
142,919
   
144,159
 
               
Gross profit
   
11,662
   
19,471
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
21,200
   
25,484
 
Restructuring and facility closure expense
(reversal)
   
11,540
   
(209
)
Gain on disposal of assets
   
(2,291
)
 
-
 
Asset impairment charge
   
46,557
   
-
 
               
Loss from operations
   
(65,344
)
 
(5,804
)
               
Foreign exchange transaction gain
   
(9
)
 
-
 
Other expense, net
   
599
   
1,221
 
Equity in income from subsidiaries
   
(15,804
)
 
(15,864
)
Interest expense, net
   
479
   
9,337
 
Reorganization expense
   
12,733
   
20,419
 
               
Loss before income taxes
   
(63,342
)
 
(20,917
)
               
Income tax expense
   
-
   
-
 
               
Net loss
 
$
(63,342
)
$
(20,917
)





Condensed Combined Balance Sheets (in thousands):

ASSETS
 
September 30, 2005
 
December 31, 2004
 
Current assets:
         
Cash
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances
   
19,792
   
19,618
 
Inventories
   
41,333
   
41,946
 
Prepaid expenses
   
3,515
   
3,733
 
               
Total current assets
   
64,640
   
65,297
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
75,082
   
138,115
 
Intercompany receivables
   
3,731
   
3,583
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
102,797
   
107,151
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
2,002
   
1,581
 
Other long-term assets
   
4,113
   
3,064
 
               
Total assets
 
$
252,365
 
$
318,791
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
             
Current liabilities:
             
Revolving credit line
 
$
5,613
 
$
2,628
 
Accounts payable
   
9,340
   
10,047
 
Accrued liabilities
   
18,727
   
12,608
 
Accrued income taxes payable
   
227
   
323
 
               
Total current liabilities not subject to compromise
   
33,907
   
25,606
 
               
Long-term liabilities:
             
Intercompany payables
   
231
   
-
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,698
   
-
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
18,489
   
28,361
 
               
Total long-term liabilities not subject to compromise
   
20,418
   
28,361
 
               
Liabilities subject to compromise
   
366,573
   
366,700
 
               
Total liabilities
   
420,898
   
420,667
 
               
Stockholders’ deficit
   
(168,533
)
 
(101,876
)
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
 
$
252,365
 
$
318,791
 




Condensed Combined Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):

 
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2005
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
$
1,676
 
$
(3,419
)
Net cash used for reorganization items
   
(8,382
)
 
(8,760
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
582
   
(1,088
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
6,429
   
14,262
 
Effect of exchange rates on cash
   
(305
)
 
(995
)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
-
   
-
 
               
Cash at beginning of period
   
-
   
-
 
               
Cash at end of period
 
$
-
 
$
-
 

Liabilities subject to compromise in the condensed consolidated and DIP balance sheets consist of the following items as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (in thousands):

   
September 30, 2005
 
December 31, 2004
 
Accounts payable
 
$
6,903
 
$
6,861
 
Accrued liabilities (including accrued interest)
   
16,525
   
16,129
 
Long-term debt
   
336,863
   
340,005
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
6,282
   
3,705
 
Liabilities subject to compromise
 
$
366,573
 
$
366,700
 

In accordance with SOP 90-7, the company stopped accruing interest on the senior non-amortizing notes as of the March 30, 2004, chapter 11 filing date. The amount of interest that would have been accrued from the filing date to the end of the third quarter of 2005 was $51.2 million.

14. Long-term Debt

On March 30, 2004, FiberMark, Inc., and its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The filing resulted in an immediate acceleration of $100.0 million in principal of the company's 9.375% senior non-amortizing notes and $230.0 million in principal of 10.75% senior non-amortizing notes, subject to the automatic stay. Outstanding balances for the senior non-amortizing notes have been reclassified to liabilities subject to compromise. In connection with the filing the company wrote-off and recorded in reorganization expenses $1.2 million of unamortized bond discounts associated with the senior non-amortizing notes.

On September 30, 2005, $1.0 million is outstanding under a term loan secured by machinery at our Quakertown, Pennsylvania, facility. This loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.0% and is repayable in monthly installments through 2007. The Debtors have made post-filing adequate protection payments on this loan under an order entered by the Bankruptcy Court on May 28, 2004.

On September 30, 2005, $4.7 million is outstanding on a term loan secured by papermaking machinery at our Warren Glen, New Jersey, facility. The interest rate on this loan ranges from 8.94% to 8.95% with the balance amortizing through 2007. The Debtors have made post-filing adequate protection payments on this loan under an order entered by the Bankruptcy Court on July 1, 2004.

In the fourth quarter of 2002, we entered into a sale-leaseback agreement involving our Lowville, New York, facility. Under the sale-leaseback agreement, FiberMark paid $1.1 million, representing 20% of the project cost in January 2003, and is obligated to make 24 monthly payments of $100,000 plus interest at 4.6% on the outstanding principal, followed by a balloon payment of approximately $2.0 million due on January 31, 2005. FiberMark has continued to make monthly payments while in chapter 11 and has proposed in its Amended Plan of Reorganization that monthly payments replace the balloon payment that would otherwise be due upon emergence. At September 30, 2005, the balance outstanding on the capital lease was $1.2 million. The Debtors have made the monthly post-filing adequate protection payments on this sale-leaseback obligation under an order entered by the Bankruptcy Court on July 1, 2004.

The amended and restated German facility requires that the company maintain a specified EBITDA level. The company was in violation of this covenant at September 30, 2005, but has obtained a waiver of default from the lender. All covenants associated with the DIP facility were in compliance as of September 30, 2005.

The term loan agreement secured by machinery at the Warren Glen, New Jersey, facility requires the company to maintain a specified level of tangible net worth. Since December 31, 2002, the company has been in violation of this covenant but has obtained a permanent waiver of default from the lender.

In accordance with SOP 90-7, the company has reclassified its long-term debt and sale-leaseback liabilities of $336.9 million to liabilities subject to compromise at September 30, 2005.

15.  
Consolidating Financial Statements

Below are consolidating statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, and statements of cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, and consolidating balance sheets as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (in thousands):

 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
 
  
    Guarantor    
Non-Guarantor
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated FiberMark, Inc.
 
Net sales
 
$
56,422
 
$
50,557
 
$
-
 
$
106,979
 
                           
Cost of sales
   
50,397
   
43,552
   
-
   
93,949
 
                           
Gross profit
   
6,025
   
7,005
   
-
   
13,030
 
                           
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
6,431
   
2,686
   
-
   
9,117
 
Restructuring and facility closure expense
   
11,446
   
-
   
-
   
11,446
 
Gain on disposal of assets     (314 )   (3 )   -     (317 )
Asset impairment charge
   
46,557
   
-
   
-
   
46,557
 
                           
Income (loss) from operations
   
(58,095
)
 
4,322
   
-
   
(53,773
)
                           
Foreign exchange transaction (gain) loss
   
3
   
(295
)
 
-
   
(292
)
 
Other income, net
   
(120
)
 
(89
)
 
-
   
(209
)
Equity in subsidiary income
   
(2,793
)
 
-
   
2,793
   
-
 
Interest expense, net
   
124
   
203
   
-
   
327
 
Reorganization expense
   
4,098
   
-
   
-
   
4,098
 
                           
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(59,407
)  
4,503
   
(2,793
)  
(57,697
)
                           
Income tax expense
   
230
   
1,710
   
-
   
1,940
 
                           
Net income (loss)
 
$
(59,637
)
$
2,793
 
$
(2,793
)
$
(59,637
)



CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
 
 
   
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated FiberMark, Inc.
 
Net sales
 
$
59,824
 
$
47,924
 
$
-
 
$
107,748
 
                           
Cost of sales
   
53,527
   
39,762
   
-
   
93,289
 
                           
      Gross profit
   
6,297
   
8,162
   
-
   
14,459
 
                           
Selling, general and administrative expenses     7,923     2,114      -     10,037  
Restructuring and facility closure reversal
   
(209
)
 
-
   
-
   
(209
)
                           
Income (loss) from operations
   
(1,417
)
 
6,048
   
-
   
4,631
 
                           
Foreign exchange transaction gain
   
-
   
(211
)
 
-
   
(211
)
Other (income) expense, net
   
245
   
(20
)
 
-
   
225
 
Equity in subsidiary income
   
(3,755
)
 
-
   
3,755
   
-
 
Interest expense, net
   
235
   
314
   
-
   
549
 
Reorganization expense
   
6,477
   
-
   
-
   
6,477
 
                           
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(4,619
)
 
5,965
   
(3,755
)
 
(2,409
)
                           
Income tax expense
   
38
   
2,210
   
-
   
2,248
 
                           
Net income (loss)
 
$
(4,657
)
$
3,755
 
$
(3,755
)
$
(4,657
)




CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
 
 
 
Guarantor
 
 
Non-Guarantor
 
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated FiberMark, Inc.
 
