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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K/A

Amendment No. 1

     
þ   Annual report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

or

     
o   Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from            to

Commission file number 1-3560

P. H. Glatfelter Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Pennsylvania
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  23-0628360
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
     
96 South George Street, Suite 500
York, Pennsylvania 17401

(Address of principal executive offices)
  (717) 225-4711
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

     
Title of Class   Name of Exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share   New York Stock Exchange

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 at least the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

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

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

Based on the closing price as of June 30, 2004, the aggregate market value of Common Stock of the Registrant held by non-affiliates was $538.1 million.

Common Stock outstanding on March 2, 2005 totaled 43,965,207 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the following documents are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A: Proxy Statement to be dated on or about March 30, 2005 (Part III).

 
 

 


P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K/A
Amendment No. 1
for the Year Ended

DECEMBER 31, 2004

Table of Contents

         
        Page
PART I
 
       
Item 1     1
Item 2     6
Item 3     7
Item 4     7
      7
 
       
PART II
 
       
Item 5     8
Item 6     9
Item 7     10
Item 7A     20
Item 8     22
Item 9     50
Item 9A     50
Item 9B     50
 
       
PART III
 
       
Item 10     50
Item 11     50
Item 12     50
Item 13     50
Item 14     50
 
       
PART IV
 
       
Item 15     51
 
       
SIGNATURES  
 
  54
 
       
CERTIFICATIONS  
 
  55
 
       
SCHEDULE II  
 
  59
 BY-LAWS AS AMENDED THROUGH MARCH 9, 2005
 SCHEDULE OF CHANGE IN CONTROL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS WITH CERTAIN EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 MANAGER SERVICE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE REGISTRANT & WERNER RUCKENBROD
 RETIREMENT PENSION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REGISTRANT AND WERNER RUCKENBROD
 ARBITRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REGISTANT AND WERNER RUCKENBROD
 SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 CERTIFICATION OF GEORGE H. GLATFELTER, II
 CERTIFICATION OF JOHN C. VAN RODEN, JR.
 CERTIFICATION OF GEORGE H. GLATFELTER, II, PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
 CERTIFICATION OF JOHN C. VAN RODEN, JR. PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

 


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Explanatory Note

This Amendment No. 1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 is being filed for the purposes of including as exhibits to the Annual Report an employment agreement and related ancillary agreements which were not available at the time of filing, correcting a typographical error in “Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity” on the consolidated balance sheet, and changing the presentation of amounts set forth in Note 21 – “Quarterly Results (Unaudited)” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements to eliminate certain unnecessary information that included a typographical error.

PART I

This Amendment No. 1 to our 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A and documents incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking statements based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this filing. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. See Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Forward-Looking Statements”.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Overview

     Glatfelter began operations in 1864 and today we believe we are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty papers and engineered products. Headquartered in York, Pennsylvania, we own and operate paper mills located in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, Neenah, Wisconsin, Gernsbach, Germany and Scaër, France, as well as an abaca pulp mill in the Philippines. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GLT”. As used herein, “Glatfelter,” “we,” “our” and similar terms include P. H. Glatfelter Company and its subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise.

     We serve customers in numerous markets, including book publishing, envelope & converting, food and beverage, pressure-sensitive, digital imaging, composite laminates, and other highly technical niche markets. Many of the markets in which we operate are characterized by higher-value-added products and, in some cases, by higher growth prospects and lower cyclicality than commodity paper markets. Examples of some of our key product offerings include papers for:

•   Tea bags and coffee filters;
 
•   Trade book publishing;
 
•   Specialized envelopes;
 
•   Playing cards;
 
•   Pressure-sensitive postage stamps;
 
•   Metallized labels for beer bottles; and
 
•   Digital imaging applications.

     We market our products worldwide both through wholesale paper merchants, brokers and agents, and directly to our customers.

Our Business Units

     During the year we changed the way we manage our business and transitioned from three distinct business units to two: the Europe-based Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business unit and the North America-based Specialty Papers business unit. While the Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business unit remains unchanged, the formation of the Specialty Papers business unit, which consists of the former Engineered Products and the Printing &

Converting Papers business units, allows us to more effectively manage the demand planning process, optimize product mix, minimize process variability and meet the demands of our customers. As a result of this transition, all segment data has been restated to give effect to our new management structure. The following table summarizes consolidated net sales and the relative net sales contribution of each of our business units for the past three fiscal years:

                           
Dollars in thousands   2004       2003     2002  
       
Net sales
  $ 543,524       $ 533,193     $ 540,347  
 
                         
Business unit composition
                         
Specialty Papers
    62.1 %       67.2 %     71.2 %
Long Fiber & Overlay Papers
    37.8         31.0       25.1  
Tobacco (1)
    0.1         1.8       3.7  
           
Total
    100.0 %       100.0 %     100.0 %
       


(1)   – As of July 2004, we no longer produce products for the Tobacco industry.

Net tons sold by each business unit for the past three years were as follows:

                           
    2004       2003     2002  
           
Specialty Papers
    421,504         446,110       474,343  
Long Fiber & Overlay Papers
    48,528         42,993       40,751  
Tobacco
    390         6,463       13,109  
           
Total
    470,422         495,566       528,203  
       

     Specialty Papers

Our North America-based Specialty Papers business unit focuses on papers for the production of high-quality hardbound books and other book publishing needs, envelope & converting industries and highly technical customized products for the digital imaging, casting and release, pressure sensitive, and several niche technical specialty markets.

     Total book publishing papers represented 41.8%, 47.4% and 53.6% of this business unit’s revenue in the years ended 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. We believe we are the leading supplier of book publishing papers in the United States. Specialty Papers also produces paper that is converted into specialized envelopes in a wide array of colors, finishes and capabilities. Net sales of envelope & converting papers represented 24.2%, 20.6% and 19.1% of this business unit’s net sales in the years ended 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The book publishing and envelope & converting papers markets are generally more mature and, therefore, have modest growth characteristics.

     Specialty Papers’ highly technical engineered paper products include those designed for multiple end uses, such as papers for pressure-sensitive postage stamps, disposable medical garments, playing cards and digital imaging applications. Revenue from of technical engineered products represented 32.5%, 30.1% and 26.7% of this business unit’s net sales in the years ended 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Such products comprise an



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array of distinct business niches that are in a continuous state of evolution. These include digital imaging, casting and specialty release, pressure-sensitive, and industrial specialty. Many of these products are utilized in demanding, specialized customer and end-user applications and, therefore, command higher per ton values and generally exhibit greater pricing stability relative to commodity grade paper products. Some of our products are new and high growth while others are more mature and further along on the development curve. Because many of these products are technically complex and involve substantial customer-supplier development collaboration, product pricing has remained relatively stable.

     Long Fiber & Overlay Papers

     Long Fiber & Overlay Papers, based in Gernsbach, Germany, focuses on higher-value-added products, such as paper for tea bags and coffee pods/pads and filters, decorative laminates used for furniture and flooring, and metallized products used in the labeling of beer bottles. Long fiber papers, which is the generic term we use to describe products made from abaca pulp (primarily tea bag and coffee filter papers), accounted for approximately 52.3%, 58.5% and 56.3% of this business unit’s net sales in the years ended 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. This focus on long fiber papers has made us one of the world’s largest producers of tea bag papers. The balance of this unit’s sales are comprised of overlay and technical specialty products, which include flooring and furniture overlay papers, metallized products, and papers for adhesive tapes, vacuum bags, holographic labels and gift wrap. Many long fiber and overlay papers are technically sophisticated. We believe we are well positioned to produce these extremely lightweight papers because we understand their complexities, which require the use of highly specialized fiber and specifically designed papermaking equipment.

     Other

     In August 2001, we completed the divestiture of our Ecusta Division, a supplier of paper primarily to the tobacco and financial printing industries. Until July 2004, we supplied tobacco papers to fulfill our obligations under a supply agreement entered into in connection with the divestiture. We no longer manufacture or sell tobacco paper products.

     Additional financial information for each of our business units during the past three years is included in Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Our Competitive Strengths

     Since commencing operations over 140 years ago, we believe that Glatfelter has developed into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty papers and engineered products. We believe that the following competitive strengths have contributed to our success:

     • Leading market positions in higher-value, niche segments. We have focused our resources to achieve market-leading positions in certain higher-value, niche segments. Our products include various highly specialized paper products designed for technically demanding end uses. Consequently, many of our products achieve premium pricing relative to that of commodity paper grades. In 2004, approximately 73% of our sales were derived from these higher-value, niche products. The specialized nature of these products generally provides greater pricing stability relative to commodity paper products.

     • Customer-centric business focus. We offer a unique and diverse product line that can be customized to serve the individual needs of our customers. Our size allows us to develop close relationships with our key customers and to be adaptable in our product development, manufacturing, sales and marketing practices. We believe that this approach has led to the development of excellent customer relationships, defensible market positions, and increased pricing stability relative to commodity paper producers. Additionally, our customer-centric focus has been a key driver to our success in new product development.

     • Significant investment in product development. In order to keep up with our customers’ ever-changing needs, we continually enhance our product offerings through significant investment in product development. In each of the past three years, we invested approximately $5 million in product development activities. We derive a significant portion of our revenue from products developed, enhanced or improved as a result of these activities. Revenue generated from products developed, enhanced or improved within the five previous years as a result of these activities represented approximately 60%, 47% and 37% of net sales in the years ended 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

     • Integrated production. As a partially integrated producer, we are able to mitigate changes in the costs of certain raw materials and energy. Our Spring Grove mill is a vertically integrated operation producing in excess of 85% of the annual pulp required for its paper production. The principal raw material used to produce this pulp is pulpwood, consisting of both hardwoods and softwoods. We own approximately 84,000 acres of timberlands and obtain approximately 25% of our pulpwood requirements for our Spring Grove facility from Company-owned timberlands, which helps stabilize our fiber costs in a



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highly fragmented market. Our Spring Grove facility also generates 100% of the steam and electricity required for its operations. In addition, our Philippine mill processes abaca fiber to produce abaca pulp, which is a key raw material used by our Long Fiber & Overlay business unit in Gernsbach and Scaër.

Our Business Strategy

     Our vision is to become the global supplier of choice in specialty papers and engineered products. We are continuously developing and refining strategies to strengthen our business and position it for the future. Execution of these strategies is intended to capitalize on our strengths in customer relationships, technology, and people, as well as our leadership positions in certain markets. In recent years, our industry has been challenged by a supply and demand imbalance, particularly for commodity-like products. To be successful in the current market environment, our strategy is focused on aggressively reducing costs and continually repositioning our product portfolio to increase our focus on higher-value, niche products and to better align our product offerings with our customers’ ever-changing needs. Certain key elements of our business strategy are outlined below:

     • Reposition our product portfolio. By leveraging our leadership positions in several specialty niche markets, we plan to accelerate growth, improve margins and generate better financial returns through the optimization of our product portfolio. In 2004, approximately 73% of our total sales were derived from what we consider to be higher-value, niche products. Over time, we plan to increase our concentration on such products by driving growth in our sales of trade book papers, uncoated specialty products, long fiber and overlay products, and other specialty products. We believe that this strategy will realign our business more closely with our customers’ needs and further reduce our exposure to the higher level of cyclicality experienced in commodity paper grades.

     • Execute Long Fiber & Overlay Papers growth plan. A core component of our long-term strategy is to drive growth in our Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business unit. Currently, we are one of the leading producers of tea bag and coffee pod/pad papers in the world, and we believe that this segment has promising growth characteristics as certain markets move toward tea bags versus loose tea leaves. We believe that we are well positioned to capitalize on this growth by leveraging our strong customer relationships and market-leading position in this segment. In addition, our rebuilt paper machine in Gernsbach will allow us to penetrate certain technical specialty markets, including the wall coverings, textile/apparel and industrial markets.

     • Employ low cost approach to specialty product manufacturing. While we are focused on higher-value, niche products, we seek to employ a commodity-like, low-cost approach to our manufacturing activities. In 2004, we initiated the North American Restructuring Program that is designed to improve operating results by, among other factors, improving workforce efficiencies and implementing improved supply chain management processes. A major component of the workforce efficiencies resulted from an approximately 20% workforce reduction agreed to by our union members at our Spring Grove facility. The financial benefits from these efforts began to phase-in during the third quarter of 2004, and are expected to approximate $15 million to $20 million annually, beginning in 2006. During 2005, the financial benefits are expected to increase throughout much of the year aggregating an amount under the low end of the range of ultimate benefits.

     • Maintain a strong balance sheet and preserve financial flexibility. We are focused on prudent financial management and the maintenance of a conservative capital structure. Concurrent with the announcement of certain restructuring initiatives in 2003, we reduced our dividend in order to conserve approximately $15 million in annual cash flow to retain financial flexibility and strengthen our balance sheet. Furthermore, we are committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and our flexibility to pursue strategic opportunities that will benefit our shareholders. We demonstrated this commitment in 2004, during which we reduced net debt by approximately $67 million.



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Raw Material and Energy

     The following table provides an overview of the estimated amount of principal raw materials (“PRM”) to be used by each of our manufacturing facilities on an annual basis:

                 
    Estimated Annual     Percent of  
    Quantity     PRM  
    (short tons)     Purchased  
 
Domestic
               
Spring Grove
               
Pulpwood
    1,006,000       75 %
Wood- and other pulps
    37,000       100  
 
               
Neenah
               
Wood- and other pulps
    70,000       100  
Pulp substitutes
    41,000       100  
 
               
International
               
Gernsbach
               
Wood- and other pulps
    32,900       100  
Abaca pulp
    8,450        
Synthetic fiber
    2,000       100  
 
               
Scaër
               
Wood pulp
    1,450       100  
Abaca pulp
    2,670        
Synthetic fiber
    1,200       100  
 
               
Philippines
               
Abaca fiber
    17,980       100  
 

     Our Spring Grove mill is a vertically integrated operation producing in excess of 85% of the annual pulp required for paper production. The principal raw material used to produce this pulp is pulpwood, of which both hardwoods and softwoods are used. At December 31, 2004, we owned approximately 84,000 acres of woodlands. In addition to this source of pulpwood, we are committed, under a Supply Agreement expiring in 2011, to buy at market prices a minimum annual amount of pine pulpwood averaging 34,425 tons per annum over the eight-year term of the agreement. The pulpwood purchased under this agreement is to be harvested from land we sold in March 2003.

     In addition to these sources, hardwoods are available within a relatively short distance of our Spring Grove mill. Softwoods are obtained primarily from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. To protect our sources of pulpwood, we actively promote conservation and forest management among suppliers and woodland owners.

     Our Spring Grove, Pennsylvania facility generates 100% of the steam and electricity required for its operations. Principal fuel sources used by the Spring Grove facility are coal, recycled pulping chemicals, bark and wood waste, and oil. This facility also produces excess electricity that is sold to the local power company under a long-term co-generation contract expiring in 2010. Net energy sales were $10.0 million in both 2004 and 2003, and $9.8 million in 2002.

     Until the fourth quarter of 2003, our Neenah, Wisconsin facility recycled high-grade wastepaper as its primary raw material. Since the initiation of the restructuring at the Neenah facility, the pulp requirements for this facility are fulfilled with purchased pulp and pulp substitutes.

     The Neenah facility purchases steam under a twenty-year contract, expiring in 2018, from a third party steam supplier which processes sludge from the Neenah facility and from other mills in the Neenah area. Steam acquired under the contract is based on the cost of coal. The Neenah facility generates approximately 15% of its required electrical power and purchases the remainder.

     Our Philippine mill processes abaca fiber to produce abaca pulp. This abaca pulp production provides a unique advantage by supplying a key raw material used by our Long Fiber & Overlay business unit in Gernsbach and Scaër. Events may arise from the relatively unstable political and economic environment in which the Philippine facility operates that could interrupt the production of abaca pulp. Management periodically evaluates the supply chain, including the supply of abaca pulp to our Gernsbach and Scaër facilities. Any extended interruption of the Philippine operation could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and/or results of operations. We have approximately three months of abaca pulp supply available to us. In addition, we have established contingency plans for alternative sources of abaca pulp. However, the cost of obtaining abaca pulp from such alternative sources would likely be higher.

     The Gernsbach and Scaër facilities both generate all of the steam required for their operations. The Gernsbach facility generated approximately 30% of its 2004 electricity needs and purchased the balance. The Scaër facility purchased all of its 2004 electric power requirements. Natural gas was used to produce substantially all internally generated energy at the Gernsbach’s facility during 2004. Beginning in September 2004, the Scaër facility switched from fuel oil to natural gas.

     Based on information currently available, we believe that we will continue to have ready access, for the foreseeable future, to all principal raw materials used in the production of our products. The cost of our raw material is subject to change, including, but not limited to, costs of wood and pulp products and energy costs.

New Product Development

     In order to keep up with our customers’ ever-changing needs, we are continually enhancing our product offerings through significant investment in product development activities, including product customizations developed in



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partnership or close collaboration with our customers. In each of the past three years, we invested approximately $5.2 million on product development. Revenue generated from products developed, enhanced or improved within the five previous years as a result of these activities represented approximately 60%, 47% and 37% of net sales in the years ended 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. In determining revenue attributable to product development activities, we utilize an independently developed framework, which we believe to be generally accepted in the field of new product management. This framework categorizes products developed, enhanced or improved as those that (i) are new to the world, (ii) represent a product line new to our Company, (iii) are a new product within an existing product line, (iv) are a significant improvement of an existing product, (v) are repositioned into a new application or market, or (vi) are a lower cost alternative to an existing product of the Company and seen by our customers as a new offering. Approximately 47% of our revenue attributable to developed, enhanced or improved products come from products that fit within category (ii) and (iii), above.

Concentration of Customers

     In 2004, 2003 and 2002, no single customer represented more than 10% of our consolidated net sales.

Competition

     Our industry is highly competitive. We compete on the basis of the quality of our products, customer service, product development activities, price and distribution. We offer our products throughout the United States and globally in approximately 80 countries. Our competition in the markets in which we participate comes from companies of various sizes, some of which have greater financial and other resources than we do. In the engineered products markets of our Specialty Papers business unit and in the Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business unit, competition is product line specific as the necessity for technical expertise and specialized manufacturing equipment limits the number of companies offering multiple product lines. We compete with specialty divisions of large companies such as, among others, Ahlstrom, International Paper, MeadWestvaco, Sappi and Stora Enso as well as other companies such as J R Crompton. Service, product performance, technological advances and product pricing are important competitive factors with respect to all our products. We believe our reputation in these areas continues to be excellent.

     There are a number of companies in the United States that manufacture printing and converting papers. We believe we are the recognized leader in book publishing papers and compete in these markets with, among others, Domtar and Weyerhaeuser. In the envelope sector we

compete with, among others, Blue Ridge, International Paper and Weyerhaeuser. Capacity in the worldwide uncoated free-sheet industry has exceeded demand in recent years. Although we believe demand increases will narrow this gap, the worldwide excess capacity is not expected to decline significantly for the next few years.

     Demand for our products in the markets we serve is primarily driven by consumption of the products we produce, which is often affected by general economic conditions. In recent years, the global paper industry in which we compete has been adversely impacted by paper producing capacity exceeding the demand for products. The Specialty Papers business unit, in particular, has been negatively affected by such over capacity. Downturns in our target markets could result in decreased demand for our products. In addition to fluctuations in demand for our products in the markets we serve, the markets for our paper products are also significantly affected by changes in industry capacity and output levels. There have been periods of supply/demand imbalance in the pulp and paper industry that have caused pulp and paper prices to be volatile.

