Form S-3 ASR
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 22, 2007

Registration No. 333-            

 


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 


Rayonier Inc.,

Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc.,

and

Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

North Carolina
Delaware
Delaware
  13-2607329
20-0392883
06-1159803
(State of incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

50 North Laura Street

Jacksonville, Florida 32202

(904) 357-9100

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

 


Joshua H. DeRienzis, Esq.

Senior Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary

50 North Laura Street

Jacksonville, Florida 32202

(904) 357-9100

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 


copy to:

Mike Rosenwasser

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

666 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor

New York, NY 10103

 


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective, as determined by market conditions and other factors.

If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.  ¨

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.  x

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  x

If this form is a post effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ¨

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each class of securities

to be registered

   Amount to be
registered(1)(2)
   Proposed maximum
aggregate offering
price per unit(1)(2)
   Proposed maximum
aggregate offering
price(1)(2)(3)
   Amount of
registration fee(4)

Rayonier Inc:

                      

Debt Securities

                   

Guarantees(6)

                   

Common Shares, no par value

                   

Preferred Shares

                   

Warrants(5)

                   

Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc.

                   

Debt Securities

                   

Guarantees (6)

                   

Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P.

                   

Debt Securities

                   

Guarantees(6)

             
 

 

(1) Not applicable pursuant to Form S-3 General Instruction II(E).
(2) An indeterminate aggregate initial offering price or number of the securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be offered at indeterminate prices. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities or that are issued in units.
(3) Exclusive of accrued interest, distributions and dividends, if any.
(4) In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act, the Registrants are deferring payment of all of the registration fee, except for $19,983 that may be offset pursuant to Rule 457(p) for fees paid with respect to the unsold portion of the $500,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of securities that were previously registered pursuant to Registration Statement No. 333-107213, initially filed on July 22, 2003 that have not been issued and sold. Pursuant to Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act, such unutilized filing fee may be applied to the filing fee payable pursuant to this registration statement.
(5) Represents warrants to purchase preferred stock or common stock which may be issued by Rayonier Inc.
(6) Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act, no separate registration fee will be paid in respect of any such guarantees.


Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS

LOGO

RAYONIER INC.

 


DEBT SECURITIES

GUARANTEES

COMMON SHARES

PREFERRED SHARES

WARRANTS

 


RAYONIER TRS HOLDINGS INC.

 


DEBT SECURITIES

GUARANTEES

 


RAYONIER FOREST RESOURCES, L.P.

 


DEBT SECURITIES

GUARANTEES

 


By this prospectus, we may offer debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants and guarantees of Rayonier Inc., debt securities and guarantees of Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc. and debt securities and guarantees of Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P.

This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which we will offer the securities. The specific terms of any securities we offer will be included in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will also describe the specific manner in which we will offer the securities.

Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYN.”

INVESTING IN ANY OF OUR SECURITIES INVOLVES RISK. YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER EACH OF THE FACTORS DESCRIBED UNDER “ RISK FACTORS“ WHICH BEGINS ON PAGE 3 OF THIS PROSPECTUS, AS WELL AS THE RISKS CONTAINED OR DESCRIBED IN THE APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN OR THEREIN BY REFERENCE BEFORE YOU MAKE AN INVESTMENT IN THE SECURITIES.

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE SEC) NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 


The date of this prospectus is May 22, 2007.

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

   1

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   1

THE COMPANY

   2

RISK FACTORS

   3

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

   4

USE OF PROCEEDS

   5

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

   5

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

   6

Debt Securities May Be Senior or Subordinated

   6

The Senior Debt Indenture and the Subordinated Debt Indenture of Rayonier

   7

The Senior Debt Indenture and the Subordinated Debt Indenture of TRS Holdings

   7

The Senior Debt Indenture and the Subordinated Debt Indenture of Forest Resources

   8

We May Issue Many Series of Debt Securities

   8

Amounts That We May Issue

   9

Principal Amount, Stated Maturity and Maturity

   9

This Section Is Only a Summary

   9

Original Issue Discount Debt Securities

   9

Information in the Prospectus Supplement

   10

Redemption and Repayment

   10

Subordination Provisions

   11

Covenants

   12

Events of Default, Remedies and Notice

   14

Amendments and Waivers

   16

Defeasance and Discharge

   17

Book Entry, Delivery and Form

   18

The Trustee

   19

Governing Law

   20

DESCRIPTION OF RAYONIER, TRS HOLDINGS AND FOREST RESOURCES GUARANTEES

   21

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

   22

Common Shares

   22

Preferred Shares

   22

Anti-Takeover Provisions

   23

Limitation of Liability of Officers and Directors

   24

Transfer Agent and Registrar

   25

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

   26

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

   28

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

   36

LEGAL MATTERS

   38

EXPERTS

   38

 


You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or any other person to provide you with additional or different information. This prospectus and any prospectus supplement are not an offer to sell or the

 

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solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities to which they relate and are not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation in that jurisdiction. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or in any document incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document containing the information. We will disclose any material changes in our affairs in an amendment to this prospectus, a prospectus supplement or a future filing with the SEC incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

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Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise, as used in this prospectus and in any accompanying prospectus supplement, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “the company” and other similar references are to Rayonier Inc. and all of its subsidiaries (including Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc. and Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P.) on a consolidated basis. References to “Rayonier” are to Rayonier Inc., references to “TRS Holdings” are to Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc. and references to “Forest Resources” are to Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P.

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, Rayonier Inc., Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc. and Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P. may, from time to time, sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering and the securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Any statement that we make in this prospectus will be modified or superseded by any inconsistent statement made by us in a prospectus supplement. The information in this prospectus is accurate as of May 22, 2007. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the information included in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents we incorporate by reference contains 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, which may include statements regarding anticipated earnings, revenues, volumes, pricing, costs and other statements relating to Rayonier’s financial and operational performance and business strategies, in some cases are identified by the use of words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “estimate”, “believe”, “anticipate” and other similar language. The following important factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this release; changes in global market trends and world events; interest rate and currency movements; changes in key management personnel; fluctuations in demand for, or supply of, cellulose specialty products, absorbent materials, timber, wood products or real estate and entry of new competitors into these markets; adverse weather conditions and natural disasters affecting production, timber availability and sales, or distribution; changes in production costs for wood products or performance fibers, particularly for raw materials such as wood, energy and chemicals; unexpected delays in the entry into or closing of real estate sale transactions; changes in law, policy or political environment that might condition, limit or restrict the development of real estate; the ability of the company to identify and complete timberland and higher-value real estate acquisitions; the company’s ability to continue to qualify as a REIT; the ability of the company to complete like-kind exchanges of real estate; and implementation or revision of governmental policies, laws and regulations affecting the environment, endangered species, timber harvesting, import and export controls or taxes, including changes in tax laws that could reduce the benefits associated with REIT status. For additional factors that could impact future results, please see “Risk Factors.” Rayonier assumes no obligation to update these statements except as may be required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports to the SEC.