Net sales
 
$
168,152
 
$
169,185
 
$
-
 
$
337,337
 
                           
Cost of sales
   
153,117
   
136,364
   
-
   
289,481
 
                           
Gross profit
   
15,035
   
32,821
   
-
   
47,856
 
                           
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
22,715
   
8,736
   
-
   
31,451
 
Restructuring and facility closure expense
   
11,540
   
-
   
-
   
11,540
 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets     (2,291   69     -     (2,222
Asset impairment charge
 
46,557
   
-
   
-
   
46,557
 
                           
Income (loss) from operations
   
(63,486
)
 
24,016
   
-
   
(39,470
)
                           
Foreign exchange transaction gain
   
(18
)
 
(126
)
 
-
   
(144
)
Other (income) expense, net
   
599
   
(223
)
 
-
   
376
 
Equity in subsidiary income
   
(14,661
)
 
-
   
14,661
   
-
 
Interest expense, net
   
714
   
721
   
-
   
1,435
 
Reorganization expense
   
12,733
   
-
   
-
   
12,733
 
                           
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(62,853
)
 
23,644
   
(14,661
)
 
(53,870
)
                           
Income tax expense
   
489
   
8,983
   
-
   
9,472
 
                           
Net income (loss)
 
$
(63,342
)
$
14,661
 
$
(14,661
)
$
(63,342
)


 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
 
   
 
Guarantor
 
 
Non-Guarantor
 
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated FiberMark, Inc.
 
Net sales    $ 175,091    $ 156,096    $ -    $ 331,187  
                           
Cost of sales
   
154,597
   
122,666
   
-
   
277,263
 
                           
Gross profit
   
20,494
   
33,430
   
-
   
53,924
 
                           
Selling, general and administrative expenses     25,443     8,540     -     33,983  
Restructuring and facility closure reversal
 
(209
)
-
 
-
(209
)
                           
Income (loss) from operations
   
(4,740
)
 
24,890
   
-
   
20,150
 
                           
Foreign exchange transaction gain
   
-
   
(482
)
 
-
   
(482
)
Other (income) expense, net
   
1,311
   
(152
)
 
-
   
1,159
 
Equity in subsidiary income
   
(15,385
)
 
-
   
15,385
   
-
 
Interest expense, net
   
9,608
   
551
   
-
   
10,159
 
Reorganization expense
   
20,419
   
-
   
-
   
20,419
 
                           
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(20,693
)
 
24,973
   
(15,385
)
 
(11,105
)
                           
Income tax expense
   
224
   
9,588
   
-
   
9,812
 
                           
Net income (loss)
 
$
(20,917
)
$
15,385
 
$
(15,385
)
$
(20,917
)
 

 


 
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
 
September 30, 2005
 
 
   
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
FiberMark, Inc.
 
ASSETS
                         
Current assets:
                         
Cash
 
$
1,701
 
$
11,923
 
$
-
 
$
13,624
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances
   
24,561
   
37,740
   
-
   
62,301
 
Inventories
   
43,889
   
24,681
   
-
   
68,570
 
Prepaid expenses
   
3,811
   
153
   
-
   
3,964
 
                           
Total current assets
   
73,962
   
74,497
   
-
   
148,459
 
                         
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
76,802
   
97,042
   
-
   
173,844
 
Goodwill
   
2,377
   
5,876
   
-
   
8,253
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
94,821
   
-
   
(94,821
)
 
-
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
2,002
   
1,005
   
-
   
3,007
 
Other long-term assets
   
4,113
   
1,605
   
-
   
5,718
 
Intercompany accounts receivables
   
51
   
-
   
(51
)
 
-
 
Total assets
 
$
254,128
 
$
180,025
 
$
(94,872
)
$
339,281
 
                           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                         
                           
Current liabilities:
                         
Revolving credit line
 
$
5,613
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
5,613
 
Accounts payable
   
10,434
   
14,013
   
-
   
24,447
 
Accrued liabilities
   
19,174
   
7,964
   
-
   
27,138
 
Accrued income taxes payable
   
500
   
18,302
   
-
   
18,802
 
Deferred income taxes
   
-
   
247
   
-
   
247
 
                           
Total current liabilities not subject to compromise
   
35,721
   
40,526
       
76,247
 
                           
Long-term liabilities:
                         
Intercompany accounts payable
   
-
   
51
   
(51
)
 
-
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,879
   
15,907
   
-
   
17,786
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
18,488
   
28,720
   
-
   
47,208
 
                           
Total long-term liabilities not subject to compromise
   
20,367
   
44,678
   
(51
)
 
64,994
 
                           
Liabilities subject to compromise
   
366,573
   
-
   
-
   
366,573
 
                           
Total liabilities
   
422,661
   
85,204
   
(51
)
 
507,814
 
                           
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
                         
Preferred stock
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock
   
7
   
33
   
(33
)
 
7
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
65,496
   
3,791
   
(3,791
)
 
65,496
 
Accumulated earnings (deficit)
   
(238,050
)
 
85,121
   
(85,121
)
 
(238,050
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
4,049
   
5,876
   
(5,876
)
 
4,049
 
Less treasury stock
   
(35
)
 
-
   
-
   
(35
)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
   
(168,533
)
 
94,821
   
(94,821
)
 
(168,533
)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
 
$
254,128
 
$
180,025
 
$
(94,872
)
$
339,281
 



 
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
     
 
December 31, 2004 
ASSETS
   
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated FiberMark, Inc.
 
Current assets:
                         
Cash (overdraft)
 
$
(239
)
$
1,433
 
$
-
 
$
1,194
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances
   
22,804
   
38,312
   
-
   
61,116
 
Inventories
   
44,517
   
29,133
   
-
   
73,650
 
Prepaid expenses
   
3,930
   
409
   
-
   
4,339
 
Intercompany accounts receivables
   
-
   
226
   
(226
)
 
-
 
                           
Total current assets
   
71,012
   
69,513
   
(226
)
 
140,299
 
                           
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
140,193
   
108,660
   
-
   
248,853
 
Goodwill
   
2,542
   
6,625
   
-
   
9,167
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
99,453
   
-
   
(99,453
)
 
-
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
1,581
   
1,048
   
-
   
2,629
 
Other long-term assets
   
3,064
   
1,794
   
-
   
4,858
 
Total assets
 
$
317,845
 
$
187,640
 
$
(99,679
)
$
405,806
 
                           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                         
                           
Current liabilities:
                         
Revolving credit line
 
$
2,628
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
2,628
 
Accounts payable
   
8,048
   
16,241
   
(226
)
 
24,063
 
Accrued liabilities
   
13,112
   
8,157
   
-
   
21,269
 
Accrued income taxes payable
   
761
   
14,697
   
-
   
15,458
 
Deferred income taxes
   
-
   
279
   
-
   
279
 
                           
Total current liabilities not subject to compromise
   
24,549
   
39,374
   
(226
)
 
63,697
 
                           
Long-term liabilities:
                         
Deferred income taxes
   
10,564
   
17,933
   
-
   
28,497
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
17,908
   
30,880
   
-
   
48,788
 
                           
Total long-term liabilities not subject to compromise
   
28,472
   
48,813
   
-
   
77,285
 
                           
Liabilities subject to compromise
   
366,700
   
-
   
-
   
366,700
 
                           
Total liabilities
   
419,721
   
88,187
   
(226
)
 
507,682
 
                           
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
                         
Preferred stock
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock
   
7
   
33
   
(33
)
 
7
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
65,496
   
3,791
   
(3,791
)
 
65,496
 
Accumulated earnings (deficit)
   
(174,708
)
 
78,318
   
(78,318
)
 
(174,708
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
7,364
   
17,311
   
(17,311
)
 
7,364
 
Less treasury stock
   
(35
)
 
-
   
-
   
(35
)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
   
(101,876
)
 
99,453
   
(99,453
)
 
