10-K 1 rayonier201510k.htm 10-K 10-K
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
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 1-6780
RAYONIER INC.
Incorporated in the State of North Carolina
I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 13-2607329
225 WATER STREET, SUITE 1400
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32202
(Principal Executive Office)
Telephone Number: (904) 357-9100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act,
all of which are registered on the New York Stock Exchange:
Common Shares
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
YES x        NO  o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.        
YES o       NO  x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES x        NO  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES x       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 or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  x
  
Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  o
  
Smaller reporting company o

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

The aggregate market value of the Common Shares of the registrant held by non-affiliates at the close of business on June 30, 2015 was $3,223,470,219 based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.

As of February 19, 2016, there were outstanding 122,735,017 Common Shares of the registrant.

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the 2016 annual meeting of the shareholders of the registrant scheduled to be held May 23, 2016, are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Item
  
Page
 
 
PART I
 
1.
 
1A.
 
1B.
 
2.
 
3.
 
4.
 
 
 
PART II
 
5.
 
6.
 
7.
 
7A.
 
8.
 
9.
 
9A.
 
9B.
 
 
 
PART III
 
10.
 
11.
 
12.
 
13.
 
14.
 
 
 
PART IV
 
15.
 
 


i

PART I
When we refer to “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” or “Rayonier,” we mean Rayonier Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. References herein to “Notes to Financial Statements” refer to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Rayonier Inc. included in Item 8 of this Report.

Note About Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this document regarding anticipated financial outcomes including Rayonier’s earnings guidance, if any, business and market conditions, outlook, expected dividend rate, expected harvest schedules, timberland acquisitions, sales of non-strategic timberlands, the anticipated benefits of Rayonier’s business strategy, capital allocation, expected availability and access to borrowings, and other similar statements relating to Rayonier’s future events, developments, or financial or operational performance or results, are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” “project,” “anticipate” and other similar language. However, the absence of these or similar words or expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable when made, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. The risk factors contained in Item 1A — Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and similar discussions included in other reports that we subsequently file with the SEC, among others, could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the Company’s historical experience and those expressed in forward-looking statements made in this document.
Forward-looking statements are only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no duty to update its forward- looking statements except as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any subsequent disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in its subsequent reports filed with the SEC.
Item 1.
BUSINESS
General
We are a leading timberland real estate investment trust (“REIT”) with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the U.S. and New Zealand. The focus of our business is to invest in timberlands and to actively manage them to provide current income and attractive long-term returns to our shareholders. As of December 31, 2015, we owned, leased or managed approximately 2.7 million acres of timberlands located in the U.S. South (1.9 million acres), U.S. Pacific Northwest (373,000 acres) and New Zealand (439,000 gross acres, or 299,000 net plantable acres). In addition, we engage in the trading of logs from New Zealand and Australia to Pacific Rim markets, primarily to support our New Zealand export operations. We have an added focus to maximize the value of our land portfolio by pursuing higher and better use (“HBU”) land sales opportunities.
We originated as the Rainier Pulp & Paper Company founded in Shelton, Washington in 1926. On June 27, 2014, Rayonier completed the tax-free spin-off of its Performance Fibers manufacturing business from its timberland and real estate operations, thereby becoming a “pure-play” timberland REIT.
Under our REIT structure, we are generally not required to pay U.S. federal income taxes on our earnings from timber harvest operations and other REIT-qualifying activities contingent upon meeting applicable distribution, income, asset, shareholder and other tests. As of December 31, 2015 and as of the date of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we believe the Company is in compliance with all REIT tests.
Our U.S. timber operations are primarily conducted by our wholly-owned REIT subsidiaries. Our New Zealand timber operations are conducted by Matariki Forest Group, a majority-owned joint venture subsidiary (“New Zealand JV”). Our non-REIT qualifying operations, which are subject to corporate-level tax, are held by various taxable REIT subsidiaries. These operations include our log trading business and certain real estate activities, such as the sale and entitlement of development HBU properties.
Our shares are publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol RYN. We are a North Carolina corporation with executive offices located at 225 Water Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. Our telephone number is (904) 357-9100.
For information on sales and operating income by reportable segment and geographic region, see Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 4 — Segment and Geographical Information.


1

Our Competitive Strengths
We believe that we distinguish ourselves from other timberland owners and managers through the following competitive strengths:
•
Leading Pure-Play Timberland REIT. We are differentiated from other publicly-traded timberland REITs in that we are invested exclusively in timberlands and real estate and do not own any pulp, paper or wood products manufacturing assets. We are the largest publicly-traded “pure-play” timberland REIT, which provides our investors with a focused, large-scale timberland investment alternative without taking on the risks inherent in direct ownership of forest products manufacturing assets.
•
Located in Premier Softwood Growing Regions with Access to Strong Markets. Our geographically diverse timberland holdings are strategically located in core softwood producing regions, including the U.S. South, U.S. Pacific Northwest and New Zealand. Our most significant timberland holdings are strategically located in the U.S. South, in close proximity to a variety of established pulp, paper and wood products manufacturing facilities, which provide a steady source of competitive demand for both pulpwood and higher-value sawtimber products. Our Pacific Northwest and New Zealand timberlands benefit from strong domestic sawmilling markets and are strategically positioned near ports to capitalize on export markets serving the Pacific Rim.
•
Sophisticated Log Marketing Capabilities Serving Various Pacific Rim Markets. We conduct a log trading operation based in New Zealand that serves timberland owners in New Zealand and Australia, providing access to key export markets in China, South Korea and India. This operation provides us with superior market intelligence and economies of scale, both of which add value to our New Zealand timber portfolio. It also provides additional market intelligence that helps our Pacific Northwest export log marketing and contributes to the Company’s earnings and cash flows, with minimal investment.
•
Attractive Land Portfolio with Higher and Better Use Potential. We own approximately 200,000 acres of timberlands located in the vicinity of Interstate 95 primarily north of Daytona Beach, FL and south of Savannah, GA, some of which may have the potential to transition to higher and better uses over time as market conditions support increased demand. These properties provide us with select opportunities to add value to our portfolio through real estate development activities, which we believe will allow us to periodically sell parcels of such land at favorable valuations relative to timberland values through one of our taxable REIT subsidiaries.
•
Dedicated HBU Platform with Established Track Record. We have a dedicated HBU platform led by an experienced team with an established track record of selling rural and development HBU properties across our U.S. South holdings at strong premiums to timberland values. We maintain a detailed land classification analysis of our portfolio, which allows us to identify the highest-value use of our lands and then capitalize on identified HBU opportunities through strategies uniquely tailored to maximize value, including selectively pursuing land-use entitlements and infrastructure improvements.
•
Advantageous Structure and Capitalization. Under our REIT structure, we are generally not required to pay federal income taxes on our earnings from timber harvest operations and other REIT-qualifying activities, which allows us to optimize the value of our portfolio in a tax efficient manner. We also maintain a strong credit profile and have an investment grade debt rating. As of December 31, 2015, our net debt to enterprise value was 22%. We believe that our advantageous REIT structure and conservative capitalization provide us with a competitive cost of capital and significant financial flexibility to pursue growth initiatives relative to other owners, managers and buyers of timberlands.
Our Strategy
Our business strategy consists of the following key elements:
•
Manage our Timberlands on a Sustainable Yield Basis for Long-term Results. We generate recurring income and cash flow from the harvest and sale of timber and intend to actively manage our timberlands to maximize net present value over the long term by achieving an optimal balance among biological timber growth, generation of cash flow from harvesting activities, and responsible environmental stewardship. Our harvesting strategy is designed to produce a long-term, sustainable yield, although we may adjust harvest levels periodically to capitalize on then-current economic conditions in our markets.
•
Apply Advanced Silviculture to Increase the Productivity of our Timberlands. We use our forestry expertise and disciplined financial approach to determine the appropriate silviculture programs and investments to maximize returns. This includes re-planting a significant portion of our harvested acres with improved seedlings we have developed through decades of research and cultivation. Over time, we expect these improved seedlings will result in higher volumes per acre and a higher value product mix.


2

•
Increase the Size and Quality of our Timberland Holdings through Acquisitions. We intend to selectively pursue timberland acquisition opportunities that improve the average productivity of our timberland holdings and support cash flow generation from our annual harvesting activities. We expect there will be an ample supply of attractive timberlands available for sale as a result of anticipated sales from a number of Timberland Investment Management Organizations (“TIMOs”). This acquisition strategy requires a disciplined approach and rigorous adherence to strategic and financial metrics. Generally, we expect to focus our acquisition efforts on the most commercially desirable timber-producing regions of the U.S. South, the U.S. Pacific Northwest and New Zealand, particularly on timberlands with an age class profile that complements the age class profile of our existing timberland holdings. We acquired 37,000 acres of timberland in 2015, 62,000 acres in 2014, and 17,000 acres in 2013.
•
Optimize our Portfolio Value. We continuously assess potential alternative uses of our timberlands, as some of our properties may become more valuable for development, residential, recreation or other purposes. We intend to capitalize on such higher-valued uses by opportunistically monetizing HBU properties in our portfolio. While the majority of our HBU sales involve rural and recreational land, we also selectively pursue various land-use entitlements on certain properties for residential, commercial and industrial development in order to fully realize the enhanced long-term value potential of such properties. For selected development properties, we also invest in infrastructure improvements, such as roadways and utilities, to accelerate the marketability and improve the value of such properties. We generally expect that sales of HBU property will comprise approximately 1% of our Southern timberland holdings on an annual basis.
•
Focus on Timberland Operations to Support Cash Flow Generation. As described above, we rely primarily on annual harvesting activities and ongoing sales of HBU properties to generate cash flow from our timberland holdings. However, we also periodically generate income and cash flow from the sale of non-strategic and/or non-HBU timberlands in particular as we seek to optimize our portfolio by disposing of less desirable properties or to fund capital allocation priorities, including share repurchases, debt repayment or acquisitions. Our strategy is to limit reliance on planned sales of non-HBU timberlands to augment cash flow generation and instead rely primarily on supporting cash flow from the operation, rather than sale, of our timberlands. We believe this strategy will support the sustainability of our harvesting activities over the long term.
•
Promote Best-in-Class Disclosure and Responsible Stewardship. We intend to be an industry leader in transparent disclosure, particularly relating to our timberland holdings, harvest schedules, inventory and age-class profiles. In addition, we are committed to responsible stewardship and environmentally and economically sustainable forestry. We believe our continued commitment to transparency and the stewardship of our assets and capital will allow us to maintain our timberlands’ productivity, more effectively attract and deploy capital and enhance our reputation as a preferred timber supplier.
Segment Information
Rayonier operates in five reportable business segments: Southern Timber, Pacific Northwest Timber, New Zealand Timber, Real Estate and Trading. The Southern Timber, Pacific Northwest Timber and New Zealand Timber segments reflect all activities related to the harvesting of timber and other value-added activities, such as recreational leases, within each respective geography. The New Zealand Timber segment also reflects any land sales that occur within our New Zealand portfolio. Our Real Estate segment reflects all U.S. land sales, which are reported in five sales categories: Improved Development, Unimproved Development, Rural, Non-Strategic / Timberlands, and Large Dispositions. The Trading segment reflects the log trading activities that support our New Zealand operations.
Discussion of Timber Inventory and Sustainable Yield
We define gross timber inventory as an estimate of all standing timber volume beyond the specified age at which we commence calculating our timber inventory for inclusion in our inventory tracking systems. The age at which we commence calculating our timber inventory is 10 years for our Southern timberlands, 20 years for our Pacific Northwest timberlands, and 20 years for our New Zealand timberlands. Our estimate of gross timber inventory is based on an inventory system that involves periodic statistical sampling and growth modeling. Periodic adjustments are made on the basis of growth estimates, harvest information, and environmental and operational restrictions. Gross timber inventory includes certain timber that we do not deem to be of a merchantable age as well as certain timber located in restricted, environmentally sensitive or economically inaccessible areas.


3

We define merchantable timber inventory as an estimate of timber volume beyond a specified age that approximates such timber’s earliest economically harvestable age. Our estimate includes certain timber located in restricted or environmentally sensitive areas based on an estimate of lawfully recoverable volumes from such areas. The estimate does not include volumes in restricted or environmentally sensitive areas that may not be lawfully harvested or volumes located in economically inaccessible areas. The merchantable age (i.e., the age at which timber moves from pre-merchantable to merchantable) is 15 years for our Southern timberlands, with the exception of Oklahoma which is 17 years, 35 years for our Pacific Northwest timberlands, and 20 years for radiata pine and 30 years for Douglas-fir in our New Zealand timberlands. Our estimated merchantable timber inventory changes over time as timber is harvested, as pre-merchantable timber transitions to merchantable timber, as existing merchantable timber inventory grows, as we acquire and sell timberland and as we periodically update our statistical sampling and growth and yield models. We estimate our merchantable timber inventory annually for purposes of calculating per unit depletion rates.
Timber inventory is generally measured and expressed in short green tons (SGT) in our Southern Timberlands, in thousand board feet (MBF) or million board feet (MMBF) in our Pacific Northwest Timberlands, and in cubic meters (m3) in our New Zealand Timberlands. For conversion purposes, one MBF and one m3 is equal to approximately 8.0 and 1.13 short green tons, respectively. For comparison purposes, we provide inventory estimates for our Pacific Northwest and New Zealand timberlands in MBF and cubic meters, respectively, as well as in short green tons.
The following table sets forth the estimated volumes of merchantable timber inventory by location in short green tons as of September 30, 2015 for the South and Pacific Northwest and as of December 31, 2015 for New Zealand: 
(volumes in thousands of SGT)
 
 
 
Location
Merchantable Inventory (a)
 
%
South
65,689

 
76
Pacific Northwest
5,321

 
6
New Zealand
15,674

 
18
 
86,684

 
100
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
For all regions, depletion rate calculations for the upcoming year are based on estimated volumes of merchantable inventory at December 31, 2015.
We define sustainable yield as the average harvest level that can be sustained into perpetuity based on our estimates of biological growth and the expected productivity resulting from our reforestation and silvicultural efforts. Our estimated sustainable yield may change over time based on changes in silvicultural techniques and resulting timber yields, changes in environmental laws and restrictions, changes in the statistical sampling and estimates of our merchantable timber inventory, acquisitions and dispositions of timberlands, the expiration or renewal of timberland leases, casualty losses, and other factors. Moreover, our harvest level in any given year may deviate from our estimated sustainable yield due to variations in the age class of our timberlands, the product mix of our harvest (i.e., pulpwood versus sawtimber), our deliberate acceleration or deferral of harvest in response to market conditions, our thinning activity (in which we periodically remove some smaller trees from a stand to enhance long-term sawtimber potential of the remaining timber), or other factors.
We manage our U.S. timberlands in accordance with the requirements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (“SFI”) program. The timberland holdings of the New Zealand JV are certified under the Forest Stewardship Certification® (“FSC”) program. Both programs are a comprehensive system of environmental principles, objectives and performance measures that combines the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees with the protection of wildlife, plants, soil and water quality. Through application of our site-specific silvicultural expertise and financial discipline, we manage timber in a way that is designed to optimize site preparation, tree species selection, competition control, fertilization, timing of thinning and final harvest. We also have a genetic seedling improvement program to enhance the productivity and quality of our timberlands and overall forest health. In addition, non-timber income opportunities associated with our timberlands such as recreational leases, as well as considerations for the future higher and better uses of the land, are integral parts of our site-specific management philosophy. All these activities are designed to maximize value while complying with SFI and FSC requirements.


4

Southern Timber
As of December 31, 2015, our Southern timberlands acreage consisted of approximately 1.9 million acres (including approximately 242,000 acres of leased lands) located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Approximately two-thirds of this land supports intensively managed plantations of predominantly loblolly and slash pine. The other one-third of this land is too wet to support pine plantations, but supports productive natural stands primarily consisting of natural pine and a variety of hardwood species. Rotation ages typically range from 21 to 28 years for pine plantations and from 35 to 60 years for natural stands. Key consumers of our timber include pulp, paper, wood products and biomass facilities.
We estimate that the gross timber inventory and merchantable timber inventory of our Southern timberlands was 84 million tons and 66 million tons, respectively, as of September 30, 2015. We estimate that the sustainable yield of our Southern timberlands, including both pine and hardwoods, is approximately 5.5 to 5.8 million tons annually. We expect that the average annual harvest volume of our Southern timberlands over the next five years (2016 to 2020) will be generally within this range. For additional information, see Item 1 — Business — Discussion of Timber Inventory and Sustainable Yield.
In 2015, we acquired approximately 29,000 acres of timberlands in the Southern region. For additional information, see Note 3 — Timberland Acquisitions.
The following table provides a breakdown of our Southern timberlands acreage and timber inventory by product as of September 30, 2015 (inventory volumes are estimated at December 31 to calculate a depletion rate for the upcoming year):
(volumes in thousands of SGT)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Age Class
 
Acres
(000’s)
 
Pine Pulpwood
 
Pine Sawtimber
 
Hardwood Pulpwood
 
Hardwood Sawtimber
 
Total
Pine Plantation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0 to 4 years (a)
 
218

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5 to 9 years
 
243

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
10 to 14 years
 
249

 
10,282

 
750

 
51

 
1

 
11,084

 
15 to 19 years
 
261

 
13,499

 
4,283

 
101

 
4

 
17,887

 
20 to 24 years
 
144

 
6,642

 
5,518

 
98

 
4

 
12,262

 
25 to 29 years
 
67

 
2,443

 
3,872

 
87

 
4

 
6,406

 
30 + years
 
26

 
814

 
1,800

 
88

 
8

 
2,710

Total Pine Plantation
 
1,208

 
33,680

 
16,223

 
425

 
21

 
50,349

Natural Pine (Plantable) (b)
 
64

 
740

 
1,416

 
1,128

 
275

 
3,559

Natural Mixed Pine/Hardwood (c)
 
542

 
4,305

 
6,706

 
15,200

 
4,012

 
30,223

Forested Acres and Gross Inventory
 
1,814

 
38,725

 
24,345

 
16,753

 
4,308

 
84,131

Plus: Non-Forested Acres (d)
 
82

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Acres
 
1,896

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: Pre-Merchantable Age Class
Inventory (e)
 
(11,585
)
Less: Volume in Environmentally
Sensitive/Legally Restricted Areas
 
(6,857
)
Merchantable Timber Inventory
 
65,689

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
0 to 4 years includes clearcut acres not yet replanted.
(b)
Consists of natural stands that are convertible into pine plantations once harvested.
(c)
Consists of all non-plantable natural stands, including those that are in environmentally sensitive or economically inaccessible areas.
(d)
Includes roads, rights of way and all other non-forested areas.
(e)
Includes inventory that is less than 15 years old or less than 17 years old in Oklahoma.


5

Pacific Northwest Timber
As of December 31, 2015, our Pacific Northwest timberlands consisted of approximately 373,000 acres located in Oregon and Washington, of which approximately 285,000 acres were designated as productive acres, meaning land that is capable of growing merchantable timber and where the harvesting of timber is not constrained by physical, environmental or regulatory restrictions. These timberlands primarily comprise second and third rotation western hemlock and Douglas-fir, as well as a small amount of other softwood species, such as western red cedar. A small percentage also consists of natural hardwood stands of predominantly red alder. In the Pacific Northwest, rotation ages typically range from 35 to 50 years. Our product mix in the Pacific Northwest is heavily weighted to sawtimber, which is sold to domestic wood products facilities as well as into export markets primarily serving Pacific Rim markets.
We estimate that the gross timber inventory and merchantable timber inventory of our Pacific Northwest timberlands was 2,164 MMBF and 666 MMBF, respectively, as of September 30, 2015. We estimate that the sustainable yield of our Pacific Northwest timberlands is approximately 165 MMBF (or 1.3 million tons) annually. However, due to historical harvesting in excess of our sustainable yield in this region, we anticipate reducing the harvest level in our Pacific Northwest timberlands to 125 MMBF (or 1.0 million tons) by 2017 and maintaining that level for approximately five years thereafter in order to allow for inventory replenishment and age class smoothing. We expect to gradually reach our long-term sustainable yield of 165 MMBF (or 1.3 million tons) during the course of the next full rotation cycle. We expect that the average annual harvest volume of our Pacific Northwest timberlands over the next five years (2016 to 2020) will be approximately 130 MMBF (or 1.0 million tons). For additional information, see Item 1 — Business — Discussion of Timber Inventory and Sustainable Yield.
In 2015, we acquired approximately 6,000 acres of timberlands in the Pacific Northwest region. For additional information, see Note 3 — Timberland Acquisitions.
The following table provides a breakdown of our Pacific Northwest timberland acreage and timber inventory by product and age class as of September 30, 2015 (inventory volumes are estimated at December 31 to calculate a depletion rate for the upcoming year):
(volumes in MBF or SGT as noted)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Age Class
 
Acres (000’s)
 
Softwood
Pulpwood (b)
 
Softwood
Sawtimber (a)
 
Total
Commercial Forest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0 to 4 years (a)
 
38

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5 to 9 years
 
51

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
10 to 14 years
 
39

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
15 to 19 years
 
20

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
20 to 24 years
 
23

 
33,201

 
81,716

 
114,917

 
25 to 29 years
 
43

 
77,944

 
352,564

 
430,508

 
30 to 34 years
 
34

 
79,726

 
465,208

 
544,934

 
35 to 39 years
 
16

 
39,045

 
245,635

 
284,680

 
40 to 44 years
 
7

 
19,512

 
137,611

 
157,123

 
45 to 49 years
 
2

 
6,830

 
47,170

 
54,000

 
50+ years
 
6

 
16,561

 
128,947

 
145,508

Total Commercial Forest
 
279

 
272,819

 
1,458,851

 
1,731,670

Non-Commercial Forest (c)
 
6

 
4,041

 
28,111

 
32,152

Productive Forested Acres
 
285

 

 

 

Restricted Forest (d)
 
48

 
47,896

 
352,750

 
400,646

Total Forested Acres and Gross Inventory
 
333

 
324,756

 
1,839,712

 
2,164,468

Plus: Non-Forested Acres (e)
 
40

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Acres
 
373

 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: Pre-Merchantable Age Class Inventory (f)
 
(1,091,446
)
Less: Volume in Environmentally
Sensitive/Legally Restricted Areas
 
(407,023
)
Merchantable Timber Inventory (MBF)
 
665,999

Conversion factor for MBF to SGT
 
7.99

Merchantable Timber Inventory (SGT)
 
5,321,332

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
0 to 4 years includes clearcut acres not yet replanted.
(b)
Includes a negligible amount of red alder hardwood.
(c)
Includes non-commercial forests with limited productivity.
(d)
Includes significant portions of riparian management zones, legally restricted forests, and environmentally sensitive areas.
(e)
Includes core riparian management zones, roads, rights of way, and all other non-forested areas.
(f)
Includes commercial forest and non-commercial forest inventory that is less than 35 years old.


6

New Zealand Timber
As of December 31, 2015, our New Zealand timberlands consisted of approximately 439,000 acres (including approximately 254,000 acres of leased lands), of which approximately 299,000 acres (including approximately 164,000 acres of leased lands) were designated as productive or plantation acres, meaning land that is capable of growing merchantable timber and where the harvesting of timber is not constrained by physical, environmental or regulatory restrictions. The leased acres are generally leased through long-term arrangements including Crown Forest Licenses (“CFLs”), forestry rights and other leases. Our New Zealand timberlands serve a domestic sawmilling market and also export logs to Pacific Rim markets.
Our New Zealand timber operations are conducted by Matariki Forestry Group, a joint venture with Phaunos Timber Fund Limited. In April 2013, we acquired an additional 39% interest in the New Zealand JV, bringing our total ownership to 65%. As a result, the New Zealand JV’s results of operations have been consolidated and comprise the New Zealand Timber segment. The minority owner’s interest in the New Zealand JV and its earnings are reported as noncontrolling interest in our financial statements. Rayonier’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Rayonier New Zealand Limited (“RNZ”), serves as the manager of the New Zealand JV. In August 2015, we announced a recapitalization of the New Zealand JV, which will result in our ownership increasing to approximately 77%. We expect this transaction to close in the first quarter of 2016. For additional information, see Note 7 — Joint Venture Investment.
We estimate that the gross timber inventory and merchantable timber inventory of our New Zealand timberlands were both 13.9 million cubic meters as of December 31, 2015. We estimate that the sustainable yield of our New Zealand timberlands is approximately 2 million cubic meters (or 2.3 million tons) annually. We expect that the average annual harvest volume of our New Zealand timberlands over the next five years (2016 to 2020) will be generally in line with our sustainable yield. For additional information, see Item 1 — Business — Discussion of Timber Inventory and Sustainable Yield.
The following table provides a breakdown of our New Zealand timberland acreage and merchantable timber inventory by age class estimated as of December 31, 2015 (inventory volumes at December 31 are used to calculate a depletion rate for the upcoming year):
(volumes in M m3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Age Class
 
Acres (000’s)
 
Pulpwood
 
Sawtimber
 
Total
Radiata Pine
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0 to 4 years (a)
 
57

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5 to 9 years
 
44

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
10 to 14 years
 
52

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
15 to 19 years
 
50

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
20 to 24 years
 
35

 
1,330

 
4,919

 
6,249

 
25 to 29 years
 
19

 
1,015

 
2,843

 
3,858

 
30 + years
 
6

 
373

 
828

 
1,201

 
Total Radiata Pine
 
263

 
2,718

 
8,590

 
11,308

Other (b)
 
36

 
1,350

 
1,213

 
2,563

Forested Acres and Merchantable Timber Inventory
 
299

 
4,068

 
9,803

 
13,871

Conversion factor for m3 to SGT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.13

Total Merchantable Timber (thousands of SGT)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15,674

Plus: Non-Productive Acres (c)
 
140

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Acres
 
439

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
0 to 4 years includes clearcut acres not yet replanted.
(b)
Includes primarily Douglas-fir age 30 and over.
(c)
Includes natural forest and other non-planted acres.


7

Real Estate
All of our U.S. land sales, including HBU and non-HBU, are reported in our Real Estate segment. We report our Real Estate sales in five categories: Improved Development, Unimproved Development, Rural, Non-Strategic / Timberlands and Large Dispositions.
The Improved Development category comprises properties sold for development for which Rayonier, through a taxable REIT subsidiary, has invested in site improvements such as infrastructure, roadways, utilities, amenities and/or other improvements designed to enhance marketability and create parcels, pads and/or lots for sale. The Unimproved Development category comprises properties sold for development for which Rayonier has not invested in site improvements such as infrastructure.
The Rural category comprises properties sold in rural markets to buyers interested in the property for rural residential or recreational use.
The Non-Strategic / Timberlands category includes: 1) sales of non-core timberlands that do not meet our strategic criteria, 2) sales of core timberlands for which we obtain attractive values, and 3) sales of properties to conservation interests that wish to preserve the land for habitat, public recreation, natural growth, buffer zones or other environmental purposes.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, we added a fifth sales category entitled “Large Dispositions.” This category includes sales of timberland that exceed $20 million in size and do not have any identified HBU premium relative to timberland value. Previously, these sales were reported as Non-Strategic / Timberlands. All prior period amounts have been presented to reflect the revised sales categories. Proceeds from Large Dispositions will generally be used to fund capital allocation priorities, which could include share repurchases, debt repayment or acquisitions. Sales designated as Large Dispositions are excluded from our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and CAD. See Item 7 —Performance and Liquidity Indicators for the definition of Adjusted EBITDA and CAD.
We maintain a detailed land classification analysis for all of our timberland and HBU acres. The vast majority of our HBU properties are managed as timberland and generate cash flow from timber operations prior to their sale or, in the case of Improved Development properties, prior to improvement.
Trading
Our Trading segment reflects log trading activities in New Zealand and Australia conducted by our New Zealand JV. Our Trading segment complements the New Zealand Timber segment by providing added market intelligence, increasing the scale of export operations and achieving cost savings that directly benefit the New Zealand Timber segment.
Trading activities are broadly categorized as either managed export services or procured logs. For managed export services, the New Zealand JV does not take title to the log cargo but arranges sales, shipping and export documentation services for other forest owners for an agreed commission. For procured logs, the New Zealand JV buys logs directly from other forest owners at New Zealand ports and exports them in its own name. Income from this business is generated by achieving a sales margin over the purchase price of the procured logs. The Trading segment generally utilizes a managed export service arrangement for logs sourced from third parties outside of New Zealand, and generally utilizes a procured log arrangement for logs sourced from third parties within New Zealand. For managed export services, Trading segment revenues reflect only the commission earned on the sale. For procured logs sales, Trading segment revenues reflect the full sales price of the logs.
In 2015, Trading volume was approximately 1.3 million cubic meters of logs. Approximately 590,000 cubic meters of logs were sourced from outside New Zealand, primarily Australia, of which 90% were undertaken through managed export service arrangements. Approximately 730,000 cubic meters of logs were purchased directly from third parties in New Zealand through procured log arrangements, with 54% purchased from two key suppliers. Approximately 53% of third-party purchases in New Zealand were purchased at spot prices, with the New Zealand JV thereby assuming some price risk on subsequent resale. The remaining 47% were purchased on a fixed margin basis, with the New Zealand JV thereby earning a spread on the resale price irrespective of subsequent price fluctuations. The New Zealand JV generally seeks to mitigate its risk of loss on procured logs by securing export orders prior to or concurrent with its spot purchases of logs.


8

Discontinued Operations and Dispositions
In June 2014, we completed the tax-free spin-off of our Performance Fibers business. The spin-off resulted in two independent, publicly-traded companies, with the Performance Fibers business being spun off to Rayonier shareholders as a newly formed public company named Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. ("Rayonier Advanced Materials"). On June 27, 2014, the shareholders of record received one share of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock for every three common shares of Rayonier held as of the close of business on the record date of June 18, 2014. In March 2013, the Company sold its Wood Products business to International Forest Products Limited for $80 million plus a working capital adjustment. Accordingly, the operating results of the Performance Fibers and Wood Products business segments are reported as discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for all periods presented. Certain administrative and general costs historically allocated to the businesses that remained with Rayonier are reported in continuing operations.
The December 31, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet reports only continuing operations and reflects the contribution of approximately $1.2 billion of assets and corresponding liabilities and equity to Rayonier Advanced Materials in connection with the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business.
The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for 2014 and 2013 have not been restated to exclude Performance Fibers and Wood Products cash flows. Cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2014 also reflect transactions related to the Performance Fibers spin-off, including borrowings to arrange the capital structure prior to the separation, proceeds received upon the spin-off and the use of proceeds to pay down debt and pay a special dividend.
See Note 21 — Discontinued Operations for additional information regarding the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business and sale of the Wood Products business.
Foreign Sales and Operations
Sales from non-U.S. operations originate from our New Zealand Timber and Trading segments and comprised approximately 45% of consolidated 2015 sales. See Note 4 — Segment and Geographical Information for additional information.
Competition
Timber
Timber markets in our Southern and Pacific Northwest regions are relatively fragmented. In the Southern region, we compete with Weyerhaeuser Company, CatchMark Timber Trust and TIMOs such as Hancock Timber Resource Group, Resource Management Service, Forest Investment Associates and Campbell Global, as well as numerous other large and small privately held timber companies. In the Pacific Northwest region, we compete with Weyerhaeuser Company, Hancock Timber Resource Group, Green Diamond Resource Company, Campbell Global, Port Blakely Tree Farms, Pope Resources, the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In all markets, price is the principal method of competition.
In New Zealand, there are four major private timberland owners — Hancock Natural Resources Group, Kaingaroa Timberlands, Matariki Forests (our New Zealand JV) and Ernslaw One. These owners account for approximately 36% of New Zealand planted forests. The New Zealand JV competes with these and other smaller New Zealand timber companies for supply into New Zealand domestic and export markets, predominantly China, South Korea and India. Logs supplied into Asian markets compete with export supply from both Russia and North America.
Real Estate
In our Real Estate business, we compete with other owners of entitled and unentitled properties. Each property has unique attributes, but overall quantity of supply and price for residential, commercial, industrial and rural properties in the geographic areas in which we operate are the most significant competitive drivers.
Trading
Our log trading operations are based out of New Zealand and performed by our New Zealand JV. The New Zealand market remains very competitive with over 20 entities competing for export log supply at different ports across the country. We are one of the larger log trading companies in the region with access to multiple export ports and a range of different export markets.
Customers
In 2015, no individual customer (or group of customers under common control) represented 10% or more of 2015 consolidated sales. As such, there is not a risk that the loss of one customer would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.


9

Seasonality
Across all our segments, results are normally not impacted by seasonal changes. However, particularly wet weather in areas of our Southern Timber operations can hinder access for harvesting, thereby temporarily reducing supply in the affected areas and generally strengthening prices. Conversely, extended dry weather in an area tends to suppress prices as timber is more accessible for harvesting.
Environmental Matters
See Item 1A — Risk Factors and Note 22 — Liabilities for Dispositions and Discontinued Operations.
Research and Development
The research and development activities of our timber operations include genetic seedling improvement, growth and yield modeling, and applied silvicultural programs to identify management practices that will improve financial returns from our timberlands. We also contribute to research cooperatives that undertake forestry research and development.
Employee Relations
We currently employ approximately 325 people, of which approximately 240 are in the United States. We believe relations with our employees are satisfactory.
Availability of Reports and Other Information
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are made available to the public free of charge in the Investor Relations section of our website www.rayonier.com, shortly after we electronically file such material with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our corporate governance guidelines and charters of all committees of our board of directors are also available on our website. The information on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K.



10

Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS
Our operations are subject to a number of risks. When considering an investment in our securities, you should carefully read and consider these risks, together with all other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If any of the events described in the following risk factors actually occur, our business, financial condition or operating results, as well as the market price of our securities, could be materially adversely affected.
We are exposed to the cyclicality of the markets in which we operate and other factors beyond our control, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Some of the industries in which our end-use customers participate, such as the construction and home building industries, the global pulp, packaging and paper industries and the real estate industry, are cyclical in nature, exposing us to risks beyond our control, including general macroeconomic conditions, both in the U.S. and globally, as well as local economic conditions.
In our Timber segments, the level of new residential construction activity and, to a lesser extent, home repair and remodeling activity, is the primary driver of sawtimber demand. In addition, demand for logs can be affected by the demand for wood chips in the pulp and paper and engineered wood products markets, as well as the bio-energy production markets. The ongoing level of activity in these markets is subject to fluctuation due to future changes in economic conditions, interest rates, credit availability, population growth, weather conditions and other factors. Changes in global economic conditions, such as new timber supply sources and changes in currency exchange rates, foreign interest rates and foreign and domestic trade policies, can also negatively impact demand for our timber and logs. In addition, the industries in which these customers participate are highly competitive and may experience overcapacity or reductions in demand, all of which may affect demand for and pricing of our products. For example, the supply of timber and logs has historically increased during favorable pricing environments, which then causes downward pressure on prices, and can have an adverse effect on our business.
In our Real Estate segment, our inability to sell our HBU properties at attractive prices could have a significant effect on our results of operations. Demand for real estate can be affected by the availability of capital, changes in interest rates, availability and terms of financing, governmental agencies, developers, conservation organizations, individuals and others seeking to purchase our timberlands, our ability to obtain land use entitlements and other permits necessary for our development activities, local real estate market economic conditions, competition from other sellers of land and real estate developers, the relative illiquidity of real estate investments, employment rates, new housing starts, population growth, demographics and federal, state and local land use, zoning and environmental protections laws or regulations (including any changes in laws or regulations). In addition, changes in investor interest in purchasing timberlands could reduce our ability to execute sales of non-strategic timberlands.
These macroeconomic and cyclical factors impacting our operations are beyond our control and, if such conditions deteriorate or do not continue to improve, could have an adverse effect on our business.
Weather and other natural conditions may limit our timber harvest and sales.
Weather conditions and extreme events, timber growth cycles and restrictions on access (for example, due to prolonged wet conditions) and other factors, including damage by fire, insect infestation, disease, prolonged drought and natural disasters such as wind storms and hurricanes, may limit harvesting of our timberlands. The volume and value of timber that can be harvested from our timberlands may be reduced by any such fire, insect infestation, disease, severe weather, prolonged drought, natural disasters and other causes beyond our control. As is typical in the forestry industry, we do not maintain insurance for any loss to our timber, including losses due to fire and these other causes. These and other factors beyond our control could reduce our timber inventory and accordingly, our sustainable yield, thereby adversely affecting our financial results and cash flows.
Entitlement and development of real estate entail a lengthy, uncertain and costly approval process, which could adversely affect our ability to grow the businesses in our Real Estate segment.
Entitlement and development of real estate entail extensive approval processes involving multiple regulatory jurisdictions. It is common for a project to require multiple approvals, permits and consents from U.S. federal, state and local governing and regulatory bodies. For example, in Florida, real estate projects must generally comply with the provisions of the Community Planning Act and local land use, zoning and development regulations. In addition, development projects in Florida that exceed certain specified regulatory thresholds (and are not located in a jurisdiction classified as a dense urban land area) may require approval pursuant to specialized Comprehensive Plan evaluation and process standards. Compliance with these and other regulations and standards is more time intensive and costly and may require additional long range infrastructure review and approvals which can add to project cost. In addition, development of properties containing delineated wetlands may require one or more permits from the U.S. federal government and/or state and local governmental agencies. Any of these issues can materially affect the cost, timing and economic viability of our real estate projects.