     Our ability to compete in a global market place is also influenced by the relative value of the functional currency of our operations compared to the currency of the markets in which we sell our products and the location of our competitors. Due to the significant strengthening of the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies over the last few years, our Europe-based facilities have seen increasing pricing and competitive pressures.

Environmental Matters

     We are subject to loss contingencies resulting from regulation by various federal, state, local and foreign governmental authorities with respect to the environmental impact of our mills. To comply with environmental laws and regulations, we have incurred substantial capital and operating expenditures in past years. We anticipate that environmental regulation of our operations will continue to become more burdensome and that capital and operating expenditures necessary to comply with environmental regulations will continue, and perhaps increase, in the future. In addition, we may incur obligations to remove or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment resulting from our operations, including the restoration of natural resources and liability for personal injury and for damages to property and natural resources. Because environmental regulations are not consistent worldwide, our ability to compete in the world marketplace may be adversely affected by capital and operating expenditures required for environmental compliance. For a discussion of environmental matters, see Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 19.



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Employees

     The following table summarizes our workforce as of December 31, 2004:

                         
    Employees  
Location   Union     Salaried     Total  
 
U.S.
                       
Corporate/Spring Grove
    626       337       963  
Neenah
    148       51       199  
     
 
    774       388       1,162  
 
                       
International
                       
Gernsbach
    403       193       596  
Scaër
    93       56       149  
Philippines
    54       27       81  
     
 
    550       276       826  
     
Total
    1,324       664       1,988  
 

     Different locals of the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union, or PACE, represent the hourly employees at our U.S. facilities.

     A five-year labor agreement ending January 2008 covering employees in Spring Grove was ratified in November 2002. Among other changes, the contract provides for wage increases of 3% for years 2005 through 2007. In connection with the North American Restructuring Plan, the agreement was amended in July 2004 providing workplace flexibility, certain job changes and early retirement incentives.

     On October 22, 2002, hourly employees at our Neenah, Wisconsin facility ratified a five-year labor agreement with an expiration date of August 1, 2007. Under this agreement, effective August 1st of each year, wages increase 3% for the duration of the agreement.

     Various unions represent employees at our Schoeller & Hoesch facility. One-year labor agreements covering employees at the Gernsbach, Germany and Scaër, France facilities were entered into during 2004. The terms of the agreements provide for wage increases in 2004 of approximately 1.5%. Negotiations to renew the agreements began in February 2005. The terms and conditions of the agreements will remain in effect until new agreements are reached, although any wage increase negotiated in the new agreements will be retroactive to the respective expiration dates of the old agreements.

     Employees at our pulpmill in the Philippines are covered by a five-year labor agreement, which was negotiated at the end of 2002.

     We consider the overall relationship with our employees to be satisfactory.

Available Information

     Our investor relations website can be accessed at www.glatfelter.com/e/investock.asp. We make available on our site free of charge our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and other related information as soon as reasonably practical after they are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, our website includes a Corporate Governance page consisting of, among others, our Governance Principles and Code of Business Conduct, Board of Directors and Executive Officers, Nominating, Audit and Compensation Committees of the Board of Directors and their respective Charters, Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers of Glatfelter, our “whistle-blower” policy and other related material. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement for any future amendments to, or waivers from, our Code of Business Conduct or Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers by posting such information on our website. We will provide a copy of the Code of Business Conduct or Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers, without charge, to any person who requests one, by calling (717) 225-2724.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

     Our leased corporate offices are located in York, Pennsylvania. We own and operate paper mills located in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania; Neenah, Wisconsin; Gernsbach, Germany; and Scaër, France. In addition, we own and operate a pulp mill in the Philippines. Substantially all of the equipment used in our papermaking and related operations, with the exception of some leased vehicles, is also owned. All of our properties, other than those that are leased, are free from any material liens or encumbrances. We consider all of our buildings to be in good structural condition and well maintained and our properties to be suitable and adequate for present operations.

The following table summarizes the estimated production capacity of each of our facilities:

                 
Estimated Annual Production Capacity (short tons)  
 
Spring Grove
    310,000     Uncoated
 
    66,000     Coated
Neenah
    125,000     Uncoated
Gernsbach
    44,200     Lightweight
 
    11,000     Metallized
Scaër
    5,300     Lightweight
Philippines
    11,400     Abaca pulp
 

     The Spring Grove facility includes five uncoated paper machines that have been rebuilt and modernized from time to time. It has an off-line combi-blade coater and a Specialty Coater (“S-Coater”), which together yield a potential annual production capacity for coated paper of approximately 66,000 tons. Since uncoated paper is used in producing coated paper, this is not additional capacity. We view the S-Coater as an important asset that allows us



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to expand our more profitable engineered paper products business.

The Spring Grove facility also includes a pulpmill that has a production capacity of approximately 650 tons of bleached pulp per day. We have a precipitated calcium carbonate (“PCC”) plant at our Spring Grove facility that produces PCC at a lower cost than could be purchased from others and lowers the need for higher-priced raw material typically used for increasing the opacity and brightness of certain papers.

Our wholly-owned subsidiary Schoeller & Hoesch GmbH & Co. KG (“S&H”) owns and operates paper mills in Gernsbach, Germany and Scaër, France. S&H also owns a pulpmill in the Philippines that supplies substantially all of the abaca pulp requirements of the S&H paper mills.

The Gernsbach facility includes five uncoated paper machines with an aggregate annual lightweight capacity of about 44,200 tons. In 2003, we rebuilt a paper machine with new state-of-the-art inclined wire technology (PM #9). We believe this machine provides us greater flexibility and technological capabilities. The Gernsbach facility also has the capacity to produce 11,000 tons of metallized papers annually, using a lacquering machine and two metallizers. We purchase the base paper used to manufacture the metallized paper.

In 2004, our Philippine facility, which supplies abaca pulp to S&H, began operation of a new globe digester that increased our annual abaca pulp production by approximately 8%.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in various lawsuits that we consider to be ordinary and incidental to our business. The ultimate outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty; however, we do not expect such lawsuits individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

For a discussion of commitments, legal proceedings and related contingencies, see Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 19.

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

Not Applicable – no matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2004.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive officers as of March 10, 2005.

             
Name   Age   Office with the Company
 
George H. Glatfelter II
    53     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Dante C. Parrini
    40     Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
John C. van Roden, Jr.
    55     Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
John P. Jacunski
    39     Vice President and Corporate Controller
Werner A. Ruckenbrod
    47     Vice President Long Fiber & Overlay Papers
Mark A. Sullivan
    50     Vice President Global Supply Chain
 

Officers are elected to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Except in the case of officers elected to fill a new position or a vacancy occurring at some other date, officers are generally elected at the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors held immediately after the annual meeting of shareholders.

George H. Glatfelter II is our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. From April 2000 to February 2001, Mr. Glatfelter was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. From June 1998 to April 2000, he was Chief Executive Officer and President.

Mr. Glatfelter serves as a director of Met-Pro Corporation; the American Forest and Paper Association; the National Council for Air and Stream Improvements; and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.

Dante C. Parrini became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in February 2005. Prior to this, Mr. Parrini was Senior Vice President and General Manager, a position he held since January 2003. From December 2000 until January 2003, Mr. Parrini was Vice President — Sales and Marketing. From July 2000 to December 2000, he was Vice President — Sales and Marketing, Glatfelter Division and Corporate Strategic Marketing.

John C. van Roden, Jr. was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in February 2005. Prior to that he was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since he joined us in April 2003. From September 1998 to September 2002, Mr. van Roden was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Conectiv of Wilmington, DE.

Mr. van Roden is a Director of HB Fuller Company and Ascendant Capital Partners, LLC.



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     John P. Jacunski joined us in October 2003, and serves as Vice President & Corporate Controller. Mr. Jacunski was previously Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at WCI Steel, Inc. from June 1999 to October 2003. From May 1995 to June 1999 he was WCI’s Corporate Controller. Prior to joining WCI, Mr. Jacunski was with KPMG, an international accounting and consulting firm, where he served in various capacities.

     Werner A. Ruckenbrod is Vice President Long Fiber & Overlay Papers with responsibilities for the operations and performance of this business unit. Mr. Ruckenbrod joined our subsidiary, S&H, in 1984. Since joining our company, Mr. Ruckenbrod has held various production related positions.

     Mark A. Sullivan was appointed Vice President Global Supply Chain in February 2005. Mr. Sullivan joined our company in December 2003, as Chief Procurement Officer. His experience includes a broad array of operations and supply chain management responsibilities during 20 years with the DuPont Company. He served with T-Mobile USA as an independent contractor during 2003, and Concur Technologies from 1999 until 2002.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Common Stock Prices and Dividends Declared Information

The following table shows the high and low prices of our common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GLT” and the dividend declared per share for each quarter during the past two years.

                         
Quarter   High     Low     Dividend  
 
2004
                       
Fourth
  $ 15.49     $ 11.34     $ 0.09  
Third
    14.23       11.50       0.09  
Second
    14.09       10.45       0.09  
First
    12.93       10.44       0.09  
 
 
                       
2003
                       
Fourth
  $ 13.29     $ 11.70     $ 0.09  
Third
    15.45       11.67       0.09  
Second
    15.05       10.70       0.175  
First
    14.15       9.65       0.175  
 

As of March 2, 2005, we had 2,054 shareholders of record. A number of the shareholders of record are nominees.

In accordance with our non-employee director compensation policy, two-thirds of the $18,000 retainer that non-employee directors received in 2004 was paid in shares of our common stock. We granted an aggregate of 3,696 shares of our common stock to our non-employee directors in May 2004 and an aggregate 3,346 shares of common stock to our non-employee directors on November 2004 in connection with payment of the retainer. The grants were made in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act set forth in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.



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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Summary of Selected Consolidated Financial Data

                                           
As of or for the year ended December 31                                
In thousands, except per share   2004       2003     2002     2001 (1)     2000  
       
Net sales
  $ 543,524       $ 533,193     $ 540,347     $ 632,602     $ 721,945  
Energy sales, net
    9,953         10,040       9,814       9,661       9,243  
                 
Total revenue
    553,477         543,233       550,161       642,263       731,188  
Restructuring charges and unusual items
    (20,375 )       (24,995 )     (2,241 )     (60,908 )     (3,336 )
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands
    58,509         32,334       1,304       2,015       467  
Gains from insurance recoveries
    32,785                            
Income from continuing operations
    56,102         12,986       37,637       6,829       43,367  
Income per share from continuing operations
                                         
Basic
    1.28         0.30       0.87       0.16       1.02  
Diluted
    1.27         0.30       0.86       0.16       1.02  
Total assets
    1,052,270         1,027,019       953,202       966,604       1,023,325  
Total debt
    211,227         254,275       220,532       277,755       306,822  
Shareholders’ equity
    420,370         371,431       373,833       353,469       372,703  
Cash dividends declared per common share
    0.36       0.53     0.70     0.70     0.70  
       


1.   Our Ecusta Division was sold in August 2001. Ecusta Division net sales totaled $90.8 million. In 2001, we recorded a pre-tax loss on the sale, which was recorded as an unusual item, totaling $58.4 million. In 2000, we recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $3.3 million related to workforce reductions at the Ecusta facility.
 
2.   The above Summary of Selected Consolidated Financial Data, and the comparability thereof, includes the impact of certain charges and gains from asset dispositions. For a discussion of these restructuring charges, unusual items and gains from sales of plant, equipment and timberlands that affect the comparability of this information, see Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplemental Data Notes 5 to 7 and Note 9.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding industry prospects and future consolidated financial position or results of operations, made in this Report on Form 10-K are forward looking. We use words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “future”, “intends” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Our actual results may differ significantly from management’s expectations. The following discussion includes forward-looking statements regarding expectations of, among others, net sales, costs of products sold, non-cash pension income, restructuring charges, environmental costs, capital expenditures and liquidity, all of which are inherently difficult to predict. Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations. Accordingly, we identify the following important factors, among others, which could cause our results to differ from any results that might be projected, forecasted or estimated in any such forward-looking statements:

  i.   variations in demand for, or pricing of, our products;
 
  ii.   changes in the cost or availability of raw materials we use, in particular market pulp, pulp substitutes, and abaca fiber, and changes in energy-related costs;
 
  iii.   our ability to develop new, high value-added Engineered Products and Long Fiber & Overlay Papers;
 
  iv.   the impact of competition, changes in industry paper production capacity, including the construction of new mills, the closing of mills and incremental changes due to capital expenditures or productivity increases;
 
  v.   our ability to execute our North American Restructuring Program, growth strategies and cost reduction initiatives;
 

  vi.   cost and other effects of environmental compliance, cleanup, damages, remediation or restoration, or personal injury or property damages related thereto, such as the costs of natural resource restoration or damages related to the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) in the lower Fox River on which our Neenah mill is located; and the costs of environmental matters at our former Ecusta Division mill;
 
  vii.   the gain or loss of significant customers and/or on-going viability of such customers;
 
  viii.   risks associated with our international operations, including local economic and political environments and fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
 
  ix.   geopolitical events, including war and terrorism;
 
  x.   enactment of adverse state, federal or foreign tax or other legislation or changes in government policy or regulation;
 
  xi.   adverse results in litigation;
 
  xii.   disruptions in production and/or increased costs due to labor disputes;
 
  xiii.   our ability to realize the value of our timberlands;
 
  xiv.   the recovery of environmental-related losses under our insurance policies; and
 
  xv.   our ability to identify, finance and consummate future alliances or acquisitions.

Introduction We manufacture, both domestically and internationally, a wide array of specialty papers and engineered products. Substantially all of our revenue is earned from the sale of our products to customers in numerous markets, including book publishing, food and beverage, decorative laminates for furniture and flooring, and other highly technical niche markets. Refer to Item 1 – Business for additional information.

Overview During the past few years, our industry has been adversely impacted by an imbalance between supply and demand for certain of our products. In this environment during 2003, we experienced declining sales volumes and lower average selling prices primarily in the more commodity-like products offered by our Specialty Papers business unit. Two significant developments occurred over the course of the latter part of 2003 and throughout 2004 that improved our financial performance in the year over year comparison:

1)   We undertook two major restructuring initiatives – the North America Restructuring Program in 2004 and Neenah Restructuring in 2003 (each of which is discussed in more detail in the following sections), and
 
2)   Demand for products improved and selling prices strengthened beginning in the second quarter of 2004, reversing deteriorating trends experienced in 2003.


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The restructuring initiatives are focused on improving the profitability of our product mix by targeting higher value niche markets, increasing workforce productivity, and reducing costs by enhancing supply chain management strategies. Together with continued strength in our Europe-based Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business unit and improved market conditions in North America, these actions contributed to a widening gross margin and increased gross profit. Our operating results also reflect increasing raw material prices particularly pulp and energy related costs and affects of a weaker U.S. dollar on translated international operations.

In addition, over the past two years we generated gains of approximately $89.1 million from the sale of non-strategic timberlands and the corporate aircraft. We were also successful in collecting $32.8 million in insurance recoveries related to environmental claims. These proceeds were primarily used to reduce our debt levels.

Highlights from 2004 include:

•   Achieved 60% of total sales from new products introduced in the last five years.
 
•   Developed and executed the North American Restructuring Program:

  •   Introduced improved product and service offerings for the book publishing market and increased market share in the premium book market.
 
  •   Developed a pipeline of products to grow revenue from uncoated specialty papers.
 
  •   Implemented a 20% workforce reduction program while maintaining full production capability at the Company’s Spring Grove facility. This program will be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2005.
 
  •   Reduced production costs by implementing improved and expanded supply-chain management strategies in North America.
 
  •   Reduced certain SG&A expenses.

•   Achieved strong growth in targeted markets led by a 13% increase in volume in the Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business unit.
 
•   Improved pricing in North America which more than offset raw material cost increases.
 
•   Enhanced financial flexibility by reducing net debt by $67 million through improved operating performance and monetization of timberland assets.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2004 versus 2003

The following table sets forth summarized results of operations:

                   
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands   2004       2003  
       
Net sales
  $ 543,524       $ 533,193  
Gross profit
    92,414         79,546  
Operating income
    103,394         34,250  
Income from continuing operations
    56,102         12,986  
Net loss from discontinued operations
            (325 )
Net income
    56,102         12,661  
Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations
    1.27         0.30  
Earnings per diluted share
    1.27         0.29  
       

The consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 include the following significant items:

                 
In thousands, except per share   After-tax     Diluted EPS  
  Income (loss)          
2004
               
Gains on sale of timberlands and corporate aircraft
  $ 34,151     $ 0.78  
Insurance recoveries
    21,310       0.48  
Restructuring charges
    (12,723 )     (0.29 )
 
               
2003
               
Gain on sale of timberlands
  $ 19,965     $ 0.46  
Restructuring charges
    (8,582 )     (0.20 )
Ecusta related reserves
    (7,315 )     (0.17 )
Asset write downs
    (2,124 )     (0.05 )
 

The above items increased earnings from continuing operations by $42.7 million, or $0.97 per diluted share in 2004, and by $1.9 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, in 2003.

Business Units

As discussed in Item 1 — Business, in 2004 we changed the way we manage our business and transitioned from three distinct business units to two: the Europe-based Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business unit and the North America-based Specialty Papers business unit. While the Long Fiber & Overlay business Unit remains unchanged, the combination of the former Engineered Products and the Printing & Converting Papers business units into Specialty Papers allows us to more effectively manage the demand planning process, optimize product mix, minimize process variability and meet the demands of our customers. As a result of this transition, all segment data has been restated to give effect to the further refinement of our organizational structure discussed above.



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The following table sets forth profitability information by business unit and the composition of consolidated income from continuing operations before income taxes:

                                                                         
Year Ended December 31                        
In thousands   Specialty Papers     Long Fiber & Overlay     Other and Unallocated     Total  
    2004       2003     2004       2003     2004       2003     2004       2003  
                   
Net sales
  $ 337,436       $ 357,989     $ 205,232       $ 165,389     $ 856       $ 9,815     $ 543,524       $ 533,193  
Energy sales, net
    9,953         10,040                                   9,953         10,040  
                                   
Total revenue
    347,389         368,029       205,232         165,389       856         9,815       553,477         543,233  
Cost of products sold
    312,136         325,897       163,843         130,838       1,021         15,448       477,000         472,183  
                                   
Gross profit (loss)
    35,253         42,132       41,389         34,551       (165 )       (5,633 )     76,477         71,050  
SG&A
    38,330         44,494       23,067         16,669       (53 )       125       61,344         61,288  
Pension income
                                        (17,342 )       (17,149 )     (17,342 )       (17,149 )
Restructuring recorded as component of COS
                                                6,511               6,511  
Restructuring charges
                                        20,375         6,983       20,375         6,983  
Unusual items
                                                11,501               11,501  
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands
                                        (58,509 )       (32,334 )     (58,509 )       (32,334 )
Gain on insurance recoveries
                                        (32,785 )             (32,785 )        
                                   
Total operating income (loss)
    (3,077 )       (2,362 )     18,322         17,882       88,149         18,730       103,394         34,250  
Nonoperating income (expense)
                                (12,631 )       (13,834 )     (12,631 )       (13,834 )
                                   
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ (3,077 )     $ (2,362 )   $ 18,322       $ 17,882     $ 75,518       $ 4,896     $ 90,763       $ 20,416  
                                   
 
                                                                       
Supplementary Data
                                                                       
Net tons sold
    421,504         446,110       48,528         42,993       390         6,463       470,422         495,566  
Depreciation expense
  $ 37,186       $ 44,216     $ 14,412       $ 11,813                   $ 51,598       $ 56,029  
                         

Results of individual business units are presented based on our management accounting practices and management structure. There is no comprehensive, authoritative body of guidance for management accounting equivalent to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; therefore, the financial results of individual business units are not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other company. The management accounting process uses assumptions and allocations to measure performance of the business units. Methodologies are refined from time to time as management accounting practices are enhanced and businesses change. Costs incurred by support areas not directly aligned with the business unit are allocated primarily based on an estimated utilization of support area services.