(101,876
)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
 
$
317,845
 
$
187,640
 
$
(99,679
)
$
405,806
 

 

 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
 
   
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated FiberMark, Inc.
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                         
   Net income (loss)
 
$
(63,342
)
$
14,661
 
$
(14,661
)
$
(63,342
)
                           
      Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
   
                   
       Depreciation and amortization
   
10,166
   
4,802
   
-
   
14,968
 
       (Gain) loss on disposal of assets
   
(2,291
)
 
69
   
-
   
(2,222
)
       Equity in subsidiary income
  Asset impairment
   
(14,661)
55,884
   
-
-
   
14,661
-
   
-
55,884
 
      Deferred income taxes
   
76
   
-
   
-
   
76
 
      Reorganization expense
   
12,733
   
-
   
-
   
12,733
 
      Net cash used for reorganization items
   
(8,382
)
 
-
   
-
   
(8,382
)
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                         
      Accounts receivable
   
(1,757
)
 
(3,966
)
 
-
   
(5,723
)
      Inventories
   
628
   
1,224
   
-
   
1,852
 
      Prepaid expenses
   
119
   
221
   
-
   
340
 
      Other long-term assets
   
(1,049
)
 
(14
)
 
-
   
(1,063
)
      Accounts payable
   
2,397
   
(169
)
 
-
   
2,228
 
      Accrued liabilities
   
1,883
   
770
   
-
   
2,653
 
      Accrued income taxes payable
   
(261
)
 
5,558
   
-
   
5,297
 
      Other long-term liabilities
   
3,686
   
1,404
   
-
   
5,090
 
      Intercompany accounts, net
   
(19
)
 
19
   
-
   
-
 
                           
      Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
(4,190
)
 
24,579
   
-
   
20,389
 
                           
Cash flows from investing activities:
                         
   Additions to property, plant and equipment
   
(1,903
)
 
(5,493
)
 
-
   
(7,396
)
   Increase in other intangible assets
   
-
   
(248
)
 
-
   
(248
)
   Proceeds from sale of assets
   
2,610
   
52
   
-
   
2,662
 
     
                   
      Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
707
   
(5,689
)
 
-
   
(4,982
)
                           
Cash flows from financing activities:
                         
   Net borrowings under revolving credit line
   
2,985
   
-
   
-
   
2,985
 
   Repayment of debt
   
(3,142
)
 
-
 
-
 
(3,142
)
   Dividend, net
   
7,858
   
(7,858
)
 
-
   
-
 
   Debt issuance costs
   
(1,272
)
 
-
   
-
   
(1,272
)
                           
      Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
6,429
   
(7,858
)
 
-
   
(1,429
)
                           
Effect of exchange rate changes in cash
   
(1,006
)
 
(542
)
 
-
   
(1,548
)
                           
      Net increase in cash
   
1,940
   
10,490
   
-
   
12,430
 
                           
Cash (overdraft) at beginning of period
   
(239
)
 
1,433
   
-
   
1,194
 
                           
Cash at end of period
 
$
1,701
 
$
11,923
 
$
-
 
$
13,624
 
                           

 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
 
 
Guarantor
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated FiberMark, Inc.
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                         
Net income (loss)
 
$
(20,917
)
$
15,385
 
$
(15,385
)
$
(20,917
)
                           
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                         
   Depreciation and amortization
   
9,472
   
3,762
   
-
   
13,234
 
    Amortization of bond discount
    Gain on disposal of assets
   
42
(411
)
 
-
-
   
-
(71
)
 
42
(482
)
    Equity in subsidiary income
   
(15,385
)
 
-
   
15,385
   
-
 
    Deferred income taxes
   
2
   
-
   
-
   
2
 
     Reorganization expense
   
20,419
   
-
   
-
   
20,419
 
     Net cash used for reorganization items
   
(8,760
)
 
-
   
-
   
(8,760
)
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                         
      Accounts receivable
   
(6,494
)
 
(5,104
)
 
-
   
(11,598
)
      Inventories
   
(4,940
)
 
(525
)
 
-
   
(5,465
)
      Prepaid expenses
   
(1,345
)
 
(170
)
 
-
   
(1,515
)
      Other long-term assets
   
101
   
(239
)
 
-
   
(138
)
      Accounts payable
   
5,093
   
(1,196
)
 
-
   
3,897
 
      Accrued liabilities
   
12,579
   
1,407
   
-
   
13,986
 
      Accrued income taxes payable
   
(425
)
 
(2,115
)
 
-
   
(2,540
)
      Other long-term liabilities
   
(85
)
 
457
   
-
   
372
 
                           
   Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
(11,054
)
 
11,662
   
(71
)
 
537
 
                           
Cash flows from investing activities:
                         
   Additions to property, plant and equipment
   Proceeds from sale of assets
   
(2,448)
1,358
   
(7,157)
-
   
746
(675
)
 
(8,859
683
)
                           
   Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
(1,090
)
 
(7,157
)
 
71
   
(8,176
)
                           
Cash flows from financing activities:
                         
Net borrowings (repayments) under revolving credit line
   
(2,753
)
 
9,529
   
-
   
6,776
 
Repayment of debt
   
(3,012
)
 
-
   
-
   
(3,012
)
Net borrowings (repayments) under intercompany notes
   
8,823
   
(8,574
)
 
(249
)
 
-
 
Dividend, net
   
12,051
   
(11,503
)
 
(548
)
 
-
 
Debt issuance costs
   
(772
)
 
-
   
-
   
(772
)
Debt issuance costs due to reorganization
   
(75
)
 
-
   
-
   
(75
)
                           
   Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
14,262
   
(10,548
)
 
(797
)
 
2,917
 
                           
 
Effect of exchange rate changes in cash
   
(1,086
)
 
(168
)
 
797
   
(457
)
                           
   Net increase (decrease) in cash
   
1,032
   
(6,211
)
 
-
   
(5,179
)
                           
Cash (overdraft) at beginning of period
   
(986
)
 
7,097
   
-
   
6,111
 
                           
Cash at end of period
 
$
46
 
$
886
 
$
-
 
$
932
 



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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Three Months Ended September 30, 2005, Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

Overview

In order to help you understand, in appropriate context, the discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition that appear below, this overview section should be read in conjunction with Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.

Consolidated net sales for the quarter ended September 30 were $107.0 million in 2005 compared with $107.7 million in 2004, a decrease of $0.7 million or 0.6%. Unfavorable foreign exchange rates decreased third-quarter 2005 sales by $0.2 million compared with 2004. Net of currency effects, current year net sales decreased by $0.5 million, or 0.5% versus last year.

A consolidated net loss of $59.6 million in the third quarter of 2005 compared with a net loss of $4.7 million in 2004, an increase of the net loss of $54.9 million. The following factors accounted for most of the change in net loss:

·  
Income from operations declined by $58.4 million. Lower gross profit ($1.5 million decline) was partially offset by a $0.9 million decline in SG&A expenses. A restructuring and facility closure charge of $11.4 million was recorded for costs associated with the closure of one facility and a paper machine in another facility, including a $9.3 million non-cash asset impairment charge in accordance with SFAS 144, compared with a $0.2 million reversal in 2004.
·  
Also effecting the decline in income from operations were non-cash asset impairment charges of $46.6 million recorded in accordance with SFAS 144.
·  
Reorganization expenses related to chapter 11 decreased by $2.4 million to $4.1 million in 2005, from $6.5 million in 2004. The decrease was largely due to lower professional fees, which were partially offset by an increase in employee retention, retirement and severance costs.

Sales from German Operations

Net sales from German operations in the third quarter of 2005 were $50.6 million compared with $47.9 million in the prior-year quarter, an increase of $2.7 million or 5.6%. Excluding the translation effects of a weaker euro, which accounted for a decrease of $0.2 million in sales for the third quarter compared with the prior-year quarter, sales from German operations grew by $2.9 million, or 6.1%. During the quarter, we made continued gains in most of our German businesses due to a combination of market share gains, geographic growth, economic recovery and the growth of key customers. However, our nonwoven wallcovering business continues to be negatively affected by weak economic conditions in Germany and rising competitive pressures, particularly in export markets. In addition, in some markets, the combination of pricing pressure and product mix deflated sales levels, despite the overall gain in sales.

Sales from North American Operations

Third quarter 2005 net sales from North American operations were $56.4 million compared with $59.8 million in the prior-year quarter, a decrease of $3.4 million or 5.7%. Office products and publishing/packaging reported modest declines, while technical specialties experienced larger declines.