11

The real estate entitlement process is frequently a political one, which involves uncertainty and often extensive negotiation and concessions in order to secure the necessary approvals and permits. In the U.S., a significant amount of our development property is located in counties in which local governments face challenging issues relating to growth and development, including zoning and future land use, public services, water availability, transportation and other infrastructure, and funding for same, and the requirements of state law, especially in the case of Florida under the Community Planning Act process standards. In addition, anti-development groups are active, especially in Florida, in filing litigation to oppose particular entitlement activities and development projects, and in seeking legislation and other anti-development limitations on real estate development activities. We expect this type of anti-development activity to continue in the future.
Issues affecting real estate development also include the availability of potable water for new development projects. For example, the Georgia Legislature enacted the Comprehensive Statewide Watershed Management Planning Act, which, among other things, created a governmental entity called the Georgia Water Council which was charged with preparing a comprehensive water management plan for the state and presenting it to the Georgia Legislature. It is unclear at this time how the plan will affect the cost and timing of real estate development along the southern Georgia coast, where the Company has significant timberland holdings with downstream real estate development potential. Concerns about the availability of potable water also exist in certain Florida counties, which could impact future growth opportunities.
Changes in the laws, or interpretation or enforcement thereof, regarding the use and development of real estate, changes in the political composition of state and local governmental bodies, and the identification of new facts regarding our properties could lead to new or greater costs and delays and liabilities that could materially adversely affect our business, profitability or financial condition.
Changes in energy and fuel costs could affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Energy costs are a significant operating expense for our logging and hauling contractors and for the contractors who support the customers of our standing timber. Energy costs can be volatile and are susceptible to rapid and substantial increases or decreases due to factors beyond our control, such as changing economic conditions, political unrest, instability in energy-producing nations, and supply and demand considerations. Although the price of oil has recently decreased, increases in the price of oil could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, an increase in fuel costs, and its impact on the cost and availability of transportation for our products, both domestically and internationally, and the cost and availability of third party logging and hauling contractors, could have a material adverse effect on the operating costs of our contractors and our standing timber customers, as well as in defining economically accessible timber stands. Such factors could in turn have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, particularly in our Timber segments and Trading segment.
We depend on third parties for logging and transportation services and increases in the costs or decreases in the availability of quality service providers could adversely affect our business.
Our Timber segments depend on logging and transportation services provided by third parties, both domestically and internationally, including by railroad, trucks, or ships. If any of our transportation providers were to fail to deliver timber supply or logs to our customers in a timely manner, or were to damage timber supply or logs during transport, we may be unable to sell it at full value, or at all. During the global financial crisis and subsequent downturn in U.S. housing starts, timber harvest volumes declined significantly. As a result, many logging contractors, particularly cable logging operators in the U.S. West, permanently shut down their operations. As harvest levels have returned to higher levels with the recovery in U.S. housing starts, this shortage of logging contractors has resulted in sharp increases in logging costs and in the availability of logging contractors. It is expected that the supply of qualified logging contractors will be impacted by the availability of debt financing for equipment purchases as well as a sufficient supply of adequately trained loggers. As housing starts continue to recover, harvest levels are expected to increase, placing more pressure on the existing supply of logging contractors. Any significant failure or unavailability of third-party logging or transportation providers, or increases in transportation rates or fuel costs, may result in higher logging costs or the inability to capitalize on stronger log prices to the extent logging contractors cannot be secured at a competitive cost. Such events could harm our reputation, negatively affect our customer relationships and adversely affect our business.


12

We are subject to risks associated with doing business outside of the U.S.
Although the majority of our customers are in the U.S., a portion of our sales are to end markets outside of the U.S., including China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, India and New Zealand. The export of our products into international markets results in risks inherent in conducting business pursuant to international laws, regulations and customs. We expect that international sales will continue to contribute to future growth. The risks associated with our business outside the U.S. include:
•
changes in and reinterpretations of the laws, regulations and enforcement priorities of the countries in which our products are sold;
•
responsibility to comply with anti-bribery laws such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions;
•
trade protection laws, policies and measures and other regulatory requirements affecting trade and investment, including loss or modification of exemptions for taxes and tariffs, imposition of new tariffs and duties and import and export licensing requirements;
•
difficulty in establishing, staffing and managing non-U.S. operations;
•
product damage or losses incurred during shipping;
•
potentially negative consequences from changes in or interpretations of tax laws;
•
economic or political instability, inflation, recessions and interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations; and
•
uncertainties regarding non-U.S. judicial systems, rules and procedures.
These risks could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We and certain of our current and former officers and directors have been named as parties to various lawsuits relating to matters arising out of our previously announced internal review and the restatement of our consolidated financial statements, and may be named in further litigation or become subject to regulatory proceedings or government enforcement actions.
The matters that led to our internal review and the restatement of our consolidated financial statements have exposed us to greater risks associated with litigation, regulatory proceedings and government enforcement actions. We and certain of our current and former officers and directors are the subjects of a number of purported class action lawsuits and demand letters. In addition, we are currently the subject of an ongoing private SEC inquiry. These actions arise from our announcement on November 10, 2014 regarding the results of our internal review and the restatement of our consolidated financial statements for the first and second quarters of 2014. We and our current and former officers and directors may, in the future, be subject to additional private and governmental actions relating to such matters. We cannot predict the duration, outcome or impact of these pending matters, but the lawsuits could result in judgments against us and officers and directors who are now or may become named as defendants. In addition, subject to certain limitations, we are obligated to indemnify and advance expenses for our current and former officers and directors in connection with such lawsuits and regulatory proceedings or government enforcement actions and any related litigation or settlements amounts.
Regardless of the outcome, these lawsuits, and any other litigation, regulatory proceedings, or government enforcement actions that may be brought against us or our current or former officers and directors, could be time-consuming, result in significant expense, and divert the attention and resources of our management and other key employees. Our legal expenses incurred in defending the lawsuits and responding to any government inquiries could be significant. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in any of these matters could exceed coverage provided under potentially applicable insurance policies, which is limited. Any such unfavorable outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, we could be required to pay damages or additional penalties, or have other remedies imposed against us, or our current or former directors or officers, which could harm our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


13

Our estimates of timber inventories and growth rates may be inaccurate, include risks inherent to such estimates and may impair our ability to realize expected revenues.
We rely upon estimates of merchantable timber inventories (which include judgments regarding inventories that may be lawfully and economically harvested), timber growth rates and end-product yields when acquiring and managing working forests. These estimates, which are inherently inexact and uncertain in nature, are central to forecasting our anticipated timber revenues and expected cash flows. Growth rates and end-product yield estimates are developed using statistical sampling and growth and yield modeling in conjunction with industry research cooperatives and by in-house forest biometricians using measurements of trees in research plots spread across our timberland holdings. The growth equations predict the rate of height and diameter growth of trees so that foresters can estimate the volume of timber that may be present in the tree stand at a given age. Tree growth varies by soil type, geographic area, and climate. Inappropriate application of growth equations in forest management planning may lead to inaccurate estimates of future volumes. If the assumptions we rely upon change or these estimates are inaccurate, our ability to manage our timberlands in a sustainable or profitable manner may be diminished, which may cause our results of operations and our stock price to be adversely affected.
Our businesses are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations that may restrict or adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.
Environmental laws and regulations are constantly changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. Laws, regulations and related judicial decisions and administrative interpretations affecting our business are subject to change, and new laws and regulations are frequently enacted. These changes may adversely affect our ability to harvest and sell timber, remediate contaminated properties and/or entitle real estate. These laws and regulations may relate to, among other things, the protection of timberlands and endangered species, recreation and aesthetics, protection and restoration of natural resources, wastewater discharges, receiving water quality, timber harvesting practices, and remedial standards for contaminated property and groundwater. Over time, the complexity and stringency of these laws and regulations have increased and the enforcement of these laws and regulations has intensified. Moreover, environmental policies of the current U.S. administration are more restrictive in the aggregate for industry and landowners than those of the previous administration. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has pursued a number of initiatives that, if implemented, could impose additional operational and pollution control obligations on industrial facilities like those of Rayonier’s customers, especially in the area of air emissions and wastewater and stormwater control. In addition, as a result of certain judicial rulings and EPA initiatives, including some that would require timberland operators to obtain permits to conduct certain ordinary course forestry activities, silvicultural practices on our timberlands could be impacted in the future. Environmental laws and regulations will likely continue to become more restrictive and over time could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If regulatory and environmental permits are delayed, restricted or rejected, a variety of our operations could be adversely affected. We are required to seek permission from government agencies in the states and countries in which we operate to perform certain activities related to our properties. Any of these agencies could delay review of, or reject, any of our filings. In our Southern Timber, Pacific Northwest Timber and New Zealand Timber segments, any delay associated with a filing could result in a delay or restriction in replanting, thinning, insect control, fire control or harvesting, any of which could have an adverse effect on our operating results. For example, in Washington State, we are required to file a Forest Practice Application for each unit of timberland to be harvested. These applications may be denied, conditioned or restricted by the regulatory agency. Actions by the regulatory agencies could delay or restrict timber harvest activities pursuant to these permits. Delays or harvest restrictions on a significant number of applications could have an adverse effect on our operating results. Delays in obtaining these environmental permits could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Environmental groups and interested individuals may seek to delay or prevent a variety of operations. We expect that environmental groups and interested individuals will intervene with increasing frequency in the regulatory processes in the states and countries where we own, lease or manage timberlands. For example, in Washington State, environmental groups and interested individuals may appeal individual forest practice applications or file petitions with the Forest Practices Board to challenge the regulations under which forest practices are approved. These and other challenges could materially delay or prevent operations on our properties. For example, interveners at times may bring legal action in Florida in opposition to entitlement and change of use of timberlands to commercial, industrial or residential use. Delays or restrictions due to the intervention of environmental groups or interested individuals could adversely affect our operating results. In addition to intervention in regulatory proceedings, interested groups and individuals may file or threaten to file lawsuits that seek to prevent us from obtaining permits, implementing capital improvements or pursuing operating plans. Any threatened or actual lawsuit could delay harvesting on our timberlands, affect how we operate or limit our ability to modify or invest in our real estate. Among the remedies that could be enforced in a lawsuit is a judgment preventing or restricting harvesting on a portion of our timberlands.


14

The impact of existing regulatory restrictions on future harvesting activities may be significant. U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as those of other countries, which are intended to protect threatened and endangered species, as well as waterways and wetlands, limit and may prevent timber harvesting, road building and other activities on our timberlands. Restrictions relating to threatened and endangered species apply to activities that would adversely impact a protected species or significantly degrade its habitat. The size of the restricted area varies depending on the protected species, the time of year and other factors, but can range from less than one acre to several thousand acres. A number of species that naturally live on or near our timberlands, including, among others, the northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, several species of salmon and trout in the Pacific Northwest, and the red cockaded woodpecker, red hills salamander and eastern indigo snake in the Southeast, are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act (the “ESA”) or similar U.S. federal and state laws. A significant number of other species, such as the southeastern gopher tortoise and certain species of southern pine snake are currently under review for possible protection under the ESA. As we gain additional information regarding the presence of threatened or endangered species on our timberlands, or if other regulations, such as those that require buffers to protect water bodies, become more restrictive, the amount of our timberlands subject to harvest restrictions could increase.
We formerly owned or operated or may own or acquire timberlands or properties that may require environmental remediation or otherwise be subject to environmental and other liabilities. We owned or operated manufacturing facilities and discontinued operations that we do not currently own, and we may currently own or may acquire timberlands and other properties in the future that are subject to environmental liabilities, such as remediation of soil, sediment and groundwater contamination and other existing or potential liabilities. In connection with the spin-off of our Performance Fibers business, and pursuant to the related Separation and Distribution Agreement between us and Rayonier Advanced Materials, Rayonier Advanced Materials has assumed any environmental liability of ours in connection with the manufacturing facilities and discontinued operations related to the Performance Fibers business and has agreed to indemnify and hold us harmless in connection with such environmental liabilities. However, in the event we seek indemnification from Rayonier Advanced Materials, we cannot provide any assurance that a court will enforce our indemnification right if challenged by Rayonier Advanced Materials or that Rayonier Advanced Materials will be able to fund any amounts for indemnification owed to us. In addition, the cost of investigation and remediation of contaminated timberlands and properties that we currently own or acquire in the future could increase operating costs and adversely affect financial results. We could also incur substantial costs, such as civil or criminal fines, sanctions and enforcement actions (including orders limiting our operations or requiring corrective measures, installation of pollution control equipment or other remedial actions), clean-up and closure costs, and third-party claims for property damage and personal injury as a result of violations of, or liabilities under, environmental laws and regulations related to such timberlands or properties.
The industries in which we operate are highly competitive.
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, and we compete with companies that have substantially greater financial resources than we do in each of these businesses. The competitive pressures relating to our Timber segments are primarily driven by quantity of product supply and quality of the timber offered by competitors in the domestic and export markets, each of which may impact pricing. With respect to our Real Estate segment, we compete with other owners of entitled and unentitled properties. Each property has unique attributes, but overall quantity of supply and price for residential, commercial, industrial and rural properties in the geographic areas in which we operate are the most significant competitive drivers. The market in which our Trading segment operates remains very competitive with over 20 entities competing for export log supply at different ports across New Zealand.
Our business will be adversely affected if we are unable to make future acquisitions.
We have pursued, and intend to continue to pursue, acquisitions of timberland and real estate properties that meet our investment criteria and achieve our strategic goals of growing the size and average quality of our land base. The ability to grow through acquisitions or other investments depends upon our ability to identify, negotiate, complete and integrate suitable acquisitions or joint venture partnerships. In addition, the discount rate we use in our acquisition underwriting has to meet our internal hurdle rate while also being competitive with that of other timberland REITs and TIMOs. In particular, our future success and growth depend upon our ability to make acquisitions that increase merchantable timber inventory and complement the existing age class structure of our ownership. If we are unable to make acquisitions on acceptable terms or that do not support our strategic goals, our revenues and cash flows may stagnate or decline.


15

Our inability to access the capital markets could adversely affect our business and competitive position.
Due to the REIT income distribution requirements, we rely significantly on external sources of capital to finance growth and acquisitions. Both our ability to obtain financing and the related costs of borrowing are affected by a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control, including a decline in general market conditions, decreased market liquidity, a downgrade to our public debt rating, increases in interest rates, an unfavorable market perception of our growth potential, a decrease in our current or estimated future earnings or a decrease in the market price of our common stock. If capital is not available when needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms relative to other timberland REITs or TIMOs, or not at all, we may be unable to complete acquisitions or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures. As of December 31, 2015, our credit ratings from S&P and Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) were BBB- and Baa2, respectively. Any combination of the factors described above, including our failure to maintain our investment grade credit rating, could prevent us from obtaining the capital we require on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, which could adversely affect our business, liquidity and competitive position.
Increases in market interest rates may adversely affect the price of our common shares.
One of the factors that may influence the price of our common shares is our annual dividend yield as compared to yields on other financial instruments. Thus, an increase in market interest rates will result in higher yields on other financial instruments, which could adversely affect relative attractiveness of an investment in the Company and, accordingly, the price of our common shares.
There are risks to the Company associated with the spin-off of our Performance Fibers business.
The Company faces a number of risks related to the spin-off of our Performance Fibers business on June 27, 2014, including the following:
•
We may not achieve the expected benefits from the spin-off. After the spin-off, we believe that we will be able to, among other things, better focus our financial and operational resources, and design and implement corporate strategies and policies targeted toward our specific businesses’ growth profile and strategic priorities, implement and maintain a capital structure designed to meet our specific needs and more effectively respond to industry dynamics. However, the Company may not achieve some or all of the expected benefits of the spin-off, and the spin-off could lead to disruption of our operations, loss of, or inability to recruit or retain, key personnel needed to operate and grow our business. If we fail to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve as a standalone company, or do not achieve them in a timely or cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
•
Our business is less diversified. Our operational and financial profile has changed as a result of the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business. As a result, our diversification of revenue sources has diminished without the revenue previously generated by the Performance Fibers business, and it is possible that our results of operations, cash flows, working capital and financing requirements may be subject to increased volatility related to the timber business and the markets we serve. If we are unable to manage that volatility, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Investment returns on pension assets may be lower than expected or interest rates may decline, requiring us to make significant additional cash contributions to our benefit plans.
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans, which cover a portion of our salaried and hourly employees. The Federal Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires that certain capitalization levels be maintained in each of these benefit plans. At December 31, 2015, our qualified plan was underfunded by $32 million, but we are not subject to any pension contribution requirements in 2016. Because it is unknown what the investment return on pension assets will be in future years or what interest rates may be at any point in time, we cannot provide any assurance that applicable law will not require us to make future material plan contributions. Any such contributions could adversely affect our financial condition. See Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates for additional information about these plans, including funding status.


16

The impacts of climate-related initiatives, at the international, U.S. federal and state levels, remain uncertain at this time.
There continue to be numerous international, U.S. federal and state-level initiatives and proposals to address domestic and global climate issues. Within the U.S., most of these proposals would regulate and/or tax the production of carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse gases” to facilitate the reduction of carbon compound emissions into the atmosphere, and provide tax and other incentives to produce and use “cleaner” energy.
In late 2009, the EPA issued an “endangerment finding” under the Clean Air Act with respect to certain greenhouse gases, leading to the regulation of carbon dioxide as a pollutant under the Clean Air Act and having significant ramifications for Rayonier and the industry in general. In this regard, the EPA has published various regulations, affecting the operation of existing and new industrial facilities that emit carbon dioxide. As a result of the EPA’s decision to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, states will now have to consider them in permitting new or modified facilities.
Overall, it is reasonably likely that legislative and regulatory activity in this area will in some way affect Rayonier and the U.S. customers of our Southern Timber and Pacific Northwest Timber segments, but it is unclear at this time what the nature of the impact will be. We continue to monitor political and regulatory developments in this area, but their overall impact on Rayonier, from a cost, benefit and financial performance standpoint remains uncertain at this time. In addition, the EPA has yet to finalize the treatment of biomass under greenhouse gas regulatory schemes leaving Rayonier’s biomass customers in a position of uncertainty.
REIT and Tax-Related Risks
If we fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we will have reduced funds available for distribution to our shareholders because our REIT income will be subject to taxation.
We intend to continue to operate in accordance with REIT requirements pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and related U.S. Treasury regulations and administrative guidance. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code, which are subject to change, perhaps retroactively, and which are not within our control. We cannot assure that we will remain qualified as a REIT or that new legislation, U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions will not significantly affect our ability to remain qualified as a REIT or the U.S. federal income tax consequences of such qualification.
We continually monitor and test our compliance with all REIT requirements. In particular, we regularly test our compliance with the REIT “asset tests,” which require generally that, at the close of each calendar quarter, (1) at least 75% of the market value of our total assets must consist of REIT-qualifying interests in real property (such as timberlands), including leaseholds and options to acquire real property and leaseholds, as well as cash and cash items and certain other specified assets, (2) no more than 25% of the market value of our total assets may consist of other assets that are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% test in clause (1) above and (3) for calendar years prior to 2018, no more than 25% of the market value of our total assets may consist of the securities of one or more “taxable REIT subsidiaries.”
If in any taxable year we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to shareholders in computing our taxable income and we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our REIT taxable income. In addition, we will be disqualified from qualification as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which the qualification was lost, unless we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. As a result, our net income and the cash available for distribution to our shareholders could be reduced for up to five years or longer, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
As of December 31, 2015, Rayonier is in compliance with the asset tests described above.
If we fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we may need to borrow funds or liquidate some investments or assets to pay any resulting additional tax liability. Accordingly, cash available for distribution to our shareholders would be reduced.


17

Certain of our business activities are potentially subject to prohibited transactions tax.
As a REIT, we will be subject to a 100% tax on any net income from “prohibited transactions.” In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property to customers in the ordinary course of business. Sales of logs, and dealer sales of timberlands or other real estate, constitute prohibited transactions.
We intend to avoid the 100% prohibited transactions tax by conducting activities that would otherwise be prohibited transactions through one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. We may not, however, always be able to identify timberland properties that become part of our “dealer” real estate sales business. Therefore, if we sell timberlands which we incorrectly identify as property not held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or which subsequently become properties held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, we may be subject to the 100% prohibited transactions tax.
Our cash dividends are not guaranteed and may fluctuate.
Generally, REITs are required to distribute 90% of their ordinary taxable income, but not their net capital gains income. Accordingly, we do not generally believe that we are required to distribute material amounts of cash since substantially all of our taxable income is generally treated as capital gains income. However, a REIT must pay corporate level tax on its undistributed taxable income and capital gains.
Our Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines the amount of quarterly dividends to be paid to our shareholders based on consideration of a number of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, our results of operations, cash flow and capital requirements, economic conditions, tax considerations, borrowing capacity and other factors, including debt covenant restrictions that may impose limitations on cash payments, future acquisitions and divestitures, harvest levels, changes in the price and demand for our products and general market demand for timberlands, including those timberland properties that have higher and better uses. Consequently, our dividend levels may fluctuate.
Lack of shareholder ownership and transfer restrictions in our articles of incorporation may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.
In order to qualify as a REIT, an entity cannot have five or fewer individuals who own, directly or indirectly after applying attribution of ownership rules, 50% or more of the value of its outstanding shares during the last six months in each calendar year. Although it is not required by law or the REIT provisions of the Code, almost all REITs have adopted ownership and transfer restrictions in their articles of incorporation or organizational documents which seek to assure compliance with that rule. While we are not in violation of the ownership rules, we do not have, nor do we have any current plans to adopt, share ownership and transfer restrictions. As such, the possibility exists that five or fewer individuals could acquire 50% or more of the value of our outstanding shares, which could result in our disqualification as a REIT.


18

Item 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

Item 2.
PROPERTIES

The following table provides a breakdown of our timberland holdings as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015:
(acres in 000s)
As of September 30, 2015
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
Owned
 
Leased
 
Total
 
Owned
 
Leased
 
Total
Southern
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alabama
302

 
24

 
326

 
302

 
24

 
326

Arkansas
—

 
17

 
17

 
—

 
15

 
15

Florida
280

 
93

 
373

 
275

 
93

 
368

Georgia
573

 
120

 
693

 
571

 
109

 
680

Louisiana
148

 
1

 
149

 
149

 
1

 
150

Mississippi
91

 
—

 
91

 
91

 
—

 
91

Oklahoma
92

 
—

 
92

 
92

 
—

 
92

Tennessee
1

 
—

 
1

 
1

 
—

 
1

Texas
154

 
—

 
154

 
153

 
—

 
153

 
1,641

 
255

 
1,896

 
1,634

 
242

 
1,876

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pacific Northwest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oregon
6

 
—

 
6

 
6

 
—

 
6

Washington
366

 
1

 
367

 
366

 
1

 
367

 
372


1


373


372


1


373

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Zealand (a)
185

 
259

 
444

 
185

 
254

 
439

Total
2,198

 
515

 
2,713

 
2,191

 
497

 
2,688

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Represents legal acres owned and leased by the New Zealand JV, in which Rayonier owns a 65% interest. As of December 31, 2015, legal acres in New Zealand were comprised of 299,000 plantable acres and 140,000 non-productive acres.


19

The following tables detail activity for owned and leased acres in our timberland holdings by state from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015:
(acres in 000s)
Acres Owned
 
December 31, 2014
 
Acquisitions
 
Sales
 
Other (a)
 
December 31, 2015
Southern
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alabama
309

 
—

 
(7
)
 
—

 
302

Florida
281

 
3

 
(9
)
 
—

 
275

Georgia
575

 
1

 
(5
)
 
—

 
571

Louisiana
126

 
25

 
(2
)
 
—

 
149

Mississippi
91

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
91

Oklahoma
92

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
92

Tennessee
1

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1

Texas
158

 
—

 
(5
)
 
—

 
153

 
1,633

 
29

 
(28
)
 
—

 
1,634

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pacific Northwest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oregon
—

 
6

 
—

 
—

 
6

Washington
371

 
—

 
(5
)
 
—

 
366

 
371


6


(5
)

—


372

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Zealand (b)
185

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
185

Total
2,189

 
35

 
(33
)
 
—

 
2,191

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Includes changes in classifications between acres owned and leased.
(b)
Represents legal acres owned by the New Zealand JV, in which Rayonier has a 65% interest.
(acres in 000s)
Acres Leased
 
December 31, 2014
 
New Leases
 
Expired Leases (a)
 
Other (b)
 
December 31, 2015
Southern
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alabama
24

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
24

Arkansas
18

 
—

 
(3
)
 
—

 
15

Florida
105

 
—

 
(12
)
 
—

 
93

Georgia
125

 
—

 
(16
)
 
—

 
109

Louisiana
1

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1

 
273

 
—

 
(31
)
 
—

 
242

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pacific Northwest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Washington
1

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Zealand (c)
266

 
2

 
(2
)
 
(12
)
 
254

Total
540

 
2

 
(33
)
 
(12
)
 
497

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Includes acres previously under lease that have been harvested.
(b)
Includes activity for the sale / relinquishment of leased acres and adjustments for land mapping reviews.
(c)
Represents legal acres leased by the New Zealand JV, in which Rayonier has a 65% interest.



20

Timberland Leases
U.S. timberland leases typically have initial terms of approximately 30 to 65 years, with renewal provisions in some cases. New Zealand timberland lease terms typically range between 30 and 99 years. New Zealand lease arrangements are generally comprised of Crown Forest Licenses (“CFLs”) and forestry rights. A CFL is a license arrangement with the New Zealand government to use public or government-owned land to operate a commercial forest. CFLs generally extend indefinitely and may only be terminated upon a 35-year termination notice from the government. If no termination notice is given, the CFLs renew automatically each year for a one-year term. Alternatively, some CFLs extend for a specific term. A forestry right is a license arrangement with a private entity or native tribal group to use their lands to operate a commercial forest. Forestry rights terminate either upon the issuance of a termination notice, which can last 35 to 45 years, or completion of harvest.
As of December 31, 2015, the New Zealand JV has four CFLs comprising 20,000 acres under termination notice, terminating in 2034, two in 2044 and 2049, and two fixed-term CFLs comprising 3,000 acres expiring in 2062. Additionally, the New Zealand JV has two forestry rights comprising 10,000 acres under termination notice, terminating in 2028 and 2031.
The following table details the Company’s acres under lease as of December 31, 2015 by type of lease and estimated lease expiration:
(acres in 000s)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location
 
Type of Lease
 
Total
 
2016 - 2025
 
2026 - 2035
 
2036 - 2045
 
Thereafter
Southern U.S.
 
Fixed Term
 
217

 
158

 
13

 
40

 
6

 
 
Fixed Term with Renewal Option
 
25

 
24

 
1

 
—

 
—

Pacific Northwest
 
Fixed Term
 
1

 
1

 
—

 
—

 
—

New Zealand
 
CFL - Perpetual (a) (b)
 
87

 
87

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
 
CFL - Fixed Term (a)
 
3

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3

 
 
CFL - Terminating (a)
 
20

 
—

 
3

 
16

 
1

 
 
Forestry Right (a)
 
128

 
28

 
29

 
2

 
69

 
 
Fixed Term
 
16

 
—

 
—

 
1

 
15

Total Acres under Long-term Leases
 
497

 
298

 
46

 
59

 
94

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Estimated lease expiration / termination based on the earlier of: (1) the scheduled expiration / termination date, or (2) the estimated year of final harvest before such expiration / termination date.
(b)
Perpetual CFLs are under automatic annual renewal pending Treaty of Waitangi settlement.
The following table details the Company’s estimated leased acres, lease expirations and lease costs over the next five years:
(acres and dollars in 000s, except per acre amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location
 
 
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
Southern U.S.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leased Acres Expiring
 
4

 
59

 
19

 
17

 
5

 
 
Year-end Leased Acres
 
238

 
179

 
160

 
143

 
138

 
 
Estimated Annual Lease Cost (a)
 

$6,871

 

$6,696

 

$5,205

 

$4,731

 

$4,298

 
 
Average Lease Cost per Acre
 

$25.17

 

$26.37

 

$30.65

 

$30.57

 

$30.22

Pacific Northwest (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leased Acres Expiring
 
—

 
1

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
 
Year-End Leased Acres
 
1

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

New Zealand
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leased Acres Expiring
 
1

 
17

 
1

 
1

 
—

 
 
Year-end Leased Acres
 
253

 
236

 
235

 
234

 
234

 
 
Estimated Annual Lease Cost (a)
 

$4,303

 

$4,177

 

$4,167

 

$4,143

 

$4,134

 
 
Average Lease Cost per Acre
 

$21.04

 

$20.82

 

$20.87

 

$20.73

 

$21.08

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Represents capitalized and expensed lease payments.
(b)
The 659 acre lease in the Pacific Northwest expires in 2017 and does not require a lease payment.


21

Other Non-Timberland Leases
In addition to our timberland holdings, we lease properties for our office locations. Our significant leased properties include our corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida; our Southern Timber and Real Estate operations in Fernandina Beach, Florida and Lufkin, Texas; our Pacific Northwest Timber operations in Hoquiam, Washington and our New Zealand Timber and Trading headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand.

Item 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information set forth under “Contingencies” in Note 10 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8 of Part II of this report “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.


22

PART II


Item 5.
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Prices of our Common Shares; Dividends
The table below reflects, for the quarters indicated, the dividends declared per share and the highest and lowest intraday sales prices of our common shares as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system of the NYSE, the only exchange on which our shares are listed, under the trading symbol RYN, adjusted as described below.
On June 27, 2014, we spun off our Performance Fibers business to our shareholders as a newly formed publicly traded company named Rayonier Advanced Materials. On June 27, 2014, the shareholders of record received one share of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock for every three common shares of Rayonier held as of the close of business on the record date of June 18, 2014. The high end of the second quarter 2014 range as well as the first quarter 2014 range in the following table reflects share prices adjusted for the spin-off. Dividends for the first and second quarter 2014 have also been adjusted for the spin-off.
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter

$24.83

 

$21.83

 

$0.25

 
Third Quarter

$26.49

 

$21.84

 

$0.25

 
Second Quarter

$27.03

 

$24.70

 

$0.25

 
First Quarter

$29.88

 

$26.19

 

$0.25

 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter

$34.04

 

$25.87

 

$0.25

 
Third Quarter

$35.79

 

$30.46

 

$0.80

(a)
Second Quarter

$36.44

 

$34.76

 

$0.37

 
First Quarter

$35.29

 

$30.46

 

$0.37

 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Third quarter 2014 dividends included a $0.50 per share special dividend related to restricted cash proceeds received from Rayonier Advanced Materials in connection with the spin-off.
The table below summarizes the tax characteristics of the dividend paid to shareholders on a percentage basis for the three years ended December 31, 2015:
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Total cash dividend per common share

$1.00

 

$2.03

 

$1.86

Tax characteristics:
 
 
 
 
 
Capital gain
90.47
%
 
79.28
%
 
38.71
%
Qualified
—

 
—

 
61.29
%
Non-dividend distribution
9.53
%
 
20.72
%
 
—

Holders
There were approximately 6,873 shareholders of record of our Common Shares on February 19, 2016.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
See Note 16 — Incentive Stock Plans for information on securities that are authorized for issuance under The Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan (“the Stock Plan”).
Shelf Registrations
In May 2004, we completed a Form S-4 acquisition shelf registration to offer and issue 7.0 million common shares for the acquisition of other businesses, assets or properties. As of December 31, 2015, no common shares have been offered or issued under the Form S-4 shelf registration. In April 2015, we filed a universal shelf registration giving us the ability to issue and sell an indeterminate amount of various types of debt and equity securities. As of December 31, 2015, no securities have been offered or issued under the universal shelf registration.


23

Issuer Repurchases
In June 2015, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $100 million of Rayonier’s common shares (the “share repurchase program”) to be made at management’s discretion. A total of 1,034,713 shares were repurchased under this program in the fourth quarter of 2015. No remaining shares were available for repurchase under this program as of December 31, 2015.
In 1996, we began a Common Share repurchase program (the “anti-dilutive program”) to minimize the dilutive effect of our employee incentive stock plans on earnings per share. This program limits the number of shares that may be purchased each year to the greater of 1.5% of outstanding shares at the beginning of the year or the number of incentive shares issued to employees during the year. In October 2000, July 2003 and October 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of additional shares in the program totaling 2.1 million shares. The anti-dilutive program does not have an expiration date. There were no shares purchased under this program in the fourth quarter of 2015 and there were 3,836,655 shares available for purchase at December 31, 2015.
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of Rayonier common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2015:
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (b)
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (c)
October 1 to October 31
17,000

 
22.00

 
17,000

 
4,906,605
November 1 to November 30
478,081

 
23.55

 
478,081

 
4,399,347
December 1 to December 31
540,580

 
23.15

 
539,632

 
3,836,655
 
Total
1,035,661

 
 
 
1,034,713

 
3,836,655
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Includes 948 shares of the Company’s common stock purchased in December, respectively, from employees in non-open market transactions. The shares of stock were sold by current and former employees of the Company in exchange for cash that was used to pay withholding taxes associated with the vesting of restricted stock awards under the Company’s stock incentive plan. The price per share surrendered is based on the closing price of the company’s stock on the respective vesting dates of the awards.
(b)
Purchases made in open-market transactions under the $100 million share repurchase program announced on June 16, 2015.
(c)
Maximum number of shares authorized to be purchased as of December 31, 2015 include 3,836,655 under the 1996 anti-dilutive program.