 

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THE COMPANY

We are a leading international forest products company primarily engaged in activities associated with timberland management, the sale and development of real estate, and the production and sale of high value specialty cellulose fibers. We own, lease or manage approximately 2.7 million acres of timberland and real estate located in the United States, New Zealand and Australia. We believe that we are the fifth largest private timberland owner in the U.S. Included in this property is over 200,000 acres of high value real estate located primarily along the coastal corridor from Savannah, Georgia to Daytona Beach, Florida. We often refer to this as the “coastal corridor.” We also own and operate two specialty cellulose mills in the United States. In addition, we manufacture lumber in three sawmills in Georgia and engage in the trading of logs and wood products.

We originated as the Rainier Pulp & Paper Company founded in Shelton, WA in 1926. In 1937, we became “Rayonier Incorporated,” a public company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), until 1968 when we became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITT Corporation (ITT). On February 28, 1994, Rayonier again became an independent public company after ITT distributed all of Rayonier’s Common Shares to ITT stockholders. Our shares are publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol RYN. Rayonier is a North Carolina corporation with executive offices located at 50 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Our telephone number is (904) 357-9100.

Effective January 1, 2004, we restructured the Company as a real estate investment trust (REIT). Under this structure, we are generally not required to pay 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. However, we are subject to corporate taxes on built-in gains (the excess of fair market value over tax basis at January 1, 2004) on taxable sales of property by our REIT during the first ten years following our election to be taxed as a REIT. Our principal businesses are conducted through two entities. Our U.S. timber operations are conducted by our wholly-owned REIT subsidiary, Forest Resources. Our non REIT-qualifying operations, which continue to pay corporate-level tax on earnings, are held under our wholly-owned taxable subsidiary, TRS Holdings. These operations include our Performance Fibers, Wood Products and trading businesses, as well as the sale and development of high value real estate (referred to as higher and better use, or “HBU” properties).

A significant portion of our acreage has become, or is emerging as, more valuable for development, recreational or conservation purposes than for growing timber. To maximize the value of these properties, we expanded our focus from sales of medium and large tracts of land to include more value-added activities such as seeking entitlements alone or in participation with other developers. Our real estate operations are considered a separate operating and reportable business segment.

In 2006, we acquired 228,000 acres of timberland in six states for an aggregate $272 million, which increased our geographic footprint and species mix.

In 2005, we entered into a joint venture (JV) with RREEF Infrastructure, the global infrastructure investing arm of Deutsche Asset Management, under which the JV purchased approximately 354,000 acres of New Zealand timberlands, including 118,000 acres from Rayonier New Zealand Ltd. Our initial investment of approximately $122 million, representing a 49.7 percent equity interest, was made primarily by our REIT. In June 2006, AMP Capital Investors Limited, a subsidiary of the Australian corporation AMP Limited, purchased a total interest in the JV of 35 percent, of which 9.7 percent was from Rayonier New Zealand Ltd. and the remainder from RREEF, thereby reducing our investment in the JV from 49.7 percent to 40 percent. The JV’s timber harvest operations are subject to New Zealand income taxes; however, they are REIT-qualifying and therefore we will generally not be required to pay U.S. federal income taxes on our equity earnings. In addition to having an equity investment in the JV, we manage its timberlands for which we receive a management fee.

Our website address is www.rayonier.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this prospectus unless it is otherwise filed with the SEC.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves a significant degree of risk. In deciding whether to invest in our securities, you should carefully consider those risk factors included in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K as supplemented by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, and those risk factors that may be included in the applicable prospectus supplement, together with all of the other information presented in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, and the documents we have incorporated by reference. Each of these factors could materially adversely affect our operations, financial results and the market price of our securities.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and other reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public via the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy at prescribed rates any document we file at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file, which means that we can disclose important information to you without actually including the specific information in this prospectus by referring you to other documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, until we sell all of the securities or we terminate this offering (other than information in such documents that is deemed not to be filed):

 

   

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 filed February 27, 2007.

 

   

Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2007, filed April 26, 2007.

 

   

Our definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed April 9, 2007.

 

   

Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 28, 2007.

 

   

Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 19, 2007.

 

   

Registration of Securities on Form 8-A, filed February 4, 1994.

We make available free of charge on or through our Internet website, www.rayonier.com, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Any other documents available on our website are not incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Alternatively, you may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

Investor Relations Department

Rayonier Inc.

50 North Laura Street

Jacksonville, Florida 32202

(904) 357-9100

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of those documents.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of any securities offered by this prospectus and any prospectus supplement for our general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of indebtedness, the financing of capital expenditures, future acquisitions, share repurchases and additions to our working capital.

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated is as follows:

 

     Three
Months
Ended
March 31,
2007
   Year Ended December 31,
        2006    2005    2004    2003    2002

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

   4.12    4.80    5.04    3.73    2.26    2.14

We computed the ratios of earnings to fixed charges by dividing earnings by fixed charges. For this purpose, earnings consist of: income from continuing operations before income taxes, plus interest expense and other financial charges and the amortization of capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of: interest expense, including interest attributable to operating leases and other financial charges, plus capitalized interest.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

Please note that in this section entitled “Description of Debt Securities,” references to “the issuer,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer either to Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources, as the case may be, as the issuer of the applicable series of debt securities and not to any subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise. Also, in this section, references to “holders” mean those who own debt securities registered in their own names on the books that we or the Trustee maintain for this purpose and not those who own beneficial interests in debt securities registered in street name or in debt securities issued in book-entry form through one or more depositaries. Owners of beneficial interests in the debt securities should read the section below entitled “Legal Ownership and Book-Entry Issuance.”