Third quarter 2005 sales of publishing and packaging products were $24.6 million compared with $24.9 million, a decline of $0.3 million or 1.2% versus the third quarter of 2004. Publishing sales, which represent the majority of the sales in this product family, were nearly even with 2004 levels. Strong sales in professional and religious publishing and new cover materials were offset by weaker sales in the photo album cover market due to shifts to digital format, order timing effects and market share losses in the Pacific Rim and South America. Our packaging business, experienced lower volume were largely due to the lack of a nonrecurring 2004 project, as well as some market share declines due to low-cost competition from the Pacific Rim.

Sales in office products were $20.1 million in the third quarter of 2005 compared with $20.6 million in the same 2004 period, a decrease of $0.5 million or 2.4% versus the prior year period. Our office products business experienced modest declines in line with market maturity for many of the company’s heavyweight cover materials, offset in part by growth in our customers’ diary and date book product lines and growth in lighter cover materials due to successful new product introductions.

Technical specialties sales were $11.7 million in the third quarter of 2005 compared with $14.3 million in 2004, a decrease of $2.6 million or 18.2%. Stronger sales in printable specialties, building products and scrapbooking were more than offset by weakness in our tape base, art/archival and electrical transformer businesses, some of which was tied to plans to exit businesses due to the planned closure of portions of our New Jersey operations.

Company-wide Data

Gross profit in 2005 was $13.0 million, or 12.1% of sales, compared with $14.5 million, or 13.5% of sales in 2004. The primary factors accounting for the $1.5 million net decrease in gross profit were:
·  
Raw material and energy cost increases of $2.4 million, including $1.3 million in higher costs for latex and chemicals, higher energy costs of $0.9 million, and a small increase in pulp costs
·  
Additional depreciation expenses of $0.8 million largely due to accelerated depreciation of manufacturing software that will be removed from service by the end of 2005
·  
Lower volume, which reduced margins by $0.2 million
·  
Price increases and stronger product mix, which increased margins by $0.5 million
·  
Manufacturing cost decreases of $1.8 million

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $9.1 million in 2005 compared with $10.0 million in 2004, a decrease of $0.9 million or 9.0%. The reduction was principally due to lower executive fringe benefit costs which were terminated as a result of the chapter 11 filing, the timing of medical claims and lower information technology maintenance costs resulting from contracts that were rejected as part of the chapter 11 reorganization.

Restructuring and facility closure expenses of $11.4 million were recorded in 2005, recognizing costs to reduce capacity by closing one facility as well as a major production line. Expenses included a $9.3 million non-cash asset impairment charge in accordance with SFAS 144 related to the cost reduction initiative approved by the Bankruptcy Court in July 2005. In 2004, previously recorded expenses of $0.2 million were reversed into income.

Gains of $0.3 million on disposal of assets were due to the sale of a warehouse facility in the third quarter of 2005.

Asset impairment charges (non-cash) of $46.6 million were recorded in accordance with SFAS 144.

Foreign exchange transaction gains in 2005 were $0.3 million, compared with a gain of $0.2 million in 2004. These gains arose upon conversion of dollar-based receivables and payables into euros in the German operating segment.

Other income, net, was $0.2 million in 2005 compared with other expense of $0.2 million in 2004. The improvement was primarily due to lower amortization of deferred financing costs.

Interest expense decreased to $0.3 million in 2005 from $0.5 million in 2004, primarily due to the lower outstanding net borrowings during the quarter.

Reorganization expenses related to the chapter 11 proceedings were $4.1 million in 2005 for professional fees and accruals for key employee retention, retirement and severance payments. In 2004 the company recorded reorganization expenses of $6.5 million for similar expenses.

Income taxes were $1.9 million in 2005 and $2.2 million in 2004. Tax expenses relate to income earned in Germany and the United Kingdom with nominal taxes due from U.S. operations.

The net loss in 2005 was $59.6 million, or $8.44 per share, compared with a net loss in 2004 of $4.7 million, or $0.66 per share, for reasons described previously.


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005, Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

Consolidated net sales for the nine months ended September 30 were $337.3 million in 2005 compared with $331.2 million in 2004, an increase of $6.1 million or 1.8%. Currency translation increased year-to-date 2005 sales by $5.1 million compared with 2004. Net of currency translation, current year net sales increased by $1.0 million, or 0.3% versus last year.

A consolidated net loss of $63.3 million in 2005 compared with a net loss of $20.9 million in 2004. The following factors accounted for most of the $42.4 million increase in net loss:
·  
Income from operations declined by $59.7 million, as lower gross profit ($6.0 million decline) was partially offset by $2.2 million in gains on disposal of assets and lower selling, general and administrative expenses ($2.5 million decrease). Restructuring and facility closure expenses, net of reversals in 2004, increased by $11.6 million, including a non-cash asset impairment charge of $9.3 million. Asset impairment charges (non-cash) of $46.6 million were recorded in accordance with SFAS 144.
·  
Interest expense decreased by $8.8 million, primarily due to the cessation of interest expense accruals on the senior notes pending the outcome of the bankruptcy process
·  
Reorganization expenses related to chapter 11 decreased by $7.7 million to $12.7 million in 2005, from $20.4 million in 2004. The decrease was primarily due to write-offs in 2004, particularly of $10.0 million in deferred financing and bond discount costs, which were partially offset by higher professional fees and employee retention, retirement and severance costs in 2005.

 
Sales from German Operations

Net sales from German operations in the nine months ended 2005 were $169.2 million compared with $156.1 million in the prior-year period, an increase of $13.1 million or 8.4%. Excluding the translation effects of a stronger euro, which accounted for $5.0 million in sales for the nine-month period in 2005 compared with the prior period, sales from German operations rose by $8.1 million or 5.2%. Gains in nearly all markets, particularly in our filtration and abrasive base businesses, overshadowed declines in our nonwoven wallcovering and coating base businesses.

Sales from North American Operations

Net sales from North American operations in the first nine months of 2005 were $168.2 million compared with $175.1 million in the prior-year period, a decrease of $6.9 million or 3.9%. Sales in office products were unchanged versus the prior-year period, while publishing/packaging and technical specialties reported declines.

Sales of publishing and packaging products were $73.2 million in the first nine months of 2005 compared with $75.4 million in same 2004 period, a decline of $2.2 million or 2.9%. These markets have experienced some market downgrading and share losses in price sensitive geographic regions, particularly in the Pacific Rim, accelerated by production shifts. Largely due to these market trends, publishing sales were weaker than in 2004, despite very strong educational publishing demand (largely driven by the elementary/high school textbook market) during the typical season—the first half of the year. Our packaging business was also negatively impacted by strong 2004 comparisons, particularly in media packaging.

Sales in office products were $58.6 million in the first nine months of 2005 compared with $58.6 million in the same 2004 period, essentially unchanged, primarily due to modest industry improvement, offset by continuing pressures from competitive substitute materials and the market maturity of our paper office supplies segments. We continued to improve our market penetration of the graphic design market, reflecting market and new product development successes.

Technical specialties sales were $36.4 million in 2005 compared with $41.1 million in 2004, a decline of $4.7 million or 11.4%. Sales in most markets for the nine-month period were down, reflecting the maturity of our technical/industrial markets and selected market share declines due to factors such as substitute technology or price increases, and were offset slightly by gains in our printable specialties, building materials product lines and certain new products.

Company-wide Data

Gross profit in 2005 was $47.9 million, or 14.2% of sales, compared with $53.9 million, or 16.3% of sales in 2004. The primary factors accounting for the $6.0 million net decrease in gross profit were:
·  
Increased cost of key inputs, including pulp cost increases of $1.3 million, energy increases of $2.3 million, and other raw material increases, especially latices and resins, of $3.5 million
·  
Additional depreciation expenses of $2.3 million largely due to accelerated depreciation of manufacturing software that will be removed from service by the end of 2005
·  
Inventory effects of $0.8 million to reserve for potentially obsolete inventory
·  
Price increases and a stronger product mix, offset by lower volume, increased margins by $3.9 million
·  
Foreign currency benefits of $0.8 million due to favorable translation of German and U.K. profits

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $31.5 million in 2005 compared with $34.0 million in 2004, a decrease of $2.5 million or 7.4%. SG&A expenses decreased due to lower executive fringe benefit costs which were terminated as a result of the chapter 11 filing, the timing of medical claims and lower costs for information technology maintenance and professional services.