Management evaluates results of operations before non-cash pension income, restructuring related charges, unusual items, effects of asset dispositions and insurance recoveries because it believes this is a more meaningful representation of the operating performance of its core papermaking businesses, the profitability of business units and the extent of cash flow generated from core operations. This presentation is closely aligned with the management and operating structure of our Company.

It is also on this basis that Company’s performance is evaluated internally and by our Board of Directors.

Sales and Costs of Products Sold

                           
    Year Ended December 31        
In thousands   2004       2003     Change  
       
Net sales
  $ 543,524       $ 533,193     $ 10,331  
Energy sales – net
    9,953         10,040       (87 )
             
Total revenues
    553,477         543,233       10,244  
Costs of products sold
    461,063         463,687       (2,624 )
             
Gross profit
  $ 92,414       $ 79,546     $ 12,868  
             
Gross profit as a percent of Net sales
    17.0 %       14.9 %        
       

Net sales in the Specialty Papers business unit declined $20.6 million, or 5.7% in the year-to-year comparison. Approximately $13.9 million of this decline was due to lower volume primarily attributable to the shutdown in late 2003 of a paper machine at the Neenah facility. Selling prices in this business unit declined during most of 2003, stabilized in the first quarter of 2004 and subsequently strengthened throughout the remainder of the year. Comparing the full year 2004 to 2003, average selling prices for the Specialty Papers business unit declined slightly.

Long Fiber & Overlay Papers’ net sales increased $39.8 million, or 24.1%, in the comparison due to an increase in volumes shipped, particularly in the Food and Beverage and Composite Laminates sectors, and a $16.0 million favorable effect of foreign currency translation adjustments. Although the weaker U.S. dollar favorably impacted translated net sales of international operations, it adversely affected the price competitiveness of Long Fiber & Overlay Papers’ products in certain geographic markets.



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The following tables set forth the contribution to consolidated net sales by each business unit:

                   
    Percent of Total  
    2004       2003  
       
Business Unit
                 
Special Papers
    62.1 %       67.2 %
Long-Fiber & Overlay Papers
    37.8         31.0  
Tobacco Papers
    0.1         1.8  
           
Total
    100.0 %       100.0 %
       

Costs of products sold declined $2.6 million in the comparison due to lower production costs related to the decline in sales volumes in the Specialty Papers business unit, nonrecurring restructuring charges from 2003 and other cost reduction initiatives. Partially offsetting these factors was the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation adjustments, costs associated with increased sales volume in the Long Fiber & Overlay business unit, and higher raw material and energy prices. The following table summarizes changes in costs of products sold for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the 2003.

         
    Year Ended  
In millions   December 31, 2004  
    (Favorable)  
    unfavorable  
Foreign currency changes
  $ 12,322  
Lower sales volume, net
    (8,262 )
2003 Neenah restructuring related charges
    (6,511 )
Other
    (173 )
 
     
Total
  $ (2,624 )
 

Non-Cash Pension Income Non-cash pension income results from the considerably over-funded status of our plans. The amount of pension income recognized each year is determined using various actuarial assumptions and certain other factors, including the fair value of our pension assets as of the beginning of the year. The following summarizes non-cash pension income for each year:

                           
    Year Ended December 31        
In thousands   2004       2003     Change  
       
Recorded as:
                         
Costs of products sold
  $ 15,937       $ 15,007     $ 930  
SG&A expense
    1,405         2,142       (737 )
             
Total
  $ 17,342       $ 17,149     $ 193  
       

The following summarizes SG&A expenses, restructuring charges, gains from asset dispositions and other nonrecurring items:

                           
    Year Ended December 31        
In thousands   2004       2003     Change  
       
SG&A expenses
  $ 59,939       $ 59,146     $ 793  
Restructuring charges
    20,375         6,983       13,392  
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands
    (58,509 )       (32,334 )     (26,175 )
Unusual items
            11,501       (11,501 )
Gains from insurance recoveries
  $ (32,785 )           $ (32,785 )
       

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) SG&A expenses increased $0.8 million in the year-to-year comparison. The increase was primarily due to a $1.6 million unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation adjustments, higher legal and accounting and professional fees, mostly related to insurance recoveries, and costs associated with implementing the North American Restructuring Program. Lower variable compensation expenses and the impact of cost reduction initiatives substantially offset these costs.

Restructuring Charges As discussed earlier, we undertook two major restructuring initiatives beginning in the fourth quarter of 2003. The following table summarizes restructuring charges incurred in connection with these initiatives:

                   
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands   2004       2003  
       
Restructuring initiative:
                 
North American Restructuring Program
  $ 17,187       $  
Neenah Restructuring
                 
Recorded as:
                 
Costs of products sold
            6,511  
Restructuring charge
    3,188         6,983  
           
Total Neenah
    3,188         13,494  
           
Total
  $ 20,375       $ 13,494  
     

North American Restructuring Program The North American Restructuring Program is designed to improve operating results by enhancing product and service offerings in Specialty Papers’ book publishing markets, growing revenue from uncoated specialty papers, reducing our workforce at our Spring Grove facility by approximately 20%, and implementing improved supply chain management processes. The financial benefits from these efforts began to phase-in during the third quarter of 2004, and are expected to approximate $15 million to $20 million annually, beginning in 2006. During 2005, the financial benefits are expected to increase throughout much of the year aggregating an amount under the low end of the range of ultimate benefits.

In 2004, we negotiated a new labor agreement that enabled us to reduce workforce levels at our Spring Grove, PA facility by approximately 20%. As part of the new labor agreement, we offered a voluntary early retirement benefits package to eligible employees. The



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acceptance of these special termination benefits resulted in a charge of $16.5 million in 2004, substantially all of which was for enhanced pension benefits, post-retirement medical benefits and other related employee severance costs.

We also recorded restructuring charges totaling $0.7 million, for severance and related pension and other post employment benefits (“OPEB”) associated with the elimination of certain non-represented positions. The following table sets forth activity in the North American Restructuring Program restructuring reserve.

         
    Year Ended  
    December 31,  
In thousands   2004  
 
Beginning balance
  $ 0  
Amounts accrued
    17,187  
Payments made
    (644 )
To be paid:
       
From pension plan assets
    (11,255 )
As OPEB benefits
    (5,228 )
 
     
Ending balance
  $ 60  
   

The ending balance set forth above represents the portion of the North American Restructuring Program charges that is expected to require near term cash payments from us and primarily consists of severance and benefits continuation. Amounts representing enhanced pension benefits will be paid from our pension plan assets and are recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of our prepaid pension assets. The amounts for OPEB benefits were recorded as “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We will pay the OPEB benefits as they are incurred over the course of the affected employees’ benefit period, which could range up to 8 years.

Neenah Restructuring In September 2003, we announced the decision to permanently shut down a paper making machine and the deinking process at our Neenah, WI facility. The abandoned machines and processes had been primarily supporting our book publishing products of the Specialty Papers business unit. This initiative resulted in the elimination of approximately 190 positions and was completed by March 31, 2004. The results of operations in 2003 include related pre-tax charges of approximately $13.5 million, of which $6.5 million are reflected in the consolidated income statements as components of costs of products sold, and $7.0 million are reflected as “restructuring charges.”

The results of operations in 2004 include $3.2 million of Neenah related restructuring charges, of which $3.0 million represents a fee paid to modify a steam supply contract in connection with the restructuring initiative at the Neenah facility. The remaining amount represents adjustments to estimated benefit continuation costs.

The following table sets forth information with respect to Neenah restructuring charges:

                 
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands   2004     2003  
 
Contract modification fee
  $ 3,000     $  
Depreciation on abandoned equipment
          5,974  
Severance and benefit continuation
    188       1,874  
Pension and other retirement benefits
          4,878  
Other
          768  
       
Total
  $ 3,188     $ 13,494  
     

The following table summarizes activity in the Neenah Restructuring reserve:

                 
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands   2004     2003  
 
Beginning balance
  $ 1,625     $  
Amounts accrued
    3,188       2,105  
Payments made
    (4,065 )     (480 )
       
Ending balance
  $ 748     $ 1,625  
     

As of December 31, 2004, the amounts accrued related to the Neenah restructuring represent only those charges that are expected to result in cash payments and primarily consist of severance payments, benefits continuation and medical retirement benefits. The Neenah restructuring charge totaled $16.7 million, of which $6.5 million was non-cash related, and $5.4 million is to be paid out of pension plan assets.

Gain on Sales of Plant, Equipment and Timberlands During 2004 and 2003, we completed sales of timberlands and, in 2004, the corporate aircraft. The following table summarizes these transactions.

                         
Dollars in thousands   Acres     Proceeds     Gain  
2004
                       
Timberlands
    4,482     $ 56,586     $ 55,355  
Corporate Aircraft
    n/a       2,861       2,554  
Other
    n/a       724       600  
               
Total
          $ 60,171     $ 58,509  
               
2003
                       
Timberlands
    25,500     $ 37,850     $ 31,234  
Other
    n/a       2,892       1,100  
               
Total
          $ 40,742     $ 32,334  
     

All property sales completed in 2004 were sold for cash. As consideration for the timberlands sold in 2003, we received a 10-year note from a subsidiary of The Conservation Fund in the principal amount of $37.9 million (the “Note”), which is included in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Insurance Recoveries During 2004, we reached successful resolution of certain claims under insurance policies related to the Fox River environmental matter. Insurance recoveries included in the results of operations for 2004 totaled $32.8 million and were received in cash.



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Interest Expense For the year ended December 31, 2004, interest expense declined $0.9 million to $13.4 million, largely due to lower debt levels. Average outstanding debt declined $25.4 million in the year-to-year comparison.

Income Taxes Our provision for income taxes from continuing operations in 2004 and 2003, totaled $34.7 million and $7.4 million, respectively, and the effective tax rate in the same periods was 38.2% and 36.4%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the proportion of taxable income attributable to timberland sales and foreign source income, both of which are taxed at higher effective rates.

Foreign Currency We own and operate paper and pulp mills in Germany, France and the Philippines. The local currency in Germany and France is the Euro, while in the Philippines the currency is the Peso. These operations generate approximately 34% of our sales and 33% of operating expenses. The translation of the results from these international operations into U.S. dollars is subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

The table below summarizes the effect from foreign currency translation on reported results compared to 2003:

         
    Year Ended  
    December 31,  
In thousands   2004  
    Favorable  
    (unfavorable)  
Net sales
  $ 15,994  
Costs of products sold
    (12,322 )
SG&A expenses
    (1,629 )
Income taxes and other
    (305 )
 
     
Net income
  $ 1,738  
 

The above table only presents the financial reporting impact of foreign currency translations. It does not present the impact of certain competitive advantages or disadvantages of operating or competing in multi-currency markets. The strengthening of the Euro relative to certain other currencies in 2004 compared to 2003, adversely affected the price competitiveness of our Germany-based Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business unit relative to certain competitors.

Discontinued Operations

In July 2003, we sold our Wisches, France subsidiary for approximately $2.0 million and the buyer’s assumption of approximately $1.1 million of debt owed to us by our subsidiary. At closing, we received $1.7 million with the remaining amounts to be paid in two annual installments, the first of which was received in July 2004. The financial results of this subsidiary are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Prior to the sale, the underlying assets were recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Accordingly, loss from discontinued operations for the year ended

December 31, 2003, includes a charge of $0.5 million, after tax, to write-down the carrying value of the assets prior to the sale. Revenue included in determining results from discontinued operations totaled $2.6 million and $3.5 million for 2003 and 2002, respectively. The financial results of this operation were previously reported in the Specialty Papers business unit.

2003 versus 2002

The following table sets forth summarized results of operations:

                 
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands   2003     2002  
 
Net sales
  $ 533,193     $ 540,347  
Gross profit
    79,546       126,281  
Operating income
    34,250       71,645  
Income from continuing operations
    12,986       37,637  
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (325 )     (42 )
Net income
    12,661       37,595  
Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations
    0.30       0.86  
Earnings per diluted share
  0.29     0.86  
     

The consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 include the following significant items:

                 
In thousands, except per share   After-tax     EPS  
    Income (loss)          
2003
                 
Gain on sale of timberlands
  $ 19,965     $ 0.46  
Restructuring related charges
    (8,582 )     (0.20 )
Ecusta related reserves
    (7,315 )     (0.17 )
Asset write downs
    (2,124 )     (0.05 )
 
               
2002
               
Escrow settlement
    2,315       0.05  
Restructuring charges
    (2,719 )     (0.06 )
Environmental matters
    (1,500 )     (0.03 )
     

The above items increased earnings from continuing operations by $1.9 million, or $0.04 per diluted share in 2003, and decreased earnings from continuing operations in 2002 by $1.9 million, or $0.04 per share. The decline in earnings was primarily due to lower sales volumes and selling prices in the Specialty Papers business unit and higher costs of products sold, primarily due to lower non-cash pension income, higher raw material prices, and increased market-related down time.



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Business Units

The following table sets forth profitability information by business unit and the composition of consolidated income from continuing operations before income taxes:

                                                                           
Year Ended December 31                          
In thousands Specialty Papers Long Fiber & Overlay Other and Unallocated Total  
    2003       2002     2003       2002     2003       2002     2003       2002    
                               
Net sales
  $ 357,989       $ 384,784     $ 165,389       $ 135,715     $ 9,815       $ 19,848     $ 533,193       $ 540,347    
Energy sales, net
    10,040         9,814                                     10,040         9,814    
                               
Total revenue
    368,029         394,598       165,389         135,715       9,815         19,848       543,233         550,161    
Costs of products sold
    325,897         329,304       130,838         102,767       15,448         18,709       472,183         450,780    
                               
Gross profit
    42,132         65,294       34,551         32,948       (5,633 )       1,139       71,050         99,381    
SG&A
    44,494         43,347       16,669         15,193       125         907       61,288         59,447    
Pension income
                                        (17,149 )       (32,648 )     (17,149 )       (32,648 )  
Restructuring recorded as component of COS
                                        6,511               6,511            
Restructuring charges
                                        6,983         4,249       6,983         4,249    
Unusual items
                                        11,501         (2,008 )     11,501         (2,008 )  
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands
                                        (32,334 )       (1,304 )     (32,334 )       (1,304 )  
                               
Total operating income (loss)
    (2,362 )       21,947       17,882         17,755       18,730         31,943       34,250         71,645    
Nonoperating income (expense)
                                (13,834 )       (12,516 )     (13,834 )       (12,516 )  
                               
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ (2,362 )     $ 21,947     $ 17,882       $ 17,755     $ 4,896       $ 19,427     $ 20,416       $ 59,129    
                               
 
                                                                         
Supplementary Data
                                                                         
Net tons sold
    446,110         474,343       42,993         40,751       6,463         13,109       495,566         528,203    
Depreciation expense
  $ 44,216       $ 35,438     $ 11,813       $ 9,565                   $ 56,029       $ 45,003    
                           

Sales and Costs of Products Sold

                         
    Year Ended December 31        
In thousands   2003     2002     Change  
 
Net sales
  $ 533,193     $ 540,347     $ (7,154 )
Energy sales – net
    10,040       9,814       226  
     
Total revenues
    543,233       550,161       (6,928 )
Costs of products sold
    463,687       423,880       39,807  
     
Gross profit
  $ 79,546     $ 126,281     $ (46,735 )
 
                       
Gross profit as a percent of Net sales
    14.9 %     23.4 %        
 

The decline in net sales was primarily due to a $19.8 million net sales volume-related decline as lower volumes in Specialty Papers and tobacco more than offset sales volume growth in Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business units. In addition each business unit experienced lower average selling prices, in constant currency rates, aggregating $13.3 million. The impact of lower sales volumes and selling prices was partially offset by a $27.9 million favorable effect of a weaker U.S. dollar on translated international results.

Costs of products sold increased $39.8 million in the comparison due to the following significant items:

         
    Year Ended  
In millions December 31, 2003  
    (Favorable)  
    unfavorable  
Foreign currency changes
  $ 19.8  
Lower pension income
    11.9  
Higher raw material and energy prices
    10.4  
Restructuring related
    6.5  
Lower sales volume
    (17.9 )
Other
    9.1  
 
     
Total
  $ 39.8  
 

In the preceding table, “other” primarily consisted of depreciation, market-related downtime and assets write-offs.

Non-Cash Pension Income Non-cash pension income results from the considerably over-funded status of our plans. The amount of pension income recognized each year is determined using various actuarial assumptions and certain other factors, including the fair value of our pension assets as of the beginning of the year. Because the value of our plan assets as of January 1, 2003, was lower than the previous year and due to changes in actuarial assumptions, the amount of non-cash pension income recognized in 2003 was less than 2002.



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The following summarizes non-cash pension income for each year.

                         
    Year Ended December 31        
In thousands   2003     2002     Change  
 
Recorded as:
                       
Costs of products sold
  $ 15,007     $ 26,900     $ (11,893 )
SG&A expense
    2,142       5,748       (3,606 )
     
Total
  $ 17,149     $ 32,648     $ (15,499 )
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31        
In thousands   2003     2002     Change  
 
SG&A expenses
  $ 59,146     $ 53,699     $ 5,447  
Restructuring charge
    6,983       4,249       2,734  
Unusual items
    11,501       (2,008 )     13,509  
Gain on sale of plant, equipment and timberlands
    (32,334 )     (1,304 )     (31,030 )
 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) SG&A expenses increased $5.4 million during 2003 compared to 2002. During 2003, a weaker U.S. dollar resulted in a $2.6 million increase in translated SG&A expenses for our international operations. The remaining increase was primarily due to a lower benefit from non-cash pension income and higher depreciation, primarily attributable to an information technology system implemented in the latter part of 2002.

Restructuring charge In 2003, we recorded restructuring charges related to the Neenah Restructuring initiative. For a complete discussion of this charge, refer to the analysis of 2004 versus 2003 section of this Item 7. In 2002 we recorded a $4.2 million charge related to a workforce reduction at our corporate and Spring Grove, PA locations.

Unusual Items Unusual items during 2003 reflect a charge of $11.5 million related to our former Ecusta Division, which was sold in 2001. Under the Ecusta Division acquisition agreement, we are indemnified for certain liabilities that have been assumed by the buyers. We had previously accrued liabilities related to certain post-retirement benefits, workers compensation claims and vendor payables and established a corresponding receivable due from the buyers. We paid the portion of these liabilities that became due and sought reimbursement from the buyers, which, to date, they have refused. In 2002, we recognized a $3.5 million gain from the settlement of an escrow account with the previous owners of our Schoeller & Hoesch Division. This was partially offset by a $1.5 million charge for certain environmental matters related to the Pennsylvania DEP.

Gain on Sales of Plant, Equipment and Timberlands During 2003 we recognized a net gain from the sale of plant, equipment and timberlands of $32.3 million. This primarily includes a $31.2 million pre-tax gain from the March 2003 sale of approximately 25,500 acres of timberlands (the “Maryland Timberlands”) to a subsidiary of The Conservation Fund, a non-profit land conservation fund (the “Timberland Buyer”).