24

Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the performance of Rayonier’s Common Shares (assuming reinvestment of dividends) with a broad-based market index (Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500), and two industry-specific indices (the Financial Times Stock Exchange (“FTSE”) National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) All Equity REITs Index and the S&P 1500 Paper and Forest Products Index). This graph has been adjusted to reflect the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business in 2014.
The table and related information shall not be deemed to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.
The data in the following table was used to create the above graph as of December 31:
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
Rayonier Inc.
$100
 
$132
 
$159
 
$134
 
$126
 
$104
S&P 500®
100
 
102
 
118
 
157
 
178
 
181
FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs
100
 
108
 
130
 
133
 
171
 
176
S&P© 1500 Paper & Forest Products Index
100
 
109
 
144
 
184
 
199
 
158


25

Item 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following financial data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
At or For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
Profitability:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales (a)

$544.9

 

$603.5

 

$659.7

 

$378.6

 

$391.3

Operating income (a)(b)
77.8

 
98.3

 
108.7

 
32.1

 
55.1

Income from continuing operations attributable to Rayonier Inc. (a)(b)
46.2

 
55.9

 
103.9

 
16.8

 
58.3

Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations
0.37

 
0.43

 
0.80

 
0.13

 
0.47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Condition:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets (a)

$2,319.3

 

$2,453.1

 

$3,685.5

 

$3,123.0

 

$2,569.3

Total debt (a)
833.9

 
751.6

 
1,574.2

 
1,270.1

 
847.3

Shareholders’ equity
1,361.7

 
1,575.2

 
1,755.2

 
1,438.0

 
1,323.1

Shareholders’ equity — per share
11.09

 
12.51

 
13.90

 
11.66

 
10.84

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash provided by operating activities

$177.2

 

$320.4

 

$546.8

 

$447.7

 

$433.7

Cash used for investing activities
166.3

 
196.7

 
470.5

 
474.7

 
490.1

Cash used for (provided by) financing activities
116.5

 
161.4

 
157.1

 
(229.0
)
 
215.1

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
113.7

 
120.0

 
116.9

 
84.6

 
76.5

Cash dividends paid
124.9

 
257.5

 
237.0

 
206.6

 
185.3

Dividends paid — per share

$1.00

 

$2.03

 

$1.86

 

$1.68

 

$1.52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Timber

$101.0

 

$97.9

 

$87.2

 

$76.1

 

$56.7

Pacific Northwest Timber
21.7

 
50.8

 
54.1

 
42.8

 
49.0

New Zealand Timber
33.0

 
46.0

 
38.3

 
2.2

 
4.4

Real Estate (d)
70.8

 
48.4

 
57.8

 
44.8

 
39.2

Trading
1.2

 
1.7

 
1.8

 
(0.1
)
 
1.5

Corporate and other
(19.7
)
 
(31.3
)
 
(45.3
)
 
(44.4
)
 
(39.5
)
Total Adjusted EBITDA (c)(d)

$208.0

 

$213.5

 

$193.9

 

$121.4

 

$111.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Timberland and real estate acres — owned, leased, or managed, in millions of acres
2.7

 
2.7

 
2.7

 
2.7

 
2.7



26

 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Selected Operating Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Timber
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales volume (thousands of tons)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Southern
5,492

 
5,296

 
5,292

 
5,322

 
4,741

Pacific Northwest (e)
1,243

 
1,664

 
1,979

 
1,947

 
1,665

New Zealand Domestic (f)
1,346

 
1,462

 
1,271

 
—

 
—

New Zealand Export (f)
1,065

 
898

 
651

 
—

 
—

Total Sales Volume
9,146

 
9,320

 
9,193

 
7,269

 
6,406

Real Estate — acres sold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Development (Improved)
74

 
—

 
45

 
—

 
—

Development (Unimproved)
699

 
852

 
281

 
261

 
606

Rural
8,754

 
18,077

 
13,833

 
13,307

 
10,880

Non-Strategic / Timberlands
23,602

 
6,363

 
13,360

 
17,355

 
9,824

Large Dispositions (g)(h)
—

 
19,556

 
149,428

 
—

 
6,308

Total Acres Sold
33,129

 
44,848

 
176,947

 
30,923

 
27,618

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
On April 4, 2013, the Company increased its interest in the New Zealand JV to 65% and began consolidating the New Zealand JV's results of operations and balance sheet.
(b)
The 2013 results included a $16.2 million gain related to the consolidation of the New Zealand JV.
(c)
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, the non-cash cost of land and real estate sold, costs related to shareholder litigation, costs related to spin-off of the Performance Fibers business, internal review and restatement costs, large dispositions, discontinued operations, and the gain related to the consolidation of the New Zealand joint venture.
(d)
Previously reported Adjusted EBITDA for 2014, 2013 and 2011 has been restated to exclude large dispositions.
(e)
2013 and prior results include sales volumes from New York timberlands.
(f)
New Zealand sales volume for 2013 includes volumes sold subsequent to the April 2013 consolidation.
(g)
Large Dispositions are defined as transactions involving the sale of timberland that exceed $20 million in size and do not have any identified HBU premium relative to timberland value. Sales designated as Large Dispositions are excluded from our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and CAD. 
(h)
The 2013 results included a fourth quarter sale of approximately 128,000 acres of New York timberlands.



27

Reconciliation of Operating Income (Loss) by Segment to Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
(dollars in millions)
 
 
Southern Timber
 
Pacific Northwest Timber
 
New Zealand Timber
 
Real Estate
 
Trading
 
Corporate
and
other
 
Total
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)

$46.7

 

$6.9

 

$2.8

 

$44.3

 

$1.2

 

($24.1
)
 

$77.8

Less:
Non-operating expense
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Add:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
54.3

 
14.8

 
29.7

 
14.5

 
—

 
0.4

 
113.7

Add:
Non-cash cost of land and real estate sold
—

 
—

 
0.5

 
12.0

 
—

 
—

 
12.5

Add:
Costs related to shareholder litigation (a)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4.1

 
4.1

Adjusted EBITDA (b)

$101.0

 

$21.7

 

$33.0

 

$70.8

 

$1.2

 

($19.7
)
 

$208.0

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)

$45.7

 

$29.5

 

$9.5

 

$47.5

 

$1.7

 

($35.6
)
 

$98.3

Add:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
52.2

 
21.3

 
32.2

 
13.4

 
—

 
0.9

 
120.0

Add:
Non-cash cost of land and real estate sold
—

 
—

 
4.3

 
8.9

 
—

 
—

 
13.2

Less:
Large dispositions (c)
—

 
—

 
—

 
(21.4
)
 
—

 
—

 
(21.4
)
Add:
Internal review and restatement costs
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3.4

 
3.4

Adjusted EBITDA (b)

$97.9

 

$50.8

 

$46.0

 

$48.4

 

$1.7

 

($31.3
)
 

$213.5

2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)

$37.8

 

$32.7

 

$10.6

 

$55.9

 

$1.8

 

($30.1
)
 

$108.7

Add:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
49.4

 
21.4

 
27.7

 
17.4

 
—

 
1.0

 
116.9

Add:
Non-cash cost of land and real estate sold
—

 
—

 
—

 
10.2

 
—

 
—

 
10.2

Less:
Large dispositions (c)
—

 
—

 
—

 
(25.7
)
 
—

 
—

 
(25.7
)
Less:
Gain related to consolidation of New Zealand JV
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(16.2
)
 
(16.2
)
Adjusted EBITDA (b)

$87.2

 

$54.1

 

$38.3

 

$57.8

 

$1.8

 

($45.3
)
 

$193.9

2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)

$23.4

 

$20.6

 

$2.0

 

$32.0

 

($0.1
)
 

($45.8
)
 

$32.1

Add:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
52.7

 
22.2

 
0.2

 
8.1

 
—

 
1.4

 
84.6

Add:
Non-cash cost of land and real estate sold
—

 
—

 
—

 
4.7

 
—

 
—

 
4.7

Adjusted EBITDA (b)

$76.1

 

$42.8

 

$2.2

 

$44.8

 

($0.1
)
 

($44.4
)
 

$121.4

2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)

$13.4

 

$29.5

 

$4.2

 

$47.3

 

$1.5

 

($40.8
)
 

$55.1

Add:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
43.3

 
19.5

 
0.2

 
12.2

 
—

 
1.3

 
76.5

Add:
Non-cash cost of land and real estate sold
—

 
—

 
—

 
4.3

 
—

 
—

 
4.3

Less:
Large dispositions (c)
—

 
—

 
—

 
(24.6
)
 
—

 
—

 
(24.6
)
Adjusted EBITDA (b)

$56.7

 

$49.0

 

$4.4

 

$39.2

 

$1.5

 

($39.5
)
 

$111.3

 
 

 
 
(a)
Costs related to shareholder litigation include expenses incurred as a result of the securities litigation, the shareholder derivative demands and the Securities and Exchange Commission investigation. See Note 10 - Contingencies.
(b)
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, the non-cash cost of land and real estate sold, costs related to shareholder litigation, costs related to spin-off of the Performance Fibers business, internal review and restatement costs, large dispositions, discontinued operations, and the gain related to the consolidation of the New Zealand joint venture.
(c)
Large Dispositions include sales of timberland that exceed $20 million in size and do not have any identified HBU premium relative to timberland value.


28

Item 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Executive Summary
Our Company
We are a leading timberland real estate investment trust (“REIT”) with assets located in some of the most productive timber growing regions in the U.S. and New Zealand. Our revenues, operating income and cash flows are primarily derived from the following core business segments: Southern Timber, Pacific Northwest Timber, New Zealand Timber, Real Estate and Trading. We own or lease under long-term agreements approximately 2.3 million acres of timberland and real estate in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington. We also have a 65% ownership interest in Matariki Forestry Group, a joint venture (“New Zealand JV”), that owns or leases approximately 0.4 million gross acres (0.3 million net plantable acres) of New Zealand timberlands.
Across our timberland management segments, we sell standing timber (primarily at auction to third parties) and delivered logs. Sales from these segments also include all activities related to the harvesting of timber and other value-added activities such as the leasing of properties for hunting, mineral extraction and cell towers. We believe we are the third largest publicly-traded timberland REIT and the seventh largest private landowner in the United States. Our Real Estate business manages all property sales and seeks to maximize the value of our properties that are more valuable for development, recreational or residential uses than for growing timber, and opportunistically sells non-strategic timberlands. Our Trading segment, also part of the New Zealand JV, markets and sells timber owned or acquired from third parties in New Zealand and Australia.
Current Year Developments
On June 16, 2015, we announced approval by our Board of Directors of a $100 million share repurchase program. Under this program, we repurchased approximately 4.2 million shares at an average price of $23.79 per share and completed the program in December 2015.
During 2015, we acquired approximately 35,000 acres of timberlands primarily in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oregon for $88.5 million. We also acquired forestry rights covering approximately 1,800 acres of timberland with mature timber in New Zealand for $9.9 million. For additional information, see Note 3 — Timberland Acquisitions.
On August 5, 2015 we entered into a credit agreement with CoBank, ACB, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of Farm Credit institutions and other commercial banks to provide $550 million of new credit facilities, including a five-year $200 million revolving credit facility and a nine-year $350 million term loan facility. These new credit facilities were used to refinance the company’s existing revolving credit facility and senior exchangeable notes due in August 2015. We also intend to use the credit facilities to fund a capital infusion into the company’s New Zealand JV for repayment of JV indebtedness. We expect this transaction to close in first quarter 2016. For additional information, see Note 5 — Debt.
Industry and Market Conditions
In 2015, pricing in the South was comparable to 2014 while pricing in the Pacific Northwest was negatively impacted by weaker demand from China and the shutdown of some local mills. We continue to believe that U.S. housing starts will improve gradually, but that in 2016 we will not reach conditions favorable to significantly improve sawlog pricing. In our New Zealand Timber segment, domestic pricing was generally comparable to 2014 while we experienced decreased export demand throughout most of the year with some recovery in the fourth quarter. We expect 2016 average prices in New Zealand to be broadly in line with 2015 average prices.
In Real Estate, we expect steady demand for rural properties and a strengthening interest in selected development properties, particularly as we begin to sell parcels within our East Nassau mixed-used development project.


29

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires us to establish accounting policies and make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and to disclose contingent assets and liabilities in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. We base these estimates and assumptions on historical data and trends, current fact patterns, expectations and other sources of information we believe are reasonable. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Merchantable inventory and depletion costs as determined by forestry timber harvest models
Timber is stated at the lower of cost or market value. Costs related to acquiring, planting and growing timber including real estate taxes, lease rental payments, site preparation and direct support costs relating to facilities, vehicles and supplies are capitalized. Payroll and other employee benefit costs are capitalized only for time spent on these activities, while interest or any other intangible costs aside from those mentioned above are not capitalized.
An annual depletion rate is established for each particular region by dividing the cost of merchantable inventory by standing merchantable inventory volume. Pre-merchantable records are maintained for each planted year age class, recording acres planted, stems per acre and costs of planting and tending.
Significant assumptions and estimates are used in the recording of timber inventory and depletion costs. Factors that can impact timber volume include weather changes, losses due to natural causes, differences in actual versus estimated growth rates and changes in the age when timber is considered merchantable. A 3% company-wide change in estimated standing merchantable inventory would cause an estimated change of approximately $2.4 million to 2016 depletion expense.
Merchantable standing timber inventory is estimated by our land information services group annually, using industry-standard computer software. The inventory calculation takes into account growth, in-growth (annual transfer of oldest pre-merchantable age class into merchantable inventory), timberland sales and the annual harvest specific to each business unit. The age at which timber is considered merchantable is reviewed periodically and updated for changing harvest practices, future harvest age profiles and biological growth factors.
Acquisitions of timberland can also affect the depletion rate. Upon the acquisition of timberland, we make a determination whether to combine the newly acquired merchantable timber with an existing depletion pool or to create a new pool. The determination is based on the geographic location of the new timber, the customers/markets that will be served and species mix. During 2015, we acquired approximately 35,000 acres of timberlands primarily in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oregon. We also acquired forestry rights covering approximately 1,800 acres of timberlands in New Zealand. These acquisitions increased 2015 depletion expense by $1.5 million and are expected to increase 2016 depletion expense by approximately $2.2 million.
Capitalized costs included in timber basis
Timber is stated at the lower of cost or market value. Costs relating to acquiring, planting and growing timber including real estate taxes, site preparation and direct support costs relating to facilities, vehicles and supplies are capitalized. Annual lease payments are also capitalized if the remaining lease term is greater than five years. Lease payments made within five years of expiration are expensed as incurred. Payroll costs are capitalized for time spent on timber growing activities, while interest or any other intangible costs are not capitalized.
Revenue recognition for timber sales
Revenue from the sale of timber is recognized when title passes to the buyer. We utilize two primary methods or sales channels for the sale of timber: a stumpage model and a delivered log model. The sales method the Company employs depends upon local market conditions and which method management believes will provide the best overall margins. Under the stumpage model, standing timber is sold generally under pay-as-cut contracts, with specified duration (typically one year or less) and fixed prices, whereby revenue is recognized as timber is severed and the sales volume is determined. We also sell stumpage under lump-sum contracts where the Company receives cash for the full agreed value of the timber prior to harvest and title and risk of loss pass to the buyer upon signing the contract. Any uncut timber remaining at the end of the contract period reverts to the Company. We recognize revenue for lump-sum timber sales when cash is received, the contract is signed and title and risk of loss pass to the buyer. A third type of stumpage sale is an agreed-volume sale whereby revenue is recognized as periodic physical observations are made of the percentage of acreage harvested.
Under the delivered log model, the Company hires third-party loggers and haulers to harvest timber and deliver it to a buyer. Revenue is recognized when the logs are delivered and title and risk of loss transfer to the buyer. Sales of delivered logs generally do not require an initial payment and are made to third-party customers on open credit terms.


30

In the Trading business, revenue on sales of logs is recognized when title and risk of loss passes to the buyer. For domestic log sales, title and risk are considered passed to the buyer as the logs are delivered to the customer. For export log sales, title and risk are considered passed to the buyer at the time the ship leaves the port.
Non-timber income included in “Other Operating Income, Net” is primarily hunting and recreational leases. Lease income is recognized ratably over the period of the lease.
Revenue recognition for real estate sales
The Company recognizes revenue on sales of real estate generally when cash has been received, the sale has closed, and title and risk of loss have passed to the buyer. Cost of sales associated with real estate sold comprises the cost of the land, the cost of any timber on the property that was conveyed to the buyer, and any closing costs including sales commissions that may be borne by the Company. Costs incurred to obtain land use entitlements or for infrastructure such as utilities, roads or other improvements are charged to cost of sales for a project as a percentage of revenue earned to total anticipated revenue and costs for each project. Sales of improved or entitled land have been limited, but the Company expects such sales to increase in future years.
Determining the adequacy of pension and other postretirement benefit assets and liabilities
We have one qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering a portion of our employees and an unfunded plan that provides benefits in excess of amounts allowable under current tax law in the qualified plan. The qualified plan is closed to new participants.
In 2015, we recognized $4.6 million of pension and postretirement expense. Numerous estimates and assumptions are required to determine the proper amount of pension and postretirement liabilities and annual expense to record in our financial statements. The key assumptions include discount rate, return on assets, salary increases, health care cost trends, mortality rates, longevity and service lives of employees. Although there is authoritative guidance on how to select most of the assumptions, some degree of judgment is exercised in selecting these assumptions based on input from our actuary. Different assumptions, as well as actual versus expected results, would change the periodic benefit cost and funded status of the benefit plans recognized in the financial statements. See Note 15 — Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.
Realizability of both recorded and unrecorded tax assets and tax liabilities
The Timber and Real Estate operations conducted within our REIT are generally not subject to U.S. income taxation. Prior to the June 27, 2014 spin-off of Rayonier Advanced Materials, our taxable REIT subsidiary operations included the Performance Fibers business. As such, during 2014 and prior periods, our income taxes varied significantly. Therefore, our projection of estimated income tax for the year and our provision for quarterly income taxes, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, may have varied significantly. Post-spin, we do not expect significant variability in our effective tax rate and the amount of cash taxes to be paid as the majority of our business operations are conducted within our REIT. However, the assessment of the ability to realize certain deferred tax assets, or estimate deferred tax liabilities, remains subjective. See Note 9 — Income Taxes for additional information about our unrecognized tax benefits.



31

Summary of our results of operations for the three years ended December 31:
Financial Information (in millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Sales
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Timber

$139.1

 

$141.8

 

$123.8

Pacific Northwest Timber
76.5

 
102.2

 
110.5

New Zealand Timber (a)
161.6

 
182.4

 
147.7

Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Development (Improved)
2.6

 
—

 
1.6

Development (Unimproved)
6.4

 
4.8

 
2.8

Rural
22.7

 
41.0

 
27.5

Non-Strategic / Timberlands
54.8

 
9.5

 
37.1

Large Dispositions (b)
—

 
22.0

 
80.0

Total Real Estate
86.5

 
77.3

 
149.0

Trading
81.2

 
103.7

 
131.7

Intersegment Eliminations
—

 
(3.9
)
 
(3.0
)
Total Sales

$544.9

 

$603.5

 

$659.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Timber

$46.7

 

$45.7

 

$37.8

Pacific Northwest Timber
6.9

 
29.5

 
32.7

New Zealand Timber (a)
2.8

 
9.5

 
10.6

Real Estate (b)
44.3

 
47.5

 
55.9

Trading
1.2

 
1.7

 
1.8

Corporate and other (c)
(24.1
)
 
(35.6
)
 
(30.1
)
Operating Income
77.8

 
98.3

 
108.7

Interest Expense
(31.7
)
 
(44.2
)
 
(40.9
)
Interest/Other (Expense) Income
(3.0
)
 
(9.3
)
 
2.4

Income Tax Benefit
0.8

 
9.6

 
35.7

Income from Continuing Operations
43.9

 
54.4

 
105.8

Discontinued Operations, Net
—

 
43.4

 
268.0

Net Income
43.9

 
97.8

 
373.8

Less: Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
(2.3
)
 
(1.5
)
 
1.9

Net Income Attributable to Rayonier Inc.

$46.2

 

$99.3

 

$371.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (d)
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Timber

$101.0

 

$97.9

 

$87.2

Pacific Northwest Timber
21.7

 
50.8

 
54.1

New Zealand Timber (a)
33.0

 
46.0

 
38.3

Real Estate (e)
70.8

 
48.4

 
57.8

Trading
1.2

 
1.7

 
1.8

Corporate and other
(19.7
)
 
(31.3
)
 
(45.3
)
Total Adjusted EBITDA (d)(e)

$208.0

 

$213.5

 

$193.9

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
2013 included $146.0 million in sales from the consolidation of the New Zealand JV.
(b)
The 2013 results included a fourth quarter sale of approximately 128,000 acres of New York timberland holdings for $57.3 million.
(c)
The 2013 results included a $16.2 million gain related to the consolidation of the New Zealand JV.
(d)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled at Item 6 — Selected Financial Data.
(e)
Previously reported 2014 and 2013 Adjusted EBITDA have been restated to exclude large dispositions.



32


Southern Timber Overview
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Sales Volume (in thousands of tons)
 
 
 
 
 
Pine Pulpwood
3,614

 
3,284

 
3,181

Pine Sawtimber
1,581

 
1,701

 
1,676

Total Pine Volume
5,195

 
4,985

 
4,857

Hardwood
297

 
311

 
435

Total Volume
5,492

 
5,296

 
5,292

 
 
 
 
 
 
Percentage Delivered Sales
27
%
 
33
%
 
28
%
Percentage Stumpage Sales
73
%
 
67
%
 
72
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Stumpage Prices (dollars per ton)
 
 
 
 
 
Pine Pulpwood

$18.13

 

$18.48

 

$16.12

Pine Sawtimber
27.62

 
26.45

 
24.06

Weighted Average Pine

$21.01

 

$21.20

 

$18.86

Hardwood
14.65

 
13.01

 
12.89

Weighted Average Total

$20.66

 

$20.72

 

$18.37

 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary Financial Data (in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
Sales

$139.1

 

$141.8

 

$123.8

Less: Cut and Haul
(25.7
)
 
(32.1
)
 
(26.0
)
Net Stumpage Sales

$113.4

 

$109.7

 

$97.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income

$46.7

 

$45.7

 

$37.8

Adjusted EBITDA (a)

$101.0

 

$97.9

 

$87.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Data
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Timber Income, net (in millions of dollars) (b)

$15.2

 

$13.2

 

$14.9

Year-End Acres (in thousands)
1,876

 
1,906

 
1,893

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled at Item 6 — Selected Financial Data.
(b)
Non-Timber Income is presented net of direct charges and allocated overhead.



33

Pacific Northwest Timber Overview
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Sales Volume (in thousands of tons)
 
 
 
 
 
Northwest Pulpwood
308

 
262

 
305

Northwest Sawtimber
935

 
1,402

 
1,538

Total Northwest Volume
1,243

 
1,664

 
1,843

Northeast - New York
—

 
—

 
136

Total Volume
1,243

 
1,664

 
1,979

 
 
 
 
 
 
Northwest Sales Volume (converted to MBF)
 
 
 
 
 
Northwest Pulpwood
29,208

 
24,761

 
28,840

Northwest Sawtimber
120,932

 
178,898

 
197,431

Total Northwest Volume
150,140

 
203,659

 
226,271

 
 
 
 
 
 
Percentage Delivered Sales
88
%
 
55
%
 
56
%
Percentage Stumpage Sales
12
%
 
45
%
 
44
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Delivered Log Prices (in dollars per ton)
 
 
 
 
 
Northwest Pulpwood

$44.61

 

$39.20

 

$37.14

Northwest Sawtimber
72.13

 
82.05

 
78.06

Weighted Average Log Price

$64.83

 

$74.44

 

$71.08

 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary Financial Data (in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
Sales

$76.5

 

$102.2

 

$110.5

Less: Cut and Haul
(35.4
)
 
(30.1
)
 
(35.0
)
Net Stumpage Sales

$41.1

 

$72.1

 

$75.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income

$6.9

 

$29.5

 

$32.7

Adjusted EBITDA (a)

$21.7

 

$50.8

 

$54.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Data
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Timber Income, net (in millions of dollars) (b)

$2.8

 

$1.7

 

$2.0

Year-End Acres (in thousands)
373

 
372

 
372

Northwest Sawtimber (in dollars per MBF)

$565

 

$632

 

$608

Estimated Percentage of Export Volume
22
%
 
25
%
 
26
%
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled at Item 6 — Selected Financial Data.
(b)
Non-Timber Income is presented net of direct charges and allocated overhead.



34

New Zealand Timber Overview (a)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Sales Volume (in thousands of tons)
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic Sawtimber (Delivered)
684

 
644

 
740

Domestic Pulpwood (Delivered)
434

 
352

 
360

Export Sawtimber (Delivered)
982

 
827

 
798

Export Pulpwood (Delivered)
83

 
71

 
43

Stumpage
228

 
466

 
464

Total Volume
2,412

 
2,360

 
2,405

 
 
 
 
 
 
Percentage Delivered Sales
91
%
 
80
%
 
81
%
Percentage Stumpage Sales
9
%
 
20
%
 
19
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Delivered Log Prices (in dollars per ton)
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic Sawtimber

$64.05

 

$78.15

 

$73.82

Domestic Pulpwood

$32.00

 

$37.84

 

$36.05

Export Sawtimber

$88.59

 

$111.75

 

$125.77

 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary Financial Data (in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
Sales

$155.7

 

$177.3

 

$185.8

Less: Cut and Haul
(71.5
)
 
(78.9
)
 
(82.0
)
Less: Port and Freight Costs
(32.0
)
 
(35.8
)
 
(35.0
)
Net Stumpage Sales

$52.2

 

$62.6

 

$68.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Land Sales / Other

$5.9

 

$5.1

 

$3.0

Total Sales

$161.6

 

$182.4

 

$188.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income

$2.8

 

$9.5

 

$11.2

Adjusted EBITDA (b)

$33.0

 

$46.0

 

$45.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Data
 
 
 
 
 
New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar Exchange Rate (c)
0.7031

 
0.8299

 
0.8156

Net Plantable Year-End Acres (in thousands)
299

 
309

 
314

Domestic Sawtimber (in $NZD per tonne)

$100.47

 

$103.59

 

$99.66

Export Sawtimber (in dollars per JAS m3)

$103.49

 

$129.66

 

$145.92

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
New Zealand Timber was consolidated on April 4, 2013 when we acquired a majority interest in the New Zealand JV. Prior to the acquisition date, we accounted for our 26% interest in the New Zealand JV as an equity method investment. The 2013 information shown above reflects results as if the New Zealand JV had been consolidated for the full year, though information presented elsewhere throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K reflects results only to the extent they were included in our consolidated financial results.
(b)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled at Item 6 — Selected Financial Data.
(c)
Represents the average of the month-end exchange rates for each year.




35

Real Estate Overview
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Sales (in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
Improved Development (a)
2.6

 
—

 
1.6

Unimproved Development
6.4

 
4.8

 
2.8

Rural
22.7

 
41.0

 
27.5

Non-Strategic / Timberlands
54.8

 
9.5

 
37.1

Large Dispositions (b)
—

 
22.0

 
80.0

Total Sales

$86.5

 

$77.3

 

$149.0

Sales (Development and Rural) (d)

$29.1

 

$45.8

 

$30.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Acres Sold
 
 
 
 
 
Improved Development (a)
74

 
—

 
45

Unimproved Development
699

 
852

 
281

Rural
8,754

 
18,077

 
13,833

Non-Strategic / Timberlands
23,602

 
6,363

 
13,360

Large Dispositions (b)
—

 
19,556

 
149,428

Total Acres Sold
33,129

 
44,848

 
176,947

Acre Sold (Development and Rural) (d)
9,454

 
18,929

 
14,114

 
 
 
 
 
 
Percentage of U.S. South acreage sold (c)
0.6
%
 
1.2
%
 
0.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Price per Acre (dollars per acre)
 
 
 
 
 
Improved Development (a)

$35,131

 
—

 

$34,680

Unimproved Development
9,148

 
5,623

 
10,116

Rural
2,588

 
2,265

 
1,986

Non-Strategic / Timberlands
2,324

 
1,498

 
2,773

Large Dispositions (b)
—

 
1,125

 
535

Weighted Average (Total excluding Large Dispositions)

$2,611

 

$2,186

 

$2,507

Weighted Average (Development and Rural) (d)

$3,073

 

$2,417

 

$2,148

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Reflects land with capital invested in infrastructure improvements.
(b)
Includes 128,000 acres of timberlands in New York sold in the fourth quarter of 2013 for $57.3 million.
(c)
Calculated as Southern development and rural acres sold over U.S. South acres owned.
(d)
Excludes Improved Development.



36

Capital Expenditures By Segment
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Timber Capital Expenditures (in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Timber
 
 
 
 
 
Reforestation, silvicultural and other capital expenditures

$17.7

 

$18.7

 

$20.6

Property taxes
5.9

 
6.5

 
6.8

Lease payments
5.7

 
6.1

 
6.2

Allocated overhead
3.9

 
4.7

 
4.5

Subtotal Southern Timber

$33.2

 

$36.0

 

$38.1

Pacific Northwest Timber
 
 
 
 
 
Reforestation, silvicultural and other capital expenditures
6.2

 
7.5

 
5.5

Property taxes
0.5

 
0.5

 
1.2

Lease payments
—

 
—

 
—

Allocated overhead
1.8

 
1.8

 
1.7

Subtotal Pacific Northwest Timber

$8.5

 

$9.8

 

$8.4

New Zealand Timber (a)
 
 
 
 
 
Reforestation, silvicultural and other capital expenditures
8.0

 
9.8

 
7.4

Property taxes
0.7

 
0.8

 
0.6

Lease payments
4.1

 
3.7

 
4.8

Allocated overhead
2.4

 
3.0

 
3.2

Subtotal New Zealand Timber

$15.2

 

$17.3

 

$16.0

Total Timber Segments Capital Expenditures

$56.9

 

$63.1

 

$62.5

Real Estate
0.3

 
0.2

 
0.4

Corporate
0.1

 
0.4

 
0.3

Total Capital Expenditures

$57.3

 

$63.7

 

$63.2

 





Timberland Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Timber

$54.4

 

$125.7

 

$20.4

Pacific Northwest Timber
34.1

 
1.9

 
—

New Zealand Timber (b)
9.9

 
0.9

 
139.9

Real Estate
—

 
2.4

 
—

Subtotal Timberland Acquisitions

$98.4

 

$130.9



$160.3

Total Capital Expenditures (including Timberland Acquisitions)

$155.7



$194.6



$223.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate Development Investments

$2.7

 

$3.7

 

$1.3

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
2013 includes full year results of New Zealand Timber, which was consolidated on April 4, 2013.
(b)
2013 includes $139.9 million for the acquisition of an additional interest in the New Zealand JV.



37

Results of Operations, 2015 versus 2014
(millions of dollars)
The following tables summarize the sales, operating income and Adjusted EBITDA variances for 2015 versus 2014:
Sales
 
Southern Timber
 
Pacific Northwest Timber
 
New Zealand Timber
 
Real Estate
 
Trading
 
Intersegment Eliminations
 
Total
2014
 

$141.8

 

$102.2

 

$182.4

 

$77.3

 

$103.7

 

($3.9
)
 

$603.5

Volume/Mix
 
(1.6
)
 
(14.0
)
 
18.2

 
17.1

 
6.1

 
—

 
25.8

Price
 
(1.1
)
 
(11.7
)
 
(27.9
)
 
14.1

 
(26.3
)
 
—

 
(52.9
)
Foreign exchange (a)
 
—

 
—

 
(12.7
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(12.7
)
Other (b)
 
—

 
—

 
1.6

 
(22.0
)
 
(2.3
)
 
3.9

 
(18.8
)
2015
 

$139.1

 

$76.5

 

$161.6

 

$86.5

 

$81.2

 
—

 

$544.9

Operating Income
 
Southern Timber
 
Pacific Northwest Timber
 
New Zealand Timber
 
Real Estate
 
Trading
 
Corporate and Other
 
Total
2014
 

$45.7

 

$29.5

 

$9.5

 

$47.5

 

$1.7

 

($35.6
)
 

$98.3

Volume/Mix
 
2.2

 
(12.6
)
 
0.8

 
11.5

 
—

 
—

 
1.9

Price
 
(0.5
)
 
(11.2
)
 
(13.9
)
 
14.1

 
—

 
—

 
(11.5
)
Cost
 
(2.5
)
 
(1.1
)
 
0.2

 
(2.3
)
 
0.6

 
10.9

 
5.8

Non-timber income
 
1.9

 
1.1

 
2.5

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5.5

Foreign exchange (a)
 
—

 
—

 
2.3

 
—

 
(1.1
)
 
—

 
1.2

Depreciation, depletion & amortization
 
(0.1
)
 
1.2

 
2.4

 
(3.6
)
 
—

 
0.6

 
0.5

Non-cash cost of land and real estate sold
 
—

 
—

 
(0.5
)
 
(1.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1.6
)
Other (c)
 
—

 
—

 
(0.5
)
 
(21.8
)
 
—

 
—

 
(22.3
)
2015
 

$46.7

 

$6.9

 

$2.8

 

$44.3

 

$1.2

 

($24.1
)
 

$77.8

Adjusted EBITDA (d)
 
Southern Timber
 
Pacific Northwest Timber
 
New Zealand Timber
 
Real Estate
 
Trading
 
Corporate and Other
 
Total
2014
 

$97.9

 

$50.8

 

$46.0

 

$48.4

 

$1.7

 

($31.3
)
 

$213.5

Volume/Mix
 
4.2

 
(17.9
)
 
1.4

 
16.6

 
—

 
—

 
4.3

Price
 
(0.5
)
 
(11.2
)
 
(13.9
)
 
14.1

 
—

 
—

 
(11.5
)
Cost
 
(2.5
)
 
(1.1
)
 
0.2

 
(2.5
)
 
0.6

 
11.6

 
6.3

Non-timber income
 
1.9

 
1.1

 
2.5

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5.5

Foreign exchange (a)
 
—

 
—

 
(3.1
)
 
—

 
(1.1
)
 
—

 
(4.2
)
Other
 
—

 
—

 
(0.1
)
 
(5.8
)
 
—

 
—

 
(5.9
)
2015
 

$101.0

 

$21.7

 

$33.0

 

$70.8

 

$1.2

 

($19.7
)
 

$208.0

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Net of currency hedging impact.
(b)
2014 Real Estate sales included $22.0 million in large dispositions.
(c)
2014 Real Estate operating income included $16.0 million in large dispositions and $5.8 million in proceeds from a bankruptcy settlement with respect to a former land sale customer.
(d)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled at Item 6 — Selected Financial Data.


38

Southern Timber
Full-year 2015 Southern Timber sales of $139.1 million decreased $2.7 million, or 2%, versus the prior year due to a higher mix of pulpwood (70% versus 66% in the prior year) and a lower proportion of delivered sales (27% versus 33% in the prior year), partially offset by higher harvest volumes and stronger sawlog pricing. Harvest volumes increased 4% to 5.49 million tons versus 5.30 million tons in the prior year. Average sawtimber stumpage prices increased 4% to $27.62 per ton versus $26.45 per ton in the prior year, while average pulpwood stumpage prices decreased 2% to $18.13 per ton versus $18.48 per ton in the prior year. The increase in average sawtimber prices was driven primarily by selling stumpage when demand was strongest, generating favorable prices throughout the year, partially offset by reduced harvest activity in higher-priced sawtimber regions. The decrease in average pulpwood prices was primarily attributable to geographic mix and to a price decline in the fourth quarter on the east coast due to a temporary mill shutdown. Overall, weighted average stumpage prices (including hardwood) were comparable to the prior year at $20.66 per ton.
Operating income of $46.7 million increased $1.0 million versus the prior year due to higher volumes ($2.2 million), higher non-timber income ($1.9 million) and lower depletion ($0.1 million), which were partially offset by higher costs ($2.5 million) and lower pulpwood prices ($0.5 million). Full year 2015 Adjusted EBITDA of $101.0 million increased $3.1 million above the prior year period.
Pacific Northwest Timber
Full-year 2015 Pacific Northwest Timber sales of $76.5 million decreased $25.7 million, or 25%, versus the prior year due to the planned reduction of harvest volumes and, to a lesser extent, lower sawtimber prices. Harvest volumes declined 25% to 1.24 million tons versus 1.66 million tons in the prior year. Average delivered sawtimber prices decreased 12% to $72.13 per ton versus $82.05 per ton in the prior year, while average delivered pulpwood prices increased 14% to $44.61 per ton versus $39.20 per ton in the prior year. The decrease in average sawtimber prices was driven by weaker demand from China and the shutdown of some local mills. The increase in average pulpwood prices was driven by strong local demand for pulpwood logs.
Operating income of $6.9 million decreased $22.6 million versus the prior year due to lower volumes ($12.6 million), lower prices ($11.2 million) and higher costs ($1.1 million), which were partially offset by higher non-timber income ($1.1 million) and lower depletion rates ($1.2 million). Full year Adjusted EBITDA of $21.7 million was $29.1 million below the prior year period.
New Zealand Timber
Full-year 2015 New Zealand Timber sales of $161.6 million decreased $20.8 million, or 11%, versus the prior year due to lower domestic and export product prices, which were partially offset by higher delivered volumes. Harvest volumes increased 2% to 2.41 million tons versus 2.36 million tons in the prior year. Average delivered prices for export sawtimber declined 21% to $88.59 per ton versus $111.75 per ton in the prior year, while average delivered prices for domestic sawtimber declined 18% to $64.05 per ton versus $78.15 per ton in the prior year. The decline in export sawtimber prices was primarily due to weaker demand from China, while the decline in domestic sawtimber prices (in U.S. dollar terms) was driven primarily by the fall in the NZ$/US$ exchange rate (US$0.70 per NZ$1.00 versus US$0.83 per NZ$1.00). Excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates, domestic sawtimber prices declined 3% versus the prior year.
Operating income of $2.8 million decreased $6.7 million versus the prior year due to the decrease in prices ($13.9 million) and higher non-cash costs of land sold and forestry right relinquishments ($1.0 million), which were partially offset by higher volume ($0.8 million), lower depletion rates ($2.4 million), higher non-timber income ($2.5 million), the impact of foreign exchange rate changes ($2.3 million) and lower costs ($0.2 million). Full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $33.0 million was $13.0 million below the prior year period.
Real Estate
Full-year 2015 sales of $86.5 million increased $9.2 million versus the prior year, while operating income of $44.3 million decreased $3.2 million versus the prior year period. Full-year 2015 operating income decreased as the prior year included $5.8 million in proceeds from a bankruptcy settlement with respect to a former land sale customer. Excluding the proceeds from the bankruptcy settlement and large dispositions, operating income increased $18.6 million due to higher weighted average prices ($2,611 per acre versus $2,186 per acre in the prior year), and higher volumes (33,129 acres sold versus 25,292 acres in the prior year).
Full-year 2015 Adjusted EBITDA of $70.8 million was $22.4 million above the prior year.