Restructuring and facility closure expenses of $11.5 million were recorded in 2005, recognizing costs to reduce capacity by closing one facility as well as a major production line. Expenses included a $9.3 million non-cash asset impairment charge in accordance with SFAS 144. In 2004 net restructuring costs of $0.2 million from previous programs were reversed into income.

Gains of $2.2 million on disposal of assets were due to the sales of an idle facility in Rochester, Michigan, in the second quarter of 2005 and a warehouse facility in the third quarter of 2005. There were no asset disposals in 2004.

Asset impairment charges (non-cash) of $46.6 million were recorded in accordance with SFAS 144.
 
Foreign exchange transaction gains in 2005 were $0.1 million, compared with foreign exchange transaction gains of $0.5 million in 2004. These gains arose upon conversion of dollar-based receivables and payables into euros in the German operating segment.

Other expense, net, was $0.4 million in 2005 compared with $1.2 million in 2004. The reduction was primarily due to lower amortization of deferred financing costs.

Interest expense decreased to $1.4 million in 2005 from $10.2 million in 2004, primarily due to the cessation of interest expense accruals on the senior notes beginning on March 30, 2004, related to the bankruptcy proceedings, and to a lesser extent, lower outstanding net borrowings during 2005.
 
Reorganization expenses related to the chapter 11 proceedings were $12.7 million in 2005 for professional fees and accruals for key employee retention, retirement and severance payments. In 2004 the company recorded reorganization expenses of $20.4 million for professional fees and accruals for key employee retention, retirement and severance payments as well as the write-off of $1.2 million in unamortized bond discount and $8.8 million of deferred financing costs related to the senior notes.
 
Income taxes were $9.5 million in 2005 and $9.8 million in 2004. Tax expenses relate to income earned in Germany and the United Kingdom with nominal taxes due from U.S. operations.
 
The net loss in 2005 was $63.3 million, or $8.96 per share, compared with a net loss in 2004 of $20.9 million, or $2.96 per share, for reasons described previously.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On March 30, 2004, FiberMark, Inc. and its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. See Note 1, Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. The chapter 11 proceedings have had material effects on the company’s liquidity including $21.4 million of cash reorganization expenses to date since the filing, which were more than offset by avoided interest payments of approximately $51.2 million that would have been payable under the senior notes in 2004 and 2005.

As part of the restructuring process under chapter 11, the $85 million revolving credit facility that was put in place on November 12, 2003 (the “Pre-petition Facility”) and is described under “Long-term Debt” was amended and restated to effectively split the agreement into two parts. The North American portion was converted to a Debtor-in-Possession revolving credit facility (“DIP”) that was approved by the Bankruptcy Court. The DIP facility will continue to provide financing for the North American operations during the reorganization process.

GE Commercial Finance provided the $30 million DIP loan. Loan availability is based on North American assets, including receivables, inventory, and fixed assets, that are calculated on the same basis as the Pre-petition Facility. Since the bankruptcy filing, our German operations have been funded under an amended and restated revolving credit facility with availability based on historical cash flows in Germany. Under the two credit agreements, our borrowing base is substantially the same as the borrowing base under the Pre-petition Facility. Various covenants and restrictions on our operations under the prior revolving credit facility continue to apply under the DIP facility without material modification, together with an additional restriction on the amount of funds that can be transferred from Germany to support North American operations.

The company’s obligation to make interest payments of approximately $34.1 million per year to the holders of the company’s senior notes was suspended when the company filed a petition for chapter 11 protection. Pending the confirmation of a new plan of reorganization, no prediction can be made as to the subsequent treatment of these obligations.

Both the DIP and German credit facilities matured on June 30, 2005, but were extended through the end of 2005, with a subsequent extension to be obtained through January 31, 2006, to accommodate any potential delay in emergence from chapter 11. In the unlikely event of further delay, the company expects to be able to extend these facilities through the balance of the chapter 11 process.

Exit from chapter 11 will occur following confirmation of the company’s plan of reorganization by the Bankruptcy Court and the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to effectiveness contained in the plan. The company cannot guarantee that a plan of reorganization will be confirmed or become effective before the facilities expire on their extended terms. See Note 1, Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Despite the lack of final confirmation of a plan of reorganization by the Bankruptcy Court, which will follow the voting process now that the Disclosure Statement has received Court approval, the company believes that cash flow from operations, plus existing cash balances and amounts that will be available to us under the credit facilities, will be sufficient to fund our capital requirements, debt service and working capital needs during the remainder of the chapter 11 case. Upon the company’s emergence from chapter 11, we expect our liquidity position to be further strengthened. Under the post-emergence capital structure, interest payments will be substantially lower than pre-chapter 11 levels and lower than the restructuring expenses incurred throughout the chapter 11 process.

The filing of the chapter 11 petitions has relieved the company, for the time being, of the semi-annual interest payment obligation of approximately $17.1 million that would otherwise have been payable in April and October since the March 30, 2004, filing date. Pending the confirmation of a plan of reorganization, no prediction can be made as to the subsequent treatment of these obligations.

Comparison of Cash Flows

The following chart summarizes cash flows by major category in 2005 and 2004 (in thousands):

 
Net cash provided by (used in):
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2005
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004
 
Operating activities
 
$
20,389
 
$
537
 
Investing activities
   
(4,982
)
 
(8,176
)
Financing activities
   
(1,429
)
 
2,917
 
Effect of exchange rates on cash
   
(1,548
)
 
(457
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
 
$
12,430
 
$
(5,179
)

Cash provided by operating activities was $20.4 million in 2005 compared to $0.5 million in 2004. Major changes in cash flow included:
·  
Net losses in 2005 were $63.3 million compared to $20.9 million in 2004, increasing by $42.4 million. The increase was largely due to an asset impairment charges of $55.9 million offset by lower reorganization expense of $7.7 million and reduced interest expense of $8.8 million, both due to the chapter 11 process.
·  
Accounts receivable in the first nine months increased by $5.7 million in 2005 and $11.6 million in 2004 due to seasonally strong third quarter sales in Germany and North America compared with relatively weak fourth quarter sales. Overall accounts receivable quality remains high.
·  
Non-cash items also included depreciation and amortization of $15.0 million in 2005 and $13.2 million in 2004, the increase largely due to the accelerated depreciation of manufacturing software that will be removed from service in 2005.
·  
Accounts payable decreased by $2.2 million in 2005 mainly due to decreased German spending in December 2004. Accounts payable decreased by $3.9 million in 2004.

Cash used in investing activities was $5.0 million in 2005, $7.4 million for capital expenditures less proceeds of $2.7 million from the sale of assets and a minimal increase in other intangibles. Capital expenditures were $8.9 million less $0.7 million from the sale of assets in 2004.

Cash used in financing activities was $1.4 million in 2005 and cash provided by financing activities was $2.9 million in 2004.
 
During 2005:
·  
Net borrowings under the revolving credit facility were $3.0 million
·  
The company repaid $3.1 million of long-term debt 
·   Debt issuance costs for credit facilities were $1.3 million
 
During 2004:
·  
Net borrowings under the revolving credit facility were $6.8 million
·  
The company repaid $3.0 million of long-term debt
·   Debt issuance costs for credit facilities were $0.8 million

Foreign exchange rates effectively decreased cash in 2005 by $1.5 million and by $0.5 million in 2004.

Our capital expenditure budget for 2005 is approximately $23.3 million. For the first nine months of 2005, capital expenditures were $7.4 million. Based on these expenditure levels and the delayed implementation of an anticipated German capacity expansion, we do not expect spending to approach budgeted levels.


Contractual Obligations

The following table lists our contractual obligations due by period with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year at September 30, 2005 (in millions):

     
2005
(1)
 
 
2006-2008
   
2009-2011
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
Long-term debt (2)
 
$
0.8
 
$
104.9
 
$
230.0
 
$
-
 
$
335.7
 
Letters of credit
   
9.8
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
9.8
 
Operating leases
   
0.6
   
2.7
   
0.1
   
0.1
   
3.5
 
Sale-leaseback (2)
   
1.2
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1.2
 
Forward purchase contracts
   
0.5
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
0.5
 
Benefit plan obligations (3)
   
0.6
   
9.0
   
11.0
   
11.6
   
32.2
 
   
$
13.5
 
$
116.6
 
$
241.1
 
$
11.7
 
$
382.9
 

(1) October 1 through December 31, 2005
(2) Obligations exclude interest costs.
(3) Related benefit plan obligations at September 30, 2005, were $46.9 million.