Debt Securities May Be Senior or Subordinated

Rayonier, TRS Holdings and Forest Resources may issue senior or subordinated debt securities. Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement, neither the senior debt securities nor the subordinated debt securities will be secured by any property or assets of Rayonier, TRS Holdings, Forest Resources or any of their respective subsidiaries. Thus, by owning a debt security, you are an unsecured creditor of Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources, as the case may be.

Neither any limited or general partner of Forest Resources, including Rayonier, nor any principal, shareholder, officer, director, trustee or employee of any limited or general partner of Forest Resources or of any successor of any limited or general partner of Forest Resources will have any obligation for payment of debt securities or for any of Rayonier’s, TRS Holdings’ or Forest Resources’ obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the debt securities or the applicable indenture. Similarly, no principal, shareholder, officer, director, trustee or employee of Rayonier or TRS Holdings will have any obligation for payment of debt securities or for any of each others’ or Forest Resources’ obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the debt securities or applicable indenture. By accepting the debt securities, you waive and release all liability of this kind. This waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of debt securities and will not apply to the liability of Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources solely in its capacity of guarantor of any series of debt securities to the extent of any such guarantee.

Any senior debt securities of Rayonier, TRS Holdings and Forest Resources will be issued under the applicable senior debt indenture, as described below, and will rank equally with all of the issuer’s other senior unsecured and unsubordinated debt.

The subordinated debt securities of Rayonier, TRS Holdings and Forest Resources will be issued under the applicable subordinated debt indenture, as described below, and will be subordinate in right of payment to all of the issuer’s “senior indebtedness,” as defined in the applicable subordinated debt indenture. The prospectus supplement for any series of subordinated debt securities or the information incorporated in this prospectus by reference will indicate the approximate amount of senior indebtedness outstanding as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter. As of March 31, 2007, $673 million aggregate principal amount of Rayonier’s, TRS Holdings’ and Forest Resources’ total indebtedness constituted senior indebtedness. None of the indentures limit the issuer’s ability to incur additional senior indebtedness, unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities.

When we refer to “senior debt securities” in this prospectus, we mean the senior debt securities of Rayonier, TRS Holdings and Forest Resources, unless the context requires otherwise. When we refer to “subordinated debt securities” in this prospectus, we mean the subordinated debt securities of Rayonier, TRS Holdings and Forest Resources, unless the context requires otherwise. When we refer to “debt securities” in this prospectus, we mean both the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities, unless the context requires otherwise.

 

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The Senior Debt Indenture and the Subordinated Debt Indenture of Rayonier

The senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities of Rayonier will each be governed by a document called an indenture—the senior debt indenture, in the case of the senior debt securities, and the subordinated debt indenture, in the case of the subordinated debt securities. Each indenture will be a contract between Rayonier as the issuer of the debt securities, TRS Holdings and Forest Resources, as the case may be, as the guarantors of the debt securities, if applicable, and the Trustee. These indentures governing the debt securities of Rayonier are substantially identical, except for the provisions relating to subordination, which are included only in the subordinated debt indenture and, to the extent any debt is secured, except for provisions relating to security.

TRS Holdings and Forest Resources may, under each of Rayonier’s indentures, guarantee (either fully and unconditionally or in a limited manner) the due and punctual payment of principal of, and interest on, one or more series or debt securities of Rayonier. See “Description of Rayonier, TRS Holdings and Forest Resources Guarantees” below for more information. If such debt securities are so guaranteed, the existence and terms of such guarantee will be set forth in the prospectus supplement for such debt securities.

The Trustee under each indenture has two main roles:

 

   

First, the Trustee can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the Trustee acts on your behalf, which we describe later under “Events of Default, Remedies and Notice.”

 

   

Second, the Trustee performs administrative duties for us, such as sending interest payments and notices.

See “The Trustee” below for more information about the Trustee.

When we refer to the indenture, the guarantor or the Trustee with respect to any debt securities of Rayonier, we mean the indenture under which those debt securities are issued, the guarantor of those debt securities, if applicable, and the Trustee under that indenture.

The Senior Debt Indenture and the Subordinated Debt Indenture of TRS Holdings

The senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities of TRS Holdings are each governed by a document called an indenture—the senior debt indenture, in the case of the senior debt securities, and the subordinated debt indenture, in the case of the subordinated debt securities. Each indenture is a contract between TRS Holdings as the issuer of the debt securities, Rayonier or Forest Resources, as the case may be, as the guarantor of the debt securities, if applicable, and the Trustee. These indentures governing the debt securities of TRS Holdings are substantially identical, except for the provisions relating to subordination, which are included only in the subordinated debt indenture.

Rayonier and Forest Resources may, under each indenture, guarantee (either fully and unconditionally or in a limited manner) the due and punctual payment of principal of, and interest on, one or more series or debt securities of TRS Holdings. See “Description of Rayonier, TRS Holdings and Forest Resources Guarantees” below for more information. If such debt securities are so guaranteed, the existence and terms of such guarantee will be set forth in the prospectus supplement for such debt securities.

The Trustee under each indenture has two main roles:

 

   

First, the Trustee can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the Trustee acts on your behalf, which we describe later under “Events of Default, Remedies and Notice.”

 

   

Second, the Trustee performs administrative duties for us, such as sending interest payments and notices.

 

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See “The Trustee” below for more information about the Trustee.

When we refer to the indenture, the guarantor or the Trustee with respect to any debt securities of TRS Holdings, we mean the indenture under which those debt securities are issued, the guarantor of those debt securities, if applicable, and the Trustee under that indenture.

The Senior Debt Indenture and the Subordinated Debt Indenture of Forest Resources

The senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities of Forest Resources are each governed by a document called an indenture—the senior debt indenture, in the case of the senior debt securities, and the subordinated debt indenture, in the case of the subordinated debt securities. Each indenture is a contract between Forest Resources as the issuer of the debt securities, Rayonier or TRS Holdings, as the case may be, as the guarantor of the debt securities, if applicable, and the Trustee. These indentures governing the debt securities of Forest Resources are substantially identical, except for the provisions relating to subordination, which are included only in the subordinated debt indenture.