Foreign Currency We own and operate paper and pulp mills in Germany, France and the Philippines. The local currency in Germany and France is the Euro, while in the Philippines the currency is the Peso. These operations generate approximately 31% of our sales and operating expenses. The translation of the results from these international operations into U.S. dollars is subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

The following table summarizes the effect from foreign currency translation on reported results compared to 2002:

         
    Year Ended  
In thousands December 31, 2003  
    Favorable  
    (unfavorable)  
Net sales
  $ 27,869  
Costs of products sold
    (19,776 )
SG&A expenses
    (2,648 )
Income taxes and other
    (1,278 )
 
     
Net income
  $ 4,167  
 

The above table only presents the financial reporting impact of foreign currency translations. It does not present the impact of certain competitive advantages or disadvantages of operating or competing in a global, multi-currency environment. In 2003, the strengthening of the Euro relative to certain other currencies adversely affecting average selling prices, in the functional currency, of products sold by S&H.



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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our business is capital intensive and requires significant expenditures for new or enhanced equipment, for environmental compliance matters and to support our business strategy and research and development efforts. The following table summarizes cash flow information for each of the years presented.

                   
    Year Ended  
    December 31  
In thousands   2004       2003  
       
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  $ 15,566       $ 32,219  
Cash provided by (used for)
                 
Operating activities
    39,584         46,996  
Investing activities
    42,109         (62,367 )
Financing activities
    (59,753 )       (2,462 )
Discontinued operations
            (304 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    2,445         1,484  
           
Net cash provided (used)
    24,385         (16,653 )
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 39,951       $ 15,566  
       

The decrease in cash generated from operations was primarily due to payments for federal income taxes and to modify the steam contract at the Neenah facility, as well as changes in working capital. These uses of cash were partially offset by the $6.3 million net benefit of insurance recoveries in excess of cash payments pursuant to the Fox River Consent Decree.

The changes in investing cash flows reflects cash proceeds in 2004 from dispositions of property, equipment and timberlands and lower capital expenditures, which totaled $18.6 million in 2004 and $66.8 million in 2003. Prior to 2004, we completed certain major capital projects, including a paper machine rebuild and environmental related initiatives. The reduction in capital expenditures is not expected to have a significant effect on our results of operations, as we will continue to complete necessary repairs and maintenance activities. We currently expect capital expenditures in 2005 to approximate $30 million to $35 million.

Excess cash flow from operating and investing activities during 2004 were used to reduce long-term debt by approximately $42 million and to make dividend payments.

The following table sets forth our outstanding long-term indebtedness:

                   
    Year Ended  
    December 31  
In thousands   2004       2003  
       
Revolving credit facility, due June 2006
  $ 23,277       $ 64,047  
67/8% Notes, due July 2007
    150,000         150,000  
Note payable – SunTrust, due March 2008
    34,000         34,000  
Other notes, various
    446         1,228  
           
Total long-term debt
    207,723         249,275  
Less current portion
    (446 )       (806 )
           
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
  $ 207,277       $ 248,469  
       

The significant terms of the debt obligations are set forth in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 16.

During 2004 and 2003, cash dividends paid on common stock totaled $15.8 million and $26.9 million, respectively. Our Board of Directors determines what, if any, dividends will be paid to our shareholders. Dividend payment decisions are based upon then-existing factors and conditions and, therefore, historical trends of dividend payments are not necessarily indicative of future payments.

We are subject to loss contingencies resulting from regulation by various federal, state, local and foreign governmental authorities with respect to the environmental impact of mills we operate, or have operated. To comply with environmental laws and regulations, we have incurred substantial capital and operating expenditures in past years. We anticipate that environmental regulation of our operations will continue to become more burdensome and that capital and operating expenditures necessary to comply with environmental regulations will continue, and perhaps increase, in the future. In addition, we may incur obligations to remove or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment resulting from our operations, including the restoration of natural resources and liability for personal injury and for damages to property and natural resources. Because environmental regulations are not consistent worldwide, our ability to compete in the world marketplace may be adversely affected by capital and operating expenditures required for environmental compliance. See Item 8 – Financial Statements – Note 19 for a summary of significant environmental matters.

We expect to meet all of our near- and longer-term cash needs from a combination of operating cash flow, cash and cash equivalents, our existing credit facility or other bank lines of credit and other long-term debt. However, as discussed in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 19, an unfavorable outcome of various environmental matters could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, liquidity and/or results of operations.



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Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, we had not entered into any off-balance-sheet arrangements. A financial derivative instrument to which we are a party and guarantees of indebtedness, which solely consists of obligations of subsidiaries and a

partnership, are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets included herein in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.



Contractual Obligations The following table sets forth contractual obligations as of December 31, 2004.

                                         
            Payments Due During the Year  
            Ended December 31,  
   
2006 to
2008 to
2010 and
 
In thousands  
Total
2005
2007
2009
beyond
 
 
Long-term debt (1)
  $
207,723
    $
446
    $
173,277
    $
34,000
    $
 
Operating leases (2)
   
15,435
     
2,289
     
2,225
     
1,428
     
9,493
   
Purchase obligations (3)
   
145,913
     
43,059
     
29,317
     
15,744
     
57,793
   
Other long term obligations (4)
   
92,357
     
7,168
     
43,235
     
12,866
     
29,088
   
   
 
Total
  $
461,428
    $
52,962
    $
248,054
    $
64,038
    $
96,374
   
 


(1)   Represents principal payments due on long-term debt. We have $150 million of debt maturing in July 2007 and bearing a fixed rate of interest at 67/8%, payable semiannually, $34 million note maturing in March 2008 and bearing a fixed rate of interest of 3.82%. In addition, at December 31, 2004, $23 million, bearing a variable interest rate, was outstanding under our revolving credit facility that matures in June 2006.
 
(2)   Represents rental agreements for various land, buildings, and computer and office equipment.
 
(3)   Represents open purchase order commitments and other obligations, primarily for steam and pulpwood contracts with minimum annual purchase obligations. In certain situations, prices are subject to variations based on market prices. In such situations, the information above is based on prices in effect at December 31, 2004 or expectations based on historical experience and/or current market conditions.
 
(4)   Represents expected benefits to be paid pursuant to medical retirement plans and nonqualified pension plans over the next ten years and $29 million related to cross currency swap maturing in June 2006.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preceding discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial position and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to inventories, long-lived assets, pension and post-retirement obligations, environmental liabilities and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

We believe the following represent the most significant and subjective estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Inventory Reserves We maintain reserves for excess and obsolete inventories to reflect our inventory at the lower of its stated cost or market value. Our estimate for excess and obsolete inventory is based upon our assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are more or less favorable than those we have projected, we may need to increase or decrease our reserves for excess and obsolete inventories, which could affect our reported results of operations.

Long-lived Assets We evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived assets, including property, equipment and intangible assets periodically or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Our evaluations include analyses based on the cash flows generated by the underlying assets, profitability information, including estimated future operating results, trends or other determinants of fair value. If the value of an asset determined by these evaluations is less than its carrying amount, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of the related business may indicate an inability to recover the carrying value of the assets, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.



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Pension and Other Post-Retirement Obligations Accounting for defined-benefit pension plans, and any curtailments thereof, requires various assumptions, including, but not limited to, discount rates, expected rates of return on plan assets and future compensation growth rates. Accounting for our retiree medical plans, and any curtailments thereof, also requires various assumptions, which include, but are not limited to, discount rates and annual rates of increase in the per capita costs of health care benefits. We evaluate these assumptions at least once each year or as facts and circumstances dictate and make changes as conditions warrant. Changes to these assumptions will increase or decrease our reported income, which will result in changes to the recorded benefit plan assets and liabilities.

Environmental Liabilities We maintain accruals for losses associated with environmental obligations when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing legislation and remediation technologies. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation actions continue and/or further legal or technical information develops. Such undiscounted liabilities are exclusive of any insurance or other claims against third parties. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties, including insurance carriers, are recorded as assets when their receipt is assured beyond a reasonable doubt.

Income Taxes We record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in our balance sheets, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. These deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such amounts are expected to reverse or be utilized. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. If we continue to operate at a loss in certain jurisdictions or are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, or if there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates or time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we could be required to increase the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets resulting in a substantial increase in our effective tax rate and a material adverse impact on our reported results.

Other significant accounting policies, not involving the same level of uncertainties as those discussed above, are nevertheless important to an understanding of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional accounting policies.



ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

                                                         
    Year Ended December 31     At December 31, 2004  
Dollars in thousands   2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     Carrying Value     Fair Value  
 
Long-term debt
                                                       
Average principal outstanding
                                                       
At fixed interest rates
  $ 184,225     $ 184,000     $ 115,250     $ 8,500           $ 184,446     $ 192,125  
At variable interest rates
    23,277       23,277                         23,277       23,277  
Weighted-average interest rate
                                                       
On fixed interest rate debt
    6.31 %     6.31 %     5.97 %     3.82 %                      
On variable interest rate debt
    2.96       3.05                                    
 
                                                       
Cross-currency swap
                                                       
Pay variable – EURIBOR
  72,985     34,993                       $ (29,552 )   $ (29,552 )
Variable rate payable
    2.92 %     2.92 %                                  
Receive variable – US$ LIBOR
  $ 70,000     $ 33,562                                    
Variable rate receivable
    3.18 %     3.18 %                                  
 

Our market risk exposure primarily results from changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. At December 31, 2004, we had long-term debt outstanding of $207.7 million, of which $23.3 million, or 11.2% was at variable interest rates.

The table above presents average principal outstanding and related interest rates for the next five years and the amount of a cross-currency swap agreement. Fair values included herein have been determined based upon rates currently available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Variable-rate debt outstanding represents borrowings under our revolving credit facility that incur interest based on the domestic prime rate or a Eurocurrency rate, at our option, plus a margin. At December 31, 2004, the interest rate paid was 2.96%. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in the interest rate on variable rate debt would increase or decrease annual interest expense by $0.2 million.

At December 31, 2004, we had a cross-currency swap agreement outstanding with a termination date of June 24, 2006. Under this transaction, we swapped $70.0 million for approximately €73 million, pay interest on the Euro



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portion of the swap at a floating Eurocurrency Rate (EURIBOR), plus applicable margins and receive interest on the dollar portion of the swap at a floating U.S. dollar LIBOR rate, plus applicable margins. The cross-currency swap is designed to provide protection from the impact that changes in currency rates have on certain U.S. dollar-denominated inter-company obligations recorded at our S&H subsidiary in Gernsbach, Germany.

The cross currency swap is recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet under the caption “Other long-term liabilities.” Changes in fair value are recognized in earnings as “Other income (expense)” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Changes in fair value of the cross-currency swap transaction are

substantially offset by changes in the value of U.S. dollar-denominated inter-company obligations when they are re-measured in Euros, the functional currency of S&H (see Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 17).

We are subject to certain risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates to the extent our operations are conducted in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. During year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 67% of our net sales were shipped from the United States, 29% from Germany, and 4% from other international locations.



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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of P. H. Glatfelter Company (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the chief executive and chief financial officers to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

As of December 31, 2004, management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 is effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized

acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein, which expresses unqualified opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004.

The Company’s management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, does not expect that our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all frauds. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based, in part, on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.



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Report Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of P. H. Glatfelter Company

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004, of the Company and our report dated March 15, 2005, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 15, 2005



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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
P. H. Glatfelter Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 15, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 15, 2005



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P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                           
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands, except per share amounts   2004       2003     2002  
       
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 543,524       $ 533,193     $ 540,347  
Energy sales – net
    9,953         10,040       9,814  
           
Total revenues
    553,477         543,233       550,161  
Costs of products sold
    461,063         463,687       423,880  
           
Gross profit
    92,414         79,546       126,281  
 
                         
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    59,939         59,146       53,699  
Restructuring charges
    20,375         6,983       4,249  
Unusual items
            11,501       (2,008 )
Gains on disposition of plant, equipment and timberlands, net
    (58,509 )       (32,334 )     (1,304 )
Insurance recoveries
    (32,785 )              
           
Total
    (10,980 )       45,296       54,636  
           
Operating income
    103,394         34,250       71,645  
Other nonoperating income (expense)
                         
Interest expense
    (13,385 )       (14,269 )     (15,103 )
Interest income
    2,012         1,820       1,571  
Other — net
    (1,258 )       (1,385 )     1,016  
           
Total other nonoperating income (expense)
    (12,631 )       (13,834 )     (12,516 )
           
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    90,763         20,416       59,129  
Income tax provision
    34,661         7,430       21,492  
           
Income from continuing operations
    56,102         12,986       37,637  
Discontinued operations
                         
Loss from discontinued operations
            (513 )     (64 )
Income tax benefit
            (188 )     (22 )
           
Loss from discontinued operations
            (325 )     (42 )
           
Net income
  $ 56,102       $ 12,661     $ 37,595  
           
 
                         
Basic earnings per share
                         
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.28       $ 0.30     $ 0.87  
Loss from discontinued operations
            (0.01 )      
           
Net income
  $ 1.28       $ 0.29     $ 0.87  
           
 
                         
Diluted earnings per share
                         
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.27       $ 0.30     $ 0.86  
Loss from discontinued operations
            (0.01 )      
           
Net income
  $ 1.27       $ 0.29     $ 0.86  
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                   
    December 31  
Dollars in thousands, except par values   2004       2003  
       
Assets
                 
Current assets
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 39,951       $ 15,566  
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts: 2004 - $2,364; 2003 - $3,115)
    60,900         59,882  
Inventories
    78,836         71,569  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    18,765         24,685  
           
Total current assets
    198,452         171,702  
 
                 
Plant, equipment and timberlands – net
    520,412         542,960  
 
                 
Other assets
    333,406         312,357  
           
Total assets
  $ 1,052,270       $ 1,027,019  
           
 
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
                 
Current liabilities
                 
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 446       $ 806  
Short-term debt
    3,503         5,000  
Accounts payable
    30,174         31,472  
Dividends payable
    3,955         3,942  
Environmental liabilities
    7,715         27,000  
Other current liabilities
    58,214         44,250  
           
Total current liabilities
    104,007         112,470  
 
                 
Long-term debt
    207,277         248,469  
 
                 
Deferred income taxes
    212,074         207,834  
 
                 
Other long-term liabilities
    108,542         86,815  
           
Total liabilities
    631,900         655,588  
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies
             
 
                 
Shareholders’ equity
                 
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized – 120,000,000 shares; issued – 54,361,980 shares (including shares in treasury: 2004 –10,412,222; 2003 - 10,579,543)
    544         544  
Capital in excess of par value
    41,828         40,469  
Retained earnings
    525,056         484,756  
Deferred compensation
    (1,275 )        
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    8,768         2,690  
           
 
    574,921         528,459  
Less cost of common stock in treasury
    (154,551 )       (157,028 )
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    420,370         371,431  
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,052,270       $ 1,027,019  
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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P.H. GLATFELTER COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                           
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands   2004       2003     2002  
       
Operating activities
                         
Net income
  $ 56,102       $ 12,661     $ 37,595  
Loss from discontinued operations
            (325 )     (42 )
           
Income from continuing operations
    56,102         12,986       37,637  
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by continuing operations:
                         
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    51,598         56,029       45,003  
Pension income
    (17,342 )       (17,149 )     (32,648 )
Restructuring charges and unusual items
    16,483         17,640       (2,008 )
Deferred income tax provision
    17,364         7,779       17,913  
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net
    (58,509 )       (32,334 )     (1,304 )
Other
    655         745       1,235  
Change in operating assets and liabilities
                         
Accounts receivable
    470         4,399       5,969  
Inventories
    (4,276 )       3,060       (2,816 )
Other assets and prepaid expenses
    (12,721 )       (359 )     (5,201 )
Other liabilities
    (10,240 )       (5,800 )     13,926  
           
Net cash provided by continuing operations
    39,584         46,996       77,706  
Net cash provided (used) by discontinued operations
            (244 )     332  
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    39,584         46,752       78,038  
Investing activities
                         
Purchase of plant, equipment and timberlands
    (18,587 )       (66,758 )     (51,108 )
Proceeds from disposal of plant, equipment and timberlands
    60,171         2,892       1,498  
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary, net of cash divested
    525         1,499        
           
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities of continuing operations
    42,109         (62,367 )     (49,610 )
Net cash used by investing activities of discontinued operations
            (60 )     (44 )
           
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
    42,109         (62,427 )     (49,654 )
Financing activities
                         
Repayment of debt under previous revolving credit agreement
                  (133,027 )
Net (repayments of) proceeds from revolving credit facility
    (44,888 )       (10,124 )     68,238  
Proceeds from borrowing from SunTrust Financial
            34,000        
Payment of dividends
    (15,782 )       (26,879 )     (30,307 )
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    917         541       10,491  
           
Net cash used by financing activities
    (59,753 )       (2,462 )     (84,605 )
                           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    2,445         1,484       490  
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    24,385         (16,653 )     (55,731 )
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period
    15,566         32,219       87,950  
           
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period
  $ 39,951       $ 15,566     $ 32,219  
           
 
                         
Supplemental cash flow information
                         
Cash paid (received) for
                         
Interest expense
  $ 11,713       $ 13,767     $ 17,074  
Income taxes
  3,256         (1,575 )     (12,419 )
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

                                                         
                                    Accumulated                
                                    Other                
                                    Compre-                
            Capital in             Deferred     hensive             Total  
    Common     Excess of     Retained     Compen-     Income     Treasury     Shareholders’  
In thousands, except shares outstanding   Stock     Par Value     Earnings     sation     (Loss)     Stock     Equity  
 
Balance, January 1, 2002
  $ 544     $ 40,968     $ 488,150             $ (3,849 )   $ (172,344 )   $ 353,469  
Comprehensive income
                                                       
Net income
                    37,595                               37,595  
Other comprehensive income
                                                       
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                                    162                  
Change in market value of interest rate swaps, net of tax of $11
                                    (21 )                
 
                                                     
Other comprehensive income
                                    141               141  
 
                                                     
Comprehensive income
                                                    37,736  
Tax effect on employee stock options exercised
            1,071                                       1,071  
Cash dividends declared
                    (30,467 )                             (30,467 )
Delivery of treasury shares
                                                       
Performance shares
            3                               70       73  
401(k) plans
            19                               1,373       1,392  
Director compensation
            (1 )                             69       68  
Employee stock options exercised – net
            (1,262 )                             11,753       10,491  
     
Balance, December 31, 2002
    544       40,798       495,278               (3,708 )     (159,079 )     373,833  
Comprehensive income
                                                       
Net income
                    12,661                               12,661  
Other comprehensive income
                                                       
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                                    6,398                  
 
                                                     
Other comprehensive income
                                    6,398               6,398  
 
                                                     
Comprehensive income
                                                    19,059  
Tax effect on employee stock options exercised
            13                                       13  
Cash dividends declared
                    (23,183 )                             (23,183 )
Delivery of treasury shares
                                                       
Performance shares
            (13 )                             124       111  
401(k) plans
            (207 )                             1,188       981  
Director compensation
            (21 )                             97       76  
Employee stock options exercised – net
            (101 )                             642       541  
     
Balance, December 31, 2003
    544       40,469       484,756             2,690       (157,028 )     371,431  
Comprehensive income
                                                       
Net income
                    56,102                               56,102  
Other comprehensive income
                                                       
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                                    6,078                  
 
                                                     
Other comprehensive income
                                    6,078               6,078  
 
                                                     
Comprehensive income
                                                    62,180  
Tax effect on employee stock options exercised
            38                                       38  
Cash dividends declared
                    (15,802 )                             (15,802 )
Issuance of restricted stock units, net
            1,725             (1,275 )                   450  
Delivery of treasury shares
                                                       
Restricted stock awards
            (57 )                         275       218  
401(k) plans
            (170 )                             1,015       845  
Director compensation
            (12 )                             105       93  
Employee stock options exercised – net
            (165 )                             1,082       917  
     
Balance at December 31, 2004
  $ 544     $ 41,828     $ 525,056     $ (1,275 )   $ 8,768     $ (154,551 )   $ 420,370  
     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION

P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries (“Glatfelter”) is a manufacturer of specialty papers and engineered products. Headquartered in York, Pennsylvania, our manufacturing facilities are located in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania; Neenah, Wisconsin; Gernsbach, Germany; Scaër, France and the Philippines. Our products are marketed throughout the United States and in over 80 other countries, either through wholesale paper merchants, brokers and agents or directly to customers.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Glatfelter and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Accounting Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingencies as of the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management believes the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are reasonable, based upon currently available facts and known circumstances, but recognizes that actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ statement of cash flows to conform to those classifications used in the current year.