All of the obligations referred to above may be modified, as to their amount, payment date and/or other terms, by the chapter 11 process. Pending the filing of a plan of reorganization, no prediction can be made as to their treatment in such plan.

The majority of our forward purchase contracts relate to our natural gas purchases in the United States, obligating us to purchase a minimum quantity each month during the contract period.


Long-term Debt

As of September 30, 2005, we had outstanding $100.0 million of senior non-amortizing notes, which mature on October 15, 2006, and carry a fixed interest rate of 9.375%. Also outstanding at September 30, 2005, were $230.0 million of non-amortizing senior notes, which mature on April 15, 2011, and were issued at a discounted price of $228.3 million and carry a fixed interest rate of 10.75%. In connection with the chapter 11 filing, the company wrote-off the remaining $1.2 million unamortized portion of the discount.

On December 31, 2003, the company had a 30-month, $85.0 million credit facility, entered into on November 12, 2003, which provided a significant increase in cash availability for capital expenditures, working capital and general corporate purposes. On April 1, 2004, this facility was replaced by the DIP Facility and the amended and restated facility for our German operations as described previously. Both of the new credit facilities were led by GE Commercial Finance. The DIP Facility was secured by substantially all of FiberMark’s U.S. assets, excluding various equipment at our Quakertown, Pennsylvania and Warren Glen, New Jersey, facilities that secure two previously existing term loans, and is also secured by specified foreign assets. The amended and restated credit facility also provides borrowing capacity based on the level of profitability as measured by the earnings before income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) of FiberMark’s German businesses up to a maximum of $40 million. To secure these foreign borrowings, the company has pledged various percentages of the ownership shares of the German operations that effectively prevent FiberMark from disposing of or materially changing the assets of those businesses without consent from the Lender.




The following chart identifies our unused borrowing capacity under our new revolving credit facilities as of September 30, 2005 (in millions):

 
   
North America*
   
Germany
   
Combined
 
Borrowing base
 
$
23.7
 
$
40.0
 
$
63.7
 
Less:  reserves against availability
   
(4.6
)
 
-
   
(4.6
)
Net availability
   
19.1
   
40.0
   
59.1
 
Less:  outstanding borrowings
   
(5.6
)
 
-
   
(5.6
)
letters of credit
   
(9.8
)
 
-
   
(9.8
)
Unused borrowing capacity
 
$
3.7
 
$
40.0
 
$
43.7
 

* The maximum North America borrowing base is $30.0 million; however, as of September 30, 2005, the borrowing base was $23.7 million due to working capital and plant, property and equipment balances that comprise the borrowing base.

Advances under the credit facilities are repayable daily. The borrowing rates are determined at the company’s discretion based on the terms of the amended and restated credit facility and the DIP Facility are as follows:

DIP Facility
Borrowing Source
Base Rate Index
Margin Over Index
U.S.
LIBOR
3.25%
U.S.
Prime Rate
1.75%
U.S.
Unused Line Fee
0.50%

German Facility
Borrowing Source
Base Rate Index
Margin Over Index
Germany
Euribor
2.50%
Germany
Euro Index
4.00%
Germany
Unused Line Fee
0.50%

On September 30, 2005, $1.0 million is outstanding under a term loan secured by machinery at our Quakertown, Pennsylvania, facility. This loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.0% and is repayable in monthly installments through 2007. The Debtors have made post-filing adequate protection payments on this loan under an order entered by the Bankruptcy Court on May 28, 2004.

On September 30, 2005, $4.7 million is outstanding on a term loan secured by papermaking machinery at our Warren Glen, New Jersey, facility. The interest rate on this loan ranges from 8.94% to 8.95% with the balance amortizing through 2007. The Debtors have made post-filing adequate protection payments on this loan under an order entered by the Bankruptcy Court on July 1, 2004.

In the fourth quarter of 2002, we entered into a sale-leaseback agreement involving our Lowville, New York, facility. Under the sale-leaseback agreement, FiberMark paid $1.1 million, representing 20% of the project cost in January 2003, and is obligated to make 24 monthly payments of $100,000 plus interest at 4.6% on the outstanding principal, followed by a balloon payment of approximately $2.0 million due on January 31, 2005. FiberMark has continued to make monthly payments while in chapter 11 and has proposed in its Amended Plan of Reorganization that monthly payments replace the balloon payment that would otherwise be due upon emergence. At September 30, 2005, the balance outstanding on the capital lease was $1.2 million. The Debtors have made post-filing adequate protection payments on this sale-leaseback obligation under an order entered by the Bankruptcy Court on July 1, 2004.

The amended and restated German facility requires that the company maintain a specified EBITDA level. The company was in violation of this covenant at September 30, 2005, but has obtained a waiver of default from the lender. All covenants associated with the DIP facility were in compliance as of September 30, 2005.

The term loan agreement secured by machinery at the Warren Glen, New Jersey, facility requires the company to maintain a specified level of tangible net worth. Since December 31, 2002, the company has been in violation of this covenant but has obtained a permanent waiver of default from the lender.

In accordance with SOP 90-7, the company has reclassified its long-term debt and sale-leaseback liabilities of $336.9 million to liabilities subject to compromise at September 30, 2005.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Differences from those estimates are recorded in the reporting period during which the difference becomes known. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other items, impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets, restructuring and facility closures, acquisitions, deferred tax assets, pensions, accounting matters related to reorganization and bankruptcy, excess and obsolete inventory and allowances for doubtful accounts receivable. Those estimates which require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments are defined as critical and their accounting policies are described in further detail as follows:

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets are assessed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with SFAS 144. Facility closures and the sale of technology and our operating results are events that have triggered such impairment reviews in the past. Property, plant and equipment to be disposed of as a result of facility closures are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Generally, the company bases its estimates on historical patterns, influenced by judgments about current market conditions. Goodwill and other intangibles are assessed for impairment at least annually in accordance with SFAS 142. During the third quarter of 2005, the company began implementing a strategic cost reduction initiative involving facility closures as well as operational cost reductions. This event triggered an impairment review of all long-lived assets in the company’s U.S. operations. In accordance with SFAS 144, we determined that the lowest level asset group for which identifiable cash flows were available consisted of the long-lived assets of the combined U.S. operations. Our analysis indicated that the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows over the estimated life of the primary assets were less than the carrying value, which resulted in the need to perform a fair market valuation. As a result, we engaged an independent valuation firm to perform a fair market valuation of all tangible fixed assets in the U.S. The valuation firm, using a market value approach, considered factors such as physical and functional obsolescence in determining fair market values.
 
Restructuring and Facility Closures

Among those factors affecting the accruals for restructuring and facility closures are estimates of the number and types of employees that will be affected, the benefit costs related to those employees and the length of time until the operations can be consolidated within other facilities. Generally, we base our estimates on historical patterns of past facility closures, influenced by judgments about current market conditions.

The company accounts for restructuring and facility closure costs in accordance with SFAS 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. The pronouncement requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit (including restructuring) or disposal activities at fair value when the related liability is incurred. Costs covered by the standard include certain contract termination costs, certain employee termination benefits and other costs to consolidate or close facilities and relocate employees that are associated with an exit activity or disposal of long-lived assets. On July 20, 2005, the Bankruptcy Court approved the company’s plan to consolidate its New Jersey operations. The company has recorded restructuring and facility closure expenses associated with this plan in accordance with SFAS 146 and SFAS 144 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005. See note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. No exit or disposal activities occurred during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2004.



Income Taxes

We estimate income taxes in each of our operational jurisdictions in accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This process involves estimating the actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as property, plant and equipment, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, for which we must then assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be established. Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision (benefit) for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against net deferred tax assets. The company provides a full valuation allowance against any tax benefits that were created by operating losses in our North American operations because management determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets arising from the pre-tax losses incurred would not be realized. Furthermore, the company filed for chapter 11 on March 30, 2004, decreasing even further any likelihood that any of its U.S. operations deferred tax assets will be realized. Upon consummation of the plan of reorganization, the company may recognize a substantial amount of cancellation of indebtedness income. Accordingly, a substantial portion of the company’s net operating loss carry-forwards potentially could be eliminated. Other tax attributes, including property bases, could also be reduced. Any surviving capital loss or net operating loss carry-forward may be subject to limitations imposed under the ownership change rules in the Internal Revenue Code.
 