Rayonier and TRS Holdings may, under each indenture, guarantee (either fully and unconditionally or in a limited manner) the due and punctual payment of principal of, and interest on, one or more series or debt securities of Forest Resources See “Description of Rayonier, TRS Holdings and Forest Resources Guarantees” below for more information. If such debt securities are so guaranteed, the existence and terms of such guarantee will be set forth in the prospectus supplement for such debt securities.

The Trustee under each indenture has two main roles:

 

   

First, the Trustee can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the Trustee acts on your behalf, which we describe later under “Events of Default, Remedies and Notice.”

 

   

Second, the Trustee performs administrative duties for us, such as sending interest payments and notices.

See “The Trustee” below for more information about the Trustee.

When we refer to the indenture, guarantor or the Trustee with respect to any debt securities of Forest Resources, we mean the indenture under which those debt securities are issued, the guarantor of those debt securities, if applicable, and the Trustee under that indenture.

We May Issue Many Series of Debt Securities

We may issue as many distinct series of debt securities under a debt indenture as we wish. This section of the prospectus summarizes terms of the securities that apply generally to all series. The provisions of each indenture allow us not only to issue debt securities with terms different from those of debt securities previously issued under that indenture, but also to “reopen” a previous issue of a series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series. We will describe most of the financial and other specific terms of a series including any additional terms of any guarantee, if applicable, whether it be a series of the senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities, in the prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus. Those terms may vary from the terms described here.

As you read this section of the prospectus, please remember that the specific terms of your debt security will be described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and, if applicable, that description may modify or replace the general terms described in this section. If there are any differences between the prospectus supplement relating to your debt securities and this prospectus, the prospectus supplement relating to your debt securities will control. Thus, the statements we make in this section may not apply to your debt security.

When we refer to a series of debt securities, we mean a series issued under the applicable indenture. When we refer to your prospectus supplement, we mean the prospectus supplement describing the specific terms of the

 

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debt security you purchase. The terms used in your prospectus supplement have the meanings described in this prospectus, unless otherwise specified.

Amounts That We May Issue

None of the indentures will limit the aggregate amount of debt securities that we may issue or the number of series or the aggregate amount of any particular series. In addition, the indentures and the debt securities will not limit Rayonier’s, TRS Holdings’ or Forest Resources’ ability to incur other indebtedness or to issue other securities, unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities. Also, neither Rayonier, TRS Holdings nor Forest Resources are subject to financial or similar restrictions by the terms of the debt securities, unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities.

Principal Amount, Stated Maturity and Maturity

The principal amount of a debt security means the principal amount payable at its stated maturity, unless that amount is not determinable, in which case the principal amount of a debt security is its face amount. Any debt securities owned by us or any of our affiliates are not deemed to be outstanding for certain determinations under the indenture.

The term “stated maturity” with respect to any debt security means the day on which the principal amount of the debt security is scheduled to become due. The principal may become due sooner, by reason of redemption or acceleration after a default or otherwise in accordance with the terms of the debt security. The day on which the principal actually becomes due, whether at the stated maturity or earlier, is called the “maturity” of the principal.

We also use the terms “stated maturity” and “maturity” to refer to the days when other payments become due. For example, we refer to a regular interest payment date when an installment of interest is scheduled to become due as the “stated maturity” of that installment.

When we refer to the “stated maturity” or the “maturity” of a debt security without specifying a particular payment, we mean the stated maturity or maturity, as the case may be, of the principal.

This Section Is Only a Summary

The indentures and their associated documents, including your debt security, contain the full legal text of the matters described in this section and your prospectus supplement. We have filed forms of the indentures with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statements. See “Where You Can Find More Information” above for information on how to obtain copies of them.

This section and your prospectus supplement summarize all the material terms of the indentures and your debt security. They do not, however, describe every aspect of the indentures and your debt security. For example, in this section and your prospectus supplement, we use terms that have been given special meaning in the indentures, but we describe the meaning for only the more important of those terms.

Original Issue Discount Debt Securities

A fixed rate debt security, a floating rate debt security or an indexed debt security may be an original issue discount debt security. A debt security of this type is issued at a price lower than its principal amount and provides that, upon redemption or acceleration of its maturity, an amount less than its principal amount will be payable. An original issue discount debt security may be a zero coupon debt security. A debt security issued at a discount to its principal may, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, be considered an original issue discount debt security, regardless of the amount payable upon redemption or acceleration of maturity. The U.S. federal income

 

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tax consequences of owning an original issue discount debt security may be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Information in the Prospectus Supplement

A prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of a particular series of debt securities, which will include some or all of the following:

 

   

whether the issuer of the debt securities is Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources;

 

   

the form and title of the debt securities;

 

   

whether they are senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and, if they are subordinated debt securities, any changes in the subordination provisions described in this prospectus applicable to those subordinated debt securities;

 

   

the total principal amount of the debt securities;

 

   

the date or dates on which the debt securities may be issued;

 

   

the dates on which the principal and premium, if any, of the debt securities will be payable;

 

   

any right we may have to defer payments of interest by extending the dates payments are due and whether interest on these deferred amounts will be payable;

 

   

the price at which we originally issue the debt securities, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount, and the original issue date;

 

   

any optional redemption provisions;

 

   

the interest rate which the debt securities will bear and the interest payment dates for the debt securities;

 

   

any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to repurchase or otherwise redeem the debt securities;

 

   

the denominations in which the debt securities will be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000;

 

   

any changes to or additional Events of Default or covenants;

 

   

the terms, if any, upon which the debt securities may be convertible into or exchanged for stock, other debt securities or other securities; and

 

   

any other terms of the debt securities or any applicable guarantee.

Redemption and Repayment

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, a debt security will not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund—that is, we will not deposit money on a regular basis into any separate custodial account to repay the debt securities. In addition, we will not be entitled to redeem a debt security before its stated maturity unless the prospectus supplement specifies a redemption commencement date. You will not be entitled to require us to buy a debt security from you before its stated maturity unless your prospectus supplement specifies one or more repayment dates.

If your applicable prospectus supplement specifies a redemption commencement date or a repayment date, it will also specify one or more redemption prices or repayment prices, which may be expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the debt security. It may also specify one or more redemption periods during which the redemption prices relating to a redemption of debt securities during those periods will apply.