39

Trading
Full-year 2015 sales of $81.2 million decreased $22.5 million versus the prior year due to lower prices as a result of unfavorable China market conditions, partially offset by higher volumes. Sales volumes increased 6% to 926,000 tons versus 873,000 tons in the prior year. Average prices decreased 25% to $86.89 per ton versus $115.27 per ton in the prior year. Operating income decreased $0.5 million versus the prior year, primarily due to a NZ$/US$ exchange gain ($1.1 million) in the prior year, partially offset by lower sourcing and export costs ($0.6 million).
Corporate and Other Expense/Eliminations
Corporate and other expense was $24.1 million in 2015 versus $35.6 million in 2014. The 2015 results included $4.1 million of costs related to shareholder litigation, while 2014 included $3.4 million of internal review and restatement costs. Excluding these items, 2015 expense was favorable due to lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business.
Interest Expense
Interest expense of $31.7 million in 2015 decreased $12.5 million from the prior year primarily due to lower outstanding debt. Interest expense in 2015 includes $0.4 million related to the write-off of capitalized financing costs, while 2014 includes $1.7 million related to the write-off of capitalized financing costs.
Interest and Miscellaneous (Expense) Income, Net
Other non-operating expense was $3.0 million in 2015 versus $9.2 million in 2014. The 2015 results were comprised of favorable mark-to-market adjustments on New Zealand joint venture interest rate swaps, while 2014 included $3.8 million of costs related to the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business.
Income Tax Benefit
The full-year 2015 tax benefit from continuing operations was $0.8 million versus $9.6 million in 2014. The current year income tax benefit is principally related to the New Zealand JV, while the prior year benefit related to the Performance Fibers business. See Note 9 — Income Taxes for additional information regarding the provision for income taxes.

Outlook for 2016
In 2016, we expect a modest increase in Southern harvest volume, reflecting recent acquisitions, at prices generally comparable to 2015. We continue to believe that U.S. housing starts will improve gradually, but that in 2016 we will not reach conditions favorable to significantly improve sawlog pricing. In the Pacific Northwest, we expect volumes comparable to 2015 and are cautiously optimistic that prices will improve from current levels, which will largely depend upon export market conditions. In our New Zealand joint venture, we anticipate a reduction in harvest volume of approximately 10% due to timber age-class variations, with average prices broadly in line with 2015. Also, we are on track with our previously announced plans to recapitalize our New Zealand joint venture and thereby reduce consolidated interest expense while increasing our ownership interest from 65% to an estimated 77%.
In our Real Estate segment, we expect continued steady demand for rural properties. We also anticipate strengthening interest in selected development properties, particularly as we begin to sell parcels within Wildlight, our East Nassau mixed use development project, which we anticipate in the second half of 2016. We are also planning on a higher level of investment in 2016 as we ramp up our development efforts on this project.
Our 2016 outlook is subject to a number of variables and uncertainties, including those discussed at Item 1A — Risk Factors.



40

Results of Operations, 2014 versus 2013
(millions of dollars)
The following tables summarize the sales, operating income and Adjusted EBITDA variances for 2014 versus 2013:
Sales
 
Southern Timber
 
Pacific Northwest Timber
 
New Zealand Timber (a)
 
Real Estate
 
Trading
 
Other (b)
 
Total
2013
 

$123.8

 

$110.5

 

$188.8

 

$149.0

 

$131.7

 

($44.1
)
 

$659.7

Volume/Mix
 
5.1

 
(11.3
)
 
(2.2
)
 
(5.6
)
 
(12.4
)
 
—

 
(79.7
)
Price
 
12.9

 
5.4

 
(7.8
)
 
(8.1
)
 
(16.2
)
 
—

 
(13.8
)
Foreign exchange
 
—

 
—

 
0.5

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
0.5

Other (c)
 
—

 
(2.4
)
 
3.1

 
(58.0
)
 
0.6

 
40.2

 
(16.5
)
2014
 

$141.8

 

$102.2

 

$182.4

 

$77.3

 

$103.7

 

($3.9
)
 

$603.5

Operating Income
 
Southern Timber
 
Pacific Northwest Timber
 
New Zealand Timber (a)
 
Real Estate
 
Trading
 
Corporate and Other (b)
 
Total
2013
 

$37.8

 

$32.7

 

$11.2

 

$55.9

 

$1.8

 

($30.8
)
 

$108.6

Volume/Mix
 
0.6

 
(5.1
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(3.9
)
 
—

 
—

 
(9.2
)
Price
 
12.9

 
5.4

 
(4.2
)
 
(8.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
6.0

Cost
 
(1.4
)
 
(1.4
)
 
2.7

 
9.7

 
0.8

 
—

 
10.4

Non-timber income
 
—

 
—

 
2.8

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2.8

Foreign exchange
 
—

 
—

 
(0.4
)
 
—

 
1.6

 
—

 
1.2

Depreciation, depletion & amortization
 
(2.2
)
 
(3.0
)
 
1.7

 
1.6

 
—

 
—

 
(1.9
)
Non-cash cost of land and real estate sold
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1.8
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1.8
)
Other (d)
 
(2.0
)
 
0.9

 
(3.5
)
 
(5.9
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(17.8
)
2014
 

$45.7

 

$29.5

 

$9.5

 

$47.5

 

$1.7

 

($35.6
)
 

$98.3

Adjusted EBITDA (e)
 
Southern Timber
 
Pacific Northwest Timber
 
New Zealand Timber (a)
 
Real Estate (f)
 
Trading
 
Corporate and Other (b)
 
Total
2013
 

$87.2

 

$54.1

 

$45.9

 

$57.8

 

$1.8

 

($52.9
)
 

$193.9

Volume/Mix
 
1.4

 
(7.0
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(5.4
)
 
—

 
—

 
(12.5
)
Price
 
12.9

 
5.4

 
(4.2
)
 
(8.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
6.0

Cost
 
(1.4
)
 
(1.4
)
 
2.7

 
(2.1
)
 
0.8

 
—

 
(1.4
)
Non-timber income
 
—

 
—

 
2.8

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2.8

Foreign exchange
 
—

 
—

 
0.3

 
—

 
1.6

 
—

 
1.9

Other
 
(2.2
)
 
(0.3
)
 
—

 
6.2

 
(2.5
)
 
21.6

 
22.8

2014
 

$97.9

 

$50.8

 

$46.0

 

$48.4

 

$1.7

 

($31.3
)
 

$213.5

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
New Zealand Timber was consolidated on April 4, 2013 when we acquired a majority interest in the New Zealand JV. Prior to the acquisition date, we accounted for our 26% interest in the New Zealand JV as an equity method investment. The 2013 to 2014 New Zealand Timber variances shown above reflect 2013 results as if the New Zealand JV was consolidated for the entire year, though information presented elsewhere throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K reflects results only to the extent they were included in our consolidated financial results.
(b)
Primarily includes adjustments for 2013 New Zealand Timber sales, operating income, and Adjusted EBITDA that occurred before the consolidation of our New Zealand JV and were not included in our consolidated financial results.
(c)
The 2014 Real Estate sales included $22.0 million in large dispositions versus $80.0 million in 2013.
(d)
The 2014 Real Estate operating income included $16.0 million from large dispositions and $5.8 million in proceeds from a bankruptcy settlement with respect to a former land sale customer versus $16.1 million from large dispositions in 2013.
(e)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled at Item 6 — Selected Financial Data.
(f)
Previously reported 2014 and 2013 Adjusted EBITDA have been restated to exclude large dispositions.


41

Southern Timber

Full-year 2014 Southern Timber sales of $141.8 million increased $19 million from 2013 primarily due to higher pine pulpwood and sawtimber prices, driven by improved demand as the U.S. housing market and economy continued a slow recovery, as well as by wet weather conditions through much of the year. Weighted average stumpage prices increased 13% to $20.72 per ton in 2014 versus $18.37 per ton in 2013. Additionally, while total harvest volumes were flat at 5.3 million tons in 2014 and 2013, a greater mix of delivered sales versus stumpage sales in 2014 versus 2013 led to increased sales during the period.

The increase in sales was partially offset in operating income by higher cut and haul costs, higher depletion expense and lower non-timber income resulting from a change in income recognition for hunting leases. Full year 2014 Adjusted EBITDA of $97.9 million increased $10.7 million above the prior year period.
Pacific Northwest Timber

Full-year 2014 Pacific Northwest Timber sales of $102.0 million were $7.5 million below 2013, which included $3 million of sales from the formerly-owned New York timberlands. Sales declined in 2014 primarily due to lower harvest volumes, partially offset by improved sawtimber and pulpwood pricing. Harvest volumes declined 16% to 1.7 million tons from 2.0 million tons in 2013. The decline in harvest volumes was driven by the sale of the Company’s New York timberlands in fourth quarter 2013 as well as the reduction of harvest volumes pursuant to the Company’s revised operating strategy. See Item 1 — Business — Our Strategy for additional information. Average delivered sawtimber prices in the Pacific Northwest increased 5% to $82.05 per ton versus $78.06 per ton in 2013 and delivered pulpwood prices increased 6% to 39.20 per ton versus $37.14 per ton in 2013. These increases in average prices reflected strong prices earlier in the year, which weakened in the second half of 2014 primarily due to lower export demand as log inventory levels rose in China.

Operating income declined $3.2 million due to the lower volumes and a $1.9 million cumulative out-of-period adjustment for depletion expense, which were partially offset by higher prices. Full year Adjusted EBITDA of $50.8 million was $3.3 million below the prior year period.
New Zealand Timber
Full-year 2014 New Zealand Timber sales of $182.4 million decreased $6.4 million from 2013, reflecting results as if the New Zealand JV had been consolidated for the full year 2013. Total harvest volumes in 2014 of 2.4 million tons were comparable to 2013. Average delivered prices for domestic sawlogs increased 6% to $78.15 per ton versus $73.82 per ton in 2013, while average delivered prices for export sawlogs declined 11% to $111.75 per ton versus $125.77 per ton in 2013. The increase in domestic sawlog prices was primarily driven by stronger demand in the first half of the year, while the decline in export sawlog prices was primarily driven by weaker demand from China.
Operating income declined due to weaker overall pricing and lower volumes, mostly offset by lower depletion and lower overall logging costs. Full year Adjusted EBITDA of $46.0 million was $0.1 million above the prior year period.
Real Estate
Full-year 2014 sales of $77.3 million decreased $71.7 million versus 2013 primarily due to a $57.3 million sale of New York timberlands in 2013. Excluding large dispositions, operating income of $47.5 million was $8.3 million below the prior year due to lower weighted average prices ($2,186 per acre versus $2,505 per acre in the prior year) and lower volumes (25,293 acres sold versus 27,519 acres in the prior year). Full year Adjusted EBITDA of $48.4 million decreased $9.4 million. Previously reported 2014 and 2013 Adjusted EBITDA have been restated to exclude large dispositions.


42

Trading
Full year sales of $103.7 million were $28.0 million below 2013, while operating income and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.7 million were comparable to the prior year.
Corporate and Other Expense/Eliminations
Corporate and other expense was $35.6 million in 2014 versus $30.1 million in 2013. The 2013 results included a $16.2 million gain from the consolidation of the New Zealand JV while 2014 included $3.4 million of internal review and restatement costs. Excluding these items, 2014 expense was favorable due to lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business.
Interest and Miscellaneous (Expense) Income, Net
Interest expense of $44.2 million in 2014 increased $3.3 million from the prior year as the benefit of lower debt balances was more than offset by additional interest resulting from the consolidation of the New Zealand JV for the full year and a lower allocation of interest expense to discontinued operations. Interest/other expense increased $11.7 million over 2013 primarily due to unfavorable mark-to-market adjustments on New Zealand interest rate swaps.
Income Tax Expense
The full-year 2014 tax benefit from continuing operations including discrete items was $9.6 million versus $35.7 million in 2013. The 2014 income tax benefit reflects a $13.6 million valuation allowance related to the cellulosic biofuel producer credit (“CBPC”), which was recorded in connection with the spin-off due to Rayonier’s limited potential use of the CBPC prior to its expiration on December 31, 2017. Income tax expense from discontinued operations was $20.6 million in 2014 versus $106.4 million in 2013. The decline was primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of income from the Performance Fibers business in 2013 discontinued operations versus a half year in 2014. See Note 9 — Income Taxes for additional information regarding the provision for income taxes and the discrete tax items.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal source of cash is cash flow from operations, primarily the harvesting of timber and sales of real estate. As a REIT, our main use of cash is dividends. We also use cash to maintain the productivity of our timberlands through replanting and silviculture. Our operations have generally produced consistent cash flow and required limited capital resources. Short-term borrowings have helped fund working capital needs while acquisitions of timberlands generally require funding from external sources.
Summary of Liquidity and Financing Commitments
 
As of December 31,
(in millions of dollars)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Cash and cash equivalents

$51.8

 

$161.6

 

$199.6

Total debt
833.9

 
751.6

 
1,574.2

Shareholders’ equity
1,361.7

 
1,575.2

 
1,755.2

Adjusted EBITDA (a)
208.0

 
213.5

 
193.9

Total capitalization (total debt plus equity)
2,195.6

 
2,326.8

 
3,329.4

Debt to capital ratio
38
%

32
%
 
N/M

Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (a)
4.0


3.5

 
N/M

Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA (a)
3.8


2.8

 
N/M

Net debt to enterprise value (b)
22
%
 
14
%
 
N/M

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Performance and Liquidity Indicators.
(b)
Enterprise value is calculated as the number of shares outstanding multiplied by the Company’s share price, plus net debt, at December 31, 2015.


43

Liquidity Facilities
Term Credit Agreement
On August 5, 2015, the Company entered into a credit agreement with CoBank, ACB, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of Farm Credit institutions and other commercial banks to provide $550 million of new credit facilities, including a nine-year $350 million term loan facility. The periodic interest rate on the term loan facility is subject to a pricing grid based on the Company’s leverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement. As of December 31, 2015, the periodic interest rate on the term loan facility was LIBOR plus 1.625%. Concurrent with the closing of the facilities, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction to fix the cost of the term loan facility over its nine-year term. The Company also expects to receive annual patronage refunds, which are profit distributions made by a cooperative to its member-users based on the quantity or value of business done with the member-user. The Company estimates the effective interest rate on the term loan facility to be approximately 3.3% after consideration of the interest rate swap and estimated patronage refunds. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had additional draws available of $180 million under the term loan facility.
Revolving Credit Facility
In August 2015, the Company entered into a five-year $200 million unsecured revolving credit facility, replacing the previous $200 million revolving credit facility and $100 million farm credit facility which were scheduled to expire in April 2016 and December 2019, respectively. The periodic interest rate on the revolving credit facility is subject to a pricing grid based on the Company’s leverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement. As of December 31, 2015, the periodic interest rate on the revolving credit facility is LIBOR plus 1.250%, with an unused commitment fee of 0.175%.
Net draws of $97.0 million were made on the revolving credit facility to repay the previous facility and for general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had available borrowings of $101.2 million under the revolving credit facility, net of $1.8 million to secure its outstanding letters of credit.
4.50% Senior Exchangeable Notes issued August 2009
The Company paid $131 million of its 4.50% Senior Exchangeable Notes upon maturity in August 2015.
Joint Venture Debt
As of December 31, 2015, the New Zealand JV had $161 million of long-term variable rate debt maturing in September 2016. The Company will use proceeds from the term loan facility to fund a capital infusion into the New Zealand JV, which the New Zealand JV will in turn use for repayment of all outstanding amounts under its existing credit facility. The entire balance of the New Zealand JV Revolving Credit Facility remained classified as long-term at December 31, 2015 due to the ability and intent of the Company to refinance it on a long-term basis. This debt is subject to interest rate risk resulting from changes in the 90-day New Zealand Bank bill rate (“BKBM”). However, the New Zealand JV uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate movements on its bank loan by swapping a portion of these borrowings from floating rates to fixed rates. The notional amount of the outstanding interest rate swap contracts at December 31, 2015 was $130 million, or 81% of the variable rate debt. The interest rate swap contracts have maturities extending through January 2020. The periodic interest rate on New Zealand JV debt is BKBM plus 0.80% with an additional 0.80% credit line fee. The Company estimates the periodic interest rate on the New Zealand JV debt for the fourth quarter was approximately 6.3% after consideration of interest rate swaps.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the New Zealand JV made additional borrowings and repayments of $58.6 million on its working capital facility. Additional draws totaling $27.4 million remain available on the working capital facility. In addition, the New Zealand JV paid $1.4 million of its shareholder loan held with the non-controlling interest party. Favorable changes in exchange rates through December 31, 2015 decreased debt on a U.S. dollar basis for the revolving facility and shareholder loan by $23.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
See Note 5 — Debt for additional information on these agreements and other outstanding debt, as well as for information on covenants that must be met in connection with our mortgage notes, term credit agreement and the revolving credit facility.


44

Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for each of the past three years ended December 31 (in millions of dollars):
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Total cash provided by (used for):
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities

$177.2

 

$320.4

 

$546.8

Investing activities
(166.3
)
 
(196.7
)
 
(470.5
)
Financing activities
(116.5
)
 
(161.4
)
 
(157.1
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(4.2
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(0.2
)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

($109.8
)
 

($38.1
)
 

($81.0
)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
The decline in cash provided by operating activities in 2015 was primarily attributable to the inclusion of the results of the Performance Fibers business in the prior year period before the June 27, 2014 spin-off and higher working capital requirements.
Cash Used for Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities in 2015 decreased $30.4 million compared to 2014 primarily due to a $6.4 million and $61.0 million decrease in capital expenditures from continuing and discontinued operations, respectively, a $1.0 million decrease in real estate development investments and lower timberland acquisitions of $32.5 million and an increase of $2.8 million in proceeds from the settlement of the net investment hedge. These benefits were partially offset by the change in restricted cash of $79.1 million.
Cash Used for Financing Activities
Cash used for financing activities in 2015 declined $44.9 million from the prior year. Of the decrease, $31.4 million was due to the net cash disbursed upon spin-off of the Performance Fibers business. Additionally, dividend payments decreased $132.6 million compared to prior year due to the change in the dividend rate from $0.49 per share to $0.25 per share on a post-spin basis and to the third quarter 2014 special dividend payment of $0.50 per common share. These decreases were partially offset by lower net debt issuances of $18.0 million and repurchases of common stock of $100.0 million in 2015.
Restricted Cash
At December 31, 2015, the Company had $23.5 million of proceeds from real estate sales classified as restricted cash in “Other Assets,” which were deposited with a like-kind exchange (“LKE”) intermediary. These funds can be used for acquiring suitable timberland replacement property, or if the LKE purchases are not completed, returned to the Company after 180 days and reclassified as available cash.
Credit Ratings
Both our ability to obtain financing and the related costs of borrowing are affected by our credit ratings, which are periodically reviewed by the rating agencies. As of December 31, 2015, our credit ratings from S&P and Moody’s were “BBB-” and “Baa2,” respectively, with both services listing our outlook as “Stable.”
Strategy
We continuously evaluate our capital structure. Our strategy is to keep our weighted-average cost of capital competitive with other timberland REITs and TIMOs, while maintaining an investment grade debt rating as well as retaining the flexibility to actively pursue capital allocation opportunities as they become available. Overall, we believe we have adequate liquidity and sources of capital to run our businesses efficiently and effectively and to maximize the value of our timberland and real estate assets under management.


45

Expected 2016 Expenditures
Capital expenditures in 2016 are forecasted to be between $60 million and $65 million, excluding any strategic timberland acquisitions we may make. Capital expenditures are expected to be primarily comprised of seedling planting, fertilization and other silvicultural activities, property taxes, lease payments, allocated overhead and other capitalized costs. Aside from capital expenditures, we may also acquire timberland as we actively evaluate acquisition opportunities. Real estate development investments are expected to be between $10 million and $15 million.
Our 2016 dividend payments are expected to be approximately $123 million assuming no change in the quarterly dividend rate of $0.25 per share or material changes in the number of shares outstanding.
We made no discretionary pension contributions in 2015 or 2014. We have no mandatory pension contributions in 2016 but may make discretionary contributions in the future. On an ongoing basis, cash income tax payments are expected to be minimal. During 2016, we may repatriate approximately $23 million of proceeds received from the sale of our forestry assets to the New Zealand JV when it was formed in 2005. If this occurs, we anticipate that cash payments for income taxes in 2016 will be approximately $1.7 million.

Performance and Liquidity Indicators
The discussion below is presented to enhance the reader’s understanding of our operating performance, liquidity, ability to generate cash and satisfy rating agency and creditor requirements. This information includes two measures of financial results: Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”), and Cash Available for Distribution (“CAD”). These measures are not defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and the discussion of Adjusted EBITDA and CAD is not intended to conflict with or change any of the GAAP disclosures described above. Management considers these measures to be important to estimate the enterprise and shareholder values of the Company as a whole and of its core segments, and for allocating capital resources. In addition, analysts, investors and creditors use these measures when analyzing our operating performance, financial condition and cash generating ability. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure and CAD as a liquidity measure. Adjusted EBITDA and CAD as defined may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, the non-cash cost of land and real estate sold, costs related to shareholder litigation, costs related to the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business, discontinued operations, large dispositions, internal review and restatement costs and the gain related to consolidation of the New Zealand joint venture. Below is a reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA for the five years ended December 31 (in millions of dollars):
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income

$43.9

 

$97.8

 

$373.8

 

$278.7

 

$276.0

Interest, net, continuing operations
34.7

 
49.7

 
38.5

 
42.3

 
45.1

Income tax benefit, continuing operations
(0.9
)
 
(9.6
)
 
(35.7
)
 
(27.1
)
 
(48.3
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
113.7

 
120.0

 
116.9

 
84.6

 
76.5

Non-cash cost of land and real estate sold
12.5

 
13.2

 
10.2

 
4.7

 
4.3

Large dispositions (a)
—

 
(21.4
)
 
(25.7
)
 
—

 
(24.6
)
Costs related to shareholder litigation (b)
4.1

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Cost related to spin-off of Performance Fibers
—

 
3.8

 
—

 
—

 
—

Internal review and restatement costs
—

 
3.4

 
—

 
—

 
—

Gain related to consolidation of New Zealand JV
—

 
—

 
(16.2
)
 
—

 
—

Net income from discontinued operations
—

 
(43.4
)
 
(267.9
)
 
(261.8
)
 
(217.7
)
Adjusted EBITDA

$208.0

 

$213.5

 

$193.9

 

$121.4

 

$111.3

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Previously reported Adjusted EBITDA for 2014, 2013 and 2011 has been restated to exclude large dispositions. Large Dispositions are defined as transactions involving the sale of timberland that exceed $20 million in size and do not have any identified HBU premium relative to timberland value.
(b)
Costs related to shareholder litigation include expenses incurred as a result of the securities litigation, the shareholder derivative demands and the Securities and Exchange Commission investigation. See Note 10 —Contingencies.
See Item 6 — Selected Financial Data for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income by segment as well as Item 7 — Results of Operations for an analysis of changes in Adjusted EBITDA from the prior year.


46

CAD is a non-GAAP measure of cash generated during a period which is available for dividend distribution, repurchase of the Company’s common shares, debt reduction and strategic acquisitions. We define CAD as Cash Provided by Operating Activities adjusted for capital spending (excluding timberland acquisitions), large dispositions, cash provided by discontinued operations and working capital and other balance sheet changes. In compliance with SEC requirements for non-GAAP measures, we reduce CAD by mandatory debt repayments which results in the measure entitled “Adjusted CAD.” Adjusted CAD generated in any period is not necessarily indicative of the amounts that may be generated in future periods.
Below is a reconciliation of Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted CAD for the five years ended December 31 (in millions):
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Cash provided by operating activities

$177.2

 

$320.4

 

$546.8

 

$447.7

 

$433.7

Capital expenditures from continuing operations (a)
(57.3
)
 
(63.7
)
 
(63.2
)
 
(50.5
)
 
(44.4
)
Large dispositions (b)
—

 
(21.4
)
 
(79.7
)
 
—

 
(24.6
)
Cash flow from discontinued operations
—

 
(102.4
)
 
(276.3
)
 
(314.1
)
 
(270.9
)
Working capital and other balance sheet changes
(2.5
)
 
(39.5
)
 
(70.0
)
 
(71.1
)
 
(82.7
)
CAD

$117.4

 

$93.4

 

$57.6

 

$12.0

 

$11.1

Mandatory debt repayments
(131.0
)
 
—

 
(42.0
)
 
(323.0
)
 
(93.0
)
Adjusted CAD

($13.6
)
 

$93.4

 

$15.6

 

($311.0
)
 

($81.9
)
Cash used for investing activities

($166.3
)
 

($196.7
)
 

($470.5
)
 

($474.7
)
 

($490.1
)
Cash (used for) provided by financing activities

($116.5
)
 

($161.4
)
 

($157.1
)
 

$229.0

 

($215.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Capital expenditures exclude timberland acquisitions of $98.4 million and $130.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Capital expenditures also exclude $139.9 million for the purchase of an additional interest in the New Zealand JV and $20.4 million for timberland acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2013. In 2012, timberland acquisitions totaled $106.5 million.
(b)
Previously reported CAD for 2014, 2013 and 2011 has been restated to exclude large dispositions. Large Dispositions are defined as transactions involving the sale of timberland that exceed $20 million in size and do not have any identified HBU premium relative to timberland value

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We utilize off-balance sheet arrangements to provide credit support for certain suppliers and vendors in case of their default on critical obligations, and collateral for certain self-insurance programs that we maintain. These arrangements consist of standby letters of credit and surety bonds. As part of our ongoing operations, we also periodically issue guarantees to third parties. Off-balance sheet arrangements are not considered a source of liquidity or capital resources and do not expose us to material risks or material unfavorable financial impacts. See Note 11 — Guarantees for further discussion.



47

Contractual Financial Obligations
In addition to using cash flow from operations, we finance our operations through the issuance of debt and by entering into leases. These financial obligations are recorded in accordance with accounting rules applicable to the underlying transaction, with the result that some are recorded as liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, while others are required to be disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
The following table aggregates our contractual financial obligations as of December 31, 2015 and anticipated cash spending by period: 
Contractual Financial Obligations (in millions)
Total
 
Payments Due by Period
2016
 
2017-2018
 
2019-2020
 
Thereafter
Long-term debt (a)

$833.2

 

$161.0

 

$42.0

 

$112.0

 

$518.2

Interest payments on long-term debt (b)
135.6

 
23.6

 
35.4

 
33.5

 
43.1

Operating leases — timberland
156.2

 
9.2

 
16.2

 
13.2

 
117.6

Operating leases — PP&E, offices
6.8

 
1.9

 
2.2

 
1.1

 
1.6

Purchase obligations — derivatives (c)
40.7

 
7.1

 
11.3

 
7.2

 
15.1

Purchase obligations — other
0.8

 
—

 
0.3

 
0.5

 
—

Total contractual cash obligations

$1,173.3

 

$202.8

 

$107.4

 

$167.5

 

$695.6

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Long-term debt is currently recorded at $833.9 million on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet, but upon maturity the liability will be $833.2 million.
(b)
Projected interest payments for variable-rate debt were calculated based on outstanding principal amounts and interest rates as of December 31, 2015.
(c)
Purchase obligations represent payments expected to be made on derivative instruments. See Note 13 —Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities.



48

Item 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market and Other Economic Risks
We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign exchange rates. Our objective is to minimize the economic impact of these market risks. We use derivatives in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Derivatives are managed by a senior executive committee whose responsibilities include initiating, managing and monitoring resulting exposures. We do not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
As of December 31, 2015 we had $282 million of U.S. long-term variable rate debt. Our primary interest rate exposure on variable rate debt results from changes in LIBOR. However, we use interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to interest rate movements on our term credit agreement by swapping existing and anticipated future borrowings from floating rates to fixed rates. The notional amount of outstanding interest rate swap contracts at December 31, 2015 was $350 million. The interest rate swap contracts and term credit agreement mature in August 2024. At this borrowing level, a hypothetical one-percentage point increase/decrease in interest rates would result in a corresponding increase/decrease of approximately $1.1 million in interest payments and expense over a 12-month period.
The fair market value of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is also subject to interest rate risk. The estimated fair value of our long-term fixed-rate debt at December 31, 2015 was $364 million compared to the $367 million principal amount. We use interest rates of debt with similar terms and maturities to estimate the fair value of our debt. Generally, the fair market value of fixed-rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. A hypothetical one-percentage point increase/decrease in prevailing interest rates at December 31, 2015 would result in a corresponding decrease/increase in the fair value of our long-term fixed-rate debt of approximately $19 million.
We estimate the periodic effective interest rate on U.S. long-term fixed and variable rate debt to be approximately 3.3% after consideration of interest rate swaps and estimated patronage refunds, excluding unused commitment fees on the revolving credit facility.
As of December 31, 2015, our New Zealand JV had $161 million of long-term variable rate debt. This debt is subject to interest rate risk resulting from changes in the 90 day New Zealand Bank bill rate (“BKBM”). However, the New Zealand JV uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate movements on its bank loan by swapping a portion of these borrowings from floating rates to fixed rates. The notional amount of the outstanding interest rate swap contracts at December 31, 2015 was $130 million, or 81% of the New Zealand JV’s variable rate debt. The interest rate swap contracts have maturities extending through January 2020. The periodic interest rate on New Zealand JV debt is BKBM plus 80 basis points with an additional 80 basis point credit line fee. We estimate the periodic effective interest rate on New Zealand JV debt to be approximately 6.3% after consideration of interest rate swaps.
The functional currency of the Company’s New Zealand-based operations and New Zealand JV is the New Zealand dollar. Through these operations and our ownership in the New Zealand JV, we are exposed to foreign currency risk on cash held in foreign currencies and on foreign export sales and ocean freight payments that are predominantly denominated in U.S. dollars. To mitigate these risks, the New Zealand JV routinely enters into foreign currency exchange contracts and foreign currency option contracts to hedge a portion of the New Zealand JV’s foreign exchange exposure. At December 31, 2015, the New Zealand JV had foreign currency exchange contracts with a notional amount of $21 million and foreign currency option contracts with a notional amount of $107 million outstanding. The amount hedged represents 46% of forecast U.S. dollar denominated harvesting sales proceeds over the next 18 months and 40% of log trading sales proceeds over the next 3 months. 
In August 2015, we entered into foreign currency option contracts with a notional amount of $331 million. These contracts are designated as net investment hedges of our New Zealand based-operations to mitigate our risk to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. For additional information regarding our derivative balances and activity, see Note 13 — Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities.



49

Item 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 



50

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
To Our Shareholders:
The management of Rayonier Inc. and its subsidiaries is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our system of internal controls over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Rayonier Inc.’s management, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, we used the framework included in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on our evaluation under the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.
Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. The report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, is on page 53.
RAYONIER INC.
 
 
By:
/s/ DAVID L. NUNES
 
David L. Nunes
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
February 29, 2016
 
 
By:
/s/ MARK MCHUGH
 
Mark McHugh
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
February 29, 2016
 
 
By:
/s/ H. EDWIN KIKER
 
H. Edwin Kiker
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
February 29, 2016








51

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Rayonier Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rayonier Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and 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, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Rayonier Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Rayonier Inc. and Subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 29, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Certified Public Accountants

Jacksonville, Florida
February 29, 2016


52

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Rayonier Inc.

We have audited Rayonier Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission “(2013 framework)” (the COSO criteria). Rayonier Inc. and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 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, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Rayonier Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Rayonier Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 of Rayonier Inc. and Subsidiaries and our report dated February 29, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Certified Public Accountants

Jacksonville, Florida
February 29, 2016



53

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31,
(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)


 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
SALES

$544,874

 

$603,521

 

$659,718

Costs and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
441,099

 
483,860

 
530,772

Selling and general expenses
45,750

 
47,883

 
55,433

Other operating income, net (Note 17)
(19,759
)
 
(26,511
)
 
(18,487
)
 
467,090

 
505,232

 
567,718

Equity in income of New Zealand joint venture
—

 
—

 
562

OPERATING INCOME BEFORE GAIN RELATED TO CONSOLIDATION OF NEW ZEALAND JOINT VENTURE
77,784

 
98,289

 
92,562

Gain related to consolidation of New Zealand joint venture (Note 7)
—

 
—

 
16,098

OPERATING INCOME
77,784

 
98,289

 
108,660

Interest expense
(31,699
)
 
(44,248
)
 
(40,941
)
Interest and miscellaneous (expense) income, net
(3,003
)
 
(9,199
)
 
2,439

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
43,082

 
44,842

 
70,158

Income tax benefit
859

 
9,601

 
35,685

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
43,941

 
54,443

 
105,843

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET (Note 21)
 
 
 
 
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense of $0, $20,578 and $106,397
—

 
43,403

 
267,955

NET INCOME
43,941

 
97,846

 
373,798

Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(2,224
)
 
(1,491
)
 
1,902

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO RAYONIER INC.
46,165

 
99,337

 
371,896

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $1,066, ($78) and $0
(32,451
)
 
(15,847
)
 
(5,710
)
Cash flow hedges, net of income tax (expense) benefit of ($91), $861 and ($248)
(9,961
)
 
(1,855
)
 
3,629

Actuarial change and amortization of pension and postretirement plan liabilities, net of income tax effect of $470, $35,852 and $27,786
2,933

 
54,046

 
61,869

 
(39,479
)
 
36,344

 
59,788

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
4,462

 
134,190

 
433,586

Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(13,027
)
 
(6,462
)
 
(1,550
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO RAYONIER INC.