Pension Assumptions

We have several defined benefit retirement plans and post-retirement plans covering certain employees. The defined benefit plan covering certain U.S. employees is an ERISA and IRS-qualified plan and we make annual contributions in amounts at least equal to the minimum amounts required by ERISA. The defined benefit plans covering all hourly employees in Germany were established by the company to provide a monthly pension benefit upon retirement. We have no legal obligation to fund the German plans. The post-retirement plans covering a specific group of employees provide a medical benefit upon retirement based on length of service.

Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations and the related effects on operations are calculated by our external actuaries using actuarial models. Two critical assumptions, discount rate and expected return on assets, are important elements of plan expense and/or liability measurement. We evaluate these critical assumptions annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as retirement, mortality and turnover. These assumptions are evaluated periodically and are updated to reflect our experience. Actual results that differ from the estimates may result in more or less future company funding into pension plans and more or less pension expense than is planned by management.

Accounting in Reorganization under Bankruptcy

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with SOP 90-7 which requires pre-petition liabilities that are subject to compromise to be separately reported on the balance sheet. Liabilities that may be affected by a plan of reorganization are recorded at the expected amount of the allowed claim, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts. Additional pre-petition claims (liabilities subject to compromise) may arise due to the allowance of contingent or disputed claims.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2004 the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. This Statement amends the guidance in ARB No. 43 to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage) and requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges. Furthermore, the Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. This Statement is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The company has completed its evaluation of SFAS No. 151 and determined that there will be no material impact on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows upon adoption.

In December 2004 the FASB issued a revision to FASB Statement No. 123, SFAS No. 123R, Stock-Based Payment, focusing primarily on accounting for transactions in which an organization issues stock options or share-based payments for employee services. SFAS 123R will become effective for the company on January 1, 2006. The company is evaluating the impact this Statement will have on the company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In December 2004 the FASB issued FSP FAS 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. The American Jobs Creation Act allows a special one-time dividends received deduction on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings to a U.S. taxpayer (repatriation provision), provided certain criteria are met. The company has repatriated some of its foreign earnings so far in 2005 and may elect to repatriate additional amounts of such earnings in 2005. FSP 109-2 provides accounting and disclosure guidance for the repatriation provision. Although FSP 109-2 is effective immediately, it allows companies additional time beyond the enactment date to evaluate the effects of the provision on its plan for investment or repatriation of unremitted foreign earnings. This FSP will not have a material effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows in 2005 due to net operating loss carryforwards.

In March 2005 the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations. This Interpretation clarifies that the term conditional asset retirement obligation as used in SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and / or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. This Interpretation also clarifies the timing and estimation of fair value as it relates to an asset retirement obligation. This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. The company is evaluating the impact, if any, this Interpretation will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In May 2005 the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3. This Statement changes the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle by requiring retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle unless impracticable. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005.

Forward-looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Any statements that are not historical, which may include forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will" and "would" or similar words, fall within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, based on assumptions believed to be valid at the time, discuss our future expectations, contain projections of our future results of operations or of our financial position or state other "forward-looking" information. The following items, “Factors Affecting Future Results”, as well as any cautionary language in this report, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations we describe in our forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement made in this report or that may, from time to time, be made by us, or on our behalf.




Factors Affecting Future Results

Our future results of operations and our financial position may be affected by a number of factors and risks, including, but not limited to, the following:

Bankruptcy Proceedings

FiberMark’s chapter 11 filing could harm our financial condition and results of operations.

On March 30, 2004, FiberMark, Inc. and its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

FiberMark’s bankruptcy filing could present additional challenges, including, without limitation: possible problems with our relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and creditors; our ability to attract and retain key employees; and uncertainty as to the confirmation and implementation of a new plan of reorganization. The company's future results depend on the timely and successful confirmation and implementation of a plan of reorganization. Numerous factors, including the possibility of rejection of such a plan by one or more of the various classes of claims and interest holders, may prevent confirmation of such a plan.

To date, the chapter 11 process has faced a number of challenges and delays. A summary of the proceedings to date is found in Footnote 1. Such challenges could continue or new challenges could arise that could affect the company’s emergence timing and plans.

Financial Position 

Our substantial level of indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition.
 
As of September 30, 2005, we had approximately $342.5 million of indebtedness, including our outstanding 10.75% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2011 “2001 notes”, our revolving credit facilities and the indenture for our outstanding 9.375% Series B Senior Notes due 2006 “1996 notes”.

Until confirmed and implemented, we cannot be sure to what extent a new plan of reorganization in our bankruptcy proceedings will succeed in reducing our indebtedness and improving our debt-to-equity and EBITDA-to-debt service ratios. While the Plan filed and expected to be confirmed calls for indebtedness of approximately $108.0 million, including accrued reorganization expense, a continuing high level of indebtedness could have important consequences, which might include the following: impair our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate purposes; reduce the funds available to us for other purposes such as capital expenditures; create a competitive disadvantage, to the extent that our indebtedness exceeds the level of some competitors, and reduce our flexibility in planning for, or responding to, changing conditions in our industry, including increased competition; increase our vulnerability to economic downturns and adverse developments in our business; incur restrictions that limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries, among other things, to incur additional indebtedness or liens; pay dividends or make other distributions; repurchase our common stock; make investments; sell assets; enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends; enter into transactions with affiliates; and consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets.

Assuming that a new plan of reorganization is confirmed and implemented, we expect to obtain funds to service our remaining debt over time primarily from our operations and from borrowings under an exit facility that will replace the DIP Facility. We cannot be certain that our cash flow will be sufficient to allow us to pay such debt service. If we do not have sufficient cash flow, we may be required to refinance all or part of our existing debt, sell assets, borrow more money, or restructure our debts with our creditors. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so on terms acceptable to us. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements may restrict us from adopting any of these alternatives. The failure to generate sufficient cash flow or to achieve such alternatives could have a significant adverse affect on our ability to make required payments.

In addition, a breach of any of the financial covenants could result in a default in respect of the related indebtedness. If a default occurs, the relevant lenders and holders could elect to declare the indebtedness, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable and proceed against any collateral securing that indebtedness.

Results of Operations

Fluctuations in the costs and availability of raw materials could harm our business.

Our principal raw materials, hardwood and softwood pulp and secondary fiber and latex, are cyclical in both price and supply. The cyclical nature of pulp pricing presents a potential risk to our gross profit margins because we may not be able to pass along price increases to our customers. We may also be unable to purchase pulp in sufficient quantities, or at acceptable prices, to meet our production requirements during times of tight supply.
 
A significant price increase or any material limitation or interruption in our supply of key raw materials, including pulp, Tyvek®, or latex, particularly if we are unable to pass those increases through to our customers, could harm our financial condition, results of operations and competitive position. DuPont is the sole source of Tyvek®, a critical component in our binding tapes.

Fluctuations in the costs and availability of energy could harm our business.

Our energy sources are all subject to pricing variability and potentially, supply disruptions, including our primary energy source, natural gas, and to a lesser degree, fuel oil, a key secondary energy source and electricity. Pricing variability presents risks to our gross profit margin because we may not be able to pass along price increases to our customers. Supply disruptions, although unlikely, could have a material short-term impact on our ability to produce, ship and generate revenues. To the extent that we employ third party contracts to manage our natural gas and electric power needs, or use financial swaps for natural gas (albeit on a limited basis), we could risk making purchases at above market prices.

Fluctuations in economic activity and demand for our products could harm our business.
 
The markets for our products are variable and are influenced to a significant degree by the global economic activity and fluctuations in our customers' demand and inventory levels. Downturns in global economic conditions and decreased demand for specialty fiber-based materials could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Our efforts to find new high growth, high margin product lines to offset the effects of market shrinkage or slow growth in mature markets may not succeed. Achieving further market share gains in markets where we already have strong market positions may be difficult.

Competition in specialty paper and materials markets could harm our financial condition and results of operations.
 
We face intense competition, which could harm our financial condition and results of operations. Our principal competitors include a small number of paper and specialty paper manufacturers. Additionally, we compete with producers of nonwoven materials, vinyl, plastic and other substitute materials and technologies. Some of these competitive options may be lower priced, lower quality or offer other advantages. Consequently, short-term or structural declines in sales may result. Some of these producers have substantially greater resources than we do. Further concentration of our competitors through mergers and acquisitions may increase their competitive advantage. In addition, some of our customers have the internal ability to process some or all of the materials they buy from us, and have in the past elected to do so. To the extent our customers elect to do so in the future, our business could suffer. Industry and market-specific capacity levels can also affect competitive behavior and adversely impact pricing levels. Increased concentration of buying power in certain large direct or indirect customers can have similar effects.