If we redeem less than all the debt securities of any series, we will, at least 60 days before the redemption date set by us or any shorter period that is satisfactory to the Trustee, notify the Trustee of the redemption date,

 

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of the principal amount of debt securities to be redeemed and if applicable, of the term of the debt securities to be redeemed. The Trustee will select from the outstanding securities of the series the particular debt securities to be redeemed not more than 60 days before the redemption date. This procedure will not apply to any redemption of a single debt security.

If your prospectus supplement specifies a redemption commencement date, the debt security will be redeemable at our option at any time on or after that date or at a specified time or times. If we redeem the debt security, we will do so at the specified redemption price, together with interest accrued to the redemption date. If different prices are specified for different redemption periods, the price we pay will be the price that applies to the redemption period during which the debt security is redeemed.

If your prospectus supplement specifies a repayment date, the debt security will be repayable at the holder’s option on the specified repayment date at the specified repayment price, together with interest accrued to the repayment date.

If we exercise an option to redeem any debt security, we will give to the holder written notice of the principal amount of the debt security to be redeemed, not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days before the applicable redemption date. We will give the notice in the manner described below in “Events of Default, Remedies and Notices.”

If a debt security represented by a global debt security is subject to repayment at the holder’s option, the depositary or its nominee, as the holder, will be the only person that can exercise the right to repayment. Any indirect owners who own beneficial interests in the global debt security and wish to exercise a repayment right must give proper and timely instructions to their banks or brokers through which they hold their interests, requesting that they notify the depositary to exercise the repayment right on their behalf. Different firms have different deadlines for accepting instructions from their customers, and you should take care to act promptly enough to ensure that your request is given effect by the depositary before the applicable deadline for exercise.

Street name and other indirect owners should contact their banks or brokers for information about how to exercise a repayment right in a timely manner.

We or our affiliates may purchase debt securities from investors who are willing to sell from time to time, either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Debt securities that we or they purchase may, at our discretion, be held, resold or canceled.

Subordination Provisions

Holders of subordinated debt securities should recognize that contractual provisions in the subordinated debt indenture may prohibit the issuer of the subordinated debt securities from making payments on those securities. Subordinated debt securities are subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner stated in the subordinated debt indenture or in the provisions of the applicable debt securities, to all of the issuer’s senior debt, as defined in the subordinated debt indenture, including all debt securities the issuer has issued and will issue under the senior debt indenture.

The subordinated debt indenture defines “senior debt” as the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all indebtedness of the issuer, other than the subordinated debt securities, whether outstanding on the date of the indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, which is (a) for money borrowed, (b) evidenced by a note or similar instrument given in connection with the acquisition of any businesses, properties or assets of any kind or (c) obligations the issuer, as lessee under leases required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee under generally accepted accounting principles or leases of property or assets made as part of any sale and lease-back transaction to which the issuer is a party. For the purpose of this definition, “interest” includes interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the issuer, to the

 

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extent that the claim for post-petition interest is allowed in the proceeding. Also for the purpose of this definition, “indebtedness of the issuer” includes indebtedness of others guaranteed by the issuer and amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of any indebtedness or obligation of the kinds described in the first sentence of this paragraph. However, “indebtedness of the issuer” for the purpose of this definition does not include any indebtedness or obligation if the instrument creating or evidencing the indebtedness or obligation, or under which the indebtedness or obligation is outstanding, provides that the indebtedness or obligation is not superior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities.

The subordinated debt indenture provides that, unless all principal of and any premium or interest on the senior debt has been paid in full, no payment or other distribution may be made in respect of any subordinated debt securities in the following circumstances:

 

   

in the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceeding involving the issuer or its assets;

 

   

in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the issuer, whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy;

 

   

in the event of any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities of the issuer;

 

   

if any subordinated debt securities of issuer have been declared due and payable before their stated maturity; or

 

   

(a) in the event and during the continuation of any default in the payment of principal, premium or interest on any senior debt beyond any applicable grace period or if any event of default with respect to any senior debt of the issuer has occurred and is continuing, permitting the holders of that senior debt of the issuer or the Trustee to accelerate the maturity of that senior debt, unless the event of default has been cured or waived or ceased to exist and any related acceleration has been rescinded, or (b) if any judicial proceeding is pending with respect to a payment default or an event of default described in (a).

If the Trustee under the subordinated debt indenture or any holders of the subordinated debt securities receive any payment or distribution that they know is prohibited under the subordination provisions, then the Trustee or the holders will have to repay that money to the holders of the senior debt.

Even if the subordination provisions prevent us from making any payment when due on the subordinated debt securities of any series, we will be in default on our obligations under that series if we do not make the payment when due. This means that the Trustee under the subordinated debt indenture and the holders of that series can take action against us, but they will not receive any money until the claims of the holders of senior debt have been fully satisfied.

Covenants

The following covenants apply to Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources as applicable, with respect to the debt securities of each series it issues unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. As used in this section, “we” refers to Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources, as issuer of the applicable debt securities.

Merger, Amalgamation, Consolidation and Sale of Assets

Each of Rayonier, TRS Holdings and Forest Resources is generally permitted to merge or consolidate with another entity. Each of Rayonier, TRS Holdings and Forest Resources is also permitted to sell its assets substantially as an entirety to another entity. With regard to any series of debt securities, however, unless

 

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otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the issuer of the debt securities, whether Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources, as the case may be, may not take any of these actions unless all the following conditions are met:

 

   

If the successor entity in the transaction is not the issuer, the successor entity, must be an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or other agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity of any kind, organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and the survivor shall expressly assume, by a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Company under this Indenture and the Debt Securities according to their tenor;

 

   

Immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions (and treating any debt which becomes an obligation of the successor entity or any subsidiary of the issuer as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the successor entity or such subsidiary at the time of such transaction or series of transactions), no default or event of default would occur or be continuing;

 

   

If the issuer is not the continuing entity, then each Guarantor, unless it has become the successor entity, shall confirm that its Guarantee shall continue to apply to the obligations under the Debt Securities and the applicable indenture; and

 

   

The issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or disposition and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with the applicable indenture.