Cash and Cash Equivalents We classify all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase as cash equivalents.

Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Raw materials and in-process and finished inventories of our domestic manufacturing operations are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, and the supplies inventories are valued principally using the average-cost method. Inventories at our foreign operations are valued using a method that approximates average cost.

Plant, Equipment and Timberlands For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. For income taxes purposes, depreciation is primarily calculated using accelerated methods over lives established by statute or U. S. Treasury Department procedures. Provision is made for deferred income taxes applicable to this difference.

The range of estimated service lives used to calculate financial reporting depreciation for principal items of plant and equipment are as follows:

         
Buildings
  10 - 45 Years
Machinery and equipment
  7 - 35 Years
Other
  4 - 40 Years

All timber costs related to the reforestation process, including, taxes, site preparation, planting, fertilization, herbicide application and thinning, are capitalized. After 20 years, the timber is considered merchantable and depletion is computed on a unit rate of usage by growing area based on estimated quantities of recoverable material. For purchases of land tracts with existing timber, inventoried merchantable timber is subject to immediate depletion based upon usage. Costs related to the purchase of pre-merchantable timber are transferred to merchantable timber over a 10-year period, whereupon it is eligible for depletion.

Estimated timber volume is based upon its current stage in the growth cycle. Growth and yield data is developed through the use of published growth and yield studies as well as our own historical experience. This data is used to calculate volumes for established timber stands. Timber is depleted on an actual usage basis. For purchased timber tracts, a systematic timber inventory is completed and volume is estimated for merchantable timber. Pre-merchantable timber of purchased tracts is estimated based upon its current stage in the growth cycle using growth and yield data.

Maintenance and repairs are charged to income and major renewals and betterments are capitalized. At the time property is retired or sold, the net carrying value is eliminated and any resultant gain or loss is included in income.



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Investment Securities Investments in debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity and recorded at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets when we have the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, investments in debt securities classified as held-to-maturity totaled $9.3 million and $9.8 million, respectively. The noncurrent portion is included in “Other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets.

Valuation of Long-lived Assets We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment when a specific event indicates that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is assessed based on estimates of future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the sum of expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. An impairment loss, if any, is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value.

Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse or be utilized. Valuation allowances, if any, are provided when a portion or all of a deferred tax asset may not be realized.

Treasury Stock Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at cost. At the date of subsequent reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock on the weighted-average cost basis.

Foreign Currency Translation Our subsidiaries outside the United States use their local currency as the functional currency. Accordingly, translation gains and losses and the effect of exchange rate changes on transactions designated as hedges of net foreign investments are included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains and losses are included in income in the period in which they occur.

Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue on product sales when the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. We record revenue net of an allowance for customer returns.

Revenue from energy sales is recognized when electricity is delivered to the customer. Certain costs associated with the production of electricity, such as fuel, labor, depreciation and maintenance are netted against energy sales for presentation on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Costs netted against energy sales totaled $8.3 million, $7.7 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Our current contract to sell electricity generated in excess of our own use expires in the year 2010 and requires that the customer purchase all of our excess electricity up to a certain level. The price for the electricity is determined pursuant to a formula and varies depending upon the amount sold in any given year.

Environmental Liabilities Accruals for losses associated with environmental obligations are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing legislation and remediation technologies. Costs related to environmental remediation are charged to expense. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation actions continue and/or further legal or technical information develops. Such undiscounted liabilities are exclusive of any insurance or other claims against third parties. Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs extend the life of the asset, increase its capacity and/or mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties, including insurance carriers, are recorded as assets when their receipt is assured beyond a reasonable doubt.

Stock-based Compensation We account for Stock-based compensation in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations, as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Compensation expense for restricted stock performance awards is recognized ratably over the performance period based on changes in quoted market prices of Glatfelter stock and the likelihood of achieving the performance goals. This variable plan accounting recognition is due to the uncertainty of achieving performance goals and estimating the number of shares ultimately to be issued. Compensation expense for awards of nonvested Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) is recognized over their graded vesting period based on the grant-date value. The grant-date value is determined based on the grant-date closing price of Glatfelter common stock. The exercise price of all employee stock options is at least equal to their grant-date market value. Accordingly, no compensation expense is recorded for stock options granted to employees.



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Pro Forma Information No compensation expense has been recognized for the issuance of non-qualified stock options. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during 2004, 2003 and 2002, was $3.31, $2.72 and $2.48, respectively.

The fair value of each option on the date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using the following weighted-average assumptions:

                         
    2004     2003     2002  
     
Risk-free interest rate
    4.50 %     3.47 %     4.13 %
Expected dividend yield
    3.17       5.74       5.15  
Expected volatility
    35.0       38.9       27.8  
Expected life
  6.5 yrs   6.5 yrs   6.5 yrs
       

The following table sets forth pro forma information as if compensation expense for all stock-based compensation had been determined consistent with the fair value method of SFAS No. 123.

                           
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands, except per share   2004       2003     2002  
       
Net income as reported
  $ 56,102       $ 12,661     $ 37,595  
Add: stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax
    16         346       235  
Less: stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax
    (339 )       (1,808 )     (1,420 )
           
Pro forma
  $ 55,779       $ 11,199     $ 36,410  
           
Earnings per share
                         
Reported – basic
  $ 1.28       $ 0.29     $ 0.87  
Pro forma – basic
    1.27         0.26       0.84  
Reported – diluted
    1.27         0.29       0.86  
Pro forma – diluted
    1.27         0.26       0.83  
       

Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the respective periods. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of common share equivalents is considered in the diluted earnings per share computation using the treasury stock method.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments The amounts reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other assets, and short-term debt approximate fair value. Financial derivatives are recorded at fair value. The following table sets forth carrying value and fair value for investment securities and long-term debt:

                                   
    2004   2003  
    Carrying Value     Fair Value       Carrying Value     Fair Value  
           
Investment securities
  $ 9,348     $ 10,714       $ 9,838     $ 11,353  
Long-term debt
    207,723       215,402         249,275       262,684  
       

3. RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS

SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” was issued in June 2001 and applies to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. We adopted SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003, and it did not impact our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of SFAS No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of SFAS No. 13, and Technical Corrections,” was issued April 2002 and was effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. This statement, among other things, rescinds the requirement to classify a gain or loss upon the extinguishments of debt as an extraordinary item on the income statement. It also requires lessees to account for certain modifications to lease agreements in a manner consistent with sale-leaseback transaction accounting. We adopted SFAS No. 145 on January 1, 2003, and it did not impact our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” was issued in June 2002 and requires recognition of costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. This statement was to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. We adopted SFAS No. 146 on January 1, 2003, and it did not impact our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In November of 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of the Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”). FIN 45 requires entities to establish liabilities for certain types of guarantees, and expands financial statement disclosures for others. The accounting requirements of FIN 45 were effective for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002, and the disclosure requirements were effective for financial statements for interim or annual periods ended



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after December 15, 2002. The adoption on January 1, 2003, of FIN 45 did not have any significant accounting implications for us as all of our commitments and guarantees are on behalf of our subsidiaries.

SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” was issued in April 2003, and it amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments including derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133. This standard was effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, and its adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” This Statement requires an issuer to classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). SFAS No. 150 was effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, except for certain provisions that were deferred, and otherwise was effective at the beginning of the third quarter of 2003. This statement did not affect the financial instruments we currently use, and therefore the adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not impact our financial statements.

In December 2004, SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” was issued. This standard requires employee stock options other stock-based compensation awards to be accounted for under the fair value method, and eliminates the ability to account for these instruments under the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, and allowed under the original provisions of SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 123(R); is effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2005. We are evaluating the transition methods available under this standard but do not expect its impact to be material to our results of operations or financial position.

4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In July 2003, we sold our Wisches, France subsidiary for approximately $2.0 million and the assumption of approximately $1.1 million of debt owed to us by our subsidiary. At closing, we received $1.7 million and the remaining amounts were to be paid in two annual installments, the first of which was received in July 2004. This subsidiary is reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Prior to the sale, the underlying assets were recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Accordingly, loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2003, includes a charge of $0.5 million, after tax, to write-down the carrying value of the assets prior to the sale. Revenue included in determining results from

discontinued operations totaled $2.6 million and $3.5 million for 2003 and 2002, respectively. This operation was previously reported in the Specialty Papers business unit.

5. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

North American Restructuring Program The North American Restructuring Program, which was initiated in the second quarter of 2004, is designed to improve operating results by enhancing product and service offerings in Specialty Papers’ book publishing markets, growing revenue from uncoated specialty papers, reducing our workforce at our Spring Grove facility by approximately 20%, and implementing improved supply chain management processes. In conjunction with this initiative, we negotiated a new labor agreement that enables us to achieve targeted workforce reduction levels at our Spring Grove, PA facility. As part of the new labor agreement, we offered a voluntary early retirement benefits package to eligible employees. These special termination benefits resulted in a charge of $16.5 million in 2004, substantially all of which is for enhanced pension benefits, post-retirement medical benefits and other related employee severance costs. In addition, we recorded restructuring charges totaling $0.7 million, for severance and related pension and other post employment benefits (“OPEB”) associated with the elimination of certain non-represented positions. The following table sets forth activity in the North American Restructuring Program restructuring reserve.

         
    Year Ended  
    December 31,  
In thousands   2004  
 
Beginning balance
  $ 0  
Amounts accrued
    17,187  
Payments made
    (644 )
To be paid:
       
From pension plan assets
    (11,255 )
As OPEB benefits
    (5,228 )
 
     
Ending balance
  $ 60  
 

The ending balance set forth above represents the portion of the North American Restructuring Program charges that is expected to require near term cash payments from us and primarily consist of severance and benefits continuation. Amounts representing enhanced pension benefits will be paid from our pension plan assets and are recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of our prepaid pension assets. The amounts for OPEB benefits were recorded as “Other long-term liabilities” in the accompanying condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We will pay the OPEB benefits as they are incurred over the course of the affected employees’ benefit period, which could range up to 8 years.



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Neenah Restructuring In September 2003, we announced the decision to permanently shut down a paper making machine and the deinking process at our Neenah, WI facility. This initiative, which resulted in the elimination of approximately 190 positions and the modification of a long-term steam supply contract, was initiated to allow us to reallocate resources to more fully support opportunities in higher growth, more profitable specialty markets. The machines and processes abandoned had supported our Specialty Papers business unit. The results for 2003 include related pre-tax charges of $13.5 million, of which $6.5 million are reflected in the consolidated income statement as components of cost of products sold, and $7.0 million are reflected as “restructuring charges.”

The results of operations in 2004 include $3.2 million of Neenah related restructuring charges, of which $3.0 million represents a fee paid to modify a steam supply contract at the Neenah facility in connection with the restructuring initiative. The remaining amount represents adjustments to estimated benefit continuation costs.

The following table sets forth information with respect to Neenah restructuring charges:

                 
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands   2004     2003  
 
Contract modification fee
  $ 3,000     $  
Depreciation on abandoned equipment
          5,974  
Severance and benefit continuation
    188       1,874  
Pension and other retirement benefits
          4,878  
Other
          768  
       
Total
  $ 3,188     $ 13,494  
     

The following table summarizes activity in the Neenah Restructuring reserve:

                 
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands   2004     2003  
 
Beginning balance
  $ 1,625     $  
Amounts accrued
    3,188       2,105  
Payments made
    (4,065 )     (480 )
       
Ending balance
  $ 748     $ 1,625  
     

As of December 31, 2004, the amounts accrued related to the Neenah restructuring represent only those charges that are expected to result in cash payments and primarily consist of severance payments, benefits continuation and medical retirement benefits. The Neenah restructuring charge totaled $16.7 million, of which $6.5 million was non-cash related, and $5.4 million is to be paid out of pension plan assets.

6. UNUSUAL ITEMS

Unusual items in 2003 reflect an $11.5 million charge relating to our former Ecusta Division, which was sold in 2001. Under the Ecusta Division acquisition agreement, we are indemnified for certain liabilities that have been assumed by the buyers. We had previously accrued liabilities related to certain post-retirement benefits, workers compensation claims and vendor payables and established a corresponding receivable due from the buyers. We paid the portion of these liabilities that became due and sought reimbursement from the buyers, which, to date, they have refused.

Unusual items in 2002 included a $1.5 million contingent liability related to environmental matters with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“Pennsylvania DEP”). This charge was offset by a $3.5 million gain for the settlement of certain escrow claims, including interest and associated liabilities related to the 1998 acquisition of our Schoeller & Hoesch (“S&H”) subsidiary.

7. GAIN ON DISPOSITIONS OF PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND TIMBERLANDS

During 2004 and 2003, we completed sales of timberlands and, in 2004, the corporate aircraft. The following table summarizes these transactions.

                         
Dollars in thousands   Acres     Proceeds     Gain/(loss)  
         
2004
                       
Timberlands
    4,482     $ 56,586     $ 55,355  
Corporate Aircraft
    n/a       2,861       2,554  
Other
    n/a       724       600  
               
Total
          $ 60,171     $ 58,509  
               
 
                       
2003
                       
Timberlands
    25,500     $ 37,850     $ 31,234  
Other
    n/a       2,892       1,100  
               
Total
          $ 40,742     $ 32,334  
 

All property sales completed in 2004 were sold for cash. As consideration for the timberlands sold in 2003, we received a 10-year note from a subsidiary of The Conservation Fund in the principal amount of $37.9 million (the “Note”), which is included in “Other assets” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

     


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8. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the details of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS):

                           
In thousands, except per share   2004       2003     2002  
       
Income from continuing operations
  $ 56,102       $ 12,986     $ 37,637  
Loss from discontinued operations
            (325 )     (42 )
           
Net income
  $ 56,102       $ 12,661     $ 37,595  
           
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in basic EPS
    43,856         43,731       43,396  
Common shares issuable upon exercise of dilutive stock options, restricted stock awards and performance awards
    167         29       395  
           
Weighted average common shares outstanding and common share equivalents used in diluted EPS
    44,023         43,760       43,791  
       
                           
Basic EPS
                         
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.28       $ 0.30     $ 0.87  
Loss from discontinued operations
            (0.01 )      
           
Net income
  $ 1.28       $ 0.29     $ 0.87  
           
Diluted EPS
                         
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.27       $ 0.30     $ 0.86  
Loss from discontinued operations
            (0.01 )      
           
Net income
  $ 1.27       $ 0.29     $ 0.86  
       

The following table sets forth the potential common shares outstanding for options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS for the period indicated, because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

                           
In thousands   2004     2003   2002
       
Potential common shares
    1,664         1,846       1,996  

9. GAIN ON INSURANCE RECOVERIES

During 2004, we reached successful resolution of certain claims under insurance policies related to the Fox River environmental matter. Insurance recoveries included in the results of operations for 2004 totaled $32.8 million and were received in cash prior to December 31, 2004.

10. INCOME TAXES

Income taxes are recognized for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. The effects of income taxes are measured based on effective tax law and rates.

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following:

                           
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands   2004       2003     2002  
       
Current taxes
                         
Federal
  $ 8,982       $ (723 )   $ 1,135  
State
    5,262         27       18  
Foreign
    3,053         347       2,426  
           
 
    17,297         (349 )     3,579  
Deferred taxes
                         
Federal
    14,292         1,562       12,653  
State
    101         2,950       167  
Foreign
    2,971         3,267       5,093  
           
 
    17,364         7,779       17,913  
           
Total provision for income taxes from continuing operations
  $ 34,661       $ 7,430     $ 21,492  
       

The following are domestic and foreign components of pretax income from continuing operations:

                           
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands   2004       2003     2002  
 
United States
  $ 78,627       $ 16,968     $ 38,742  
Foreign
    12,136         3,448       20,387  
         
Total pretax income
  $ 90,763       $ 20,416     $ 59,129  
       

A reconciliation between the income tax provision, computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes from continuing operations, and the actual income tax:

                           
    Year Ended December 31  
In thousands   2004       2003     2002  
       
Federal income tax provision at statutory rate
  $ 31,767       $ 7,146     $ 20,695  
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    3,486         1,935       120  
Tax effect of bargain sale
            (3,991 )      
Tax effect of tax credits
    (3,690 )       (1,493 )     (300 )
Valuation allowance
    3,078         5,027        
Provision for (resolution of) tax matters
    263         (1,723 )      
 
                     
Other
    (243 )       529       977  
           
Total provision for income taxes from continuing operations
  $ 34,661       $ 7,430     $ 21,492  
       


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The sources of deferred income taxes were as follows:

                   
In thousands   2004       2003  
       
Deferred tax assets:
                 
Reserves
  $ 16,397       $ 19,362  
Compensation
    3,344         4,952  
Post-retirement benefits
    12,583         10,448  
Property
    182         168  
Pension
    890         765  
Inventories
    368         427  
Tax carryforwards
    24,339         27,917  
Other
    3,023         11,256  
       
Subtotal
    61,126         75,295  
Valuation allowance
    (20,037 )       (15,777 )
       
Total deferred tax assets
    41,089         59,518  
Deferred tax liabilities:
                 
Property
    124,833         127,262  
Pension
    95,741         92,009  
Installment sale
    12,521         12,679  
Other
    5,535         6,324  
       
Total deferred tax liabilities
    238,630         238,274  
       
Net deferred tax liabilities
  $ 197,541       $ 178,756  
     

At December 31, 2004, the Company had state and foreign tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $60.8 million and $11.7 million, respectively. These NOL carryforwards are available to offset future taxable income, if any. The state NOL carryforwards expire between 2005 and 2024; and the foreign NOL carryforwards do not expire.

In addition, the Company had federal charitable contribution carryforwards of $11.1 million, which expires in 2008, federal foreign tax credit carryforwards of $0.9 million, which expire between 2013 and 2014, and various state tax credit carryforwards totaling $5.0 million, which expire between 2005 and 2019.

The Company has established a valuation allowance of $20.0 million against the net deferred tax assets, primarily due to the uncertainty regarding the ability to utilize state tax carryforwards, a federal charitable contribution carryforward, and certain deferred foreign tax credits.

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, unremitted earnings of subsidiaries outside the United States deemed to be permanently reinvested totaled $55.9 million and $42.5 million, respectively. Because the unremitted earnings of subsidiaries are deemed to be permanently reinvested as of December 31, 2004, no deferred tax liability has been recognized in the Company’s financial statements.

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “Act”) was signed into law on October 22, 2004. The Act creates a temporary incentive for U.S. corporations to repatriate accumulated income abroad by providing an 85 percent dividends received deduction for certain dividends from controlled foreign corporations. As of December 31, 2004, management has not decided whether, and to what extent, the Company would repatriate foreign earnings under the Act. Neither the amount of repatriation nor the related income tax effect from such repatriation can be reasonably estimated at this time. The income tax effect is dependent upon a number of factors, which are being analyzed, including, among others, the cost of financing, the cash requirements of foreign entities and the issuance of additional guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department. The Company will continue to analyze the effect of this provision and expects to complete this analysis before the end of 2005, and will recognize the income tax effect, if any, in the period when a decision whether to repatriate is made.