Our industry is subject to many environmental and other governmental regulations. These regulations could give rise to significant additional liabilities or expenditures or restrictions on our business, any of which could cause our financial condition and results of operations to suffer.
 
Our operations and properties are subject to a wide variety of foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations, including those governing the use, storage, handling, generation, treatment, emission, release, discharge and disposal of various materials, substances and wastes, the remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, and the health and safety of employees. Such regulations can restrict our operations, and expose us to claims and other liabilities with respect to environmental protection, remediation and health and safety matters. We could incur material costs or other liabilities in connection with such regulations or claims. In addition, future events, such as new information, changes in environmental or health and safety laws or regulations or their interpretation, and more vigorous enforcement policies of regulatory agencies, may result in significant additional expenditures, liabilities or restrictions that could harm our financial condition, results of operations and competitive position.

Disruptions caused by labor disputes or organized labor activities may harm our business.
 
A large proportion of our workforce is represented by labor unions. In addition, we may from time to time experience union organizing activities in currently non-union facilities. Disputes with the current labor organizations with which we work or new union organizing activities may result in work slowdowns or stoppages or higher labor costs. A work slowdown or stoppage in any one of our facilities could slow or halt production from that facility and from any other facility which depends on that facility for its material. As a result, meeting scheduled delivery times for our customers could be difficult or impossible, which could result in loss of business.

Expected cost savings related to site closures and facility consolidations may be further delayed.

We continue to experience delays in realizing the expected cost savings related to our site closures and facility consolidations. While some of these savings have been realized, they have been achieved more slowly than expected due to offsetting inefficiencies that we believe are short term in nature. Some consolidation activity was delayed due to the time necessary to effectively implement the transfers, while other activity was delayed in order to postpone associated capital spending given uncertain economic conditions and the delay in emerging from chapter 11. In addition, the cost reduction program approved by the Court in July, is expected to provide further cost savings. Failing to achieve these expected cost savings would adversely affect our results of operations.

Inflation

We attempt to minimize the effect of inflation on earnings by controlling operating expenses. During the past several years, the rate of general inflation has been relatively low and has not had a significant impact on our results of operations. We purchase raw materials that are subject to cyclical changes in costs that may not reflect the rate of general inflation.




Seasonality

Our business is mildly seasonal, with the second half of each year typically having a lower level of net sales and operating income. This seasonality is the result of summer manufacturing shutdowns and the impact of year-end holidays.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are likely to have, a current future material effect on our financial condition, changes in revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.



ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a result of our global operating and financing activities, we are exposed to market risks including changes in commodity pricing, fluctuations in interest rates, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Our principal commodities that can fluctuate in price are natural gas and wood pulp. We manage our exposure to price fluctuations in natural gas by purchasing forward contracts for a substantial portion of our winter requirements. These contracts are evaluated annually. To a certain extent, pulp costs are managed through purchasing practices that attempt to minimize the impact of market price changes. We have not historically hedged our pulp purchases.

Interest Rate Risk

While the majority of our debt is fixed-rate, we are exposed to interest rate fluctuations due to balances outstanding on our credit facilities, which have variable interest rates based on various domestic and European interest rate benchmarks such as LIBOR, the Prime Rate, and Euribor. Based on the September 30, 2005, outstanding borrowing under the credit facility of $5.6 million, the impact of a 1% increase in the interest rates would be less than $0.1 million and immaterial to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Foreign Currency Risk

FiberMark manufactures products in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom, and sells products worldwide with transactions being denominated in foreign currencies other than the local currency of the subsidiary. As a result, financial results could be affected by changes in the foreign currency exchange rates or economic conditions in countries where our products are sold.

Our operations are able to limit foreign currency exchange transaction risks by completing transactions in local currencies. Global currency transaction exposures are offset wherever possible before exchanging foreign currencies. In addition, our German operations borrow in local currency, which partially hedges the foreign currency exposure of those operations. We do not hedge our exposure to our net investments denominated in foreign currencies.



ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

FiberMark has established and maintains disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that material information relating to FiberMark and its subsidiaries required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (commonly referred to as the Exchange Act). These officers recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and such officers necessarily apply their judgment in evaluating the company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation as of September 30, 2005, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our internal controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level, except as described below.

Changes in Internal Controls

In connection with their audit of our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, reported to the company that material weaknesses continued to be identified in the company’s internal controls relating to: insufficient review and analysis of certain account balances, reconciliations and trends; insufficient technical accounting resources and inadequate controls to ensure the appropriate accounting of foreign currency transactions, including transactions denominated in a foreign currency and investments and intercompany transactions with foreign subsidiaries as stipulated by FASB Statement No. 52, Accounting for Foreign Currency.

The evaluation of internal controls is subjective and involves judgment. We believe the areas in our internal control cited by KPMG LLP with respect to the review and analysis process and accounting for foreign currency transactions that required improvements as of that time have since been substantially corrected. Significant improvements were made during 2004 and are continuing in 2005 in internal controls over financial reporting, including processes related to account reconciliations, account analysis, supporting documentation and technical accounting issues. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the company took measures to correct these material weaknesses including enhancement of financial systems and resources to provide more timely financial information and analysis. Additionally, the company has implemented monthly analysis and accounting for foreign currency transactions.
 
There were no significant changes in the company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) or in other factors that could materially affect, or reasonably likely to materially affect, such control during the third quarter of 2005, other than those measures outlined above. The company believes that these measures, which were instituted during 2004 and 2005, along with additional controls it continues to implement, are reasonably likely to have a positive impact on its internal control over financial statement preparation and foreign currency transactions in future periods.



PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

On March 30, 2004, FiberMark, Inc. and its U.S. operations filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Please see note 1 to the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
 
We are also involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which are expected to have a material adverse affect on our operations or financial condition.

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

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

On March 30, 2004, FiberMark, Inc., and its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The filing resulted in an immediate acceleration of the company's 9.375% senior non-amortizing notes and 10.75% senior non-amortizing notes, subject to the automatic stay. At this time, it is not possible to predict accurately the outcome of the chapter 11 reorganization process or its effects on the Debtors’ business, creditors or stockholders or whether or when we may subsequently emerge from chapter 11. The company’s future results depend on the timely and successful confirmation and implementation of a reorganization plan.
 

The ultimate treatment of and recovery, if any, by creditors and equity holders will not be determined until confirmation and implementation of a plan of reorganization. FiberMark, Inc., and the other Debtors are unable to predict at this time what the treatment of creditors and equity holders of the respective Debtors will ultimately be under any plan of reorganization finally confirmed. Although until a plan is approved there is substantial uncertainty as to the treatment of creditors and equity holders, based upon information available to it, the company currently believes that any proposed reorganization plan will provide for the cancellation of existing equity interests and for reduced recoveries by holders of debt securities.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None




ITEM 6. EXHIBITS:

31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 dated November 14, 2005
32.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 12a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 12a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.




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.

 
 
 
 
FiberMark, Inc.
 
 
 
Date: November 14, 2005
By:  
/s/  John E. Hanley
 
 
 
John E. Hanley
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

 


EXHIBIT INDEX


Number
 
Description
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer dated November 14, 2005 pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 12a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 12a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 


Exhibit 31.1


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


In connection with the Quarterly Report of FiberMark, Inc. (the “company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Alex Kwader, chairman and chief executive officer of the company, and I, John E. Hanley, vice president and chief financial officer of the company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. (Section Mark) 1350, as adopted pursuant to (Section Mark) 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the company.


Date: November 14, 2005
/s/ Alex Kwader
 
 
 
Alex Kwader
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 14, 2005
/s/ John E. Hanley
 
 
 
John E. Hanley
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to FiberMark, Inc. and will be retained by FiberMark, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.



Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Alex Kwader, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of FiberMark, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
[Not applicable]
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
Date: November 14, 2005
/s/ Alex Kwader
 
 
 
Alex Kwader
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer





Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION

I, John E. Hanley, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of FiberMark, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
[Not applicable]
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 

Date: November 14, 2005
/s/ John E. Hanley
 
 
 
John E. Hanley
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)