If the conditions described above are satisfied with respect to the debt securities of any series, Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources, as the case may be, as issuer of those debt securities, will not need to obtain the approval of the holders of those debt securities in order to merge or consolidate or to sell its assets. Also, these conditions will apply only if the issuer of those debt securities wishes to merge or consolidate with another entity or sell its assets substantially as an entirety to another entity. The issuer of those debt securities will not need to satisfy these conditions if it enters into other types of transactions, including any transaction in which the issuer acquires the stock or assets of another entity, any transaction that involves a change of control of the issuer but in which the issuer does not merge or consolidate and any transaction in which the issuer sells less than substantially all of its assets.

Any limitation applicable to the ability of Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources, as the case may be, in its capacity as guarantor of debt securities of any series of Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources to participate in any of the actions described above will be set forth in the supplemental indenture for such series of debt securities.

Reports

So long as any debt securities are outstanding, Rayonier will:

 

   

file with the Trustee, within 15 days after Rayonier files them with the SEC, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports which Rayonier is required to file with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act; and

 

   

if Rayonier is not required to file information with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, file with the Trustee, within 15 days after Rayonier would have been required to file with the SEC, and provide holders of the debt securities with, annual reports and information, documents and other reports comparable to what Rayonier would have been required to file with the SEC had Rayonier been subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.

 

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Other Covenants

A series of debt securities may contain additional financial and other covenants applicable to us and our subsidiaries. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain a description of any such covenants that are added to the Indenture specifically for the benefit of holders of a particular series of debt securities.

Additional covenants described in the applicable prospectus supplement may apply to the issues of the debt securities and, if applicable, Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources in their capacity as guarantor of the debt securities of Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources, as the case may be, with respect to a particular series of debt securities.

Events of Default, Remedies and Notice

Events of Default

Unless otherwise indicated in an accompanying prospectus supplement, each of the following events will be an “Event of Default” under the Indenture with respect to a series of debt securities:

 

   

default in any payment of interest on any debt securities of that series when due that continues for 30 days;

 

   

default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, on any debt securities of that series when due at its stated maturity, upon redemption, upon required repurchase or otherwise;

 

   

default in the payment of any sinking fund payment, if any, on any debt securities of that series when due;

 

   

failure to comply for 60 days (or 180 days in the case of a Reporting Failure) after notice with the other agreements contained in the Indenture, any supplement to the Indenture or any board resolution authorizing the issuance of that series; or

 

   

our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.

“Reporting Failure” means Rayonier’s failure to file with the Trustee, within 15 days after Rayonier is required to file the same with the Commission within the time periods specified in the Exchange Act or in the relevant forms thereunder (after giving effect to any grace period specified under Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act), the annual reports, information, documents or other reports which Rayonier may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

Exercise of Remedies

An Event of Default for a particular series of debt securities will not necessarily constitute an Event of Default for any other series of debt securities that may be outstanding under the Indenture. If an Event of Default occurs with respect to a series of debt securities, other than an Event of Default described in the fifth bullet point above, and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the entire principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default described in the fifth bullet point above occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all outstanding debt securities of all series will become immediately due and payable without any declaration of acceleration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holders.

A default under the fourth bullet point above will not constitute an Event of Default with respect to a series of debt securities until the Trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series notify us of the default and such default is not cured within 60 days (or 180 days in the case of a Reporting Failure) after receipt of notice.

 

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The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may rescind any declaration of acceleration by the Trustee or the holders with respect to the debt securities of that series, but only if:

 

   

rescinding the declaration of acceleration would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction; and

 

   

all existing Events of Default with respect to that series have been cured or waived, other than the nonpayment of principal, premium or interest on the debt securities of that series that have become due solely by the declaration of acceleration.

The Trustee will be under no obligation, except as otherwise provided in the Indenture, to exercise any of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless such holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security against any costs, liability or expense that may be incurred in exercising such rights or powers. No holder of debt securities of any series may pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the debt securities of that series, unless:

 

   

such holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default with respect to that series is continuing;

 

   

holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have requested that the Trustee pursue the remedy;

 

   

such holders have offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security against any cost, liability or expense to be incurred in pursuit of the remedy;

 

   

the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the request and the offer of indemnity or security; and

 

   

the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have not given the Trustee a direction that is inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period. This provision does not, however, affect the right of a holder to sue for enforcement of any overdue payment respecting its own debt securities.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series have the right, subject to certain restrictions, to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any right or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to that series of debt securities. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that:

 

   

conflicts with law;

 

   

is inconsistent with any provision of the Indenture;

 

   

the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder; or

 

   

would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

Notice of Events of Default

Upon the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default, we are required to give written notice to the Trustee and indicate what action we propose to take to cure it. In addition, we are required to deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a compliance certificate indicating that we have complied with all covenants contained in the Indenture or whether any Default or Event of Default has occurred during the previous year.

If a Default with respect to the debt securities of a particular series occurs and is continuing and is known to the Trustee, the Trustee must mail to each holder of debt securities of that series a notice of the Default within 90

 

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days after the Default occurs. Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest with respect to the debt securities of any series, the Trustee may withhold such notice, but only if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a committee of directors or responsible officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that withholding such notice is in the interests of the holders of debt securities of that series.

Amendments and Waivers

We may amend the Indenture without the consent of any holder of debt securities to:

 

   

cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

 

   

make any change in respect of any other series of debt securities issued under the Indenture that is not applicable to such series;

 

   

provide for the assumption by a successor of our obligations under the Indenture;

 

   

secure the debt securities;

 

   

add covenants for the protection of the holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon us;

 

   

make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder;

 

   

add or appoint a successor or separate Trustee;

 

   

comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or

 

   

establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series to be issued under the Indenture.

In addition, we may amend the Indenture if the holders of a majority in principal amount of all debt securities of each series that would be affected then outstanding under the Indenture consent to it. We may not, however, without the consent of each holder of any outstanding debt securities that would be affected, amend the Indenture to:

 

   

reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities of any series whose holders must consent to an amendment;

 

   

reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any debt securities;

 

   

reduce the principal of or extend the stated maturity of any debt securities;

 

   

reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any debt securities or change the time at which any debt securities may or shall be redeemed;

 

   

make any debt securities payable in other than U.S. dollars;

 

   

impair the right of any holder to receive payment of premium, if any, principal or interest with respect to such holder’s debt securities on or after the applicable due date;

 

   

impair the right of any holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment with respect to such holder’s debt securities;

 

   

make any change to an amendment provision which requires each holder’s consent;

 

   

make any change in the waiver provisions; or

 

   

modify or affect in any adverse manner the terms and conditions of the obligations of Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources, as applicable, in respect of its guarantee, if any, of the due and punctual payment of principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any sinking fund or additional amounts with respect to any guaranteed debt security of Rayonier, TRS Holdings or Forest Resources as the case may be.