$17,489

 

$140,652

 

$435,136

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO RAYONIER INC.
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing Operations

$0.37

 

$0.44

 

$0.83

Discontinued Operations
—

 
0.34

 
2.13

Net Income

$0.37

 

$0.78

 

$2.96

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO RAYONIER INC.
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing Operations

$0.37

 

$0.43

 

$0.80

Discontinued Operations
—

 
0.33

 
2.06

Net Income

$0.37

 

$0.76

 

$2.86

 
 
 
 
 
 







See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 


54

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31,
(Thousands of dollars)



 
2015
 
2014
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

$51,777

 

$161,558

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $42 and $42
20,222

 
24,018

Inventory (Note 18)
15,351

 
8,383

Prepaid logging roads
10,563

 
12,665

Prepaid expenses
2,091

 
5,049

Other current assets
5,681

 
2,031

Total current assets
105,685

 
213,704

TIMBER AND TIMBERLANDS, NET OF DEPLETION AND AMORTIZATION
2,066,780

 
2,088,501

HIGHER AND BETTER USE TIMBERLANDS AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENTS (NOTE 6)
65,450

 
77,433

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
 
 
Land
1,833

 
1,833

Buildings
9,014

 
8,961

Machinery and equipment
3,686

 
3,503

Construction in progress
1,282

 
579

Total property, plant and equipment, gross
15,815

 
14,876

Less—accumulated depreciation
(9,073
)
 
(8,170
)
Total property, plant and equipment, net
6,742

 
6,706

OTHER ASSETS (Note 19)
74,606

 
66,771

TOTAL ASSETS

$2,319,263

 

$2,453,115

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Accounts payable

$21,479

 

$20,211

Current maturities of long-term debt
—

 
129,706

Accrued taxes
3,685

 
11,405

Accrued payroll and benefits
7,037

 
6,390

Accrued interest
6,153

 
8,433

Other current liabilities
21,103

 
25,857

Total current liabilities
59,457

 
202,002

LONG-TERM DEBT (Note 5)
833,879

 
621,849

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Note 15)
34,137

 
33,477

OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
30,050

 
20,636

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 8 and 10)


 


SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Common Shares, 480,000,000 shares authorized, 122,770,217 and 126,773,097 shares issued and outstanding
708,827

 
702,598

Retained earnings
612,760

 
790,697

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(33,503
)
 
(4,825
)
TOTAL RAYONIER INC. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
1,288,084

 
1,488,470

Noncontrolling interest
73,656

 
86,681

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
1,361,740

 
1,575,151

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$2,319,263

 

$2,453,115





See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


55

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Thousands of dollars, except share data)

 
Common Shares
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)
 
Non-controlling Interest
 
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Balance, December 31, 2012
123,332,444

 

$670,749

 

$876,634

 

($109,379
)
 
—

 

$1,438,004

Net income
—

 
—

 
371,896

 
—

 
1,902

 
373,798

Dividends ($1.86 per share)
—

 
—

 
(233,321
)
 
—

 
—

 
(233,321
)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans
1,001,426

 
10,101

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
10,101

Stock-based compensation
—

 
11,710

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
11,710

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation
—

 
8,413

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
8,413

Repurchase of common shares
(211,221
)
 
(11,326
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(11,326
)
Equity portion of convertible debt (Note 5)
—

 
2,453

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,453

Settlement of warrants (Note 5)
2,135,221

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Actuarial change and amortization of pension and postretirement plan liabilities
—

 
—

 
—

 
61,869

 
—

 
61,869

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
96,336

 
96,336

Noncontrolling interest redemption of shares
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(713
)
 
(713
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,915
)
 
(3,795
)
 
(5,710
)
Joint venture cash flow hedges
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,286

 
343

 
3,629

Balance, December 31, 2013
126,257,870

 

$692,100

 

$1,015,209

 

($46,139
)
 

$94,073

 

$1,755,243

Net income
—

 
—

 
99,337

 
—

 
(1,491
)
 
97,846

Dividends ($2.03 per share)
—

 
—

 
(256,861
)
 
—

 
—

 
(256,861
)
Contribution to Rayonier Advanced Materials
—

 
(301
)
 
(61,318
)
 
80,749

 
—

 
19,130

Adjustments to Rayonier Advanced Materials
—

 
—

 
(5,670
)
 
(2,556
)
 
—

 
(8,226
)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans
561,701

 
5,579

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5,579

Stock-based compensation
—

 
7,869

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
7,869

Tax deficiency on stock-based compensation
—

 
(791
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(791
)
Repurchase of common shares
(46,474
)
 
(1,858
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,858
)
Actuarial change and amortization of pension and postretirement plan liabilities
—

 
—

 
—

 
(24,147
)
 
—

 
(24,147
)
Noncontrolling interest redemption of shares
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(931
)
 
(931
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
—

 
—

 
—

 
(11,526
)
 
(4,321
)
 
(15,847
)
Joint venture cash flow hedges
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,206
)
 
(649
)
 
(1,855
)
Balance, December 31, 2014
126,773,097

 

$702,598

 

$790,697

 

($4,825
)
 

$86,681

 

$1,575,151

Net income
—

 
—

 
46,165

 
—

 
(2,224
)
 
43,941

Dividends ($1.00 per share)
—

 
—

 
(124,943
)
 
—

 
—

 
(124,943
)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans
205,219

 
2,117

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,117

Stock-based compensation
—

 
4,484

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4,484

Tax deficiency on stock-based compensation
—

 
(250
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(250
)
Repurchase of common shares
(4,208,099
)
 
(122
)
 
(100,000
)
 
—

 
—

 
(100,122
)
Actuarial change and amortization of pension and postretirement plan liabilities
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,933

 
—

 
2,933

Adjustments to Rayonier Advanced Materials
—

 
—

 
841

 
—

 
—

 
841

Foreign currency translation adjustment
—

 
—

 
—

 
(21,567
)
 
(10,884
)
 
(32,451
)
Cash flow hedges
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10,044
)
 
83

 
(9,961
)
Balance, December 31, 2015
122,770,217

 

$708,827

 

$612,760

 

($33,503
)
 

$73,656

 

$1,361,740




56


RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31,
(Thousands of dollars)
 
2015

2014

2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES





Net income

$43,941



$97,846



$373,798

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:





Depreciation, depletion and amortization
113,708


119,980


116,854

Non-cash cost of land and real estate sold
12,509


13,264


10,212

Non-cash cost of New York timberland sale
—

 
—

 
53,990

Stock-based incentive compensation expense
4,484


7,869


11,683

Amortization of debt discount/premium
604


1,092


1,215

Deferred income taxes
(1,475
)

1,828


5,857

Tax benefit of AFMC for CBPC exchange
—

 
—

 
(18,761
)
Non-cash adjustments to unrecognized tax benefit liability
135

 
(6,597
)
 
3,967

Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations
—

 
37,985

 
74,940

Amortization of losses from pension and postretirement plans
3,403


7,276


22,029

Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net
—

 
—

 
(42,121
)
Gain related to consolidation of New Zealand joint venture
—

 
—

 
(16,098
)
Loss on early redemption of exchangeable notes
—

 
—

 
3,974

Other
350


3,307


(6,082
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:





Receivables
2,034


4,300


11,100

Inventories
(9,749
)

3,926


(19,986
)
Accounts payable
1,863


29,929


(1,655
)
Income tax receivable/payable
(894
)

838


47,232

All other operating activities
6,251


2,669


(6,474
)
Payment to exchange AFMC for CBPC
—

 
—

 
(70,311
)
Expenditures for dispositions and discontinued operations
—


(5,096
)

(8,570
)
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
177,164


320,416


546,793

INVESTING ACTIVITIES





Capital expenditures
(57,293
)

(63,713
)

(63,203
)
Capital expenditures from discontinued operations
—

 
(60,955
)
 
(103,092
)
Real estate development investments
(2,676
)
 
(3,674
)
 
(1,292
)
Purchase of additional interest in New Zealand joint venture
—

 
—

 
(139,879
)
Purchase of timberlands
(98,409
)

(130,896
)

(20,401
)
Proceeds from settlement of foreign currency hedge
2,804

 
—

 
1,701

Jesup mill cellulose specialties expansion
—


—


(148,262
)
Proceeds from disposition of Wood Products business
—

 
—

 
62,720

Change in restricted cash
(16,836
)

62,256


(58,385
)
Other
6,101


306


(447
)
CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(166,309
)

(196,676
)

(470,540
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES





Issuance of debt
472,558


1,426,464


622,885

Repayment of debt
(364,402
)

(1,289,637
)

(549,485
)
Dividends paid
(124,936
)

(257,517
)

(237,016
)
Proceeds from the issuance of common shares
2,117


5,579


10,101

Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation
—


—


8,413

Proceeds from repurchase of common shares
(100,000
)
 
(1,858
)
 
(11,326
)
Debt issuance costs
(1,678
)

(12,380
)

—

Net cash disbursed upon spin-off of Performance Fibers business
—

 
(31,420
)
 
—

Other
(122
)
 
(680
)
 
(713
)
CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(116,463
)

(161,449
)

(157,141
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
(4,173
)

(377
)

(64
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS





Change in cash and cash equivalents
(109,781
)

(38,086
)

(80,952
)
Balance, beginning of year
161,558


199,644


280,596

Balance, end of year

$51,777



$161,558



$199,644




57


RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
For the Years Ended December 31,
(Thousands of dollars)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the year:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest

$33,011

 

$47,640

 

$44,156

Income taxes
277

 
8,789

 
99,120

Non-cash investing activity:
 
 
 
 
 
Capital assets purchased on account
3,429

 
2,444

 
15,522

Purchase of timberlands
700

 
—

 
—

Non-cash financing activity:
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder debt assumed in acquisition of New Zealand joint venture
—

 
—

 
125,532

Conversion of shareholder debt to equity noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
(95,961
)
Partial conversion of Senior Exchangeable Notes to equity
—

 
—

 
2,453









































See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


58

RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)


1.
NATURE OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Rayonier Inc., a North Carolina corporation, including its consolidated subsidiaries (“Rayonier” or “the Company”), is a leading timberland real estate investment trust (“REIT”) with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the U.S. and New Zealand and its shares have a $0.00 par value. The Company owns or leases approximately 2.7 million acres of timberland, located in the United States and New Zealand. Included in this property is approximately 0.2 million acres of timberlands located primarily along the coastal region from Savannah, Georgia to Daytona Beach, Florida, some of which has long-term potential for real estate development. The Company also engages in the trading of logs, primarily to support the Company’s New Zealand export operations.
Rayonier operates in five reportable business segments: Southern Timber, Pacific Northwest Timber, New Zealand Timber, Real Estate and Trading. See Note 4 — Segment and Geographical Information for further discussion of its reportable business segments and Note 21 — Discontinued Operations for additional information on the sale of the Wood Products business and the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business.
The Company is a REIT and is generally not required to pay federal income taxes on its U.S. timber harvest earnings and other U.S. REIT operations contingent upon meeting applicable distribution, income, asset, shareholder and other tests. The U.S. timber operations are primarily conducted by the Company’s wholly-owned REIT subsidiaries. Non-REIT qualifying and certain foreign operations, which are subject to corporate-level tax on earnings, are operated by taxable subsidiaries. These operations include the Real Estate segment’s entitlement activities, limited development activities and sale of higher and better use (“HBU”) properties as well as the log trading business. The Company’s consolidated joint venture, Matariki Forestry Group (“New Zealand JV”), is subject to entity-level tax in New Zealand.
Southern, Pacific Northwest and New Zealand Timber
The Company’s Timber segments own or lease approximately 2.7 million acres of timberlands located in the U.S. and New Zealand. The Timber segments conduct timber harvesting activities, manage timberlands and sell timber and logs to third parties. On April 4, 2013, the Company acquired an additional 39% interest in the New Zealand JV, which currently owns or leases approximately 439,000 gross acres (299,000 net plantable acres) of New Zealand timberlands. The acquisition of additional interest brought the Company’s ownership to 65%. As a result, the New Zealand JV’s results of operations have been consolidated and included within the New Zealand Timber segment since the date Rayonier acquired control. Rayonier’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Rayonier New Zealand Limited (“RNZ”) serves as the manager of the New Zealand JV forests. See Note 7 — Joint Venture Investment.
During 2015, the Company acquired approximately 35,000 acres of timberlands in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oregon for $88.5 million. The Company also acquired forestry rights covering approximately 1,800 acres of timberland with mature timber in New Zealand for $9.9 million. During 2014, the Company acquired approximately 62,000 acres of timberlands in the U.S. and approximately 500 acres in New Zealand. See Note 3 — Timberland Acquisitions for additional information.
Real Estate
The vast majority of the Company’s HBU properties are managed as timberland and generate cash flow from timber operations prior to their sale or, in the case of Improved Development properties, prior to improvement. All of the Company’s U.S. land sales, including HBU and non-HBU, are reported in the Real Estate segment. Rayonier employs a detailed land classification process for all of its timberland and HBU acres.
Trading
The Company’s trading business comprises log trading in New Zealand conducted by the New Zealand JV in two core areas of business: managed export services on behalf of third parties and procured logs for export sale by the New Zealand JV. The Trading segment complements the New Zealand Timber segment by adding scale and achieving cost savings that directly benefit the New Zealand Timber segment.



59
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). These statements include the accounts of Rayonier Inc. and its subsidiaries, in which it has a majority ownership or controlling interest. As of April 2013, the Company held a controlling interest (65%) in its New Zealand JV, and, as such, consolidates its results of operations and Balance Sheet. The Company also records a noncontrolling interest in its consolidated financial statements representing the minority ownership interest (35%) of the New Zealand JV’s results of operations and equity. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and to disclose contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. There are risks inherent in estimating and therefore actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include time deposits with original maturities of three months or less. The consolidated cash balance includes time deposits of $23.4 million and $0 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are primarily amounts due to the Company for the sale of timber and are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.
Inventory
HBU real estate properties that are expected to be sold within one year are included in inventory at lower of cost or market value. HBU properties that are expected to be sold after one year are included in a separate balance sheet line, entitled “Higher and Better Use Timberlands and Real Estate Development Investments.” See below for additional information.
Inventory also includes logs available to be sold by the Trading segment. Log inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or market and expensed to cost of goods sold when sold to third-party buyers.
Prepaid Logging Roads
Costs for roads in the Pacific Northwest built to access particular tracts to be harvested in the upcoming 24 months are recorded as prepaid logging roads. The Company charges such costs to expense as timber is harvested using an amortization rate determined annually as the total cost of prepaid roads divided by the estimated tons of timber to be accessed by those roads. The prepaid balance is classified as short-term or long-term based on the upcoming harvest schedule.
Timber and Timberlands
Timber is stated at the lower of cost or market value. Costs relating to acquiring, planting and growing timber including real estate taxes, site preparation and direct support costs relating to facilities, vehicles and supplies are capitalized. Annual lease payments are also capitalized if the remaining lease term is greater than five years. Lease payments made within five years of expiration are expensed as incurred. Payroll costs are capitalized for time spent on timber growing activities, while interest or any other intangible costs are not capitalized. An annual depletion rate is established for each particular region by dividing merchantable inventory cost by standing merchantable inventory volume, which is estimated annually. The Company charges accumulated costs attributed to merchantable timber to depletion expense (cost of sales), at the time the timber is harvested or when the underlying timberland is sold based on the relationship of timber sold to the estimated volume of currently merchantable timber.
Upon the acquisition of timberland, the Company makes a determination on whether to combine the newly acquired merchantable timber with an existing depletion pool or to create a new, separate pool. This determination is based on the geographic location of the new timber, the customers/markets that will be served and the species mix. If the acquisition is similar, the cost of the acquired timber is combined into an existing depletion pool and a new depletion rate is calculated for the pool. This determination and depletion rate adjustment normally occurs in the quarter following the acquisition.


60
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




Higher and Better Use Timberlands and Real Estate Development Investments
HBU timberland is recorded at the lower of cost or market value. These properties are managed as timberlands until sold or developed with sales and depletion expense related to the harvesting of timber accounted for within the respective timber segment. At the time of sale, the cost basis of any unharvested timber is recorded as depletion expense, a component of cost of goods sold, within the Real Estate segment.
Real estate development investments include capitalized costs for targeted infrastructure improvements, such as roadways and utilities. HBU timberland and real estate development investments expected to be sold within twelve months are recorded as inventory. See Note 6 — Higher and Better Use Timberlands and Real Estate Development Investments for additional information.
Property, Plant, Equipment and Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment additions are recorded at cost, including applicable freight, interest, construction and installation costs. The Company depreciates its assets, including office and transportation equipment, using the straight-line depreciation method over 3 to 25 years. Buildings and land improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over 15 to 35 years and 5 to 30 years, respectively.
Gains and losses on the retirement of assets are included in operating income. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets, which is based on a discounted cash flow model. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value was established as follows:
Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the acquisition cost of the New Zealand Timber segment over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but is periodically reviewed for impairment. An impairment test for this reporting unit’s goodwill is performed annually and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the value of goodwill may be impaired. In performing Step 1 (recoverability test) of the impairment test as outlined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-10-35, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company compares the fair value of the New Zealand Timber segment to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value including goodwill were to exceed the fair value of the New Zealand Timber segment, Step 2 of the test would be performed. Step 2 of the impairment test requires the carrying value of goodwill to be reduced to its fair value, if lower, as of the test date.
For Step 1 of the test, the Company estimates the reporting unit's fair value using an independent valuation for the New Zealand forest assets. The independent valuation of the New Zealand forest assets is based on discounted cash flow models where the fair value is calculated using cash flows from sustainable forest management plans. The fair value of the forest assets is measured as the present value of cash flows from one growth cycle based on the productive forest land, taking into consideration environmental, operational, and market restrictions. These cash flow valuations involve a number of estimates that require broad assumptions and significant judgment regarding future performance. The annual impairment test was performed as of October 1, 2015; the estimated fair value of the New Zealand Timber segment exceeded its carrying value and no impairment was recorded.


61
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of the Company’s New Zealand-based operations is the New Zealand dollar. All assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the respective balance sheet dates. Translation gains and losses are recorded as a separate component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), (“AOCI”), within Shareholders’ Equity.
U.S. denominated transactions of the New Zealand JV are translated into New Zealand dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the date of the transaction and recognized in earnings, net of related cash flow hedges. All income statement items of the New Zealand JV are translated into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes using monthly average exchange rates with translation gains and losses being recorded as a separate component of AOCI, within Shareholders’ Equity.
Revenue Recognition
The Company generally recognizes revenues when the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services rendered, (iii) the Company’s price to the buyer is fixed and determinable, and (iv) collectibility is reasonably assured.
Timber Sales
Revenue from the sale of timber is recognized when title passes to the buyer. The Company utilizes two primary methods or sales channels for the sale of timber, a stumpage or standing timber model and delivered logs. Under the stumpage model, standing timber is sold primarily under pay-as-cut contracts, with specified duration (typically one year or less) and fixed prices, whereby revenue is recognized as timber is severed and the sales volume is determined. The Company also sells stumpage under lump-sum contracts for specified parcels where the Company receives cash for the full agreed value of the timber prior to harvest and title and risk of loss pass to the buyer upon signing the contract. The Company retains interest in the land, slash products, and the use of the land for recreational and other purposes. Any uncut timber remaining at the end of the contract period reverts to the Company. Revenue is recognized for lump-sum timber sales when payment is received, the contract is signed and title and risk of loss pass to the buyer. A third type of stumpage sale the Company utilizes is an agreed-volume sale, whereby revenue is recognized as periodic physical observations are made of the percentage of acreage harvested.
In delivered log sales, the Company hires third-party loggers and haulers to harvest timber and deliver it to a buyer. Revenue is recognized when the logs are delivered and title and risk of loss transfer to the buyer. Sales of delivered logs generally do not require an initial payment and are made to third-party customers on open credit terms. The sales method the Company employs for a given tract of timber depends upon local market conditions and which method is expected to provide the best overall margin.
Non-timber income included in “Other Operating Income, Net” is primarily comprised of hunting and recreational leases. Lease income is recognized ratably over the period of the lease.
Log Trading
Domestic log trading revenue for sales within New Zealand is recorded when the goods are received by the customer and title passes. Export log trading revenue is recorded when the ship leaves the port, at which time title passes to the customer.
Real Estate
The Company recognizes revenue on sales of real estate when the sale is consummated, generally when payment is received and title and risk of loss have passed to the buyer. Cost of sales associated with real estate sold comprises the cost of the land, the cost of any timber on the property that was conveyed to the buyer, and any closing costs including sales commissions that may be borne by the Company. Costs incurred to obtain land use entitlements or for infrastructure such as utilities, roads or other improvements are charged to cost of sales for a project as a percentage of revenue earned to total anticipated revenue and costs for each project.
Employee Benefit Plans
The determination of expense and funding requirements for Rayonier’s defined benefit pension plan, its unfunded excess pension plan and its postretirement life insurance plan are largely based on a number of actuarial assumptions. The key assumptions include discount rate, return on assets, salary increases, mortality rates, longevity and service lives of employees. See Note 15 — Employee Benefit Plans for assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, and the net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2015.


62
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




Periodic pension and other postretirement expense is included in “Cost of sales,” “Selling and general expenses” and “Income from discontinued operations, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s pension plans were in a net liability position (underfunded) of $33.0 million and $31.8 million, respectively. The estimated amount to be paid in the next 12 months is recorded in “Accrued payroll and benefits” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the remainder recorded as a long-term liability in “Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.” Changes in the funded status of the Company’s plans are recorded through comprehensive income (loss) in the year in which the changes occur. The Company measures plan assets and benefit obligations as of the fiscal year-end. See Note 15 — Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured pursuant to tax laws using rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company recognizes the effect of a change in income tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income in the period that includes the enactment date of the rate change. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is more-likely-than-not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized.
In determining the provision for income taxes, the Company computes an annual effective income tax rate based on annual income by legal entity, permanent differences between book and tax, and statutory income tax rates by jurisdiction. Inherent in the effective tax rate is an assessment of the ultimate outcome of current period uncertain tax positions. The Company adjusts its annual effective tax rate as additional information on outcomes or events becomes available. Discrete items such as taxing authority examination findings or legislative changes are recognized in the period in which they occur.
The Company’s income tax returns are subject to audit by U.S. federal, state and foreign taxing authorities. In evaluating the tax benefits associated with various tax filing positions, the Company records a tax benefit for an uncertain tax position if it is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement of the issue. The Company records a liability for an uncertain tax position that does not meet this criterion. The Company adjusts its liabilities for uncertain tax benefits in the period in which it is determined the issue is settled with the taxing authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when new facts or information becomes available. Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits are included in “Other Non-Current Liabilities” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 9 — Income Taxes for additional information.
Reclassifications
Certain 2014 and 2013 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation, including the Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows to better reflect the intended use of the assets and funds. These reclassifications did not affect revenue, total costs and expenses, operating income, or net income.
The following summarizes reclassifications at December 31, 2015:
•
Seeds and seedlings have been reclassified on the Consolidated Balance Sheet from “Inventory” and “Other Assets” to “Timber and Timberlands, Net” to better reflect the intended use of the assets. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, seeds and seedlings were $5.5 million and $4.8 million, respectively.
•
HBU timberlands and real estate development investments have been reclassified on the Consolidated Balance Sheet from “Other Assets” to a separate balance sheet caption. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the cost of Rayonier’s HBU real estate not expected to be sold within the next 12 months was $65.4 million and $77.4 million, respectively.
•
Consistent with the reclassification of HBU timberland and real estate development investments from “Other Assets” to a separate balance sheet caption, real estate development investments have been reclassified on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows from “Cash Provided by Operating Activities” to “Cash Used for Investing Activities.” For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, real estate development investments were $2.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively.
•
Silvicultural expenditures on Rayonier’s HBU real estate have been reclassified on the Consolidated Statement of “Cash Flows from Cash Provided by Operating Activities” to “Cash Used for Investing Activities.” For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, silvicultural expenditures on Rayonier’s HBU property were $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively.


63
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




New or Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) jointly issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that will supersede current revenue recognition guidance. The guidance provides a unified model to determine when and how revenue is recognized and will require enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Deferral of the Effective Date. ASU No. 2015-14 provides a one-year deferral of the effective date of the new standard, with an option for organizations to adopt early based on the original effective date. This standard will be effective for Rayonier beginning January 1, 2018 and can be applied either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new guidance on the consolidated financial statements and has completed a preliminary analysis of the specific impacts to our New Zealand Timber segment.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU No. 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the Balance Sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. ASU No. 2015-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period, and is required to be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15 which clarified and amended the guidance so that debt issuance costs related to a line-of-credit arrangement can continue to be deferred and presented as an asset on the balance sheet, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. Rayonier intends to adopt ASU No. 2015-03 in the Company’s first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q and as required will present debt issuance costs as a deduction of the carrying amount of debt while presenting debt issuance costs related to the Company’s revolving credit facility as an asset with subsequent amortization over the life of the facility. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $3.3 million and $0.6 million of capitalized debt costs related to its outstanding non-revolving debt and revolving credit facilities, respectively.
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) – Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). ASU No. 2015-07 requires that investments for which the fair value is measured at NAV using the practical expedient (investments in funds measured at NAV) under “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (Topic 820) be excluded from the fair value hierarchy. ASU No. 2015-07 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. ASU No. 2015-07 is required to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented beginning in the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. Rayonier intends to adopt ASU No. 2015-07 in the Company’s first quarter 2016 Form 10-Q filing, which will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. ASU No. 2015-17 requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. ASU No. 2015-17 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within that reporting period.  Early adoption is permitted. Rayonier adopted ASU No. 2015-17 in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015 in this annual report on Form 10-K. The Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 was not retrospectively adjusted. See Note 9 — Income Taxes for additional information.
Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated events occurring from December 31, 2015 to the date of issuance for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.
Share Repurchase
On February 10, 2016, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of an additional $100 million of Rayonier’s common shares (the “share repurchase program”). The program has no time limit and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.



64
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




3.
TIMBERLAND ACQUISITIONS
In eight separate transactions throughout 2015, Rayonier purchased approximately 35,000 acres of timberland located in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oregon, for approximately $88.5 million. These acquisitions were funded with cash on hand, like-kind exchange proceeds from real estate and timberland sales, or through the revolving credit facility and were accounted for as asset purchases. Additionally, in one transaction during 2015, the Company acquired forestry rights covering approximately 1,800 acres of timberland with mature timber in New Zealand for approximately $9.9 million. This acquisition was funded with cash on hand.
In 12 separate transactions throughout 2014, Rayonier purchased approximately 62,000 acres of timberland located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Washington, for approximately $130 million. These acquisitions were funded with cash on hand, like-kind exchange proceeds from real estate and timberland sales, or through the revolving credit facility and were accounted for as asset purchases. Additionally, in one transaction during 2014, approximately 500 acres were purchased in New Zealand for approximately $0.9 million. This acquisition was funded with cash on hand.
The following table summarizes the timberland acquisitions at December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
2015
 
2014
 
Cost
 
Acres
 
Cost
 
Acres
Alabama
—

 
—

 

$41,453

 
18,113

Florida
5,031

 
3,428

 
22,157

 
15,774

Georgia
1,495

 
1,443

 
46,525

 
16,573

Louisiana
47,840

 
24,494

 
—

 
—

Mississippi
42

 
40

 
—

 
—

Oregon
34,052

 
5,578

 
—

 
—

Texas
—

 
—

 
17,960

 
10,900

Washington
—

 
—

 
1,878

 
438

New Zealand (a)
9,949

 
1,767

 
923

 
546

Total Acquisitions

$98,409

 
36,750

 

$130,896

 
62,344

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
The 2015 New Zealand transaction represents the purchase of a forestry right.

4.
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Rayonier operates in five reportable segments: Southern Timber, Pacific Northwest Timber, New Zealand Timber, Real Estate and Trading.
The Company’s timber businesses are disaggregated into Southern Timber, Pacific Northwest Timber and New Zealand Timber segments. Sales in the Timber segments include all activities related to the harvesting of timber and other non-timber income activities such as the leasing of properties for hunting, mineral extraction and cell towers.
Real Estate sales include all U.S. property sales, including those lands designated as higher and better use (HBU). The Company’s Real Estate sales categories include Improved Development, Unimproved Development, Rural and Non-Strategic / Timberlands. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company added a fifth sales category entitled “Large Dispositions.” This category includes sales of timberland that exceed $20 million in size and do not have any identified HBU premium relative to timberland value. Previously, these sales were reported as Non-Strategic / Timberlands. All prior period amounts have been presented to reflect the newly realigned sales categories.
Improved development includes sales of development property for which Rayonier, through one of its taxable REIT subsidiaries, has invested in infrastructure to enhance the value and marketability of the property. The unimproved development sales category comprises properties sold for commercial, industrial or residential development purposes and for which Rayonier has not invested in improvements such as utilities or roads.


65
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




The Trading segment comprises log trading in New Zealand, conducted by the Company’s New Zealand JV in two core areas of business, managed export services on behalf of third parties and procured logs for export sale by the New Zealand JV. The Trading segment complements the New Zealand Timber segment by adding scale and achieving cost savings that directly benefit the New Zealand Timber segment, and by contributing to income with minimal investment.
Sales between operating segments are made based on estimated fair market value, and intercompany sales, purchases and profits (losses) are eliminated in consolidation. The Company evaluates financial performance based on segment operating income and Adjusted EBITDA. Asset information is not reported by segment, as the company does not produce asset information by segment internally.
Operating income as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income is equal to segment income. Certain income (loss) items in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income are not allocated to segments. These items, which include gains (losses) from certain asset dispositions, interest income (expense), miscellaneous income (expense) and income tax (expense) benefit, are not considered by management to be part of segment operations and are included under “Corporate and other.”
Segment information for each of the three years ended December 31, 2015 follows:
 
Sales
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Southern Timber

$139,093

 

$141,833

 

$123,804

Pacific Northwest Timber
76,488

 
102,232

 
110,494

New Zealand Timber
161,570

 
182,421

 
147,716

Real Estate (a)
86,493

 
77,281

 
148,955

Trading
81,230

 
103,678

 
131,711

Intersegment Eliminations
—

 
(3,924
)
 
(2,962
)
Total

$544,874

 

$603,521

 

$659,718

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
2013 included a fourth quarter sale of approximately 128,000 acres of New York timberlands for $57.3 million.
 
Operating Income/(Loss)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Southern Timber

$46,669

 

$45,651

 

$37,847

Pacific Northwest Timber
6,917

 
29,539

 
32,669

New Zealand Timber
2,775

 
9,474

 
10,566

Real Estate
44,263

 
47,474

 
55,894

Trading
1,247

 
1,687

 
1,823

Corporate and other (a)
(24,087
)
 
(35,536
)
 
(30,139
)
Total Operating Income
77,784

 
98,289

 
108,660

Unallocated interest expense and other
(34,702
)
 
(53,447
)
 
(38,502
)
Total income from continuing operations before income taxes

$43,082

 

$44,842

 

$70,158

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
2013 included a $16.2 million gain related to the consolidation of the New Zealand JV. See Note 7 — Joint Venture Investment.


66
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




 
Gross Capital Expenditures
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Capital Expenditures (a)
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Timber

$33,245

 

$36,033

 

$38,093

Pacific Northwest Timber
8,515

 
9,742

 
8,404

New Zealand Timber
15,143

 
17,344

 
16,030

Real Estate
313

 
195

 
366

Trading
—

 
—

 
—

Corporate and other
77

 
399

 
310

Total capital expenditures

$57,293

 

$63,713

 

$63,203

 
 
 
 
 
 
Timberland Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Timber

$54,408

 

$125,650

 

$20,364

Pacific Northwest Timber
34,052

 
1,878

 
—

New Zealand Timber (b)
9,949

 
923

 
139,879

Real Estate
—

 
2,445

 
37

Trading
—

 
—

 
—

Corporate and other
—

 
—

 
—

Total timberland acquisitions

$98,409

 

$130,896

 

$160,280

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Gross Capital Expenditures

$155,702

 

$194,609

 

$223,483

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Excludes timberland acquisitions presented separately.
(b)
Includes $139.9 million related to the purchase price of the additional 39 percent JV interest acquired in 2013. See Note 7 — Joint Venture Investment for additional information.
 
Depreciation,
Depletion and Amortization
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Southern Timber

$54,299

 

$52,307

 

$49,402

Pacific Northwest Timber
14,842

 
21,282

 
21,371

New Zealand Timber
29,741

 
32,161

 
27,650

Real Estate
14,533

 
13,355

 
17,365

Trading
—

 
—

 
—

Corporate and other
293

 
875

 
1,066

Total

$113,708

 

$119,980

 

$116,854



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RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




 
Non-Cash Cost of Land and Real Estate Sold
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Southern Timber
—

 
—

 
—

Pacific Northwest Timber
—

 
—

 
—

New Zealand Timber
467

 
4,328

 
—

Real Estate
12,042

 
8,936

 
10,212

Trading
—

 
—

 
—

Corporate and other
—

 
—

 
—

Total

$12,509

 

$13,264

 

$10,212

 
Sales by Product Line
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Southern Timber

$139,093

 

$141,833

 

$123,804

Pacific Northwest Timber
76,488

 
102,232

 
110,494

New Zealand Timber
161,570

 
182,421

 
147,716

Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Improved Development
2,610

 
—

 
1,568

Unimproved Development
6,399

 
4,794

 
2,839

Rural
22,653

 
40,954

 
27,471

Non-Strategic / Timberlands
54,831

 
9,533

 
37,049

Large Dispositions (a)
—

 
22,000

 
80,028

Total Real Estate
86,493

 
77,281

 
148,955

Trading
81,230

 
103,678

 
131,711

Intersegment eliminations
—

 
(3,924
)
 
(2,962
)
Total Sales

$544,874

 

$603,521

 

$659,718

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
2013 included a fourth quarter sale of approximately 128,000 acres of New York timberlands for $57.3 million.
 
Geographical Operating Information
 
Sales
 
Operating Income
 
Identifiable Assets
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
United States

$302,074

 

$317,422

 

$380,575

 

$73,749

 

$87,116

 

$80,158

 

$1,826,462

 

$1,884,585

New Zealand (a)
242,800

 
286,099

 
279,143

 
4,035

 
11,173

 
28,502

 
492,801

 
568,530

Total

$544,874

 

$603,521

 

$659,718

 

$77,784

 

$98,289

 

$108,660

 

$2,319,263

 

$2,453,115

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
2013 included a $16.2 million operating income gain from the consolidation of the New Zealand JV. See Note 7 — Joint Venture Investment.


68
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




5.
DEBT
Rayonier’s debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
2015
 
2014
Senior Notes due 2022 at a fixed interest rate of 3.75%

$325,000

 

$325,000

Senior Exchangeable Notes due 2015 at a fixed interest rate of 4.50%
—

 
129,706

Mortgage notes due 2017 at fixed interest rates of 4.35% (a)
42,638

 
53,801

Solid waste bonds due 2020 at a variable interest rate of 1.3% at December 31, 2015
15,000

 
15,000

Revolving Credit Facility borrowings at a variable interest rate of 1.34% at December 31, 2014
—

 
16,000

Revolving Credit Facility borrowings due 2020 at a variable interest rate of 1.6% at December 31, 2015
97,000

 
—

Term Credit Agreement borrowings due 2024 at a variable interest rate of 1.9% at December 31, 2015
170,000

 
—

New Zealand JV Revolving Credit Facility due 2016 at a variable interest rate of 3.54% at December 31, 2015
160,999

 
184,099

New Zealand JV Noncontrolling interest shareholder loan at 0% interest rate
23,242

 
27,949

Total debt
833,879

 
751,555

Less: Current maturities of long-term debt
—

 
(129,706
)
Long-term debt

$833,879

 

$621,849

Principal payments due during the next five years and thereafter are as follows: 
2016 (a)

$160,999

2017 (b)
42,000

2018
—

2019
—

2020
112,000

Thereafter
518,242

Total debt

$833,241

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
The Company will refinance this debt in 2016 with proceeds from the term loan facility.
(b)
The mortgage notes due in 2017 were recorded at a premium of $0.6 million and $1.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Upon maturity the liability will be $42 million.
Term Credit Agreement
On August 5, 2015, the Company entered into a credit agreement with CoBank, ACB, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of Farm Credit institutions and other commercial banks to provide $550 million of new credit facilities, including a five-year $200 million unsecured revolving credit facility (see below) and a nine-year $350 million term loan facility. The Company has entered into an interest rate swap transaction to fix the cost of the term loan facility over its nine-year term. The periodic interest rate on the term credit agreement is LIBOR plus 1.625%, with an unused commitment fee of 0.175%. The Company receives annual patronage refunds, which are profit distributions made by a cooperative to its member-users based on the quantity or value of business done with the member-user. The Company estimates the effective interest rate to be approximately 3.3% after consideration of the estimated patronage refunds and interest rate swaps. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had additional draws available of $180.0 million under the term credit agreement.
Revolving Credit Facility
In August 2015, the Company entered into a five-year $200 million unsecured revolving credit facility, replacing the previous $200 million revolving credit facility and $100 million farm credit facility which were scheduled to expire in April 2016 and December 2019, respectively. The periodic interest rate on the revolving credit facility is LIBOR plus 1.250%, with an unused commitment fee of 0.175%. At December 31, 2015, the Company had $101.2 million of available borrowings under this facility, net of $1.8 million to secure its outstanding letters of credit.