The net deferred taxes reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows:

                                           
    2004       2003  
In thousands   Federal     State     Foreign     Total       Total  
       
Current asset
  $ 7,880     $ 322     $ 708     $ 8,910       $ 22,095  
Current liability
                    1,010       1,010         1,071  
Long-term asset
                    6,633       6,633         8,054  
Long-term liability
    159,143       28,234       24,697       212,074         207,834  
       

The components of the net deferred tax balances as of December 31 are as follows:

                                           
    2004       2003  
In thousands   Federal     State     Foreign     Total       Total  
           
Deferred tax assets:
                                         
Current
  $ 7,880     $ 322     $ 708     $ 8,910       $ 22,095  
Long-term
    21,395       4,151       6,633       32,179         37,423  
           
 
  $ 29,275     $ 4,473     $ 7,341     $ 41,089       $ 59,518  
             
Deferred tax liabilities:
                                         
Current
              $ 1,010     $ 1,010       $ 1,071  
Long-term
    180,538       32,385       24,697       237,620         237,203  
             
  $ 180,538     $ 32,385     $ 25,707     $ 238,630       $ 238,274  
             

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11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On April 23, 1997, the common shareholders amended the 1992 Key Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan (“1992 Plan”) to authorize, among other things, the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of Glatfelter common stock to eligible participants. The 1992 Plan provides for restricted stock awards, non-qualified stock options, performance shares, incentive stock options and performance units. To date, there have been no grants of incentive stock options or performance units.

Restricted Stock Units During 2004, 157,280 nonvested RSUs, net of forfeitures, were awarded, under the 1992 Key Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan, to executive officers and other key employees. Under terms of the awards, the RSUs vest based solely on the passage of time on a graded scale over a three, four, and five year period. On the grant date, the RSUs, net of forfeitures were valued at $1.7 million and were recorded as “Deferred compensation,” a contra-equity account in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Stock-based compensation expense with respect to the RSUs totaled $0.5 million during the 2004.

Restricted Stock Performance Awards The following table summarizes shares of restricted common stock awarded under the 1992 Plan:

         
For the year ended December 31:   Awards
 
2003
    2,660  
2002
    29,926  
   

Awards issued in 2003 and 2002 vest ratably over a three-year period. Awarded shares are subject to forfeiture, in whole or in part, if the recipient ceases to be an employee within a specified time period. Awards made in 2003 and 2002 are also subject to forfeiture if targeted earnings per share or shareholder returns measures are not met.

The number of shares otherwise required to be delivered may be reduced by an amount that would have a fair market value equal to the taxes we withhold on delivery. We may also, at our discretion, elect to pay to the recipients in cash an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares that would otherwise be delivered. The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense with respect to restricted stock performance awards for each of the past three years:

         
In thousands   Compensation Expense  
 
2004
  $ (443 )
2003
    533  
2002
    362  
   


Non-Qualified Stock Options The following table summarizes the activity with respect to non-qualified options to purchase shares of common stock granted under the 1992 Plan:

                                                   
    2004       2003     2002  
            Weighted-               Weighted-             Weighted-  
            Average               Average             Average  
    Shares     Exercise Price       Shares     Exercise Price     Shares     Exercise Price  
       
Outstanding at beginning of year
    2,304,339     $ 14.71         2,828,529     $ 15.00       3,736,182     $ 14.79  
Granted
    51,250       11.18         40,990       11.75       309,450       13.98  
Exercised
    (72,850 )     12.61         (43,287 )     12.60       (790,800 )     13.26  
Canceled
    (184,127 )     15.51         (521,893 )     16.47       (426,303 )     15.60  
 
                                           
Outstanding at end of year
    2,098,612       14.65         2,304,339       14.71       2,828,529       15.00  
 
                                           
 
                                                 
Exercisable at end of year
    1,956,439     $ 15.17         1,410,614     $ 15.45       1,436,681     $ 15.94  
             

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The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2004:

                                                 
    Options Outstanding             Option Exercisable  
            Weighted-                              
            Average     Weighted-                     Weighted-  
            Remaining     Average             Number     Average  
    Shares     Contractual Life     Exercise Price             Outstanding     Exercise Price  
 
$10.78 to $12.41
    434,810       4.9     $ 12.11               373,237     $ 12.25  
12.95 to 14.44
    732,097       6.4       13.28               651,497       13.32  
15.44 to 17.16
    471,275       5.9       15.74               471,275       15.74  
17.54 to 18.78
    460,430       2.4       18.13               460,430       18.13  
 
                                           
 
    2,098,612       5.1                       1,956,439          
 

An additional 112,720 options became exercisable January 1, 2005 at a weighted-average exercise price of $12.42.

Options granted prior to 2002 become exercisable for 25% of the grant amount, beginning January 1 of the year following the date of grant, assuming six months has passed. An additional 25% become exercisable on January 1 of each of the next three years. Options not exercisable in this format are exercisable in full either six months or one year from the date of grant. Stock options granted after December 31, 2001 vest ratably over three years beginning January 1 of the year following the date of grant. In December 2003, the Compensation Committee accelerated the vesting of options granted during December 2001 and December 2002, to become fully vested as of January 1, 2004. Vesting was accelerated for an aggregate of 639,610 shares, of which 98,300 were previously vested under their original terms. Since the options’ exercise price was greater than the market value of the underlying common stock at the time vesting was accelerated, no compensation expense was recognized. All options expire on the earlier of termination or, in some instances, a defined period subsequent to termination of employment, or ten years from the date of grant.

The exercise price represents the average quoted market price of Glatfelter common stock on the date of grant, or the average quoted market prices of Glatfelter common stock on the first day before and after the date of grant for which quoted market price information was available if such information was not available on the date of grant.

The 1992 plan, as amended, expires in 2007. As of December 31, 2004, 1,205,815 shares of common stock were available for future issuance under the 1992 Plan.

12. RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

We have both funded and, with respect to our international operations, unfunded noncontributory defined-benefit pension plans covering substantially all of

our employees. The benefits are based, in the case of certain plans, on average salary and years of service and, in the case of other plans, on a fixed amount for each year of service. Plan provisions and funding meet the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. We use a December 31-measurement date for all of our defined benefit plans.

We also provide certain health care benefits to eligible retired employees. These benefits include a comprehensive medical plan for retirees prior to age 65 and fixed supplemental premium payments to retirees over age 65 to help defray the costs of Medicare. The plan is not funded and claims are paid as reported.

                                     
    Pension Benefits     Other Benefits  
In millions   2004       2003     2004       2003  
             
Change in Benefit Obligation
                                   
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 267.2       $ 249.8     $ 39.7       $ 49.4  
Service Cost
    3.9         3.7       1.0         1.0  
Interest Cost
    16.1         16.3       2.4         2.5  
Plan amendments
    0.2         4.7                 (4.6 )
Actuarial loss
    15.9         10.0       2.0         (4.3 )
Benefits paid
    (18.4 )       (17.0 )     (3.6 )       (4.0 )
Impact of curtailments
    (0.5 )       (0.3 )     5.1         (0.3 )
Impact of special termination benefits
    10.8               0.1          
                 
Balance at end of year
  $ 295.2       $ 267.2       46.7       $ 39.7  
           
 
                                   
Change in Plan Assets
                                   
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 445.7       $ 385.9     $       $  
Actual return on plan assets
    35.8         74.5                
Employer contributions
    2.5         2.3       3.6         4.0  
Benefits paid
    (18.4 )       (17.0 )     (3.6 )       (4.0 )
           
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  $ 465.6       $ 445.7     $       $  
           
 
                                   
Reconciliation of Funded Status
                                   
Funded Status
  $ 170.4       $ 178.5     $ (46.7 )     $ (39.7 )
Unrecognized transition assets
            (0.9 )              
Unrecognized prior service cost
    21.7         24.3       (6.8 )       (7.6 )
Unrecognized (gain) loss
    33.4         15.2       21.1         20.4  
           
Net amount recognized
  $ 225.5       $ 217.1     $ (32.4 )     $ (26.9 )
           


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The net prepaid pension cost for qualified pension plans is primarily included in “Other assets,” and the accrued pension cost for non-qualified pension plans and accrued post-retirement benefit costs are primarily included in “Other long-term liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of the following as of December 31:

                                     
    Pension Benefits     Other Benefits  
In millions   2004       2003     2004       2003  
             
Prepaid benefit cost
  $ 245.4       $ 236.3     $       $  
Accrued benefit liability
    (19.9 )       (19.2 )     (32.4 )       (26.9 )
           
Net amount recognized
  $ 225.5       $ 217.1     $ (32.4 )     $ (26.9 )
         

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $283.2 million and $262.2 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

The weighted-average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligations above were as follows:

                                     
    Pension Benefits     Other Benefits  
    2004       2003     2004       2003  
             
Discount rate - benefit obligation
    5.75 %       6.25 %     5.75 %       6.25 %
Future compensation growth rate
    4.0         4.0                
         

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was as follows:

                   
In millions   2004       2003  
       
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 23.1       $ 29.8  
Accumulated benefit obligation
    21.8         27.1  
Fair value of plan assets
             
     

Net periodic benefit (income) cost includes the following components:

                           
    Year Ended December 31  
In millions   2004       2003     2002  
       
Pension Benefits
                         
Service cost
  $ 3.9       $ 3.7     $ 4.3  
Interest cost
    16.1         16.3       15.5  
Expected return on plan assets
    (39.4 )       (38.7 )     (46.7 )
Amortization of transition asset
    (0.8 )       (1.3 )     (1.9 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    2.4         2.8       1.4  
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss
    0.4         0.0       (5.3 )
           
Net periodic benefit (income) cost
    (17.4 )       (17.2 )     (32.7 )
Special termination benefits
            5.4       1.7  
Curtailment and settlement
    11.4                
           
Total net periodic benefit (income) cost
  $ (6.0 )     $ (11.8 )   $ (31.0 )
           
 
                         
Other Benefits
                         
Service cost
  $ 1.0       $ 1.0     $ 1.4  
Interest cost
    2.4         2.5       3.2  
Expected return on plan assets
                   
Amortization of transition asset
                   
Amortization of prior service cost
    (0.7 )       (0.8 )     (0.4 )
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss
    1.2         1.1       1.4  
           
Net periodic benefit (income) cost
    3.9         3.8       5.6  
Special termination benefits
    5.2         (0.5 )      
Plan amendments
            (0.7 )      
Curtailment and settlement
                   
           
Total net periodic benefit cost
  $ 9.1       $ 2.6     $ 5.6  
       

The weighted-average assumptions used in computing the net periodic benefit (income) cost information above were as follows:

                           
    Year Ended December 31  
In millions   2004       2003     2002  
       
Pension Benefits
                         
Discount rate – benefit expense
    6.25 %       6.75 %     7.0 %
Future compensation growth rate
    4.0         4.0       3.5  
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
    8.5         8.5       9.0  
 
                         
Other Benefits
                         
Discount rate – benefit expense
    6.25 %       6.75 %     7.0 %
Future compensation growth rate
                   
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
                   
       

     To develop the expected long-term rate of return assumption, we considered the historical returns and the future expected returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio. This resulted in the selection of the 8.5% long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for 2004.



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Assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31 were as follows

                   
    2004       2003  
       
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
    11.5 %       13.0 %
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
    5.0         5.0  
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate rate
    2014         2013  
       

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans. A one percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

                 
    One percentage point  
In thousands   increase     decrease  
 
Effect on:
               
Post-retirement benefit obligation
  $ 3,744     $ (3,303 )
Total of service and interest cost components
    376       (325 )
 

Plan Assets

Glatfelter’s pension plan weighted-average allocations at December 31, 2004 and 2003, by asset category, are as follows:

                   
    2004       2003  
       
Asset Category
                 
Equity securities
    66 %       74 %
Debt securities
    30         18  
Cash and real estate
    4         8  
           
Total
    100 %       100 %
       

Our objective is to achieve an above-market rate of return on our pension plan assets. Based upon this objective, along with the timing of benefit payments and the risks associated with various asset classes available for investment, we have established the following asset allocation guidelines:

             
    Minimum   Target   Maximum
     
Equity
  60%   70%   80%
Fixed Income & Other
  20%   30%   40%
 

Real estate can be between 0% and 5% of the target equity allocation. Glatfelter stock can also be between 0% and 5% of the target equity allocation, although there were no holdings of Glatfelter stock as of December 31, 2004 or 2003. Our investment policy prohibits the investment in certain securities without the approval of the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors. Regarding Fixed Income securities, the weighted-average credit quality will be at least “AA” with a “BBB” minimum credit quality for each issue.

Cash Flow We do not expect to make contributions to our qualified pension plans in 2005. Contributions and benefit payments expected to be made in 2005 under our

non-qualified pension plans and other benefit plans are summarized below:

         
In thousands        
 
Nonqualified pension plans
  $ 1,680  
Other benefit plans
    4,983  
 

Defined Contribution Plans We maintain 401(k) plans for certain hourly and salaried employees. Employees may contribute up to 15% of their salary to these plans, subject to certain restrictions. We will match a portion of the employee’s contribution, subject to certain limitations, in the form of shares of Glatfelter common stock. The expense associated with our 401(k) match was $0.7 million, $0.7 million and $1.2 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

13. INVENTORIES

Inventories, net of reserves were as follows:

                   
In thousands   2004       2003  
       
Raw materials
  $ 14,974       $ 15,106  
In-process and finished
    39,327         32,145  
Supplies
    24,535         24,318  
           
Total
  $ 78,836       $ 71,569  
       

If we had valued all inventories using the average-cost method, inventories would have been 12.6 million and $14.4 million higher than reported at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. During 2003 we liquidated certain LIFO inventories, the effect of which did not have a significant impact on net income.

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the recorded value of the above inventories was approximately $0.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, lower than inventories for income tax purposes.

14. PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND TIMBERLANDS

Plant, equipment and timberlands at December 31 were as follows:

                   
In thousands   2004       2003  
       
Land and buildings
  $ 137,668       $ 129,130  
Machinery and equipment
    902,835         880,897  
Other
    85,891         86,306  
Accumulated depreciation
    (611,852 )       (560,291 )
           
 
    514,542         536,042  
Construction in progress
    3,219         4,454  
Timberlands, less depletion
    2,651         2,464  
           
Plant, equipment and timberlands – net
  $ 520,412       $ 542,960  
       


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15. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Other current liabilities is summarized as follows:

                   
    December 31  
In thousands   2004       2003  
       
Accrued payroll and benefits
  $ 19,525       $ 13,791  
Other accrued compensation and retirement benefits
    8,838         6,929  
Income taxes payable
    15,317         1,565  
Other accrued expenses
    14,534         21,965  
           
Total
  $ 58,214       $ 44,250  
       

16. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

                   
    December 31  
In thousands   2004       2003  
       
Revolving credit facility, due June 2006
  $ 23,277       $ 64,047  
6 7/8% Notes, due July 2007
    150,000         150,000  
Note payable – SunTrust, due March 2008
    34,000         34,000  
Other notes, various
    446         1,228  
           
Total long-term debt
    207,723         249,275  
Less current portion
    (446 )       (806 )
           
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
  $ 207,277       $ 248,469  
       

On June 24, 2002, we entered into an unsecured $102.5 million multi-currency revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) with a syndicate of three major banks. An additional $22.5 million was added to the Facility on September 24, 2002 with a fourth major bank. The Facility, which replaced an old facility, enables Glatfelter or its subsidiaries to borrow up to the equivalent of $125.0 million in certain currencies. Borrowings can be made for any time period from one day to six months and incur interest based on the domestic prime rate or a Eurocurrency rate, at our option, plus a margin ranging from .525 to 1.05. The margin and a facility fee on the commitment balance are based on the higher of our debt ratings as published by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. The Facility requires us to meet certain leverage and interest coverage ratios, both of which we are in compliance with at December 31, 2004.

On July 22, 1997, we issued $150.0 million principal amount of 6 7/8% Notes due July 15, 2007. Interest on the Notes is payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15. The Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option at any time at a calculated redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, and constitute unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes were used primarily to repay certain short-term unsecured debt and related interest.

On March 21, 2003, we sold approximately 25,500 acres of timberlands and received as consideration a $37.9 million 10-year interest bearing note receivable from the Timberland Buyer. We pledged the Note as collateral under a $34.0 million promissory note payable to SunTrust Financial (the “Note Payable”). The Note Payable bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.82% for five years at which time we can elect to renew the obligation.

P. H. Glatfelter Company guarantees debt obligations of all its subsidiaries. All such obligations are recorded in these consolidated financial statements.

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, we had $4.0 million and $3.3 million, respectively, of letters of credit issued to us by a financial institution. The letters of credit are for the benefit of certain state workers compensation insurance agencies in conjunction with our self-insurance program. No amounts were outstanding under the letters of credit. We bear the credit risk on this amount to the extent that we do not comply with the provisions of certain agreements. The letters of credit do not reduce the amount available under our lines of credit.

17. CROSS-CURRENCY SWAP

In conjunction with our 2002 refinancing, we entered into a cross-currency swap transaction effective June 24, 2002. Under this transaction, we swapped $70.0 million for approximately 73.0 million and will pay interest on the Euro portion of the swap at a floating Eurocurrency Rate, plus applicable margins and will receive interest on the dollar portion of the swap at a floating U.S. Dollar LIBOR, plus applicable margins. The contract matures on June 24, 2006. The cross-currency swap is designed to provide protection from the impact that changes in currency rates have on certain U.S. dollar-denominated inter-company obligations recorded at our subsidiary in Gernsbach, Germany. The cross-currency swap is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value of $(29.6) and $(22.0) million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, under the caption “Other long-term liabilities.” Changes in fair value are recognized in current earnings as “Other income (expenses)” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The mark-to-market adjustment was offset by the related remeasurement of the U.S. dollar denominated inter-company obligations.

The credit risks associated with our financial derivatives are controlled through the evaluation and monitoring of creditworthiness of the counterparties. Although counterparties may expose us to losses in the event of nonperformance, we do not expect such losses, if any, to be significant.



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18. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The following table summarizes outstanding shares of common stock:

                           
    Year Ended December 31,  
In thousands   2004       2003     2002  
       
Shares outstanding at beginning of year
    43,782         43,644       42,750  
Treasury shares issued for:
                         
Restricted stock performance awards
    19         8       5  
401(k) plan
    69         80       92  
Director compensation
    7         7       6  
Employee stock options exercised
    73         43       791  
           
Shares outstanding at end of year
    43,950         43,782       43,644  
       

19. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Contractual Commitments

The following table summarizes the minimum annual rentals due on noncancelable operating leases and other similar contractual obligations having initial or remaining terms in excess of one year. Other contractual obligations primarily represent minimum purchase commitments under steam, energy and pulpwood supply contracts.

                 
In thousands   Leases     Other  
 
2005
    2,289       21,086  
2006
    1,166       19,726  
2007
    1,059       7,872  
2008
    733       7,722  
2009
    695       7,700  
 

At December 31, 2004, required minimum annual rentals due under operating leases and other similar contractual obligation aggregated $15.4 million and $121.9 million, respectively.

Ecusta Division Matters

In August 2001, pursuant to an acquisition agreement (the “Acquisition Agreement”), we sold the assets of our Ecusta Division to four related entities, consisting of Purico (IOM) Limited, an Isle of Man limited liability company (“Purico”), and RF&Son Inc. (“RF”), RFS US Inc. (“RFS US”) and RFS Ecusta Inc. (“RFS Ecusta”), each of which is a Delaware corporation, (collectively, the “Buyers”).