 

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The consent of the holders is not necessary under the Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment. After an amendment under the Indenture becomes effective, we are required to mail to all holders of debt securities of an affected series a notice briefly describing the amendment. The failure to give, or any defect in, such notice, however, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each affected series may, on behalf of all holders of debt securities of that series, waive any past Default or Event of Default with respect to that series, except one in respect of:

 

   

the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any debt securities of that series; or

 

   

a provision of the Indenture that cannot be amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected.

Neither Rayonier nor TRS Holdings nor Forest Resources may amend the subordinated debt indenture governing the subordinated debt securities it has issued to alter the subordination of any outstanding subordinated debt securities it has issued without the written consent of each holder of senior debt then outstanding who would be adversely affected. In addition, neither Rayonier nor TRS Holdings nor Forest Resources may modify the subordination provisions of the subordinated debt indenture governing the subordinated debt securities it has issued in a manner that would adversely affect in any material respect the outstanding subordinated debt securities it has issued of any one or more series, without the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all affected series, voting together as one class.

Defeasance and Discharge

At any time, we may terminate all our obligations under the Indenture as they relate to a particular series of debt securities, which we call a “legal defeasance.” If we decide to make a legal defeasance, however, we may not terminate some of our obligations under the Indenture, including our obligations:

 

   

relating to the defeasance trust, including the rights of holders to receive payments from the trust;

 

   

to register the transfer or exchange of the debt securities of that series;

 

   

to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities of that series; or

 

   

to maintain a registrar and paying agent in respect of the debt securities of that series.

At any time we may also effect a “covenant defeasance,” which means we have elected to terminate our obligations under or the operation of:

 

   

some of the covenants applicable to a series of debt securities, including any covenant that is added specifically for such series and is described in a prospectus supplement; and

 

   

any Event of Default that is added specifically for such series and described in a prospectus supplement.

We may exercise our legal defeasance option notwithstanding our prior exercise of our covenant defeasance option. If we exercise our legal defeasance option, payment of the defeased series of debt securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default with respect to that series. If we exercise our covenant defeasance option, payment of the defeased series of debt securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default that is added specifically for such series and described in a prospectus supplement.

In order to exercise either defeasance option, we must:

 

   

irrevocably deposit in trust with the Trustee money or U.S. government obligations for the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the series of debt securities to redemption or stated maturity, as the case may be;

 

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comply with certain other conditions, including that no Default with respect to that series has occurred and is continuing after the deposit in trust; and

 

   

deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that holders of the series of debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred. In the case of legal defeasance only, such opinion of counsel must be based on a ruling of the IRS or other change in applicable federal income tax law.

In the event of any legal defeasance, holders of the debt securities of the defeased series would be entitled to look only to the trust fund for payment of principal of and any premium and interest on their debt securities through maturity.

Although the amount of money and U.S. government obligations on deposit with the Trustee would be intended to be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of a defeased series at the time of their stated maturity, if we exercise our covenant defeasance option for the debt securities of any series and the debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of the acceleration resulting from such Event of Default. We would remain liable for such payments, however.

In addition, we may discharge all our obligations under the Indenture with respect to debt securities of a particular series, other than our obligation to register the transfer of and exchange such debt securities, provided that we either:

 

   

deliver all outstanding debt securities of such series to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

   

all such debt securities not so delivered for cancellation have either become due and payable or will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or are called for redemption within one year, and in the case of this bullet point, we have deposited with the Trustee in trust an amount of cash sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness of such debt securities, including interest to the stated maturity or applicable redemption date.

Book Entry, Delivery and Form

We may issue debt securities of a series in the form of one or more global certificates deposited with a depositary. We expect that DTC will act as depositary. If we issue debt securities of a series in book-entry form, we will issue one or more global certificates that will be registered in the name of DTC’s nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with or on behalf of DTC, and we will not issue physical certificates to any holder. A global security may not be transferred unless it is exchanged in whole or in part for a certificated security, except that DTC, its nominees and their successors may transfer a global security as a whole to one another.

DTC will keep a computerized record of its participants, such as a broker, whose clients have purchased the debt securities. The participants will then keep records of their clients who purchased the debt securities.

Beneficial interests in global securities will be shown on, and transfers of beneficial interests in global securities will be made only through, records maintained by DTC and its participants.

DTC advises us that it is:

 

   

a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law;

 

   

a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law;

 

   

a member of the United States Federal Reserve System;

 

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a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code; and

 

   

a “clearing agency” registered under the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act.

DTC is owned by a number of its participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., The American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The rules that apply to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also records the settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through computerized records for participants’ accounts. This eliminates the need to exchange certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations.

We will wire principal, premium, if any, and interest payments due on the global securities to DTC’s nominee. We, the Trustee and any paying agent will treat DTC’s nominee as the owner of the global securities for all purposes. Accordingly, we, the Trustee and any paying agent will have no direct responsibility or liability to pay amounts due on the global securities to owners of beneficial interests in the global securities.

It is DTC’s current practice, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, to credit participants’ accounts on the payment date according to their respective holdings of beneficial interests in the global securities as shown on DTC’s records. In addition, it is DTC’s current practice to assign any consenting or voting rights to participants, whose accounts are credited with debt securities on a record date, by using an omnibus proxy.

Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global securities, as well as voting by participants, will be governed by the customary practices between the participants and the owners of beneficial interests, as is the case with debt securities held for the account of customers registered in “street name.”

Payments to holders of beneficial interests are the responsibility of the participants and not of DTC, the Trustee or us.

Beneficial interests in global securities will be exchangeable for certificated securities with the same terms in authorized denominations only if:

 

   

DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and in any case a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days; or

 

   

we determine not to require all of the debt securities of a series to be represented by a global security and notify the Trustee of our decision.

The Trustee

The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities will identify the Trustee.

