JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Rayonier Inc. this week announced significant progress toward completing the planned separation of its Performance Fibers business from its Forest Resources and Real Estate businesses.

The separation will occur by means of a tax-free spin-off of 100% of the common stock of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., which will contain the Performance Fibers business. The common stock of Rayonier Advanced Materials is expected to trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “RYAM.”

Rayonier announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has declared effective the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed by Rayonier Advanced Materials in connection with the spin-off. Additionally, the company announced that it also received a private letter ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirming the tax-free status of the planned spin-off, including certain related internal reorganization transactions.

“With these latest developments, we are now firmly on track to separate effective June 27,” said Paul Boynton, Chairman, President and CEO. “This has been a complex endeavor, requiring significant effort throughout the company. Thanks to the tremendous effort of our employees, as well as our advisors, we will soon be two independent, industry-leading companies that will continue to deliver value to our shareholders.”

IRS Private Letter Ruling

Based on certain facts, assumptions, representations and undertakings set forth in the IRS ruling, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the distribution of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock generally will not be taxable to Rayonier or to U.S. holders of Rayonier common stock, except in respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares, which generally will be taxable to the holders as capital gain. The spin-off is subject to the continued validity of the private letter ruling from the IRS.

Initial Trading Details

On May 27, 2014, Rayonier’s board of directors approved the separation and declared a special distribution of one share of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock for every three common shares of Rayonier held by Rayonier shareholders as of the close of business on June 18, 2014. With these latest approvals, the distribution is expected to be effective at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on June 27, 2014.

There is no current market for Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock. The NYSE has authorized the listing of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock under the symbol “RYAM” following the distribution. Rayonier Advanced Materials has been advised that trading in its common stock is expected to begin on a “when issued” basis on June 16, 2014, under the symbol “RYAM WI.” “When issued” trading of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock will continue until Rayonier makes the distribution of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock on June 27, 2014. “When issued” trades of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock will settle after June 27, 2014, when Rayonier Advanced Materials becomes a standalone company.

Beginning on June 16, 2014, and continuing through June 27, 2014, Rayonier expects that Rayonier common shares will trade in two markets on the NYSE: the “regular-way” market under the symbol “RYN” and the “ex-distribution” market under the symbol “RYN WI.” Rayonier common shares trading under “RYN” will carry the right to receive shares of Rayonier Advanced Materials through the distribution. Rayonier shares trading under “RYN WI” will not carry the right to receive shares of Rayonier Advanced Materials through the distribution.
Rayonier shareholders who sell their shares in the “regular-way” market on or before June 27, 2014, will also be selling their entitlement to receive the distribution of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock. Rayonier shareholders are encouraged to consult with their financial advisors regarding the specific consequences of selling Rayonier common shares on or before June 27, 2014.

On June 30, 2014, “regular-way” trading will commence on the NYSE for Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock under the symbol “RYAM” and will continue for Rayonier common shares under the symbol “RYN.”

Post-Separation

After the separation, Rayonier will own and operate the company’s existing Forest Resources and Real Estate businesses. Rayonier will be a geographically diverse forest resources company with 2.6 million acres of high-quality timberlands, including approximately 200,000 acres well situated for real estate development along coastal Florida and Georgia. The company will maintain its status as a tax-efficient real estate investment trust. The company intends to maintain its strong balance sheet and pay a competitive dividend to its shareholders and expects to retain an investment-grade credit profile.

Rayonier Advanced Materials will be the world’s leading producer of high-value specialty cellulose fibers, with proprietary cellulose chemistry expertise and manufacturing process knowledge developed over 85 years. The company’s production facilities in Florida and Georgia manufacture a wide range of customized high purity products, using both hardwood and softwood. The company is expected to continue to generate strong cash flows and to pay a dividend competitive with its peer group. Rayonier Advanced Materials has secured a BB+/Ba2 grade credit rating.