In August 2002, the Buyers shut down the manufacturing operation of the pulp and paper mill in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, which was the most significant operation of the Ecusta Division. On October 23, 2002, RFS Ecusta and RFS US filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. During the fourth quarter of 2002, in accordance with the provisions of the Acquisition Agreement, we notified the Buyers of third party claims (“Third Party Claims”) made against us for which we are seeking indemnification from the Buyers. The Third Party Claims primarily relate to certain post-retirement benefits, workers compensation claims and vendor payables.

Effective August 8, 2003, the assets of RFS Ecusta and RFS US, which substantially consist of the pulp and paper mill and related real property, were sold to several third

parties unrelated to the Buyers (the “New Buyers”). We understand the New Buyers’ business plan was to continue certain mill-related operations and to convert portions of the mill site into a business park.

Beginning in April 2003, governmental authorities, including the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (“NCDENR”), initiated discussions with us and the New Buyers regarding, among other environmental issues, certain potential landfill closure liabilities (“Landfill Closure Costs”) associated with the Ecusta mill and its properties. The discussions focused on NCDENR’s desire to establish a plan and secure financial resources to close three landfills located at the Ecusta facility and to address other environmental matters at the facility. During the third quarter of 2003, the discussions ended with NCDENR’s conclusion to hold us responsible for the closure of the landfills. In March 2004, the NCDENR issued us an order requiring the closure of one of the three landfills at issue. We intend to pursue reimbursement for any such Landfill Closure Costs from the Buyers under the indemnification provisions of the Acquisition Agreement.

Based on our analysis of available information and our landfill closure experience, we estimated the Landfill Closure Costs would total approximately $7.6 million. During 2003, we established a reserve in this amount through charges to our results of operations. In November 2004, in compliance with the March 2004 NCDENR order, we completed the physical closure of the subject landfill. As of December 31, 2004, our reserve for Landfill Closure Costs declined to $6.4 million, reflecting costs paid to date. We believe this reserve to be adequate based on our assessment of remaining Landfill Closure Costs to be incurred.

In addition to Landfill Closure Costs, prior to 2003 we had recorded liabilities for Third Party Claims, primarily related to workers compensation claims, for approximately $2.2 million.

We continue to believe the Buyers are responsible for the Landfill Closure Costs and the Third Party Claims under provisions of the Acquisition Agreement, and believe we have a strong legal basis to seek indemnification. We intend to pursue appropriate avenues to enforce the provisions of the Acquisition Agreement.

In October 2004, the bankruptcy trustee for the estates of RFS Ecusta and RFS US filed a complaint in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of North Carolina against certain of the Buyers and other related parties (“Defendant Buyers”) and us. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the Defendant Buyers engaged in fraud and fraudulent transfers and breached their fiduciary duties. With respect to Glatfelter, the



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complaint alleges that we aided and abetted the Defendant Buyers in their purported actions in the Defendant Buyers’ structuring of the acquisition of the Ecusta Division and asserts a claim against us under the Bankruptcy Code. The trustee seeks damages from us in an amount not less than $25.8 million, plus interest, and other relief. We believe these claims are largely without merit and we are vigorously defending ourselves in this action. Accordingly, no amounts have been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The bankruptcy trustee filed another complaint, also in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of North Carolina, against us, certain banks and other parties, seeking, among other things, damages totaling $6.5 million for alleged breaches of the Acquisition Agreement (the “Breach Claims”), release of certain amounts held in escrow totaling $3.5 million (the “Escrow Claims”) and recoveries of unspecified amounts allegedly payable under the Acquisition Agreement and a related agreement. As we previously disclosed, we were first notified of the potential Breach Claims in July 2002, which are primarily related to the physical condition of the Ecusta mill at the time of sale. We believe these claims are without merit. With respect to the Escrow Claims, the trustee seeks the release of certain amounts held in escrow related to the sale of the Ecusta Division, of which $2.0 million was escrowed at the time of closing in the event of claims arising such as those asserted in the Breach Claim. The Escrow Claims also include amounts alleged to total $1.5 million arising from sales by us of certain properties at or around the Ecusta mill. We have previously reserved such escrowed amounts and they are recorded in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Other long-term liabilities.” We are vigorously defending ourselves in this action.

Further, governmental authorities are continuing to monitor the environmental conditions at the Ecusta mill. We are uncertain as to what additional Ecusta-related claims, including environmental matters, if any, may be asserted against us. In September 2004, one of the New Buyers entered into a Brownfield Agreement with the NCDENR relating to the Ecusta mill. We believe that the New Buyers continue to have discussions with the governmental authorities concerning certain other environmental related matters at the former Ecusta facility. The likelihood and extent of potential claims against us could be mitigated by the successful execution of the New Buyers’ business plan. Should any claims be made against us, we would seek indemnification to the extent possible in accordance with the terms of the Acquisition Agreement. We cannot ascertain at this time what additional impact, if any, these matters will have on our consolidated financial position and/or results of operations, and no amounts with respect thereto have been recorded.

Environmental Matters

We are subject to loss contingencies resulting from regulation by various federal, state, local and foreign governmental authorities with respect to the environmental impact of our mills. To comply with environmental laws and regulations, we have incurred substantial capital and operating expenditures in past years. We anticipate that environmental regulation of our operations will continue to become more burdensome and that capital and operating expenditures necessary to comply with environmental regulations will continue, and perhaps increase, in the future. In addition, we may incur obligations to remove or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment resulting from our operations, including the restoration of natural resources and liability for personal injury and for damages to property and natural resources. Because environmental regulations are not consistent worldwide, our ability to compete in the world marketplace may be adversely affected by capital and operating expenditures required for environmental compliance.

Spring Grove, Pennsylvania In 1999, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) issued to us a Notice of Violation (“NOV”) alleging violations of air pollution control laws primarily for purportedly failing to obtain appropriate pre-construction air quality permits in conjunction with the installation of a turbine generator at our Spring Grove facility.

The Pennsylvania DEP’s NOV pertained to a modification for which we did not receive a pre-construction permit. In October 2004, we entered into a Consent Order and Agreement with the Pennsylvania DEP that requires us to pay a $0.1 million penalty, complete certain other corrective actions and install an air pollution control device at the Spring Grove facility, the related capital expenditure requirement does not represent a material amount. This agreement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or our results of operations.

Neenah, Wisconsin We have previously reported with respect to potential environmental claims arising out of the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) in sediments in the lower Fox River and in the Bay of Green Bay, downstream of our Neenah, Wisconsin facility. We acquired the Neenah facility in 1979 as part of the acquisition of the Bergstrom Paper Company. In part, this facility used wastepaper as a source of fiber. At no time did the Neenah facility utilize PCBs in the pulp and paper making process, but discharges from the facility containing PCBs from wastepaper may have occurred from 1954 to the late 1970s. Any PCBs that the Neenah facility discharged into the Fox River resulted from the



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presence of NCR®-brand carbonless copy paper in the wastepaper that was received from others and recycled. As described below, various state and federal governmental agencies have formally notified nine potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”), including us, that they are potentially responsible for response costs and “natural resource damages” (“NRDs”) arising from PCB contamination in the lower Fox River and in the Bay of Green Bay, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and other statutes. The other identified PRPs are NCR Corporation, Appleton Papers Inc., Georgia Pacific Corp. (formerly Fort Howard Corp. and Fort James), WTM I Co. (a subsidiary of Chesapeake Corp.), Riverside Paper Corporation, U.S. Paper Mills Corp. (a subsidiary of Sonoco Products Company), Sonoco Products Company, and Menasha Corporation.

CERCLA establishes a two-part liability structure that makes responsible parties liable for (1) “response costs” associated with the remediation of a release of hazardous substances and (2) NRDs related to that release. Courts have interpreted CERCLA to impose joint and several liabilities on responsible parties for response costs, subject to equitable allocation in certain instances. Prior to a final settlement by all responsible parties and the final cleanup of the contamination, uncertainty regarding the application of such liability will persist.

The areas of the lower Fox River and in the Bay of Green Bay in which the contamination exists are commonly referred to as Operable Unit 1 (“OU1”), which consists of Little Lake Butte des Morts, the portion of the river that is closest to our Neenah facility, Operable Unit 2 (“OU2”) which is the portion of the river between dams at Appleton and Little Rapids and Operable Units 3 through 5 (“OU3–5”), an area approximately 20 miles downstream of our Neenah facility.

The following summarizes the status of our potential exposure:

Response Actions

OU1 and OU2 On January 7, 2003, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (the “Wisconsin DNR”) and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued a Record of Decision (“ROD”) for the cleanup of OU1 and OU2. Subject to extenuating circumstances and alternative solutions arising during the cleanup, the ROD requires the removal of approximately 784,000 cubic yards of sediment from OU1 and no active remediation of OU2. The ROD also requires the monitoring of the two operable units. Wisconsin DNR and EPA estimate that the remedy for these two reaches will cost approximately $75 million but could cost within a range from approximately $52 million to $112 million.

On July 1, 2003, WTM I entered into an Administrative Order on Consent (“AOC”) with EPA and the Wisconsin DNR regarding the implementation of the Remedial Design for OU1.

On October 1, 2003, the U.S. Department of Justice lodged a consent decree regarding OU1 (“the OU1 Consent Decree”) with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. In the first quarter of 2004, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin entered the OU1 Consent Decree. Under terms of the OU1 Consent Decree, Glatfelter and WTM I each agreed to pay approximately $27 million, of which $25.0 million from each was placed in escrow to fund response work associated with remedial actions specified in the ROD. In addition, EPA agreed to take steps to place $10 million from another source into escrow for the OU1 cleanup. The remaining amount agreed to be paid under the consent decree is for NRD, NRD assessment and Past Costs incurred by the government.

The response work will be managed and/or performed by Glatfelter and WTM I, with governmental oversight, and funded by the amounts placed into escrow. Based on information currently available to us, we believe the required remedial actions can be completed with the amount of monies committed under the Consent Decree. If the Consent Decree is terminated due to an insufficiency of escrow funds, Glatfelter and WTM I each remain potentially responsible for the costs necessary to complete the remedial actions.

The terms of the OU1 Consent Decree and the underlying escrow agreement restrict the use of the funds to qualifying remediation activities or restoration activities at the lower Fox River. In mid 2004, together with WTM I, we began activities to remediate the area known as OU1. These activities included, among others, construction of de-watering and water-treatment facilities, and commencement of dredging of portions of the OU1. In 2004 we completed dredging, dewatering and disposal activities covering of approximately 18,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from various locations in OU1.

The terms of the OU1 Consent Decree include provisions to be followed should the escrow account be depleted prior to completion of the response work. In this event, each company would be notified and be provided an opportunity to contribute additional funds to the escrow account and thereby to preserve the OU1 Consent Decree. Should the OU1 Consent Decree be terminated for this reason, each company would lose the protections contained in the settlement and the governments may turn to one or both parties for the completion of OU1 clean up. In such a situation, the governments may also seek response work from a third party, or perform the work



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themselves and seek response costs from any of the identified PRPs, including Glatfelter.

At December 31, 2004, our portion of the escrow fund totaled approximately $20.2 million, of which $7.2 million is recorded in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet under the caption “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and $13.0 million is included under the caption “Other assets.” As of December 31, 2004, our reserve for environmental liabilities, substantially all of which is for OU1 remediation activities, totaled $21.1 million.

OU3 – 5 On July 28, 2003, the EPA and the Wisconsin DNR issued a ROD (the “Second ROD”) for the cleanup of OU3 – 5. The Second ROD calls for the removal of 6.5 million cubic yards of sediment and certain monitoring at an estimated cost of $324.4 million but could, according to the Second ROD, cost within a range from approximately $227.0 million to $486.6 million. The most significant component of the estimated costs is attributable to large-scale sediment removal by dredging.

During the first quarter of 2004, NCR Corp. and Georgia Pacific Corp. entered into an AOC with the United States EPA under which they agreed to perform the Remedial Design for OU3-5, thereby accomplishing a first step towards remediation.

We do not believe that we have more than a de minimis share of any equitable distribution of responsibility for OU3–5 after taking into account the location of our Neenah facility relative to the site and considering other work or funds committed or expended by us. However, uncertainty regarding responsibilities for the cleanup of these sites continues due to disagreement over a fair allocation or apportionment of responsibility.

Natural Resource Damages

The ROD and Second ROD do not place any value on claims for NRDs associated with this matter. As noted above, NRD claims are distinct from costs related to the primary remediation of a Superfund site. Calculating the value of NRD claims is difficult, especially in the absence of a completed remedy for the underlying contamination. The State of Wisconsin, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (“FWS”), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”), four Indian tribes and the Michigan Attorney General have asserted that they possess NRD claims related to the lower Fox River and the Bay of Green Bay.

In June 1994, FWS notified the then identified PRPs that it considered them potentially responsible for NRDs. The federal, tribal and Michigan agencies claiming to be NRD trustees have proceeded with the preparation of an NRD assessment. While the final assessment has yet to be

completed, the federal trustees released a plan on October 25, 2000 that values their NRDs for injured natural resources between $176 million and $333 million. We believe that the federal NRD assessment is technically and procedurally flawed. We also believe that the NRD claims alleged by the various alleged trustees are legally and factually without merit.

The OU1 Consent Decree required that Glatfelter and WTM I each pay the governments $1.5 million for NRDs for the Fox River site, and $150,000 for NRD assessment costs. Each of these payments was made in return for credit to be applied toward each settling company’s potential liability for NRDs associated with the entire river.

Other Information

The Wisconsin DNR and FWS have published studies, the latter in draft form, estimating the amount of PCBs discharged by each identified PRP to the lower Fox River and the Bay of Green Bay. These reports estimate our Neenah facility’s share of the volumetric discharge to be as high as 27%. We do not believe the volumetric estimates used in these studies are accurate because the studies themselves disclose that they are not accurate and are based on assumptions for which there exists no evidence. We believe that our volumetric contribution is significantly lower than the estimates. Further, we do not believe that a volumetric allocation would constitute an equitable distribution of the potential liability for the contamination. Other factors, such as the location of contamination, location of discharge and a party’s role in causing discharge must be considered in order for the allocation to be equitable.

We have entered into interim cost-sharing agreements with four of the other PRPs, pursuant to which such PRPs have agreed to share both defense costs and costs for scientific studies relating to PCBs discharged into the lower Fox River. These interim cost-sharing agreements have no bearing on the final allocation of costs related to this matter. Based upon our evaluation of the magnitude, nature and location of the various discharges of PCBs to the river and the relationship of those discharges to identified contamination, we believe our share of any liability among the identified PRPs is much less than our per capita share of the cost sharing agreement.

We also believe that there exist additional potentially responsible parties other than the identified PRPs. For instance, certain of the identified PRPs discharged their wastewater through public wastewater treatment facilities, which we believe makes the owners of such facilities potentially responsible in this matter. We also believe that entities providing wastepaper-containing PCBs to each of the recycling mills are also potentially responsible for this matter.



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While the OU1 Consent Decree clarifies exposure we may have with regard to the Fox River site, it does not completely resolve our potential liability related to this matter. We continue to believe that this matter may result in litigation, but cannot predict the timing, nature, extent or magnitude of such litigation. We currently are unable to predict our ultimate cost related to this matter.

Reserves for Environmental Liabilities We have reserves for environmental liabilities with contractual obligations and for those environmental matters for which it is probable that a claim will be made, that an obligation may exist and for which the amount of the obligation is reasonably estimable. The following table summarizes information with respect to such reserves as of December 31, 2004 and 2003.

                   
    December 31,  
In millions   2004       2003  
       
Recorded as:
                 
Environmental liabilities
  $ 7.7       $ 27.0  
Other long-term liabilities
    13.9         2.4  
           
Total
  $ 21.6       $ 29.4  
       

The classification of our environmental liabilities is based on the development of the underlying remediation plan and execution of the related escrow agreement for the funding thereof. The reserve balance declined as a result of payments associated with remediation activities under the OU1 Consent Decree and items related to the Fox River matter. We did not record charges to our results of operations during 2004 or 2003 related to these matters.

Other than with respect to the OU1 Consent Decree, the amount and timing of future expenditures for environmental compliance, cleanup, remediation and personal injury, NRDs and property damage liabilities cannot be ascertained with any certainty due to, among other things, the unknown extent and nature of any contamination, the extent and timing of any technological advances for pollution abatement, the response actions that may be required, the availability of qualified remediation contractors, equipment and landfill space and the number and financial resources of any other parties.

Range of Reasonably Possible Outcomes – Neenah, Wisconsin Based on currently available information, including actual remediation costs incurred to date, we believe that the remediation of OU1 will be satisfactorily completed for the amounts expected to be committed under the OU1 Consent Decree. Our assessment is dependent, in part, on successful use of anticipated dredging techniques and the ultimate extent of such dredging, and on the successful negotiation of acceptable contracts to complete remediation related activities.

The OU1 Consent Decree does not address response costs necessary to remediate the remainder of the Fox River site

and only addresses NRDs and claims for reimbursement of government expenses to a limited extent. Due to judicial interpretations that find CERCLA imposes joint and several liability, uncertainty persists regarding our exposure with respect to the remainder of the Fox River site.

Based on our analysis of currently available information and experience regarding the cleanup of hazardous substances, we believe that it is reasonably possible that our costs associated with the lower Fox River and the Bay of Green Bay may exceed our reserves by amounts that may prove to be insignificant or that could range, in the aggregate, up to approximately $115 million, over a period that is undeterminable but could range beyond 20 years. We believe that the likelihood of an outcome in the upper end of the monetary range is significantly less than other possible outcomes within the range and that the possibility of an outcome in excess of the upper end of the monetary range is remote.

In our estimate of the upper end of the range, we have considered: (i) the remedial actions agreed to in the OU1 Consent Decree and our belief that the required actions can be accomplished with the funds to be escrowed under the OU1 Consent Decree; and (ii) no active remediation of OU2. We have also assumed dredging for the remainder of the River and the Bay of Green Bay, as set forth in the Second ROD, although at a significantly higher cost than estimated in the Second ROD. We have also assumed our share of the ultimate liability to be 18%, which is significantly higher than we believe is appropriate or than we will incur and a level of NRD claims and claims for reimbursement of expenses from other parties that, although reasonably possible, is unlikely.

In estimating both our current reserves for environmental remediation and other environmental liabilities and the possible range of additional costs, we have not assumed that we will bear the entire cost of remediation and damages to the exclusion of other known PRPs who may be jointly and severally liable. The ability of other PRPs to participate has been taken into account, generally based on their financial condition and probable contribution. Our evaluation of the other PRPs’ financial condition included the review of publicly disclosed financial information. Furthermore, we believe certain of these PRPs have corporate or contractual relationships with additional entities that may shift monetary obligations arising from the lower Fox River and Bay of Green Bay. The relative probable contribution is based upon our knowledge that at least two PRPs manufactured the paper and arranged for the disposal of the wastepaper that included the PCBs and as such, in our opinion, bear a higher level of responsibility.

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the river and the relationship of those discharges to identified contamination. We have also considered that over a number of years, certain facilities were under the ownership of large multinational companies that appear to retain some liability for this matter. We continue to evaluate our exposure and the level of our reserves, including, but not limited to, our potential share of the costs and NRDs, if any, associated with the lower Fox River and the Bay of Green Bay.