69
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




Joint Venture Debt
On April 4, 2013, Rayonier acquired an additional 39% interest in its New Zealand JV, bringing its total ownership to 65% and as a result, the New Zealand JV’s debt was consolidated effective on that date. See Note 7 — Joint Venture Investment for further information.
Senior Secured Facilities Agreement
The New Zealand JV is party to a $188 million variable rate Senior Secured Facilities Agreement comprised of two tranches. Tranche A, a $161 million revolving cash advance facility expires September 2016 and Tranche B, a $27 million working capital facility expires June 2016. Although the maximum amounts available under the agreement are denominated in New Zealand dollars, advances on Tranche A are also available in U.S. dollars. This agreement is secured by a Security Trust Deed that provides recourse to the New Zealand JV’s assets, as well as recourse to Rayonier Inc. and any of its subsidiaries.
Revolving Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2015 the Senior Secured Facilities Agreement had $161 million outstanding on Tranche A at 3.54% due September 2016, with a commitment fee of 80 basis points. In 2016, the Company will use proceeds from the term loan facility to fund a capital infusion into the New Zealand JV, which the New Zealand JV will in turn use for repayment of all outstanding amounts under its existing credit facility. The entire balance of the New Zealand JV Revolving Credit Facility remained classified as long-term debt at December 31, 2015 due to the ability and intent of the Company to refinance it on a long-term basis. The interest rate is indexed to the 90 day New Zealand Bank bill rate and is generally repriced quarterly. The margin on the index rate fluctuates based on the interest coverage ratio. The New Zealand JV manages these rates through interest rate swaps, as discussed at Note 13 — Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities. The notional amounts of the outstanding interest rate swap contracts at December 31, 2015 were $130 million, or 81% of the variable rate debt. The interest rate swaps have maturities extending through January 2020. The periodic interest rate on New Zealand JV debt is BKBM plus 0.80% with an additional 0.80% credit line fee. The periodic effective interest rate on New Zealand JV debt is approximately 6.3% after consideration of the interest rate swaps.
Working Capital Facility
The $27 million Working Capital Facility is available for short-term operating cash flow needs of the New Zealand JV. This facility holds a variable interest rate indexed to the Official Cash Rate set by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The margin ranges from 0.94% to 1.04% based on the interest coverage ratio and the length of time each borrowing is outstanding. At December 31, 2015, there was no outstanding balance on the Working Capital Facility.
Shareholder Loan
The shareholder loan is an interest-free loan from the noncontrolling New Zealand JV partner in the amount of $23 million. This loan represents part of the noncontrolling party’s investment in the New Zealand JV. The loan is secured by timberlands owned by the New Zealand JV and is subordinated to the Senior Secured Facilities Agreement. Although Rayonier Inc. is not liable for this loan, the shareholder loan instrument contains features with characteristics of both debt and equity and is therefore required to be classified as debt and consolidated. As the loan is effectively at par, the carrying amount is deemed to be the fair value. The entire balance of the shareholder loan remained classified as long-term debt at December 31, 2015 due to its absence of a fixed maturity date.
3.75% Senior Notes issued March 2012
In March 2012, Rayonier Inc. issued $325 million of 3.75% Senior Notes due 2022, guaranteed by certain subsidiaries. The guarantors were revised in October 2012, leaving TRS and Rayonier Operating Company LLC as the remaining guarantors.


70
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




$105 Million Secured Mortgage Notes Assumed
In November 2011, in connection with the acquisition of approximately 250,000 acres of timberlands, the Company assumed notes totaling $105 million, secured by mortgages on certain parcels of the timberlands acquired. The notes bear fixed interest rates of 4.35% with original terms of seven years maturing in August 2017. The Company prepaid $21.0 million of principal on the mortgage notes concurrent with the acquisition and an additional $10.5 million during each of the years 2012 through 2015, the maximum amounts allowed without penalty at the respective dates. The notes were recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition. At December 31, 2015, the carrying value of the debt outstanding was $42.6 million; however, the liability will be $42.0 million at maturity.
4.50% Senior Exchangeable Notes issued August 2009
The Company paid $131 million of its 4.50% Senior Exchangeable Notes upon maturity in August 2015.
The amounts related to convertible debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
  
2014
Liabilities:
 
Principal amount of debt
 
4.50% Senior Exchangeable Notes

$130,973

Unamortized discount (a)
 
4.50% Senior Exchangeable Notes
(1,267
)
Net carrying amount of debt

$129,706

Equity:
 
Common stock

$8,850

 
 
 
 
 
(a) The discount for the 4.50% notes was amortized through August 2015.
The amount of interest related to the convertible debt recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
2015
 
2014

2013
Contractual interest coupon
 
 
 

 
4.50% Senior Exchangeable Notes

$3,438

 

$5,930



$7,271

Amortization of debt discount
 
 
 

 
4.50% Senior Exchangeable Notes
1,267

 
1,957


2,281

Total interest expense recognized

$4,705

 

$7,887



$9,552

The effective interest rate on the liability component for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was 6.21%.
Debt Covenants
In connection with the Company’s $350 million term credit agreement and $200 million revolving credit facility, customary covenants must be met, the most significant of which include interest coverage and leverage ratios. In connection with the New Zealand JV’s Senior Secured Facilities Agreement, customary covenants must be met, the most significant of which include interest coverage and leverage ratios.
In addition to the financial covenants listed above, the mortgage notes, senior notes, term credit agreement and revolving credit facility include customary covenants that limit the incurrence of debt and the disposition of assets, among others. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.


71
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




6.
HIGHER AND BETTER USE TIMBERLANDS AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENTS

Rayonier continuously assesses potential alternative uses of its timberlands, as some properties may become more valuable for development, residential, recreation or other purposes. The Company periodically transfers, via a sale or contribution from the REIT to TRS, HBU timberlands to enable land-use entitlement, development or marketing activities. The Company also acquires HBU properties in connection with timberland acquisitions. These properties are managed as timberlands until sold or developed. While the majority of HBU sales involve rural and recreational land, the Company also selectively pursues various land-use entitlements on certain properties for residential, commercial and industrial development in order to enhance the long-term value of such properties. For selected development properties, Rayonier also invests in targeted infrastructure improvements, such as roadways and utilities, to accelerate the marketability and improve the value of such properties.
An analysis of higher and better use timberlands and real estate development costs from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015 is shown below:
 
Higher and Better Use Timberlands and Real Estate Development Investments
 
Land and Timber
 
Development Investments
 
Total
Non-current portion at December 31, 2014

$65,959

 

$11,474

 

$77,433

Plus: Current portion (a)
4,875

 
57

 
4,932

Total Balance at December 31, 2014
70,834

 
11,531

 
82,365

Non-cash cost of land and real estate sold
(5,101
)
 
(344
)
 
(5,445
)
Timber depletion from harvesting activities and basis of timber sold in real estate sales
(4,820
)
 
—

 
(4,820
)
Capitalized real estate development investments
—

 
2,676

 
2,676

Capital expenditures (silviculture)
308

 
—

 
308

Intersegment transfers
2,695

 
—

 
2,695

Other
—

 
(77
)
 
(77
)
Total Balance at December 31, 2015
63,916

 
13,786

 
77,702

Less: Current portion (a)
(6,019
)
 
(6,233
)
 
(12,252
)
Non-current portion at December 31, 2015

$57,897

 

$7,553

 

$65,450

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
The current portion of Higher and Better Use Timberlands and Real Estate Development Investments is recorded in Inventory. See Note 18 — Inventory for additional information.
7.
JOINT VENTURE INVESTMENT
On April 4, 2013 (the “acquisition date”), the Company acquired an additional 39 percent ownership interest in Matariki Forestry Group, a joint venture ("New Zealand JV") that owns or leases approximately 0.4 million legal acres of New Zealand timberlands. As a result of the acquisition, Rayonier is a 65 percent owner of the New Zealand JV and subsequent to April 4, 2013 it consolidated the JV’s Balance Sheet and results of operations. The portions of the consolidated financial position and results of operations attributable to the New Zealand JV’s 35 percent noncontrolling interest are also shown separately. Rayonier New Zealand Limited (“RNZ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rayonier Inc., serves as the manager of the New Zealand JV forests.
Prior to the acquisition date, the Company accounted for its 26 percent interest in the New Zealand JV as an equity method investment. The additional 39 percent interest was acquired for $139.9 million and resulted in the Company obtaining a controlling financial interest in the New Zealand JV and accordingly, the purchase was accounted for as a step-acquisition. Upon consolidation, the Company recognized a $10.1 million deferred gain, which resulted from the original sale of its New Zealand operations to the joint venture in 2005 and a $6.1 million benefit due to the required fair market value remeasurement of the Company’s equity interest in the New Zealand JV held before the purchase of the additional interest. The acquisition-date fair value of the previous equity interest was $93.3 million.


72
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




The Company’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflect 26 percent of the New Zealand JV’s income prior to the acquisition date, as reported in “Equity in income of New Zealand joint venture” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The following represents the pro forma (unaudited) consolidated sales and net income for the three years ended December 31, 2015 as if the additional interest in the New Zealand JV had been acquired on January 1, 2013.
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Sales

$544,874

 

$603,521

 

$1,742,348

Net Income
43,941

 
97,846

 
372,039


8.
COMMITMENTS
The Company leases certain buildings, machinery and equipment under various operating leases. Total rental expense for operating leases amounted to $2.3 million, $1.9 million and $2.3 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company also has long-term lease agreements on certain timberlands in the Southern U.S. and New Zealand. U.S. leases typically have initial terms of approximately 30 to 65 years, with renewal provisions in some cases. New Zealand timberland lease terms range between 30 and 99 years. Such leases are generally non-cancellable and require minimum annual rental payments. Total expenditures for long-term leases and deeds on timberlands (including Crown Forest Licenses) amounted to $11.3 million, $12.8 million and $13.2 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
At December 31, 2015, the future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating and timberland leases were as follows:
 
Operating
Leases
 
Timberland
Leases (a)
 
Purchase Obligations (b)
 
Total
2016

$1,865

 

$11,174

 

$7,253

 

$20,292

2017
1,444

 
10,873

 
6,023

 
18,340

2018
736

 
9,372

 
5,585

 
15,693

2019
606

 
8,874

 
4,114

 
13,594

2020
521

 
8,432

 
3,455

 
12,408

Thereafter (c)
1,584

 
161,101

 
15,057

 
177,742

 

$6,756

 

$209,826

 

$41,487

 

$258,069

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
The majority of timberland leases are subject to increases or decreases based on either the Consumer Price Index, Producer Price Index or market rates.
(b)
Purchase obligations include payments expected to be made on derivative financial instruments (foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps) and standby letters of credit fees for industrial revenue bonds.
(c)
Includes 20 years of future minimum payments for perpetual Crown Forest Licenses (“CFL”). A CFL consists of a license to use public or government owned land to operate a commercial forest. The CFL's extend indefinitely and may only be terminated upon a 35 year termination notice from the government. If no termination notice is given, the CFLs renew automatically each year for a one year term. As of December 31, 2015, the New Zealand JV has four CFL’s under termination notice, terminating in 2034, two in 2044 and 2049 as well as two fixed term CFL’s expiring in 2062. The annual license fee is determined based on current market rental value, with triennial rent reviews.


73
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




9.
INCOME TAXES
The operations conducted by the Company’s REIT entities are generally not subject to U.S. federal and state income taxation. The New Zealand JV is subject to corporate level tax in New Zealand. Non-REIT qualifying operations are conducted by the Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries. Prior to the June 27, 2014 spin-off of Rayonier Advanced Materials, the Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS”) operations included the Performance Fibers manufacturing business. During 2014 and 2013, the income tax benefit from continuing operations was significantly impacted by the TRS businesses. During 2015, the primary businesses performed in Rayonier’s taxable REIT subsidiaries included log trading and certain real estate activities, such as the sale and entitlement of development HBU properties.
The Company was subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on built-in gains (the excess of fair market value over tax basis for property held upon REIT election at January 1, 2004) on taxable sales of such property during calendar years 2004 through 2013. In 2013, the law provided a built-in gains tax holiday, which impacted the Company’s 2013 tax provision.
Alternative Fuel Mixture Credit (“AFMC”) and Cellulosic Biofuel Producer Credit (“CBPC”)
The U.S. Internal Revenue Code allowed two credits for taxpayers that produced and used an alternative fuel in the operation of their business during calendar year 2009. The AFMC is a $0.50 per gallon refundable excise tax credit (which is not taxable), while the CBPC is a $1.01 per gallon credit that is nonrefundable, taxable and has limitations based on an entity’s tax liability. Rayonier produced and used an alternative fuel (“black liquor”) in its Performance Fibers business, which qualified for both credits. The Company claimed the AFMC on its original 2009 income tax return. In 2013, management approved an exchange of black liquor gallons previously claimed under the AFMC for the CBPC. The net tax benefit from this exchange of $18.8 million was recorded in discontinued operations. As a result of the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business in 2014, the Company recorded a $13.6 million valuation allowance in continuing operations related to CPBC remaining with the Company’s taxable REIT subsidiary and the limited potential use of the CBPC prior to its expiration on December 31, 2019. In 2015, a $1.0 million return-to-accrual adjustment was recorded related to the CBPC which resulted in a corresponding increase in the CBPC valuation allowance to $14.6 million.
Provision for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations
The (provision for)/benefit from income taxes consisted of the following:
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Current
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. federal

($624
)
 

$27,521

 

$27,338

State
226

 
1,353

 
1,462

Foreign
(308
)
 
—

 
(261
)
 
(706
)
 
28,874

 
28,539

Deferred
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. federal
3,702

 
(7,260
)
 
22,649

State
107

 
(357
)
 
1,211

Foreign
2,360

 
1,633

 
(2,119
)
 
6,169

 
(5,984
)
 
21,741

Changes in valuation allowance
(4,604
)
 
(13,289
)
 
(14,595
)
Total

$859

 

$9,601

 

$35,685



74
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the actual income tax rate was as follows:  
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate
 

($15,079
)
 
35.0
 %
 

($15,695
)
 
35.0
 %
 

($24,555
)
 
35.0
 %
U.S. and foreign REIT income and U.S. TRS taxable losses
 
19,446

 
(45.1
)
 
32,058

 
(71.5
)
 
52,812

 
(75.3
)
U.S. net deferred tax asset valuation allowance
 
(3,607
)
 
8.4

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Foreign TRS operations
 
1,097

 
(2.6
)
 
(159
)
 
0.4

 
(95
)
 
0.1

Loss on early redemption of Senior Exchangeable Notes
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(859
)
 
1.2

Other
 
5

 
—

 
112

 
(0.3
)
 
101

 
(0.1
)
Income tax benefit before discrete items
 
1,862

 
(4.3
)
 
16,316

 
(36.4
)
 
27,404

 
(39.1
)
CBPC valuation allowance
 
(997
)
 
2.3

 
(13,644
)
 
30.4

 
—

 
—

Deferred tax inventory valuations
 
—

 
—

 
5,151

 
(11.5
)
 
983

 
(1.4
)
Uncertain tax positions
 
—

 
—

 
1,830

 
(4.1
)
 
800

 
(1.1
)
Gain related to consolidation of New Zealand joint venture
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5,634

 
(8.0
)
Reversal of REIT BIG tax payable
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
485

 
(0.7
)
Other
 
(6
)
 
—

 
(52
)
 
0.2

 
379

 
(0.6
)
Income tax benefit as reported for continuing operations
 

$859

 
(2.0
)%
 

$9,601

 
(21.4
)%
 

$35,685

 
(50.9
)%
The Company’s effective tax rate is below the 35 percent U.S. statutory rate primarily due to tax benefits associated with being a REIT.
Provision for Income Taxes from Discontinued Operations
On June 27, 2014 Rayonier completed the spin-off of its Performance Fibers business. Income tax expense related to Performance Fibers discontinued operations was $20.6 million and $84.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
During 2013, Rayonier completed the sale of its Wood Products business for $80 million plus a working capital adjustment. Income tax expense related to the Wood Products business was $22.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
See Note 21 — Discontinued Operations for additional information on the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business and the sale of the Wood Products business.


75
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




Deferred Taxes
Deferred income taxes result from recording revenues and expenses in different periods for financial reporting versus tax reporting. The nature of the temporary differences and the resulting net deferred tax asset/liability for the two years ended December 31, were as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
Gross deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Pension, postretirement and other employee benefits

$1,040

 

$1,994

New Zealand JV
65,078

 
71,482

CBPC Tax Credit Carry Forwards (a)
14,641

 
13,644

Capitalized real estate costs
9,378

 
9,554

U.S. TRS Net Operating Loss
2,327

 
—

Other
7,050

 
8,067

Total gross deferred tax assets
99,514

 
104,741

Less: Valuation allowance
(18,248
)
 
(13,644
)
Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance

$81,266

 

$91,097

Gross deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Accelerated depreciation
(1,357
)
 
(1,796
)
Repatriation of foreign earnings
(7,251
)
 
(8,817
)
New Zealand JV
(68,551
)
 
(78,008
)
Timber installment sale
(7,511
)
 
(7,511
)
Other
(311
)
 
(1,304
)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
(84,981
)
 
(97,436
)
Net deferred tax (liability)/asset

($3,715
)
 

($6,339
)
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent portion of deferred tax asset (b)
—

 
8,057

Current portion of deferred tax liability (b)
—

 
(7,893
)
Noncurrent portion of deferred tax liability (b)
(3,715
)
 
(6,503
)
Net deferred tax (liability)/asset

($3,715
)
 

($6,339
)
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
In 2015, a $1.0 million return to accrual adjustment was made in conjunction with the filing of the Company’s 2014 U.S. federal income tax return.
(b)
Rayonier adopted ASU No. 2015-17, which requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent, in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 have not been retrospectively adjusted.
Included above are the following foreign net operating loss (“NOL”) and tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2015: 
Item
Gross
Amount
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Expiration
New Zealand JV NOL Carryforwards

$232,846

 
—
 
None
U.S. Net Deferred Tax Asset
3,607

 
(3,607
)
 
None
Cellulosic Biofuel Producer Credit (a)
14,641

 
(14,641
)
 
2019
Total Valuation Allowance
 
 

($18,248
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
In 2015, a $1.0 million return to accrual adjustment was made in conjunction with the filing of the Company’s 2014 U.S. federal income tax return.


76
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)





Prepaid Taxes
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company has recorded a long-term prepaid federal income tax of $14.4 million related to recognized built-in gains on 2006, 2008 and 2010 intercompany sales of timberlands between the REIT and the TRS. Taxes for the transactions were paid at the time of sale, but the gain and income tax expense were deferred in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. As the timberlands are sold to third parties, the appropriate gain and related income tax expense will be recognized and the prepaid income tax will be reduced.
Other Tax Items
In 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded tax deficiencies on stock-based compensation of $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively. In 2013, the Company recorded excess tax benefits of $8.4 million related to stock-based compensation. These amounts were recorded directly to shareholders’ equity and were not included in the consolidated tax provision.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
In accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the Company recognizes the impact of a tax position if a position is “more-likely-than-not” to prevail.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits for the three years ended December 31 is as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at January 1,
—

 

$10,547

 

$6,580

Decreases related to prior year tax positions
—

 
(10,547
)
 
(800
)
Increases related to prior year tax positions
135

 
—

 
4,767

Balance at December 31,

$135

 
—

 

$10,547

The unrecognized tax benefit of $135 thousand as of December 31, 2015 relates to a prior year deduction, in conjunction with the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would have affected the effective tax rate at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is $0, $0 and $6.6 million, respectively.
The Company records interest (and penalties, if applicable) related to unrecognized tax benefits in non-operating expenses. The Company recorded $0 million and $0.5 million benefit to interest expense in 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded interest expense of $0.1 million. The Company had no recorded liabilities for the payment of interest at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Tax Statutes
The following table provides detail of the tax years that remain open to examination by the IRS and other significant taxing jurisdictions:
Taxing Jurisdiction
Open Tax Years
U.S. Internal Revenue Service
2012 - 2015
New Zealand Inland Revenue
2011 - 2015


77
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




10.
CONTINGENCIES
Following the Company’s November 10, 2014 earnings release and filing of the restated interim financial statements for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 (the “November 2014 Announcement”), shareholders of the Company filed five putative class actions against the Company and Paul G. Boynton, Hans E. Vanden Noort, David L. Nunes, and H. Edwin Kiker arising from circumstances described in the November 2014 Announcement, entitled respectively:
•
Sating v. Rayonier Inc. et al, Civil Action No. 3:14-cv-01395; filed November 12, 2014 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida;
•
Keasler v. Rayonier Inc. et al, Civil Action No. 3:14-cv-01398, filed November 13, 2014 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida;
•
Lake Worth Firefighters’ Pension Trust Fund v. Rayonier Inc. et al, Civil Action No. 3:14-cv-01403, filed November 13, 2014 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida;
•
Christie v. Rayonier Inc. et al, Civil Action No. 3:14-cv-01429, filed November 21, 2014 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida; and
•
Brown v. Rayonier Inc. et al, Civil Action No. 1:14-cv-08986, initially filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and later transferred to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and assigned as Civil Action No. 3:14-cv-01474.
On January 9, 2015, the five securities actions were consolidated into one putative class action entitled In re Rayonier Inc. Securities Litigation, Case No. 3:14-cv-01395-TJC-JBT, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants made false and/or misleading statements in violation of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. The plaintiffs sought unspecified monetary damages and attorneys’ fees and costs. Two shareholders, the Pension Trust Fund for Operating Engineers and the Lake Worth Firefighters’ Pension Trust Fund moved for appointment as lead plaintiff on January 12, 2015, which was granted on February 25, 2015. On April 7, 2015, the plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint (the “Consolidated Complaint”). In the Consolidated Complaint, plaintiffs added allegations as to and added as a defendant N. Lynn Wilson, a former officer of Rayonier. With the filing of the Consolidated Complaint, David L. Nunes and H. Edwin Kiker were dropped from the case as defendants. Defendants timely filed Motions to Dismiss the Consolidated Complaint on May 15, 2015. After oral argument on Defendants' motions on August 25, 2015, the Court dismissed the Consolidated Complaint without prejudice, allowing plaintiffs leave to refile. Plaintiffs filed the Amended Consolidated Class Action Complaint (the “Amended Complaint”) on September 25, 2015, which continued to assert claims against the Company, as well as Ms. Wilson and Messrs. Boynton and Vanden Noort. Defendants timely filed Motions to Dismiss the Amended Complaint on October 26, 2015, which are pending. At this preliminary stage, the Company cannot determine whether there is a reasonable likelihood a material loss has been incurred nor can the range of any such loss be estimated.
On November 26, 2014, December 29, 2014, January 26, 2015, February 13, 2015, and May 12, 2015, the Company received separate letters from shareholders requesting that the Company investigate or pursue derivative claims against certain officers and directors related to the November 2014 Announcement. Although these demands do not identify any claims against the Company, the Company has certain obligations to advance expenses and provide indemnification to certain current and former officers and directors of the Company. The Company has also incurred expenses as a result of costs arising from the investigation of the claims alleged in the various demands. At this preliminary stage, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted, nor can the range of potential expenses the Company may incur as a result of the obligations identified above be estimated.
In November 2014, the Company received a subpoena from the SEC seeking documents related to the Company’s amended reports filed with the SEC on November 10, 2014. The Company cooperated with the SEC and complied with its requests. The Company does not currently believe that the investigation will have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow, but cannot predict the timing or outcome of the SEC investigation.
The Company has also been named as a defendant in various other lawsuits and claims arising in the normal course of business. While the Company has procured reasonable and customary insurance covering risks normally occurring in connection with its businesses, it has in certain cases retained some risk through the operation of self-insurance, primarily in the areas of workers’ compensation, property insurance and general liability. These pending lawsuits and claims, either individually or in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flow.


78
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




11.
GUARANTEES
The Company provides financial guarantees as required by creditors, insurance programs, and various governmental agencies. As of December 31, 2015, the following financial guarantees were outstanding: 
Financial Commitments
Maximum Potential
Payment
 
Carrying Amount
of Liability
Standby letters of credit (a)

$16,685

 

$15,000

Guarantees (b)
2,254

 
43

Surety bonds (c)
896

 
—

Total financial commitments

$19,835

 

$15,043

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Approximately $15 million of the standby letters of credit serve as credit support for industrial revenue bonds. The remaining letters of credit support various insurance related agreements, primarily workers’ compensation. These letters of credit will expire at various dates during 2016 and will be renewed as required.
(b)
In conjunction with a timberland sale and note monetization in the 2004, the Company issued a make-whole agreement pursuant to which it guaranteed $2.3 million of obligations of a special-purpose entity that was established to complete the monetization. At December 31, 2015, the Company has recorded a de minimis liability to reflect the fair market value of its obligation to perform under the make-whole agreement.
(c)
Rayonier issues surety bonds primarily to secure timber harvesting obligations in the State of Washington and to provide collateral for the Company’s workers’ compensation self-insurance program in that state. These surety bonds expire at various dates in 2016 and 2017 and are expected to be renewed as required.



79
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




12.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Rayonier by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Rayonier by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of outstanding stock options, performance shares, restricted shares and convertible debt.
The following table provides details of the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three years ended December 31:
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Income from continuing operations

$43,941

 

$54,443

 

$105,843

Less: Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
(2,224
)
 
(1,491
)
 
1,902

Income from continuing operations attributable to Rayonier Inc.

$46,165

 

$55,934

 

$103,941

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Rayonier Inc.
—

 

$43,403

 

$267,955

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Rayonier Inc.

$46,165

 

$99,337

 

$371,896

 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares used for determining basic earnings per common share
125,385,085

 
126,458,710

 
125,717,311

Dilutive effect of:
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
116,792

 
323,125

 
463,949

Performance and restricted shares
39,863

 
149,292

 
158,319

Assumed conversion of Senior Exchangeable Notes (a)
358,449

 
2,149,982

 
1,965,177

Assumed conversion of warrants (a)
—

 
1,957,154

 
1,800,345

Shares used for determining diluted earnings per common share
125,900,189

 
131,038,263

 
130,105,101

Basic earnings per common share attributable to Rayonier Inc.:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations

$0.37

 

$0.44

 

$0.83

Discontinued operations
—

 
0.34

 
2.13

Net income

$0.37

 

$0.78

 

$2.96

Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Rayonier Inc.:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations

$0.37

 

$0.43

 

$0.80

Discontinued operations
—

 
0.33

 
2.06

Net income

$0.37

 

$0.76

 

$2.86

 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options, performance and restricted shares
897,800

 
461,663

 
337,145

Assumed conversion of exchangeable note hedges (a)
358,449

 
2,149,982

 
1,965,177

Total
1,256,249

 
2,611,645

 
2,302,322

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
In September and October 2013, $41.5 million of the Senior Exchangeable Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Notes”) were redeemed by the noteholders; however, no additional shares were issued due to offsetting hedges. Similarly, Rayonier did not issue additional shares upon the August 2015 maturity of the remaining 2015 Notes due to offsetting hedges. ASC 260, Earnings Per Share requires the assumed conversion of the Notes to be included in dilutive shares if the average stock price for the period exceeds the strike prices, while the assumed conversion of the hedges is excluded since they are anti-dilutive. The dilutive effect of the 2015 Notes was included for the portion of the periods presented in which the notes were outstanding.
The warrants sold in conjunction with the Senior Exchangeable Notes due 2012 began maturing on January 15, 2013 and matured ratably through March 27, 2013, resulting in the issuance of 2,135,221 shares. For the year ended 2013, the dilutive impact of these warrants was calculated based on the length of time they were outstanding before settlement. Rayonier will distribute additional shares upon the February 2016 maturity of the warrants sold in conjunction with the 2015 Notes if the stock price exceeds $28.11 per share. The exchange price on the warrants is lower than periods prior to 2014 as it has been adjusted to reflect the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business. The warrants were not dilutive for the year ended 2015 as the average stock price did not exceed the strike price. For further information, see Note 5 — Debt.


80
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




13.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The Company is exposed to market risk related to potential fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate the financial impact of exposure to these risks. The Company also uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate exposure to foreign currency risk due to the translation of the investment in Rayonier’s New Zealand-based operations from New Zealand dollars to U.S. dollars.
Accounting for derivative financial instruments is governed by Accounting Standards Codification Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, (“ASC 815”). In accordance with ASC 815, the Company records its derivative instruments at fair value as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the instruments’ fair value are accounted for based on their intended use. Gains and losses on derivatives that are designated and qualify for cash flow hedge accounting are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction materializes. Gains and losses on derivatives that are designated and qualify for net investment hedge accounting are recorded as a component of AOCI and will not be reclassified into earnings until the Company’s investment in its New Zealand operations is partially or completely liquidated. The ineffective portion of any hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and those which are no longer effective as hedging instruments, are recognized immediately in earnings. The Company's hedge ineffectiveness was de minimis for all periods presented.
Foreign Currency Exchange and Option Contracts
The functional currency of Rayonier’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Rayonier New Zealand Limited, and the New Zealand JV is the New Zealand dollar. The New Zealand JV is exposed to foreign currency risk on export sales and ocean freight payments which are mainly denominated in U.S. dollars. The New Zealand JV typically hedges 50% to 90% of its estimated foreign currency exposure with respect to the following three months forecasted sales and purchases, 50% to 75% of its forecasted sales and purchases for the forward three to 12 months and up to 50% of the forward 12 to 18 months. Foreign currency exposure from the New Zealand JV’s trading operations is typically hedged based on the following three months forecasted sales and purchases. As of December 31, 2015, foreign currency exchange contracts and foreign currency option contracts had maturity dates through June 2017 and May 2017, respectively.
Foreign currency exchange and option contracts hedging foreign currency risk on export sales and ocean freight payments qualify for cash flow hedge accounting. The fair value of foreign currency exchange contracts is determined by a mark-to-market valuation which estimates fair value by discounting the difference between the contracted forward price and the current forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using a risk-free interest rate. The fair value of foreign currency option contracts is based on a mark-to-market calculation using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The Company may de-designate cash flow hedge relationships in advance or at the occurrence of the forecasted transaction. The portion of gains or losses on the derivative instrument previously accumulated in AOCI for de-designated hedges remains in AOCI until the forecasted transaction affects earnings. Changes in the value of derivative instruments after de-designation are recorded in earnings. De-designated cash flow hedges are included in “Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments” in the table below.
In August 2015, the Company entered into foreign currency option contracts (notional amount of $332 million) to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates when translating Rayonier New Zealand Limited and the New Zealand JV’s balance sheet to U.S. dollars. These contracts hedge a portion of the Company’s net investment in New Zealand and qualify as a net investment hedge. The fair value of these option contracts is determined by a mark-to-market valuation which estimates fair value by discounting the difference between the contracted forward price and the current forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using a risk-free interest rate. The hedge qualifies for hedge accounting whereby fluctuations in fair market value during the life of the hedge are recorded in AOCI and remain there permanently unless a partial or full liquidation of the investment is made. At each reporting period, the Company reviews the hedge for ineffectiveness. Ineffectiveness can occur when changes to the investment or the hedged instrument are made such that the risk of foreign exchange movements are no longer mitigated by the hedging instrument. At that time, the amount related to the ineffectiveness of the net investment hedge is recorded into earnings. The foreign currency option contracts mature in the first quarter of 2016.


81
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




Interest Rate Swaps
The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage the New Zealand JV’s exposure to interest rate movements on its variable rate debt attributable to changes in the New Zealand Bank bill rate. By converting a portion of these borrowings from floating rates to fixed rates, the Company has reduced the impact of interest rate changes on its expected future cash outflows. As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s interest rate contracts hedged 81 percent of the New Zealand JV’s variable rate debt and had maturity dates through January 2020. Initially, these hedges qualified for hedge accounting; however, upon consolidation of the New Zealand JV in 2013, the hedges no longer qualified requiring all future changes in the fair market value of the hedges to be recorded in earnings.
The Company is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on its variable-rate Term Credit Agreement (as discussed below), and uses variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps to hedge this exposure. For these derivative instruments, the Company reports the gains/losses from the fluctuations in the fair market value of the hedges in AOCI and reclassifies them to earnings as interest expense in the same period in which the hedged interest payments affect earnings.
In August 2015, the Company entered into a nine-year interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $170 million. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of the interest rate (LIBOR plus 1.625%) to an average rate of 2.20%. This derivative instrument has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge and qualifies for hedge accounting.
Also in August 2015, the Company entered into a nine-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a start date in April 2016 for a notional amount of $180 million. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of the interest rate (LIBOR plus 1.625%) to an average rate of 2.35%. This derivative instrument has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge and qualifies for hedge accounting.
Fuel Hedge Contracts
The Company has historically used fuel hedge contracts to manage its New Zealand JV’s exposure to changes in New Zealand’s domestic diesel prices. Due to the low volume of diesel fuel purchases made by the New Zealand JV in 2013, the Company decided to no longer hedge its diesel fuel purchases effective November 2013. There were no contracts remaining as of December 31, 2015.
The following table demonstrates the impact of the Company’s derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
 
Location on Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange contracts
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 

($205
)
 

($1,069
)
 

$950

 
Other operating (income) expense
 
—

 
—

 
652

Foreign currency option contracts
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
370

 
(1,647
)
 
460

Interest rate swaps
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(10,197
)
 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as a net investment hedge:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange contract
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
2,875

 
(145
)
 
—

Foreign currency option contracts
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
4,606

 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange contracts
Other operating expense (income)
 
—

 
25

 
(1,607
)
Foreign currency option contracts
Other operating expense (income)
 
1,394

 
7

 
1,147

Interest rate swaps
Interest and miscellaneous (expense) income
 
(4,391
)
 
(5,882
)
 
6,085

Fuel hedge contracts
Cost of sales (benefit)
 
—

 
160

 
(255
)
During the next 12 months, the amount of the December 31, 2015 AOCI balance, net of tax, expected to be reclassified into earnings as a result of the maturation of the Company’s derivative instruments is a loss of approximately $1.6 million.


82
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




The following table contains the notional amounts of the derivative financial instruments recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
Notional Amount
 
2015
 
2014
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange contracts

$21,250

 

$28,540

Foreign currency option contracts
107,200

 
79,400

Interest rate swaps
350,000

 
—

 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as a net investment hedge:
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange contract
—

 
27,419

Foreign currency option contracts
331,588

 
—

 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
130,169

 
161,968



83
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




The following table contains the fair values of the derivative financial instruments recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Changes in balances of derivative financial instruments are recorded as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
 
 
 
Fair Value Assets (Liabilities) (a)
 
Location on Balance Sheet
 
2015
 
2014
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange contracts
Other current assets
 

$43

 

$132

 
Other assets
 
—

 
59

 
Other current liabilities
 
(1,449
)
 
(272
)
 
Other non-current liabilities
 
(219
)
 
—

Foreign currency option contracts
Other current assets
 
560

 
299

 
Other assets
 
408

 
198

 
Other current liabilities
 
(1,393
)
 
(1,439
)
 
Other non-current liabilities
 
(217
)
 
(196
)
Interest rate swaps
Other non-current liabilities
 
(10,197
)
 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as a net investment hedge:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange contract
Other current liabilities
 
—

 
(223
)
Foreign currency option contracts
Other current assets
 
4,630

 
—

 
Other current liabilities
 
(24
)
 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Other non-current liabilities
 
(8,047
)
 
(7,247
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total derivative contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
Other current assets
 

$5,233

 

$431

Other assets
 
408

 
257

Total derivative assets
 

$5,641

 

$688

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other current liabilities
 
(2,866
)
 
(1,934
)
Other non-current liabilities
 
(18,680
)
 
(7,443
)
Total derivative liabilities
 

($21,546
)
 

($9,377
)
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements for further information on the fair value of our derivatives including their classification within the fair value hierarchy.
Offsetting Derivatives
Derivative financial instruments are presented at their gross fair values in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are not subject to master netting arrangements which would allow the right of offset.