We believe that we are insured against certain losses related to the lower Fox River and the Bay of Green Bay, depending on the nature and amount of the losses. On July 30, 2003, we filed a Complaint in the Circuit Court for the County of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, against our insurers, seeking damages for breach of contract and declaratory relief related to such losses. One of the insurers that is a defendant in our Wisconsin litigation has filed a counter-suit against us in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The filing of our lawsuit followed the issuance of a Wisconsin Supreme Court opinion regarding environmental coverage issues that is favorable to policyholders. In 2004, we reached successful resolution of certain claims under insurance policies related to the Fox River environmental matter. Insurance recoveries included in the results of operations for the year ended 2004 totaled $32.8 million and were fully received in cash prior to the end of the year.

Summary Our current assessment is that we should be able to manage these environmental matters without a long-term, material adverse impact on the Company. These matters could, however, at any particular time or for any particular year or years, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity and/or results of operations or could result in a default under our loan covenants. Moreover, there can be no assurance that our reserves will be adequate to provide for future obligations related to these matters, that our share of costs and/or damages for these matters will not exceed our available resources, or that such obligations will not have a long-term, material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations. With regard to the lower Fox River and the Bay of Green Bay, if we are not successful in managing the implementation of the OU1 Consent Decree and/or if we are ordered to implement the remedy proposed in the Second ROD, such developments could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity and results of operations and may result in a default under our loan covenants.

We are also involved in other lawsuits that are ordinary and incidental to our business. The ultimate outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty; however, we do not expect that such lawsuits in the aggregate or individually will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations.



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20. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

In connection with the implementation of the North American Restructuring Program and other initiatives, during 2004, we changed the way we manage our business and transitioned from three distinct business units to two: the Europe-based Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business unit and the North America-based Specialty Papers business unit. While the Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business unit remains unchanged, the formation of the Specialty Papers business unit, which consists of the former Engineered Products and the Printing & Converting Papers business units, allows us to more effectively manage the demand planning process, optimize product mix, minimize process variability and meet the demands of our customers. As a result of this transition, all segment data has been restated to give effect to the further refinement of our organizational structure discussed above.

The following table sets forth profitability and other information by business unit for the year ended December 31:

                                                                                                         
    Specialty Papers     Long Fiber & Overlay     Other and Unallocated     Total  
In millions   2004       2003     2002     2004       2003     2002     2004       2003     2002     2004       2003     2002  
                             
Net sales
  $ 337       $ 358     $ 385     $ 205       $ 165     $ 135     $ 1       $ 10     $ 20     $ 543       $ 533     $ 540  
Energy sales, net
    10         10       10                                               10         10       10  
                             
Total revenue
    347         368       395       205         165       135       1         10       20       553         543       550  
Costs of products sold
    312         326       329       164         131       103       1         15       19       477         471       451  
                             
Gross profit
    35         42       66       41         34       32               (5 )     1       76         72       99  
SG&A
    38         44       44       23         17       14                     1       61         61       59  
Pension income
                                                        (17 )       (17 )     (33 )     (17 )       (17 )     (33 )
Restructuring recorded as component of COS
                                                                7                     7        
Restructuring charges
                                                        20         7       4       20         7       4  
Unusual items
                                                                12       (2 )             12       (2 )
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands
                                                        (58 )       (32 )     (1 )     (58 )       (32 )     (1 )
Gain on insurance recoveries
                                                        (33 )                   (33 )              
                             
Total operating income (loss)
    (3 )       (2 )     22       18         17       18       88         19       32       103         34       72  
Nonoperating income (expense)
                                                        (13 )       (14 )     (13 )     (13 )       (14 )     (13 )
                             
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ (3 )     $ (2 )   $ 22     $ 18       17     18     $ 75       5     19     $ 90       20     59  
                         
 
                                                                                                       
Supplemental Data
                                                                                                       
Plant, equipment and timberlands, net
  $ 351       377     396     $ 169       $ 166     $ 121                         $ 520       543     517  
Depreciation expense
    37         44       35       14         12       10                           51         56       45  
                         

Results of individual business units are presented based on our management accounting practices and management structure. There is no comprehensive, authoritative body of guidance for management accounting equivalent to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; therefore, the financial results of individual business units are not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other company. The management accounting process uses assumptions and allocations to measure performance of the business units. Methodologies are refined from time to time as management accounting practices are enhanced and businesses change. The costs incurred by support areas not directly aligned with the business unit are allocated primarily based on an estimated utilization of support area services

Management evaluates results of operations before non-cash pension income, restructuring related charges, unusual items, effects of asset dispositions and insurance recoveries because it believes this is a more meaningful representation of the operating performance of its core papermaking businesses, the profitability of business units and the extent of cash flow generated from core operations. This presentation is closely aligned with the management and operating structure of our company. It is also on this basis that Company’s performance is evaluated internally and by the Company’s Board of Directors.

We sell a significant portion of our specialty papers through wholesale paper merchants. No individual customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales in 2004, 2003 or 2002.



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Our 2004, 2003 and 2002 net sales to external customers and location of net plant, equipment and timberlands as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are summarized below. Net sales are attributed to countries based upon origin of shipment.

                                                   
    2004       2003     2002  
            Plant,             Plant,           Plant,
            Equipment and             Equipment and           Equipment and
In thousands   Net sales   Timberlands – Net     Net sales   Timberlands – Net   Net sales   Timberlands – Net
           
United States
  $ 353,284     $ 351,086       $ 367,903     $ 377,182     $ 386,458     $ 396,160  
Germany
    156,337       149,513         138,630       147,651       128,574       104,477  
Other
    33,903       19,813         26,660       18,127       25,315       16,416  
           
Total
  $ 543,524     $ 520,412       $ 533,193     $ 542,960     $ 540,347     $ 517,053  
       

21. QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)

In thousands, except per share

                                                                         
                                                          Diluted  
    Net sales     Gross Profit     Net Income     Earnings Per Share  
    2004       2003     2004       2003     2004       2003     2004       2003  
                             
First
  $ 132,078       $ 142,286     $ 20,499       $ 30,307     $ 36,258       $ 26,777     $ 0.83       $ 0.61  
Second
    129,029         129,620       16,042         18,269       (1,629 )       269       (0.04 )       0.01  
Third
    143,075         131,904       27,042         19,957       2,199         (6,665 )     0.05         (0.15 )
Fourth
    139,342         129,383       28,831         11,013       19,274         (7,720 )     0.44         (0.18 )
                         

The information set forth above includes the following, on an after-tax basis:

                                                       
                      Gains on Sales of Plant,                    
                      Equipment and                  
    Restructuring Charges and     Timberlands, and Other                    
    Unusual Items     Asset Sales     Insurance Recoveries  
In thousands   2004       2003     2004       2003     2004       2003  
             
First
  $       $     $ 19,559       $ 19,311     $ 15,221       $  
Second
    (524 )                           181          
Third
    (10,249 )       (8,639 )     947         (1,691 )     5,908          
Fourth
    (1,950 )       (7,258 )     13,558         (433 )              
             

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

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), as of December 31, 2004, have concluded that, as of the evaluation date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Management’s report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) and the related report of our independent registered public accounting firm are included in Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2004, that has materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. In the course of completing our evaluation of internal control over financial reporting we implemented certain changes and enhancements to our controls. These primarily related to segregation of duties and documentation of the functioning of controls.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Directors. The information with respect to directors required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement, to be dated on or about March 25, 2005. Our board of directors has determined that, based on the relevant experience of the members of the Audit Committee, the members are audit committee financial experts as this term is set forth in the applicable regulations of the SEC.

Executive Officers of the Registrant. The information with respect to the executive officers required under this Item is

set forth in Part I of this report.

We have adopted a Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers in compliance with applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that applies to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and our principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code of Ethical Business Conduct is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is available on our website, free of charge, at www.glatfelter.com.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement, to be dated on or about March 25, 2005.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The information required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement, to be dated on or about March 25, 2005.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement, to be dated on or about March 25, 2005.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement, to be dated on or about March 25, 2005.



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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

                 
(a)
    1.         Our Consolidated Financial Statements as follows are included in Part II, Item 8:
             
          i.   Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
          ii.   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003
          iii.   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
          iv.   Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
          v.   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
 
               
    2.         Financial Statement Schedules (Consolidated) are included in Part IV:
 
               
          i.  
Schedule II -Valuation and Qualifying Accounts — For Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2004

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(b) Exhibit Index

                             
                            Incorporated by
Exhibit Number   Description of Documents           Reference to
                    Exhibit   (Filing)
(2)          
Amended and Restated Acquisition Agreement dated as of August 9, 2001 by and among Purico (IOM) Limited, RF & Son Inc., RFS US Inc. and RFS Ecusta Inc., as Buyers, and P. H. Glatfelter Company and Mollanvick, Inc., as Sellers.
    2     August 24, 2001 Form 8-K
 
                           
(3)   (a)      
Articles of Amendment dated April 27, 1977, including restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended by:
    3 (a)   1993 Form 10-K
 
                           
          i.   Articles of Merger dated January 30, 1979     3 (a)   1993 Form 10-K
 
                           
          ii.   Statement of Reduction of Authorized Shares dated May 12, 1980     3 (a)   1993 Form 10-K
 
                           
          iii.   Statement of Reduction of Authorized Shares dated September 23, 1981     3 (a)   1993 Form 10-K
 
                           
          iv.   Statement of Reduction of Authorized Shares dated August 2, 1982     3 (a)   1993 Form 10-K
 
                           
          v.   Statement of Reduction of Authorized Shares dated July 29, 1983     3 (a)   1993 Form 10-K
 
                           
          vi.   Articles of Amendment dated April 25, 1984     3 (a)   1994 Form 10-K
 
                           
          vii.   Statement of Reduction of Authorized Shares dated October 15, 1984     3 (b)   1984 Form 10-K
 
                           
          viii.   Statement of Reduction of Authorized Shares dated December 24, 1985     3 (b)   1985 Form 10-K
 
                           
          ix.   Articles of Amendment dated April 23, 1986     (3 )   March 31, 1986 Form 10-Q
 
                           
          x.   Statement of Reduction of Authorized Shares dated July 11, 1986     3 (b)   1986 Form 10-K
 
                           
          xi.   Statement of Reduction of Authorized Shares dated March 25, 1988     3 (b)   1987 Form 10-K
 
                           
          xii.   Statement of Reduction of Authorized Shares dated November 9, 1988     3 (b)   1988 Form 10-K
 
                           
          xiii.   Statement of Reduction of Authorized Shares dated April 24, 1989     3 (b)   1989 Form 10-K
 
                           
          xiv.   Articles of Amendment dated November 29, 1990     3 (b)   1990 Form 10-K
 
                           
          xv.   Articles of Amendment dated June 26, 1991     3 (b)   1991 Form 10-K
 
                           
          xvi.   Articles of Amendment dated August 7, 1992     3 (b)   1992 Form 10-K
 
                           
          xvii.   Articles of Amendment dated July 30, 1993     3 (b)   1993 Form 10-K
 
                           
          xviii.   Articles of Amendment dated January 26, 1994     3 (b)   1993 Form 10-K
 
                           
    (b)      
Articles of Incorporation, as amended through January 26, 1994 (restated for the purpose of filing on EDGAR)
    3 (c)   1993 Form 10-K
 
                           
    (c)      
By-Laws as amended through March 9, 2005, filed herewith.
           
 
                           
4   (a)      
Indenture, dated as of July 22, 1997, between P. H. Glatfelter Company and The Bank of New York, relating to the 6-7/8 Notes due 2007.
    4.1     Form S-4, Reg. No. 333-36395
 
                           
    (b)      
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1997, among P. H. Glatfelter Company, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and BT Securities Corporation, relating to the 6-7/8 Notes due 2007.
    4.3     Form S-4, Reg. No. 333-36395
 
                           
10   (a)      
P. H. Glatfelter Company Management Incentive Plan, adopted as of January 1, 1994, as amended and restated December 19, 2000 and effective January 1, 2001.
    10 (a)   2000 Form 10-K**
 
                           
    (b)      
P. H. Glatfelter Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated effective April 23, 1998 and further amended December 20, 2000.
    10 (c)   2000 Form 10-K**
 
                           
    (c)      
Description of Executive Salary Continuation Plan.
    10 (g)   1990 Form 10-K**
 
                           
    (d)      
P. H. Glatfelter Company Supplemental Management Pension Plan, effective as of April 23, 1998.
    10 (f)   1998 Form 10-K**
 
                           
    (e)      
P. H. Glatfelter Company 1992 Key Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended December 20, 2000.
    10 (g)   2000 Form 10-K **
 
                           
    (f)      
P. H. Glatfelter Company Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, effective as of April 22, 1998.
    10 (h)   1998 Form 10-K**
 
                           
    (g)      
Change in Control Employment Agreement by and between P. H. Glatfelter Company and George H. Glatfelter II, dated as of December 31, 2000.
    10 (i)   2000 Form 10-K **
 
                           
    (h)      
Form of Change in Control Employment Agreement by and between P. H. Glatfelter Company and certain employees, dated as of December 31, 2000.
    10.1     June 30, 2003 Form 10-Q **

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                            Incorporated by
Exhibit Number   Description of Documents           Reference to
                    Exhibit   (Filing)
    (h)   (A)   Schedule of Change in Control Employment Agreements, filed herewith. **            
 
                           
    (i)      
Loan Agreement, dated February 24, 1997, between P. H. Glatfelter Company, as borrower, and GWS Valuch, Inc., as lender.
    10(h)   1996 Form 10-k
 
                           
    (j)      
Agreement between the State of Wisconsin and Certain Companies Concerning the Fox River, dated as of January 31, 1997, among P. H. Glatfelter Company, Fort Howard Corporation, NCR Corporation, Appleton Papers Inc., Riverside Paper Corporation, U.S. Paper Mills, Wisconsin Tissue Mills Inc. and the State of Wisconsin.
    10(i)   1996 Form 10-K
 
                           
    (k)      
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2002, among P. H. Glatfelter Company, various subsidiary borrowers, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Agent, and various lending institutions with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Lead Arranger and Book Runner.
    10.1     June 30, 2002 Form 10-Q
 
                           
    (l)      
Increase in Commitments and Lender Addition Agreement.
    10.1     September 30, 2002 Form 10Q
 
                           
    (m)      
Supply and Service Agreement dated as of August 1, 2001 by and among Purico GmbH, Purico (IOM) Limited and Papierfabrik Schoeller & Hoesch GmbH & Co.
    10(s)   2001 Form 10-K
 
                           
    (n)      
Contract for the Purchase and Bargain Sale of Property (exhibits omitted).
    10(m)   2002 Form 10-K
 
                           
    (o)      
Employment agreement between the Registrant and John C. van Roden, Jr., Chief Financial Officer.
    10.1     March 31, 2003 Form 10-Q**
 
                           
    (p)      
Severance Agreement and General Release between Mr. C. Matthew Smith and the Registrant, dated January 31, 2005.
    10.1     January 31, 2005 Form 8-K
 
                           
    (q)      
Term Loan Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2003, among GPW Timberlands, LLC, (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant) and Suntrust Bank, as Administrative Agent.
    10.3     March 31, 2003 Form 10-Q
 
                           
    (r)      
Consent Decree for Remedial Design and Remedial Action at Operable Unit 1 of the Lower Fox River and Green Bay site by and among the United States of America and the State of Wisconsin v. P. H. Glatfelter Company and WTMI Company (f/k/a Wisconsin Tissue Mills, Inc.).
    10.2     October 1, 2003 Form 8-K/A – No. 1
 
                           
    (s)      
Employment agreement between the Registrant and John Jacunski, Vice President and Corporate Controller.
    10(u)   2003 Form 10-K**
 
                           
    (t)      
Compensatory Arrangements with Certain Executive Officers, filed herewith.**
           
 
                           
    (u)      
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation, (effective January 1, 2005).
    10.1     December 15, 2004 Form 8-K
 
                           
    (v)      
Contract for the Purchase and Sale of Property, dated September 21, 2004, among Glatfelter Pulp Wood Company, The Conservation Fund and Stewart Title Guaranty Company.
    10.1     September 21, 2004 Form 8-K
                         
    (w)      
Manager Service Contract between the Registrant (through a wholly owned subsidiary) and Werner Ruckenbrod, filed herewith.**
           
 
                           
    (x)      
Retirement Pension Agreement between the Registrant (through a wholly owned subsidiary) and Werner Ruckenbrod, filed herewith.**
           
 
                           
    (y)      
Arbitration Agreement between the Registrant (through a wholly owned subsidiary) and Werner Ruckenbrod, filed herewith.**
           
 
                           
14          
Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers of Glatfelter.
    14     2003 Form 10-K
 
                           
21          
Subsidiaries of the Registrant, filed herewith.
           
 
                           
23          
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, filed herewith.
           
 
                           
31.1          
Certification of George H. Glatfelter II, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Glatfelter, pursuant to Section 302 (a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002, filed herewith.
           
 
                           
31.2          
Certification of John C. van Roden, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Glatfelter, pursuant to Section 302 (a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002, filed herewith.
           
 
                           
32.1          
Certification of George H. Glatfelter II, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Glatfelter, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, filed herewith.
           
 
                           
32.2          
Certification of John C. van Roden, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Glatfelter, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, filed herewith.
           


**   Management contract or compensatory plan

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

         
    P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY
    (Registrant)
March 24, 2005
       
  By   /s/ George H. Glatfelter II
       
      George H. Glatfelter II
      Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer

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

         
Date   Signature   Capacity
March 24, 2005
  /s/ George H. Glatfelter II
George H. Glatfelter II
  Principal Executive Officer and Director
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer    
 
       
March 24, 2005
  /s/ John C. van Roden, Jr.
John C. van Roden, Jr.
  Principal Financial Officer
  Executive Vice President and Chief    
  Financial Officer    
 
       
March 24, 2005
  /s/ John P. Jacunski
John P. Jacunski
  Controller
  Vice President and Corporate Controller    
 
       
March 24, 2005
  /s/ Kathleen A. Dahlberg
Kathleen A. Dahlberg
  Director
 
       
March 24, 2005
  /s/ Nicholas DeBenedictis
Nicholas DeBenedictis
  Director
 
       
March 24, 2005
  /s/ Richard C. Ill
Richard C. Ill
  Director
 
       
March 24, 2005
  /s/ J. Robert Hall
J. Robert Hall
  Director
 
       
March 24, 2005
  /s/ M. A. Johnson II
M. A. Johnson II
  Director
 
       
March 24, 2005
  /s/ Ronald J. Naples
Ronald J. Naples
  Director
 
       
March 24, 2005
  /s/ Richard L. Smoot
Richard L. Smoot
  Director
 
       
March 24, 2005
  /s/ Lee C. Stewart
Lee C. Stewart
  Director

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Table of Contents

Schedule II

P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

For Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2004
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

                                                     
    Allowances for  
    Doubtful Accounts             Sales Discounts and Deductions  
    2004       2003     2002     2004       2003     2002  
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 3,115       $ 2,211     $ 1,551     $ 2,038       $ 1,662     $ 1,624  
Other (a)
    24         168       157       162         266       199  
Provision
    868         1,098       732       3,964         1,604       12,172  
Write-offs, recoveries and discounts allowed
    (1,643 )       (362 )     (229 )     (3,947 )       (1,494 )     (12,333 )
                 
Balance, end of year
  $ 2,364       $ 3,115     $ 2,211     $ 2,217       $ 2,038     $ 1,662  
`                

The provision for doubtful accounts is included in administrative expense and the provision for sales discounts and deductions is deducted from sales. The related allowances are deducted from accounts receivable.


(a) Relates primarily to changes in currency exchange rates

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