84
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




14.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
A three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value was established in the Accounting Standards Codification as follows:
Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair values of financial instruments held by the Company at December 31, 2015 and 2014, using market information and what the Company believes to be appropriate valuation methodologies under generally accepted accounting principles:
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Asset (liability) (a)
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
Cash and cash equivalents

$51,777

 

$51,777

 
—

 

$161,558

 

$161,558

 
—

Restricted cash (b)
23,525

 
23,525

 
—

 
6,688

 
6,688

 
—

Current maturities of long-term debt
—

 
—

 
—

 
(129,706
)
 
—

 
(156,762
)
Long-term debt
(833,879
)
 
—

 
(830,203
)
 
(621,849
)
 
—

 
(628,476
)
Interest rate swaps (c)
(18,244
)
 
—

 
(18,244
)
 
(7,247
)
 
—

 
(7,247
)
Foreign currency exchange contracts (c)
(1,625
)
 
—

 
(1,625
)
 
(304
)
 
—

 
(304
)
Foreign currency option contracts (c)
3,964

 
—

 
3,964

 
(1,138
)
 
—

 
(1,138
)
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
The Company did not have Level 3 assets or liabilities at December 31, 2015.
(b)
Restricted cash is recorded in “Other Assets” and represents the proceeds from LKE sales deposited with a third-party intermediary.
(c)
See Note 13 — Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for information regarding the Balance Sheet classification of the Company’s derivative financial instruments.
Rayonier uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash — The carrying amount is equal to fair market value.
Debt — The fair value of fixed rate debt is based upon quoted market prices for debt with similar terms and maturities. The variable rate debt adjusts with changes in the market rate, therefore the carrying value approximates fair value.
Interest rate swap agreements — The fair value of interest rate contracts is determined by discounting the expected future cash flows, for each instrument, at prevailing interest rates.
Foreign currency exchange contracts — The fair value of foreign currency exchange contracts is determined by a mark-to-market valuation which estimates fair value by discounting the difference between the contracted forward price and the current forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using a risk-free interest rate.
Foreign currency option contracts — The fair value of foreign currency option contracts is based on a mark-to-market calculation using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.



85
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




15.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company has one qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering a portion of its employees and an unfunded plan that provides benefits in excess of amounts allowable under current tax law in the qualified plans. The Company closed enrollment in its pension plans to salaried employees hired after December 31, 2005. Employee benefit plan liabilities are calculated using actuarial estimates and management assumptions. These estimates are based on historical information, along with certain assumptions about future events. Changes in assumptions, as well as changes in actual experience, could cause the estimates to change.
In connection with the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business, Rayonier entered into an Employee Matters Agreement with Rayonier Advanced Materials, (see See Note 3 — Discontinued Operations in the 2014 Form 10-K for further details), which provides that employees of Rayonier Advanced Materials will no longer participate in benefit plans sponsored or maintained by Rayonier. Upon separation, the Rayonier Pension and Postretirement Plans transferred assets and obligations to the Rayonier Advanced Materials Pension and Postretirement Plans resulting in a net decrease in sponsored pension and postretirement plan obligations of $100 million. This was based on a revaluation of plan obligations using a 4.0% discount rate versus 4.6% at December 31, 2013. In addition, $78 million of other comprehensive losses were transferred to Rayonier Advanced Materials, net of taxes of $45 million.
The Company sold its Wood Products business in March 2013. As a result of the sale, all employees covered by the Wood Products defined benefit pension plan are considered terminated employees. Amendments to the plan in June 2013 resulted in all such employees automatically vesting in the plan. Additionally, a one-time lump sum distribution was offered to terminated Wood Products plan participants or their beneficiaries. Based upon acceptance of that offer by certain participants, $3.0 million was paid from the plan assets during 2013, with a corresponding decrease of $2.8 million in the benefit obligation. As a result of the lump sum distribution, a settlement loss of $0.5 million, net of tax, was recorded in “Income from Discontinued Operations, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income as it was directly related to the sale of the Wood Products business. For additional information on the sale of the Wood Products business, see Note 21 — Discontinued Operations.


86
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




The following tables set forth the change in the projected benefit obligation and plan assets and reconcile the funded status and the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the pension and postretirement benefit plans for the two years ended December 31:
 
Pension
 
Postretirement
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

$87,355

 

$413,638

 

$1,226

 

$21,999

Service cost
1,484

 
3,923

 
11

 
402

Interest cost
3,319

 
10,707

 
52

 
537

Actuarial (gain) loss
(5,332
)
 
43,093

 
(123
)
 
2,250

Employee contributions
—

 
—

 
—

 
484

Benefits paid
(2,821
)
 
(11,288
)
 
(7
)
 
(888
)
Transferred to Rayonier Advanced Materials
—

 
(372,718
)
 
—

 
(23,558
)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year

$84,005

 

$87,355

 

$1,159

 

$1,226

Change in Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

$55,546

 

$341,905

 
—

 
—

Actual return on plan assets
(1,241
)
 
21,399

 
—

 
—

Employer contributions
29

 
1,103

 
7

 
404

Employee contributions
—

 
—

 
—

 
484

Benefits paid
(2,821
)
 
(11,288
)
 
(7
)
 
(888
)
Other expense
(543
)
 
(607
)
 
—

 
—

Transferred to Rayonier Advanced Materials
—

 
(296,966
)
 
—

 
—

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

$50,970

 

$55,546

 
—

 
—

Funded Status at End of Year:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net accrued benefit cost

($33,035
)
 

($31,809
)
 

($1,159
)
 

($1,226
)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheets Consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent assets
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Current liabilities
(32
)
 
(15
)
 
(24
)
 
(25
)
Noncurrent liabilities
(33,003
)
 
(31,794
)
 
(1,135
)
 
(1,201
)
Net amount recognized

($33,035
)
 

($31,809
)
 

($1,159
)
 

($1,226
)
Net gains or losses, prior service costs or credits and plan amendment gains recognized in other comprehensive income for the three years ended December 31 are as follows:
 
Pension
 
Postretirement
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net (losses) gains

($477
)
 

($37,559
)
 

$60,171

 

$123

 

($2,250
)
 

$3,206

Prior service cost
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Negative plan amendment
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,372



87
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




Net gains or losses and prior service costs or credits reclassified from other comprehensive income and recognized as a component of pension and postretirement expense for the three years ended December 31 are as follows:
 
Pension
 
Postretirement
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Amortization of losses

$3,733

 

$6,542

 

$20,914

 

$12

 

$288

 

$675

Amortization of prior service cost
13

 
576

 
1,356

 
—

 
8

 
66

Amortization of negative plan amendment
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(137
)
 
(105
)
Net losses and prior service costs or credits that have not yet been included in pension and postretirement expense for the two years ended December 31, which have been recognized as a component of AOCI are as follows:
 
Pension
 
Postretirement
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Prior service cost
—

 

($13
)
 
—

 
—

Net (losses) gains
(27,710
)
 
(30,965
)
 
45

 
(90
)
Negative plan amendment
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
1,927

 
2,425

 
6

 
(22
)
AOCI

($25,783
)
 

($28,553
)
 

$51

 

($112
)
For pension and postretirement plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the following table sets forth the projected and accumulated benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for the two years ended December 31:
 
2015
 
2014
Projected benefit obligation

$84,005

 

$87,355

Accumulated benefit obligation
78,779

 
81,141

Fair value of plan assets
50,970

 
55,546

The following tables set forth the components of net pension and postretirement benefit cost that have been recognized during the three years ended December 31:
 
Pension
 
Postretirement
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost

$1,484

 

$3,923

 

$8,452

 

$11

 

$402

 

$1,056

Interest cost
3,319

 
10,707

 
16,682

 
52

 
537

 
937

Expected return on plan assets
(4,027
)
 
(15,258
)
 
(25,302
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Amortization of prior service cost
13

 
576

 
1,296

 
—

 
8

 
66

Amortization of losses
3,733

 
6,542

 
20,097

 
12

 
288

 
675

Amortization of negative plan amendment
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(137
)
 
(105
)
Curtailment expense
—

 
—

 
60

 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlement expense
—

 
—

 
817

 
—

 
—

 
—

Net periodic benefit cost (a)

$4,522

 

$6,490

 

$22,102

 

$75

 

$1,098

 

$2,629

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 included $4.0 million and $14.9 million, respectively, recorded in “Income from discontinued operations, net” on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
The estimated pre-tax amounts that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost in 2016 are as follows:
 
Pension
 
Postretirement
Amortization of loss (gain)

$2,426

 

($1
)


88
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




The following table sets forth the principal assumptions inherent in the determination of benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost of the pension and postretirement benefit plans as of December 31:
 
Pension
 
Postretirement
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
4.20
%
 
3.80
%
 
4.60
%
 
4.34
%
 
3.96
%
 
4.60
%
Rate of compensation increase
4.50
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.60
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.50
%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate (pre-spin off)
—

 
4.60
%
 
3.70
%
 
—

 
4.60
%
 
3.60
%
Discount rate (post-spin off)
3.80
%
 
4.04
%
 
—

 
3.96
%
 
4.00
%
 
—

Expected long-term return on plan assets
7.70
%
 
8.50
%
 
8.50
%
 
—

 
—

 
—

Rate of compensation increase
4.50
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.60
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.50
%
At December 31, 2015, the pension plan’s discount rate was 4.2%, which closely approximates interest rates on high quality, long-term obligations. In 2015, the expected return on plan assets decreased to 7.7%, which is based on historical and expected long-term rates of return on broad equity and bond indices and consideration of the actual annualized rate of return. The Company, with the assistance of external consultants, utilizes this information in developing assumptions for returns, and risks and correlation of asset classes, which are then used to establish the asset allocation ranges.
Investment of Plan Assets
The Company’s pension plans’ asset allocation (excluding short-term investments) at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and target allocation ranges by asset category are as follows:
 
Percentage of Plan Assets
 
Target
Allocation
Range
Asset Category
2015
 
2014
 
Domestic equity securities
40
%
 
42
%
 
35-45%
International equity securities
25
%
 
23
%
 
20-30%
Domestic fixed income securities
27
%
 
27
%
 
25-29%
International fixed income securities
5
%
 
4
%
 
3-7%
Real estate fund
3
%
 
4
%
 
2-4%
Total
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
The Company’s Pension and Savings Plan Committee and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors oversee the pension plans’ investment program which is designed to maximize returns and provide sufficient liquidity to meet plan obligations while maintaining acceptable risk levels. The investment approach emphasizes diversification by allocating the plans’ assets among asset categories and selecting investment managers whose various investment methodologies will be minimally correlative with each other. Investments within the equity categories may include large capitalization, small capitalization and emerging market securities, while the international fixed income portfolio may include emerging markets debt. Pension assets did not include a direct investment in Rayonier common stock at December 31, 2015 or 2014.


89
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




Fair Value Measurements
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy (see Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for definition), the assets of the plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2015
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2014
Asset Category
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
Domestic equity securities

$3,781

 

$16,171

 

$19,952

 

$4,557

 

$18,326

 

$22,883

International equity securities
6,062

 
6,287

 
12,349

 
6,277

 
6,488

 
12,765

Domestic fixed income securities
—

 
13,654

 
13,654

 
—

 
14,643

 
14,643

International fixed income securities
2,348

 
—

 
2,348

 
2,428

 
—

 
2,428

Real estate fund
1,583

 
—

 
1,583

 
1,887

 
—

 
1,887

Short-term investments
—

 
1,084

 
1,084

 
—

 
940

 
940

Total

$13,774

 

$37,196

 

$50,970

 

$15,149

 

$40,397

 

$55,546

The valuation methodology used for measuring the fair value of these asset categories was as follows:
Level 1 — Net asset value in an observable market.
Level 2 — Assets classified as level two are held in collective trust funds. The net asset value of a collective trust is calculated by determining the fair value of the fund’s underlying assets, deducting its liabilities, and dividing by the units outstanding as of the valuation date. These funds are not publicly traded; however, the unit price calculation is based on observable market inputs of the funds’ underlying assets.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The Company did not have Level 3 assets at December 31, 2015 and there were no changes in the methodology used during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Cash Flows
Expected benefit payments for the next 10 years are as follows:
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Postretirement
Benefits
2016

$3,043

 

$25

2017
3,204

 
27

2018
3,346

 
29

2019
3,543

 
32

2020
3,811

 
34

2021 - 2025
21,825

 
211

The Company has no mandatory pension contribution requirements in 2016, but may make discretionary contributions.
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company provides defined contribution plans to all of its hourly and salaried employees. Company contributions charged to expense for these plans were $0.7 million, $1.6 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Rayonier Hourly and Salaried Defined Contribution Plans include Rayonier common stock with a fair market value of $11.1 million and $16.3 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
As discussed above, the defined benefit pension plan is currently closed to new employees. Employees not eligible for the pension plan are immediately eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) plan and receive an enhanced contribution. Company contributions related to this plan enhancement for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively.


90
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




16.
INCENTIVE STOCK PLANS
The Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan (“the Stock Plan”) provides up to 15.8 million shares to be granted for incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, restricted stock and restricted stock units, subject to certain limitations. At December 31, 2015, a total of 5.6 million shares were available for future grants under the Stock Plan. Under the Stock Plan, shares available for issuance are reduced by 1 share for each option or right granted and by 2.27 shares for each performance share, restricted share or restricted stock unit granted. The Company issues new shares of stock upon the exercise of stock options, the granting of restricted stock, and the vesting of performance shares.
A summary of the Company’s stock-based compensation cost is presented below:
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Selling and general expenses

$3,752

 

$7,100

 

$10,700

Cost of sales
635

 
678

 
942

Timber and Timberlands, net (a)
97

 
91

 
68

Total stock-based compensation

$4,484

 

$7,869

 

$11,710

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax benefit recognized related to stock-based compensation expense

$302

 

$1,714

 

$3,077

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Represents amounts capitalized as part of the overhead allocation of timber-related costs.
As a result of the spin-off and pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement, the Company made certain adjustments to the exercise price and number of Rayonier stock-based compensation awards. For additional information on the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business, see Note 21 — Discontinued Operations.
Fair Value Calculations by Award
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock granted to employees under the Stock Plan generally vests in thirds on the third, fourth, and fifth anniversary of the grant date. Periodically, other one-time restricted stock grants are issued to employees for special purposes, such as new hire, promotion or retention, and can vest ratably over, or upon completion of, a defined period of time. Restricted stock granted to members of the board of directors generally vests immediately upon issuance and is subject to certain holding requirements. The fair value of each share granted is equal to the share price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Rayonier has elected to value each grant in total and recognize the expense on a straight-line basis from the grant date of the award to the latest vesting date.
Restricted stock was impacted by the spin-off as follows:
•
Holders of Rayonier restricted stock, including Rayonier non-employee directors, retained those awards and also received restricted stock of Rayonier Advanced Materials, in an amount that reflects the distribution to Rayonier stockholders, by applying the distribution ratio (one share of Rayonier Advanced Materials for every three shares of Rayonier stock held) to Rayonier restricted stock awards as though they were unrestricted Rayonier common shares.
•
Performance share awards granted in 2013 (with a 2013-2015 performance period) were cancelled as of the distribution date and were replaced with time-vested restricted stock of the post-separation employer of each holder (Rayonier or Rayonier Advanced Materials, as the case may be). The restricted shares will vest 24 months after the distribution date, generally subject to the holder’s continued employment. The number of shares of restricted stock granted was determined in a manner intended to preserve the original value of the performance share award.
The Company compared the fair value of the reissued restricted stock held by Rayonier employees with the fair value of the restricted stock and 2013 performance share awards immediately before the modification. The replacement of the 2013 performance share awards with restricted stock resulted in $0.7 million of incremental value. After adjusting the incremental value for cancellations prior to December 31, 2015, the additional expense to be recognized over the remaining two-year vesting period ending in the second quarter of 2016 totaled $0.4 million.


91
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




As of December 31, 2015, there was $4.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to Rayonier and Rayonier Advanced Materials restricted stock held by Rayonier employees. The Company expects to recognize this cost over a weighted average period of 3.6 years.
A summary of the Company’s restricted shares is presented below:
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Restricted shares granted
96,088

 
186,783

 
33,607

Weighted average price of restricted shares granted

$26.28

 

$36.42

 

$57.54

Intrinsic value of restricted stock outstanding (a)
4,434

 
5,142

 
1,652

Grant date fair value of restricted stock vested
2,632

 
1,318

 
1,266

Cash used to purchase common shares from current and former employees to pay minimum withholding tax requirements on restricted shares vested

$122

 

$24

 

$277

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Intrinsic value of restricted stock outstanding is based on the market price of the Company’s stock at December 31, 2015.
 
2015
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Non-vested Restricted Shares at January 1,
184,023

 

$37.53

Granted
96,088

 
26.28

Vested
(76,421
)
 
34.45

Cancelled
(3,951
)
 
40.88

Non-vested Restricted Shares at December 31,
199,739

(a)

$33.09

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Represents all Rayonier restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015, including restricted share awards held by Rayonier Advanced Materials employees.
Performance Share Units
The Company’s performance share units generally vest upon completion of a three-year period. The number of shares, if any, that are ultimately awarded is contingent upon Rayonier’s total shareholder return versus selected peer group companies. The performance share payout is based on a market condition and as such, the awards are valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The model generates the fair value of the award at the grant date, which is then recognized as expense over the vesting period.
Performance share awards outstanding as of the spin-off were treated as follows:
•
Performance share awards granted in 2012 (with a 2012-2014 performance period) remained subject to the same performance criteria as applied immediately prior to the spin-off, except that total shareholder return at the end of the performance period was based on the combined stock prices of Rayonier and Rayonier Advanced Materials and any payment earned was to be in shares of Rayonier common stock and shares of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock.
•
Performance share awards granted in 2013 (with a 2013-2015 performance period) were cancelled as of the distribution date and were replaced with time-vested restricted stock of the post-separation employer of each holder, as discussed in the Restricted Stock section above.
•
Performance share awards granted in 2014 (with a 2014-2016 performance period) were cancelled and replaced with performance share awards of the post-separation employer of each holder (Rayonier or Rayonier Advanced Materials, as the case may be), and are subject to the achievement of performance criteria that relate to the post-separation business of the applicable employer during a performance period ending December 31, 2016. The number of shares underlying each such performance share award were determined in a manner intended to preserve the original value of the award.


92
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




A comparison of the fair value of modified performance share awards held by Rayonier employees with the fair value of the awards immediately before the modification did not yield any incremental value. As such, the Company did not record any incremental compensation expense related to performance shares. The replacement of the 2013 performance share awards with time-vested restricted stock did result in incremental compensation expense, as discussed above.
The Stock Plan allows for the cash settlement of the minimum required withholding tax on performance share unit awards. As of December 31, 2015, there was $3.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the Company’s performance share unit awards, which is solely attributable to awards granted in 2014 and 2015 to Rayonier employees. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.
A summary of the Company’s performance share units is presented below:
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Common shares of Company stock reserved for performance shares granted during year
219,844

 
130,164

 
276,240

Weighted average fair value of performance share units granted

$29.62

 

$40.33

 

$59.16

Intrinsic value of outstanding performance share units (a)
3,822

 
5,840

 
22,092

Fair value of performance shares vested
—

 
—

 
6,961

Cash used to purchase common shares from current and former employees to pay minimum withholding tax requirements on performance shares vested
—

 

$1,834

 

$11,048

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Intrinsic value of outstanding performance share units is based on the market price of the Company's stock at December 31, 2015.
 
2015
 
Number
of Units
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Outstanding Performance Share units at January 1,
209,024

 

$51.01

Granted
109,922

 
29.62

Other Cancellations/Adjustments
(146,790
)
(a)
56.00

Outstanding Performance Share units at December 31,
172,156

 

$33.12

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Includes primarily 2012 performance shares issued to Rayonier and Rayonier Advanced Material employees that did not meet the minimum performance requirement for vesting.
Expected volatility was estimated using daily returns on the Company’s common stock for the three-year period ending on the grant date. The risk-free rate was based on the 3-year U.S. treasury rate on the date of the award. The dividend yield was not used to calculate fair value as awards granted receive dividend equivalents. The following table provides an overview of the assumptions used in calculating the fair value of the awards granted for the three years ended December 31, 2015:
 
2015
 
2014 (a)
 
2013
Expected volatility
21.9
%
 
19.7
%
 
23.2
%
Risk-free rate
0.9
%
 
0.7
%
 
0.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Represents assumptions used in the July 2014 valuation of re-issued 2014 performance share units with a remaining term of 2.5 years. The initial fair value of the 2014 awards assumed an expected volatility of 22.8% and a risk-free rate of 0.8%.


93
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




Non-Qualified Employee Stock Options
The exercise price of each non-qualified stock option granted under the Stock Plan is equal to the closing market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date. Under the Stock Plan, the maximum term is ten years from the grant date. Awards vest ratably over three years. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility for each grant and is calculated using the historical change in the daily market price of the Company’s common stock over the expected life of the award. The expected life is based on prior exercise behavior. The Company has elected to value each grant in total and recognize the expense for stock options on a straight-line basis over three years.    
At the time of the spin-off, each Rayonier stock option was converted into an adjusted Rayonier stock option and a Rayonier Advanced Materials stock option. The exercise price and number of shares subject to each stock option were adjusted in order to preserve the aggregate value of the original Rayonier stock option as measured immediately before and immediately after the spin-off. A comparison of the fair value of modified awards held by Rayonier employees, including options in both Rayonier and Rayonier Advanced Materials shares, with the fair value of the awards immediately before the modification did not yield any incremental value. As such, the Company did not record any incremental compensation expense related to stock options.
The following table provides an overview of the weighted average assumptions and related fair value calculations of options granted for the two years ended December 31, 2014 as no options were granted during the year ended December 31, 2015:
 
2014 (a)
 
2013
Expected volatility
39.3
%
 
39.0
%
Dividend yield
4.6
%
 
3.4
%
Risk-free rate
2.2
%
 
1.0
%
Expected life (in years)
6.3

 
6.3

Fair value per share of options granted (b)

$10.58

 

$14.01

Fair value of options granted (in millions)

$3.2

 

$2.7

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
The majority of 2014 stock option awards were granted prior to the spin-off. As such, the weighted average assumptions and fair values reflect pre-spin information, including dividends, stock prices and grants to Rayonier Advanced Materials employees in addition to Rayonier employees.
(b)
The fair value per share of each option grant was adjusted at the spin-off to preserve the aggregate value of the original Rayonier stock option. The adjusted weighted average fair value per share applied to Rayonier employee awards was $8.23 for 2014 grants and $10.70 for 2013 grants.
A summary of the status of the Company’s stock options as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 is presented below. The information reflects options in Rayonier common shares, including those awards held by Rayonier Advanced Materials employees.
 
2015
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average Exercise
Price
(per common share)
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Options outstanding at January 1,
1,369,900

 

$27.21

 
 
 
 
Granted
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(113,082
)
 
18.95

 
 
 
 
Cancelled or expired
(37,084
)
 
32.86

 
 
 
 
Options outstanding at December 31,
1,219,734

 

$27.80

 
5.3
 

$1,380

Options exercisable at December 31,
1,003,510

 

$26.63

 
4.7
 

$1,380



94
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




A summary of additional information pertaining to the Company’s stock options is presented below:
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Intrinsic value of options exercised (a)

$773

 

$4,044

 

$12,263

Fair value of options vested
1,938

 
3,054

 
2,558

Cash received from exercise of options
2,117

 
5,579

 
10,101

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Intrinsic value of options exercised is the amount by which the fair value of the stock on the exercise date exceeded the exercise price of the option.
As of December 31, 2015, there was $0.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to Rayonier and Rayonier Advanced Materials stock options held by the Company’s employees. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.0 years.

17.
OTHER OPERATING INCOME, NET
The following table provides the composition of Other operating income, net for the three years ended December 31:
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Lease income, primarily from hunting

$19,216

 

$17,569

 

$19,479

Other non-timber income
3,597

 
2,621

 
2,714

Foreign exchange (loss) gain
(89
)
 
3,498

 
901

Gain on sale or disposal of property plant & equipment
7

 
48

 
287

(Loss) gain on foreign currency contracts, net
(5,338
)
 
32

 
(192
)
Legal and corporate development costs
—

 
(222
)
 
(2,242
)
Bankruptcy claim settlement
—

 
5,779

 
—

Gain (loss) on sale of carbon credits (a)
352

 
(307
)
 
—

Log trading agency and marketing fees
1,191

 
—

 
—

Miscellaneous income (expense), net
823

 
(2,507
)
 
(2,460
)
Total

$19,759

 

$26,511

 

$18,487

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Loss in 2014 reflects surrender of carbon credit units.

18.
INVENTORY
In the first quarter of 2015, Rayonier reclassified seeds and seedlings from Inventory and Other Assets to Timber and Timberlands, Net to better reflect the intended use of the assets, as discussed in Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, Rayonier’s inventory was solely comprised of finished goods, as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
Finished goods inventory
 
 
 
     Real estate inventory (a)

$12,252

 

$4,932

     Log inventory
3,099

 
3,451

Total inventory

$15,351

 

$8,383

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Represents cost of HBU real estate (including capitalized development investments) expected to be sold within 12 months.



95
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




19.
OTHER ASSETS
Included in Other Assets are non-current prepaid and deferred income taxes, restricted cash, goodwill in the New Zealand JV, long-term prepaid roads, and other deferred expenses including debt issuance and capitalized software costs.
Beginning in 2015, Rayonier reclassified HBU timberlands and real estate development costs from “Other Assets” to a separate balance sheet caption. See Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information on HBU real estate. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the cost of Rayonier’s HBU real estate not expected to be sold within the next 12 months was $65.4 million and $77.4 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2015, New Zealand JV goodwill was $8.5 million and was included in the assets of the New Zealand Timber segment. Based on a Step 1 impairment analysis performed as of October 1, 2015, there is no indication of impairment of goodwill as of December 31, 2015. Except for changes in the New Zealand foreign exchange rate, there have been no adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill since the initial recognition. See Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information on goodwill.
Changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were:
 
2015
 
2014
Balance, January 1 (net of $0 of accumulated impairment)

$9,694

 

$10,179

Changes to carrying amount
 
 
 
Acquisitions
—

 
—

Impairment
—

 
—

Foreign currency adjustment
(1,216
)
 
(485
)
Balance, December 31 (net of $0 of accumulated impairment)

$8,478

 

$9,694

In order to qualify for like-kind (“LKE”) treatment, the proceeds from real estate sales must be deposited with a third-party intermediary. These proceeds are accounted for as restricted cash until a suitable replacement property is acquired. In the event that the LKE purchases are not completed, the proceeds are returned to the Company after 180 days and reclassified as available cash. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had $23.5 million and $6.7 million, respectively, of proceeds from real estate sales classified as restricted cash in “Other Assets,” which were deposited with an LKE intermediary.
Costs for roads in the Pacific Northwest and New Zealand built to access particular tracts to be harvested in the upcoming 24 months to 60 months are recorded as prepaid logging and secondary roads. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, long-term prepaid roads in the Pacific Northwest were $5.7 million and $4.7 million, respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, long-term secondary roads in New Zealand were $2.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively. 
Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the term of the debt to which they relate using a method that approximates the interest method. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, capitalized debt issuance costs were $3.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively. Software costs are capitalized and amortized over a period not exceeding five years using the straight-line method. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, capitalized software costs were $3.9 million and $4.2 million, respectively. 



96
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




20.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
The following table summarizes the changes in AOCI by component for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. All amounts are presented net of tax and exclude portions attributable to noncontrolling interest.
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Net investment hedges of New Zealand JV
 
Cash flow hedges
 
Employee benefit plans
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013

$36,914

 
—

 

($342
)
 

($82,711
)
 

($46,139
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
(11,381
)
 
(145
)
 
510

 
47,938

(a)
36,922

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
—

 
—

 
(1,716
)
 
6,108

(b)
4,392

Net other comprehensive income/(loss)
(11,381
)
 
(145
)
 
(1,206
)
 
54,046

 
41,314

Balance as of December 31, 2014

$25,533

 

($145
)
 

($1,548
)
 

($28,665
)
 

($4,825
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
(27,983
)
 
6,416

 
(14,444
)
(c)
(354
)
 
(36,365
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
—

 
—

 
4,400

 
3,287

(d)
7,687

Net other comprehensive income/(loss)
(27,983
)
 
6,416

 
(10,044
)
 
2,933

 
(28,678
)
Balance as of December 31, 2015

($2,450
)
 

$6,271

 

($11,592
)
 

($25,732
)
 

($33,503
)
 
 
 
 
(a)
Reflects $78 million, net of taxes, of comprehensive income due to the transfer of losses to Rayonier Advanced Materials Pension Plans. This comprehensive income was offset by $30 million, net of taxes, of losses as a result of revaluations required due to the spin-off and at year-end. The actuarial losses were primarily caused by a decrease in the discount rate from 4.6 percent as of December 31, 2013 to 3.8 percent as of December 31, 2014. See Note 15 — Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.
(b)
This accumulated other comprehensive income component is comprised of $5 million from the computation of net periodic pension cost and the $1 million write-off of a deferred tax asset related to the revaluation and transfer of liabilities as a result of the spin-off.
(c)
Includes $10.2 million of other comprehensive loss related to interest rate swaps entered into in the third quarter 2015. See Note 13 — Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information.
(d)
This component of other comprehensive income is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 15 — Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.




97
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




The following table presents details of the amounts reclassified in their entirety from AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Details about accumulated other comprehensive income components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
Affected line item in the income statement
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Realized loss (gain) on foreign currency exchange contracts
 

$5,366

 

($2,858
)
 
Other operating income, net
Realized loss (gain) on foreign currency option contracts
 
4,035

 
(1,007
)
 
Other operating income, net
Noncontrolling interest
 
(3,290
)
 
1,352

 
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
Income tax (benefit) expense from foreign currency contracts
 
(1,711
)
 
797

 
Income tax benefit
Net (gain) loss on cash flow hedges reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
4,400

 
(1,716
)
 
 
Income tax expense on pension plan contributed to Rayonier Advanced Materials
 
—

 
843

 
Income tax benefit
Net loss (gain) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 

$4,400

 

($873
)
 
 



98
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




21.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Spin-Off of the Performance Fibers Business
On June 27, 2014, Rayonier completed the tax-free spin-off of its Performance Fibers business and retained its timber, real estate and trading businesses. The spin-off resulted in two independent, publicly-traded companies, with the Performance Fibers business being spun off to Rayonier shareholders as a newly formed public company named Rayonier Advanced Materials. On June 27, 2014, the shareholders of record received one share of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock for every three common shares of Rayonier held as of the close of business on the record date of June 18, 2014.
In connection with the spin-off, Rayonier Advanced Materials distributed $906.2 million in cash to Rayonier from $550 million in Senior Notes issued by Rayonier A.M. Products (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rayonier Advanced Materials), $325 million in term loans, and $75 million from a revolving credit facility Rayonier Advanced Materials entered into prior to the spin-off. Pursuant to the terms of the Internal Revenue Service spin-off ruling, $75 million of this cash was paid to Rayonier’s shareholders as dividends. Of this $75 million, $63.2 million was paid to shareholders as a special dividend in the third quarter of 2014.
In order to effect the spin-off and govern the Company’s relationship with Rayonier Advanced Materials after the spin-off, Rayonier and Rayonier Advanced Materials entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement, an Intellectual Property Agreement, a Tax Sharing Agreement, an Employee Matters Agreement and a Transition Services Agreement. See Note 3 — Discontinued Operations in the 2014 Form 10-K for further details concerning these agreements.
Rayonier will not have significant continuing involvement in the operations of the Performance Fibers business going forward. Accordingly, the operating results of the Performance Fibers business, formerly disclosed as a separate reportable segment, are classified as discontinued operations in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for all periods presented. Certain administrative and general costs historically allocated to the Performance Fibers segment are reported in continuing operations, as required.
The following table summarizes the operating results of the Company's discontinued operations related to the Performance Fibers spin-off for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, as presented in "Income from discontinued operations, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income:
 
2014
 
2013
Sales

$456,180

 

$1,048,104

Cost of sales and other
(369,210
)
 
(736,471
)
Transaction expenses
(22,989
)
 
(3,208
)
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes
63,981

 
308,425

Income tax expense
(20,578
)
 
(84,398
)
Income from discontinued operations, net

$43,403

 

$224,027

In accordance with ASC 205-20-S99-3, Allocation of Interest to Discontinued Operations, the Company elected to allocate interest expense to discontinued operations where the debt is not directly attributed to the Performance Fibers business. Interest expense was allocated based on a ratio of net assets discontinued to the sum of consolidated net assets plus consolidated debt (other than debt directly attributable to the Timber and Real Estate operations). The following table summarizes the interest expense allocated to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
2014
 
2013
Interest expense allocated to the Performance Fibers business

($4,205
)
 

($8,964
)


99
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




The following table summarizes the depreciation, amortization and capital expenditures of the Company's discontinued operations related to the Performance Fibers business:
 
2014
 
2013
Depreciation and amortization

$37,985

 

$74,386

Capital expenditures
60,443

 
97,874

Jesup mill cellulose specialties expansion
—

 
148,262

The major classes of Performance Fibers assets and liabilities included in the spin-off are as follows:
 
June 27, 2014
Accounts receivable, net

$66,050

Inventory
121,705

Prepaid and other current assets
70,092

Property, plant and equipment, net
862,487

Other assets
103,400

Total assets

$1,223,734

 
 
Accounts payable

$65,522

Other current liabilities
51,006

Long-term debt
950,000

Non-current environmental liabilities
66,434

Pension and other postretirement benefits
102,633

Other non-current liabilities
7,269

Deficit
(19,130
)
Total liabilities and equity

$1,223,734

In the third and fourth quarters of 2014 and 2015, the Company made immaterial adjustments to the valuation of certain classes of Performance Fibers assets and liabilities included in the spin-off as the segregation of the pension and postretirement plans were finalized and tax obligations were updated based upon filing of the 2013 and 2014 tax returns and allocated based on the terms of the Tax Sharing Agreement. The effect of these adjustments have been reflected in discontinued operations and equity for the year ended December 31, 2014 and equity for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding Agreement, Rayonier may provide Rayonier Advanced Materials with up to 120,000 tons of hardwood annually through July 30, 2017. Prior to the spin-off, hardwood intercompany purchases were transactions eliminated in consolidation as follows:
 
2014
 
2013
Hardwood purchases

$3,935

 

$3,051



100
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




Sale of Wood Products Business
On March 1, 2013, Rayonier completed the sale of its Wood Products business (consisting of three lumber mills in Baxley, Swainsboro and Eatonton, Georgia) to International Forest Products Limited (“Interfor”) for $80 million plus a working capital adjustment. Accordingly, the operating results of the Wood Products business, formerly disclosed as a separate reportable segment, are classified as discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Rayonier recognized an after-tax gain of $42.1 million on the sale, which included the acceleration of pension settlement costs of $0.5 million resulting from a lump sum distribution to Wood Products participants. The gain is included in “Income from discontinued operations, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The following table summarizes the operating results of the Company’s Wood Products discontinued operations as presented in “Income from discontinued operations, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2013:
 
2013
Sales

$16,968

Cost of sales and other
(14,258
)
Gain on sale of discontinued operations
63,217

Income from discontinued operations before income taxes
65,927

Income tax expense
(21,999
)
Income from discontinued operations, net

$43,928

The sale did not meet the “held for sale” criteria prior to the period it was completed. The major classes of Wood Products assets and liabilities included in the sale were as follows:
 
March 1, 2013
Accounts receivable, net

$4,127

Inventory
4,270

Prepaid and other current assets
2,053

Property, plant and equipment, net
9,990

Total assets

$20,440

 
 
Total liabilities

$596

Cash flows from the Wood Products business were de minimis both individually and in the aggregate. As such, they were included with cash flows from continuing operations in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The following table reconciles the operating results of both the Performance Fibers and Wood Products discontinued operations, as presented in "Income from discontinued operations, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income:
 
2014
 
2013
Performance Fibers income from discontinued operations, net

$43,403

 

$224,027

Wood Products income from discontinued operations, net
—

 
43,928

Income from discontinued operations, net

$43,403

 

$267,955




101
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




22.
LIABILITIES FOR DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
An analysis of activity in the liabilities for dispositions and discontinued operations for the two years ended December 31, 2014 follows:
 
2014
 
2013
Balance, January 1

$76,378

 

$81,695

Expenditures charged to liabilities
(5,096
)
 
(8,570
)
Increase to liabilities
2,558

 
3,253

Contribution to Rayonier Advanced Materials
(73,840
)
 
—

Balance, December 31
—

 
76,378

Less: Current portion
—

 
(6,835
)
Non-current portion
—

 

$69,543

In connection with the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business, all remaining liabilities associated with prior dispositions and discontinued operations were assumed by Rayonier Advanced Materials. As part of the separation agreement, Rayonier has been indemnified, released and discharged from any liability related to these sites. For additional information on the Performance Fibers spin-off, see Note 21 — Discontinued Operations.



102
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




23.
QUARTERLY RESULTS FOR 2015 and 2014 (UNAUDITED)
(thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
 
Quarter Ended
 
Total Year
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
Sept. 30
 
Dec. 31
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales

$140,305

 

$115,801

 

$151,657

 

$137,111

 

$544,874

Cost of sales
107,234

 
103,689

 
116,044

 
114,132

 
441,099

Net income (loss)
18,180

 
(2,860
)
 
19,181

 
9,440

 
43,941

Net income (loss) attributable to Rayonier Inc.
17,747


(1,536
)

19,669

 
10,285

 
46,165

Basic EPS attributable to Rayonier Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (Loss)

$0.14

 

($0.01
)
 

$0.16

 

$0.08

 

$0.37

Diluted EPS attributable to Rayonier Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (Loss)

$0.14

 

($0.01
)
 

$0.16

 

$0.08

 

$0.37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
143,187

 
163,145

 
149,829

 
147,360

 
603,521

Cost of sales
115,900

 
123,096

 
118,088

 
126,776

 
483,860

Income from continuing operations
10,335

 
4,024

 
32,059

 
8,025

 
54,443

Income from discontinued operations
31,008

 
12,084

 
—

 
311

 
43,403

Net income
41,343

 
16,108

 
32,059

 
8,336

 
97,846

Net income attributable to Rayonier Inc.
41,426

 
16,353

 
32,701

 
8,857

 
99,337

Basic EPS attributable to Rayonier Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing Operations

$0.08

 

$0.03

 

$0.26

 

$0.07

 

$0.44

Discontinued Operations
0.25

 
0.10

 
—

 
—

 
0.34

Net Income

$0.33

 

$0.13

 

$0.26

 

$0.07

 

$0.78

Diluted EPS attributable to Rayonier Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing Operations

$0.08

 

$0.03

 

$0.25

 

$0.07

 

$0.43

Discontinued Operations
0.24

 
0.09

 
—

 
—

 
0.33

Net Income

$0.32

 

$0.12

 

$0.25

 

$0.07

 

$0.76

 
 
 
 
 
Rayonier completed the spin-off of its Performance Fibers business on June 27, 2014, as discussed at Note 21 — Discontinued Operations. Accordingly, the operating results of this business is reported as discontinued operations in the Company’s 2014 Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income, including the quarterly periods shown above.



103
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




24.
CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The condensed consolidating financial information below follows the same accounting policies as described in the consolidated financial statements, except for the use of the equity method of accounting to reflect ownership interests in wholly-owned subsidiaries, which are eliminated upon consolidation, and the allocation of certain expenses of Rayonier Inc. incurred for the benefit of its subsidiaries.
In March 2012, Rayonier Inc. issued $325 million of 3.75% Senior Notes due 2022. In connection with these notes, the Company provides the following condensed consolidating financial information in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered.
The subsidiary guarantors, Rayonier Operating Company LLC (“ROC”) and Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc., are wholly-owned by the Parent Company, Rayonier Inc. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the guarantor subsidiaries.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Rayonier Inc.(Parent Issuer)
 
Subsidiary Guarantors
 
Non-
guarantors
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Total
Consolidated
SALES
—

 
—

 

$544,874

 
—

 

$544,874

Costs and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
—

 
—

 
441,099

 
—

 
441,099

Selling and general expenses
—

 
20,468

 
25,282

 
—

 
45,750

Other operating income, net
—

 
(404
)
 
(19,355
)
 
—

 
(19,759
)
 
—

 
20,064

 
447,026

 
—

 
467,090

OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME
—

 
(20,064
)
 
97,848

 
—

 
77,784

Interest expense
(12,703
)
 
(9,135
)
 
(9,861
)
 
—

 
(31,699
)
Interest and miscellaneous income (expense), net
7,789

 
2,612

 
(13,404
)
 
—

 
(3,003
)
Equity in income from subsidiaries
51,079

 
75,532

 
—

 
(126,611
)
 
—

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
46,165

 
48,945

 
74,583

 
(126,611
)
 
43,082

Income tax benefit (expense)
—

 
2,134

 
(1,275
)
 
—

 
859

NET INCOME
46,165

 
51,079

 
73,308

 
(126,611
)
 
43,941

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
(2,224
)
 
—

 
(2,224
)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO RAYONIER INC.
46,165

 
51,079

 
75,532

 
(126,611
)
 
46,165

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(21,567
)
 
7,922

 
(40,373
)
 
21,567

 
(32,451
)
New Zealand joint venture cash flow hedges
(10,042
)
 
(10,195
)
 
234

 
10,042

 
(9,961
)
Actuarial change and amortization of pension and postretirement plan liabilities
2,933

 
2,933

 
—

 
(2,933
)
 
2,933

Total other comprehensive (loss) income
(28,676
)
 
660

 
(40,139
)
 
28,676

 
(39,479
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
17,489

 
51,739

 
33,169

 
(97,935
)
 
4,462

Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
(13,027
)
 
—

 
(13,027
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO RAYONIER INC.

$17,489

 

$51,739

 

$46,196

 

($97,935
)
 

$17,489



104
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
Rayonier Inc.(Parent Issuer)
 
Subsidiary Guarantors
 
Non-
guarantors
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Total
Consolidated
SALES
—

 
—

 

$603,521

 
—

 

$603,521

Costs and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
—

 
—

 
483,860

 
—

 
483,860

Selling and general expenses
—

 
14,578

 
33,305

 
—

 
47,883

Other operating expense (income), net
—

 
3,275

 
(29,786
)
 
—

 
(26,511
)
 
—

 
17,853

 
487,379

 
—

 
505,232

OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME
—

 
(17,853
)
 
116,142

 
—

 
98,289

Interest expense
(13,247
)
 
(23,571
)
 
(7,430
)
 
—

 
(44,248
)
Interest and miscellaneous income (expense), net
9,186

 
(3,100
)
 
(15,285
)
 
—

 
(9,199
)
Equity in income from subsidiaries
103,398

 
138,719

 
—

 
(242,117
)
 
—

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
99,337

 
94,195

 
93,427

 
(242,117
)
 
44,842

Income tax benefit
—

 
9,203

 
398

 
—

 
9,601

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
99,337

 
103,398

 
93,825

 
(242,117
)
 
54,443

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
—

 
—

 
43,403

 
—

 
43,403

NET INCOME
99,337

 
103,398

 
137,228

 
(242,117
)
 
97,846

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
(1,491
)
 
—

 
(1,491
)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO RAYONIER INC.
99,337

 
103,398

 
138,719

 
(242,117
)
 
99,337

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(11,525
)
 
(11,527
)
 
(15,847
)
 
23,052

 
(15,847
)
New Zealand joint venture cash flow hedges
(1,206
)
 
(1,206
)
 
(1,855
)
 
2,412

 
(1,855
)
Actuarial change and amortization of pension and postretirement plan liabilities
54,046

 
54,046

 
88,174

 
(142,220
)
 
54,046

Total other comprehensive income
41,315

 
41,313

 
70,472

 
(116,756
)
 
36,344

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
140,652

 
144,711

 
207,700

 
(358,873
)
 
134,190

Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
(6,462
)
 
—

 
(6,462
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO RAYONIER INC.

$140,652

 

$144,711

 

$214,162

 

($358,873
)
 

$140,652




105
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
Rayonier Inc.(Parent Issuer)
 
Subsidiary Guarantors
 
Non-
guarantors
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Total
Consolidated
SALES
—

 
—

 

$659,718

 
—

 

$659,718

Costs and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
—

 
—

 
530,772

 
—

 
530,772

Selling and general expenses
—

 
9,821

 
45,612

 
—

 
55,433

Other operating (income) expense, net
(1,701
)
 
4,730

 
(21,516
)
 
—

 
(18,487
)
 
(1,701
)
 
14,551

 
554,868

 
—

 
567,718

Equity in income of New Zealand joint venture
—

 
—

 
562

 
—

 
562

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE GAIN RELATED TO CONSOLIDATION OF NEW ZEALAND JOINT VENTURE
1,701

 
(14,551
)
 
105,412

 
—

 
92,562

Gain related to consolidation of New Zealand joint venture
—

 
—

 
16,098

 
—

 
16,098

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
1,701

 
(14,551
)
 
121,510

 
—

 
108,660

Interest expense
(13,088
)
 
(28,430
)
 
577

 
—

 
(40,941
)
Interest and miscellaneous income (expense), net
9,828

 
(4,297
)
 
(3,092
)
 
—

 
2,439

Equity in income from subsidiaries
373,455

 
407,722

 
—

 
(781,177
)
 
—

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
371,896

 
360,444

 
118,995

 
(781,177
)
 
70,158

Income tax benefit
—

 
13,011

 
22,674

 
—

 
35,685

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
371,896

 
373,455

 
141,669

 
(781,177
)
 
105,843

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
—

 
—

 
267,955

 
—

 
267,955

NET INCOME
371,896

 
373,455

 
409,624

 
(781,177
)
 
373,798

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
1,902

 
—

 
1,902

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO RAYONIER INC.
371,896

 
373,455

 
407,722

 
(781,177
)
 
371,896

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(1,915
)
 
(1,915
)
 
(5,710
)
 
3,830

 
(5,710
)
New Zealand joint venture cash flow hedges
3,286

 
3,286

 
3,629

 
(6,572
)
 
3,629

Actuarial change and amortization of pension and postretirement plan liabilities
61,869

 
61,869

 
20,589

 
(82,458
)
 
61,869

Total other comprehensive income
63,240

 
63,240

 
18,508

 
(85,200
)
 
59,788

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
435,136

 
436,695

 
428,132

 
(866,377
)
 
433,586

Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
(1,550
)
 
—

 
(1,550
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO RAYONIER INC.

$435,136

 

$436,695

 

$429,682

 

($866,377
)
 

$435,136




106
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2015
 
Rayonier Inc.(Parent Issuer)
 
Subsidiary Guarantors
 
Non-
guarantors
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Total
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

$2,472

 

$13,217

 

$36,088

 
—

 

$51,777

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
—

 
1,870

 
18,352

 
—

 
20,222

Inventory
—

 
—

 
15,351

 
—

 
15,351

Prepaid logging roads
—

 
—

 
10,563

 
—

 
10,563

Prepaid expenses
—

 
443

 
1,648

 
—

 
2,091

Other current assets
—

 
4,876

 
805

 
—

 
5,681

Total current assets
2,472

 
20,406

 
82,807

 
—

 
105,685

TIMBER AND TIMBERLANDS, NET OF DEPLETION AND AMORTIZATION
—

 
—

 
2,066,780

 
—

 
2,066,780

HIGHER AND BETTER USE TIMBERLANDS AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT COSTS
—

 
—

 
65,450

 
—

 
65,450

NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
—

 
330

 
6,412

 
—

 
6,742

INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES
1,321,681

 
2,212,405

 
—

 
(3,534,086
)
 
—

INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE
34,567

 
(610,450
)
 
575,883

 
—

 
—

OTHER ASSETS
2,305

 
19,741

 
52,560

 
—

 
74,606

TOTAL ASSETS

$1,361,025

 

$1,642,432

 

$2,849,892

 

($3,534,086
)
 

$2,319,263

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable

$609

 

$1,463

 

$19,407

 
—

 

$21,479

Accrued taxes
—

 
(10
)
 
3,695

 
—

 
3,685

Accrued payroll and benefits
—

 
3,594

 
3,443

 
—

 
7,037

Accrued interest
3,047

 
666

 
2,440

 
—

 
6,153

Other current liabilities
—

 
262

 
20,841

 
—

 
21,103

Total current liabilities
3,656

 
5,975

 
49,826

 
—

 
59,457

LONG-TERM DEBT
325,000

 
282,000

 
226,879

 
—

 
833,879

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
—

 
34,822

 
(685
)
 
—

 
34,137

OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
—

 
16,914

 
13,136

 
—

 
30,050

INTERCOMPANY PAYABLE
(255,715
)
 
(18,960
)
 
274,675

 
—

 
—

TOTAL RAYONIER INC. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
1,288,084

 
1,321,681

 
2,212,405

 
(3,534,086
)
 
1,288,084

Noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
73,656

 
—

 
73,656

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
1,288,084

 
1,321,681

 
2,286,061

 
(3,534,086
)
 
1,361,740

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$1,361,025

 

$1,642,432

 

$2,849,892

 

($3,534,086
)
 

$2,319,263




107
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2014
 
Rayonier Inc.(Parent Issuer)
 
Subsidiary Guarantors
 
Non-
guarantors
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Total
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

$102,218

 

$8,105

 

$51,235

 
—

 

$161,558

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
—

 
1,409

 
22,609

 
—

 
24,018

Inventory
—

 
—

 
8,383

 
—

 
8,383

Prepaid logging roads
—

 
—

 
12,665

 
—

 
12,665

Prepaid expenses
—

 
1,926

 
3,123

 
—

 
5,049

Other current assets
—

 
83

 
1,948

 
—

 
2,031

Total current assets
102,218

 
11,523

 
99,963

 
—

 
213,704

TIMBER AND TIMBERLANDS, NET OF DEPLETION AND AMORTIZATION
—

 
—

 
2,088,501

 
—

 
2,088,501

HIGHER AND BETTER USE TIMBERLANDS AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT COSTS
—

 
—

 
77,433

 
—

 
77,433

NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
—

 
433

 
6,273

 
—

 
6,706

INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES
1,463,303

 
2,053,911

 
—

 
(3,517,214
)
 
—

INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLES
248,233

 
21,500

 
—

 
(269,733
)
 
—

OTHER ASSETS
2,763

 
18,369

 
45,639

 
—

 
66,771

TOTAL ASSETS

$1,816,517

 

$2,105,736

 

$2,317,809

 

($3,786,947
)
 

$2,453,115

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
—

 

$2,810

 

$17,401

 
—

 

$20,211

Current maturities of long-term debt
—

 
129,706

 
—

 
—

 
129,706

Accrued taxes
—

 
11

 
11,394

 
—

 
11,405

Accrued payroll and benefits
—

 
3,253

 
3,137

 
—

 
6,390

Accrued interest
3,047

 
2,517

 
31,281

 
(28,412
)
 
8,433

Other current liabilities
—

 
1,073

 
24,784

 
—

 
25,857

Total current liabilities
3,047

 
139,370

 
87,997

 
(28,412
)
 
202,002

LONG-TERM DEBT
325,000

 
31,000

 
265,849

 
—

 
621,849

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
—

 
34,161

 
(684
)
 
—

 
33,477

OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
—

 
6,436

 
14,200

 
—

 
20,636

INTERCOMPANY PAYABLE
—

 
431,466

 
(153,754
)
 
(277,712
)
 
—

TOTAL RAYONIER INC. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
1,488,470

 
1,463,303

 
2,017,520

 
(3,480,823
)
 
1,488,470

Noncontrolling interest
—

 
—

 
86,681

 
—

 
86,681

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
1,488,470

 
1,463,303

 
2,104,201

 
(3,480,823
)
 
1,575,151

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$1,816,517

 

$2,105,736

 

$2,317,809

 

($3,786,947
)
 

$2,453,115



108
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Rayonier Inc.(Parent Issuer)
 
Subsidiary Guarantors
 
Non-
guarantors
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Total
Consolidated
CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

($4,890
)
 

($21,421
)
 

$203,475

 
—

 

$177,164

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
—

 
(78
)
 
(57,215
)
 
—

 
(57,293
)
Real estate development investments
—

 
—

 
(2,676
)
 
—

 
(2,676
)
Strategic purchase of timberlands and other
—

 
—

 
(98,409
)
 
—

 
(98,409
)
Proceeds from settlement of foreign currency hedge
—

 
—

 
2,804

 
—

 
2,804

Change in restricted cash
—

 
—

 
(16,836
)
 
—

 
(16,836
)
Investment in subsidiaries
—

 
126,242

 
—

 
(126,242
)
 
—

Other
—

 
—

 
6,101

 
—

 
6,101

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
—

 
126,164

 
(166,231
)
 
(126,242
)
 
(166,309
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of debt
61,000

 
353,000

 
58,558

 
—

 
472,558

Repayment of debt
(61,000
)
 
(232,973
)
 
(70,429
)
 
—

 
(364,402
)
Dividends paid
(124,936
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(124,936
)
Proceeds from the issuance of common shares
2,117

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,117

Proceeds from repurchase of common shares
(100,000
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(100,000
)
Debt issuance costs
—

 
(1,678
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1,678
)
Issuance of intercompany notes
(35,500
)
 
—

 
35,500

 
—

 
—

Intercompany distributions
163,585

 
(217,980
)
 
(71,847
)
 
126,242

 
—

Other
(122
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(122
)
CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(94,856
)
 
(99,631
)
 
(48,218
)
 
126,242

 
(116,463
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
—

 
—

 
(4,173
)
 
—

 
(4,173
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in cash and cash equivalents
(99,746
)
 
5,112

 
(15,147
)
 
—

 
(109,781
)
Balance, beginning of year
102,218

 
8,105

 
51,235

 
—

 
161,558

Balance, end of year

$2,472

 

$13,217

 

$36,088

 
—

 

$51,777





109
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
Rayonier Inc.(Parent Issuer)
 
Subsidiary Guarantors
 
Non-
guarantors
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Total
Consolidated
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

$269,653

 

$293,193

 

$47,727

 

($290,157
)
 

$320,416

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
—

 
(400
)
 
(63,313
)
 
—

 
(63,713
)
Capital expenditures from discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
(60,955
)
 
—

 
(60,955
)
Real estate development investments
—

 
—

 
(3,674
)
 
—

 
(3,674
)
Strategic purchase of timberlands and other
—

 
—

 
(130,896
)
 
—

 
(130,896
)
Change in restricted cash
—

 
—

 
62,256

 
—

 
62,256

Investment in subsidiaries
—

 
798,875

 
—

 
(798,875
)
 
—

Other
—

 
—

 
306

 
—

 
306

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
—

 
798,475

 
(196,276
)
 
(798,875
)
 
(196,676
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of debt
—

 
201,000

 
1,225,464

 
—

 
1,426,464

Repayment of debt
—

 
(1,002,500
)
 
(287,137
)
 
—

 
(1,289,637
)
Dividends paid
(257,517
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(257,517
)
Proceeds from the issuance of common shares
5,579

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5,579

Proceeds from repurchase of common shares
(1,858
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,858
)
Debt issuance costs
—

 
—

 
(12,380
)
 
—

 
(12,380
)
Net cash disbursed upon spin-off of Performance Fibers business
(31,420
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(31,420
)
Issuance of intercompany notes
(12,400
)
 
—

 
12,400

 
—

 
—

Intercompany distributions
—

 
(293,086
)
 
(795,946
)
 
1,089,032

 
—

Other
—

 
—

 
(680
)
 
—

 
(680
)
CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(297,616
)
 
(1,094,586
)
 
141,721

 
1,089,032

 
(161,449
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
—

 
—

 
(377
)
 
—

 
(377
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in cash and cash equivalents
(27,963
)
 
(2,918
)
 
(7,205
)
 
—

 
(38,086
)
Balance, beginning of year
130,181

 
11,023

 
58,440

 
—

 
199,644

Balance, end of year

$102,218

 

$8,105

 

$51,235

 
—

 

$161,558




110
RAYONIER INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise stated)




 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
Rayonier Inc.(Parent Issuer)
 
Subsidiary Guarantors
 
Non-
guarantors
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Total
Consolidated
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

$407,712

 

$417,074

 

$493,382

 

($771,375
)
 

$546,793

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
—

 
(663
)
 
(62,540
)
 
—

 
(63,203
)
Capital expenditures from discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
(103,092
)
 
—

 
(103,092
)
Real estate development investments
—

 
—

 
(1,292
)
 
—

 
(1,292
)
Purchase of additional interest in New Zealand joint venture
—

 
—

 
(139,879
)
 
—

 
(139,879
)
Strategic purchase of timberlands and other
—

 
—

 
(20,401
)
 
—

 
(20,401
)
Proceeds from settlement of foreign currency hedge
—

 
1,701

 
—

 
—

 
1,701

Jesup mill cellulose specialties expansion
—

 
—

 
(148,262
)
 
—

 
(148,262
)
Proceeds from disposition of Wood Products business
—

 
—

 
62,720

 
—

 
62,720

Change in restricted cash
—

 
—

 
(58,385
)
 
—

 
(58,385
)
Investment in subsidiaries
(138,178
)
 
(385,292
)
 
—

 
523,470

 
—

Other
—

 
—

 
(447
)
 
—

 
(447
)
CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(138,178
)
 
(384,254
)
 
(471,578
)
 
523,470

 
(470,540
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of debt
175,000

 
390,000

 
57,885

 
—

 
622,885

Repayment of debt
(325,000
)
 
(151,525
)
 
(72,960
)
 
—

 
(549,485
)
Dividends paid
(237,016
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(237,016
)
Proceeds from the issuance of common shares
10,101

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
10,101

Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation
—

 
—

 
8,413

 
—

 
8,413

Proceeds from repurchase of common shares
(11,326
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(11,326
)
Issuance of intercompany notes
(4,000
)
 
—

 
4,000

 
—

 
—

Intercompany distributions
—

 
(283,596
)
 
35,691

 
247,905

 
—

Other
—

 
—

 
(713
)
 
—

 
(713
)
CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(392,241
)
 
(45,121
)
 
32,316

 
247,905

 
(157,141
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
—

 
—

 
(64
)
 
—

 
(64
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in cash and cash equivalents
(122,707
)
 
(12,301
)
 
54,056

 
—

 
(80,952
)
Balance, beginning of year
252,888

 
23,324

 
4,384

 
—

 
280,596

Balance, end of year

$130,181

 

$11,023

 

$58,440

 
—

 

$199,644




111

Item 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

Item 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Rayonier management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures. Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this annual report on Form 10-K, is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no control evaluation can provide absolute assurance that all control exceptions and instances of fraud have been prevented or detected on a timely basis. Even systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance that their objectives are achieved.
Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015.
In the year ended December 31, 2015, based upon the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15, there were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that would materially affect or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.


112

PART III
Certain information required by Part III is incorporated by reference from the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company’s 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”). We will make the Proxy Statement available on our website at www.rayonier.com as soon as it is filed with the SEC.
 
Item 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item with respect to directors, executive officers and corporate governance is incorporated by reference from the sections entitled “Proposal No. 1 - Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance,” “Named Executive Officers” and “Report of the Audit Committee” in the Proxy Statement. The information required by this Item with respect to disclosure of any known late filing or failure by an insider to file a report required by Section 16 of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement.
Our Standard of Ethics and Code of Corporate Conduct, which is applicable to our principal executive officer and financial and accounting officers, is available on our website, www.rayonier.com. Any amendments to or waivers of the Standard of Ethics and Code of Corporate Conduct will also be disclosed on our website.

Item 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference from the section and subsections entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Summary Compensation Table,” “Grants of Plan-Based Awards,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End,” “Option Exercises and Stock Vested,” “Pension Benefits,” “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation,” “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control,” “Director Compensation,” “Corporate Governance — Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Processes and Procedures” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Report of the Compensation and Management Development Committee” in the Proxy Statement.

Item 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information called for by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference from the sections entitled “Share Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners,” “Share Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement.

Item 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference from the section and subsections entitled “Proposal No. 1 - Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance — Director Independence” and “Corporate Governance — Related Person Transactions” in the Proxy Statement.

Item 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information called for by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference from the subsection entitled “Report of the Audit Committee — Information Regarding Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement.



113

PART IV

Item 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
Documents filed as a part of this report:
(1)
See Index to Financial Statements on page ii for a list of the financial statements filed as part of this report.
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules:

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(In Thousands)
Description
Balance
at
Beginning
of Year
 
Additions Charged
to Cost
and
Expenses
 
Deductions
 
Balance
at End
of Year
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2015

$42

 
—

 
—

 

$42

Year ended December 31, 2014
673

 
134

 
(765
)
(a)
42

Year ended December 31, 2013
417

 
855

(b)
(599
)
(c)
673

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2015

$13,644

 

$4,604

(d)
—

 

$18,248

Year ended December 31, 2014
33,889

 
13,289

(e)
(33,534
)
(f)
13,644

Year ended December 31, 2013
19,294

 
14,595

(g)
—

 
33,889

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
The 2014 decrease is largely related to the spin-off of the Performance Fibers business.
(b)
The 2013 increase is primarily related to the consolidation of the New Zealand JV.
(c)
The deductions are primarily payments and adjustments to required reserves.
(d)
The 2015 increase is comprised of valuation allowance against the TRS deferred tax assets and the CBPC provision to return adjustment.
(e)
The 2014 increase is primarily related to the Company’s limited potential use of the CBPC prior to its expiration in 2017.
(f)
The decrease is primarily related to deferred tax assets contributed to Rayonier Advanced Materials in the spin-off. The decrease also reflects the utilization and expiration of RNZ NOL carryforwards, of which $355 thousand was recorded as income tax expense.
(g)
The 2013 increase is primarily Georgia investment tax credits earned on the CSE project.

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

(3)
See Exhibit Index for a list of the exhibits filed or incorporated herein as part of this report. Exhibits that are incorporated by reference to documents filed previously by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are filed with the SEC under File No. 1-6780.





114

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.
 
 
RAYONIER INC.
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ MARK MCHUGH
 
 
Mark McHugh
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer, Principal Financial Officer)
February 29, 2016
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ DAVID L. NUNES
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
February 29, 2016
David L. Nunes
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ MARK MCHUGH
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
February 29, 2016
Mark McHugh
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ H. EDWIN KIKER
 
Chief Accounting Officer
 
February 29, 2016
H. Edwin Kiker
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Chairman of the Board
 
 
Richard D. Kincaid
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
 
John A. Blumberg
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
 
Dod A. Fraser
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
 
Scott R. Jones
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
 
Bernard Lanigan, Jr.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
 
Blanche L. Lincoln
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
 
V. Larkin Martin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
 
Andrew G. Wiltshire
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*By:
/s/ MARK R. BRIDWELL
 
 
 
February 29, 2016
 
Mark R. Bridwell
Attorney-In-Fact
 
 
 
 


115

EXHIBIT INDEX
The following is a list of Exhibits filed as part of the Form 10-K. The documents incorporated by reference are located in the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington D.C. in SEC File no. 1-6780.
As permitted by the rules of the SEC, the Company has not filed certain instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company or consolidated subsidiaries under which the total amount of securities authorized does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. The Company agrees to furnish to the SEC, upon request, a copy of any omitted instrument.
Exhibit No.
Description
Location
 
 
 
2.1

Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement dated December 18, 2003 by and among Rayonier Inc., Rayonier Timberlands Operating Company, L.P., Rayonier Timberlands, L.P., Rayonier Timberlands Management, LLC, Rayonier Forest Resources, LLC, Rayland, LLC, Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc., Rayonier Minerals, LLC, Rayonier Forest Properties, LLC, Rayonier Wood Products, LLC, Rayonier Wood Procurement, LLC, Rayonier International Wood Products, LLC, Rayonier Forest Operations, LLC, Rayonier Properties, LLC and Rayonier Performance Fibers, LLC
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s January 15, 2004 Form 8-K
 
 
 
2.2

Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated May 28, 2014, by and between Rayonier Inc. and Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.**
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s May 30, 2014 Form 8-K
 
 
 
3.1

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s May 23, 2012 Form
8-K
 
 
 
3.2

By-Laws
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s October 21, 2009 Form 8-K
 
 
 
3.3

Limited Liability Company Agreement of Rayonier Operating Company LLC
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2010 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
4.1

Form S-4 Registration Statement
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s April 26, 2004 S-4 Filing
 
 
 
4.2

Amendment No. 1 to Form S-4 Registration Statement
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s May 6, 2004 S-4/A Filing
 
 
 
4.3

Purchase Agreement dated as of October 10, 2007 among Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc., Rayonier Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as representative of the several purchasers named therein
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s October 17, 2007 Form 8-K
 
 
 
4.4

Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 6, 2009, among Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc. and Rayonier Inc. and Credit Suisse (USA) LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s August 12, 2009 Form 8-K
 
 
 
4.5

Indenture relating to the 3.75% Senior Notes due 2022, dated March 5, 2012, between Rayonier Inc., as issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s March 5, 2012 Form 8-K
 
 
 
4.6

First Supplemental Indenture relating to the 3.75% Senior Notes due 2022, dated March 5, 2012, among Rayonier Inc., as issuer, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s March 5, 2012 Form 8-K
 
 
 
4.7

Second Supplemental Indenture relating to the 3.75% Senior Notes due 2022, dated March 5, 2012, among Rayonier Inc., as issuer, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s October 17, 2012 Form 8-K
 
 
 


Exhibit No.
Description
Location
4.8

Form of Note for 3.75% Senior Notes due 2022 (contained in Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.12)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s March 5, 2012 Form 8-K
 
 
 
4.9

Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 16, 2007 among Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc., Rayonier Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as representative of the several purchasers named herein
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s October 17, 2007 Form 8-K
 
 
 
4.10

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2009, among Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc. and Rayonier Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s August 12, 2009 Form 8-K
 
 
 
4.11

Indenture among Rayonier A.M. Products Inc., the guarantors party thereto from time to time and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, dated as of May 22, 2014
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s May 22, 2014 Form 8-K
 
 
 
10.1

Rayonier Inc. Executive Severance Pay Plan (f/k/a Rayonier Supplemental Senior Executive Severance Pay Plan), as amended*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2007 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.2

Rayonier Investment and Savings Plan for Salaried Employees effective March 1, 1994, amended and restated effective April 1, 2015 and further amended effective September 8, 2015*
Filed herewith
 
 
 
10.3

Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees of Rayonier Inc. effective March 1, 1994, amended and restated January 1, 2000 and further amended through October 19, 2001*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2001 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.4

Amendment to Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees effective January 1, 2002*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.5

Amendment to Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees effective January 1, 2003*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.6

Amendment to Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees effective January 1, 2004 dated October 10, 2003*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.7

Amendment to Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees effective January 1, 2004 dated December 15, 2003*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.8

Amendment to Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees effective August 1, 2013 dated July 18, 2013*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s September 30, 2013 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.9

Amended and Restated Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees effective January 1, 2014*
Filed herewith
 
 
 
10.10

Rayonier Inc. Excess Benefit Plan, as amended*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2010 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.11

Amendment to Rayonier Inc. Excess Benefit Plan dated August 18, 1997*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s December 31, 1997 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.12

Form of Rayonier Inc. Excess Savings and Deferred Compensation Plan Agreements*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2010 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.13

Rayonier Inc. Excess Savings and Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2010 Form 10-Q
 
 
 


Exhibit No.
Description
Location
10.14

Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan, as amended*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2014 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.15

Form of Rayonier 2004 Incentive Stock and Management Bonus Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.16

Form of Rayonier 2004 Incentive Stock and Management Bonus Plan Restricted Share Award Agreement*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2003 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.17

Form of Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2008 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.18

Form of Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan Restricted Share Award Agreement*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2013 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.19

Form of Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan Supplemental Terms Applicable to the 2014 Equity Award Grant*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2013 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.2

Rayonier Non-Equity Incentive Plan*
Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Registrant’s March 31, 2008 Proxy Statement
 
 
 
10.21

Form of Rayonier Outside Directors Compensation Program/Cash Deferral Option Agreement*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2006 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.22

Trust Agreement for the Rayonier Inc. Legal Resources Trust*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s September 30, 2014 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.23

Annual Corporate Bonus Program*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2010 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.24

Master Shareholder Agreement in Relation to Matariki Forests, dated July 15, 2005, by and among SAS Trustee Corporation, Deutshe Asset Management (Australia) Limited, Rayonier Canterbury LLC, Rayonier New Zealand Limited, Cameron and Company Limited, Matariki Forests Australia Pty Limited, Matariki Forestry Group and Matariki Forests
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2005 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.25

Deed of Amendment and Restatement of Shareholder Agreement, dated April 22, 2014, by and among Rayonier Canterbury LLC, Waimarie Forests Pty Limited, Matariki Forestry Group, Matariki Forests and Phaunos Timber Fund Limited
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2014 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.26

Description of Rayonier 2014 Performance Share Award Program*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2014 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.27

Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement, dated July 29, 2010, between Rayonier Inc. and Rayonier Operating Company LLC relating to the Restructuring
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2010 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.28

Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 16, 2011 between Joshua Timberlands LLC, as Seller and Rayonier Inc., as Buyer
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s September 30, 2011 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.29

Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 16, 2011 between Oklahoma Timber, LLC, as Seller and Rayonier Inc., as Buyer
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s September 30, 2011 Form 10-Q
 
 
 


Exhibit No.
Description
Location
10.3

Form of Transaction Bonus Agreement and Schedule of Executive Officer Transaction Bonus Amounts*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s March 31, 2014 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.31

Trust Agreement for the Rayonier Inc. Executive Severance Pay Plan*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s December 31, 2001 Form 10-K
 
 
 
10.32

Amendment to Trust Agreement for the Rayonier Inc. Executive Severance Plan*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s September 30, 2014 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.33

Transition Services Agreement, dated June 27, 2014, by and between Rayonier Inc. and Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2014 Form 8-K
 
 
 
10.34

Tax Matters Agreement, dated June 27, 2014, by and among Rayonier Inc., Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc. and Rayonier A.M. Products Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2014 Form 8-K
 
 
 
10.35

Employee Matters Agreement, dated June 27, 2014, by and between Rayonier Inc. and Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2014 Form 8-K
 
 
 
10.36

Intellectual Property Agreement, dated June 27, 2014, by and between Rayonier Inc. and Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2014 Form 8-K
 
 
 
10.37

Form of Indemnification Agreement between Rayonier Inc. and its Officers and Directors*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s June 30, 2014 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.38

Rayonier Inc. Executive Severance Pay Plan, as amended*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s March 31, 2015 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.39

Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan, as amended*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s March 31, 2015 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.4

2015 Performance Share Award Program*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s March 31, 2015 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.41

Rayonier Annual Bonus Program, as amended*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s March 31, 2015 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.42

Form of Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s March 31, 2015 Form 10-Q
 
 
 
10.43

Term Credit Agreement dated August 5, 2015 among Rayonier Inc.,
Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc. and Rayonier Operating Company LLC, as Borrowers, COBANK, ACB, as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and Issuing Bank, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. And FARM CREDIT OF FLORIDA, ACA, as Co-Syndication Agents, CREDIT SUISSE AG and SUNTRUST BANK, as Co-Documentation Agents and COBANK, ACB, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s August 5, 2015 Form 8-K
 
 
 
10.44

2016 Performance Share Award Program*
Filed herewith
 
 
 
12

Statements re computation of ratios
Filed herewith
 
 
 
21

Subsidiaries of the registrant
Filed herewith
 
 
 
23.1

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Filed herewith
 
 
 


Exhibit No.
Description
Location
24

Powers of attorney
Filed herewith
 
 
 
31.1

Chief Executive Officer’s Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) and pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith
 
 
 
31.2

Chief Financial Officer’s Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14-(a) and pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith
 
 
 
32

Certification of Periodic Financial Reports Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Furnished herewith
 
 
 
101

The following financial information from our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”), includes: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013; (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013; and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Filed herewith
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Management contract or compensatory plan.
** Certain schedules and similar attachments have been omitted from this filing pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Rayonier will furnish supplemental copies of any such schedules or attachments to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.