The Indenture limits the right of the Trustee, if it becomes our creditor, to obtain payment of claims in some cases, or to realize for its own account on property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee is permitted to engage in some other transactions. However, if it acquires any conflicting interest after a Default has occurred under the Indenture and is continuing, it must eliminate the conflict or resign as Trustee.

If an Event of Default occurs and is not cured or waived, the Trustee is required to exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by the Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a

 

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prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any of the holders of debt securities unless they have offered to the Trustee reasonable security and indemnity against the costs and liabilities that it may incur.

The Trustee may be a depositary for funds of, may make loans to and may perform other routine banking services for us and our affiliates in the normal course of business.

Governing Law

The Indenture and the debt securities will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF RAYONIER, TRS HOLDINGS AND FOREST RESOURCES GUARANTEES

Rayonier may guarantee (either fully and unconditionally or in a limited manner) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and any premium and interest on, one or more series of debt securities of TRS Holdings or Forest Resources, as applicable, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of such guarantee and the applicable indenture. In case of the failure of TRS Holdings or Forest Resources punctually to pay any principal, premium or interest on any guaranteed debt security, Rayonier will cause any such payment to be made as it becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by Rayonier. The particular terms of the guarantee, if any, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to the guaranteed debt securities. Any guarantee by Rayonier will be of payment only and not of collection.

TRS Holdings may guarantee (either fully and unconditionally or in a limited manner) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and any premium and interest on, one or more series of debt securities of Rayonier or Forest Resources, as applicable, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of such guarantee and the applicable indenture. In case of the failure of Rayonier or Forest Resources punctually to pay any principal, premium or interest on any guaranteed debt security, TRS Holdings will cause any such payment to be made as it becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by TRS Holdings. The particular terms of the guarantee, if any, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to the guaranteed debt securities. Any guarantee by TRS Holdings will be of payment only and not of collection.

Forest Resources may guarantee (either fully and unconditionally or in a limited manner) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and any premium and interest on, one or more series of debt securities of Rayonier or TRS Holdings, as applicable, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of such guarantee and the applicable indenture. In case of the failure of Rayonier or TRS Holdings punctually to pay any principal, premium or interest on any guaranteed debt security, Forest Resources will cause any such payment to be made as it becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by Forest Resources. The particular terms of the guarantee, if any, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to the guaranteed debt securities. Any guarantee by Forest Resources will be of payment only and not of collection.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

In this section, references to “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Rayonier Inc. and not to any subsidiaries.

As of May 22, 2007 our authorized capital stock was 135,000,000 shares. Those shares consisted of: (a) 15,000,000 preferred shares, none of which were outstanding; and (b) 120,000,000 common shares, no par value. As of April 20, 2007, 77,406,510 common shares were issued and outstanding.

Common Shares

Listing

Our outstanding common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYN.” Any additional common shares we issue also will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Dividends

Subject to the rights of any series of preferred shares that we may issue, the holders of common shares may receive dividends when and as declared by the board of directors. Dividends may be paid in cash, shares or other form out of legally available funds.

Fully Paid

All outstanding common shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Any additional common shares we issue will also be fully paid and non-assessable.

Voting Rights

Subject to any special voting rights of any series of preferred shares that we may issue in the future, the holders of common shares may vote one vote for each share held in the election of directors and on all other matters voted upon by our shareholders. Holders of common shares may not cumulate their votes in the election of directors.

Other Rights

We will notify common shareholders of any shareholders’ meetings according to applicable law. If we liquidate, dissolve or wind-up our business, either voluntarily or not, common shareholders will share equally in the assets remaining after we pay our creditors and preferred shareholders, if any. The holders of common shares have no preemptive rights. Common shares are not subject to any redemption provisions and are not convertible into any other securities.

Preferred Shares

The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of our authorized preferred shares. If we offer preferred shares, the specific designations and rights will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the preferred shares offered, including the following terms:

 

   

the title of the preferred shares;

 

   

the series, the number of shares offered and the liquidation value of the preferred shares;

 

   

the price at which the preferred shares will be issued;

 

   

the dividend rate, the dates on which the dividends will be payable and other terms relating to the payment of dividends on the preferred shares;

 

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the liquidation preference of the preferred shares;

 

   

the voting rights of the preferred shares;

 

   

whether the preferred shares are redeemable or subject to a sinking fund, and the terms of any such redemption or sinking fund;

 

   

whether the preferred share are convertible or exchangeable for any other securities, and the terms of any such conversion;

 

   

any listing of the preferred shares on any securities exchange;

 

   

the relative ranking and preferences of the preferred shares as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation and dissolution or winding up; and

 

   

any additional rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the preferred shares.

Our articles of incorporation limit the amount any holder of preferred shares is entitled to receive upon an involuntary liquidation of Rayonier to $100 per preferred share. The description of the terms of the preferred shares to be set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement will not be complete and will be subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the articles of amendment relating to the applicable series of preferred shares. The registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part will include the articles of amendment as an exhibit or incorporate it by reference.

Our board of directors can, without approval of shareholders, issue one or more series of preferred shares. Subject to the provisions of our articles of incorporation and limitations prescribed by North Carolina law, our board of directors may adopt resolutions to determine the number of shares of each series and the rights, preferences and limitations of each series, including the dividend rights, voting rights, conversion rights, redemption rights and any liquidation preferences of any wholly unissued series of preferred shares, the number of shares constituting each series and the terms and conditions of issue. Under certain circumstances, preferred shares could restrict dividend payments to holders of our common shares.

Undesignated preferred shares may enable our board of directors to render more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger or otherwise, and to thereby protect the continuity of our management. The issuance of preferred shares may adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common shares. For example, any preferred shares issued may rank prior to our common shares as to dividend rights, liquidation preference or both, may have full or limited voting rights and may be convertible into common shares. As a result, the issuance of preferred shares may discourage bids for our common shares or may otherwise adversely affect the market price of our common shares or any existing preferred shares.

The preferred shares will, when issued, be fully paid and non-assessable.

Anti-Takeover Provisions

Certain provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws may encourage persons considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with the board of directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts.

Classified board of directors and limitations on removal of directors

Our articles of incorporation provide that the board of directors is divided into three classes as nearly equal in number as possible. The directors of each class are elected for three-year terms, and the terms of the three classes are staggered so that directors from a single class are elected at each annual meeting of shareholders. Directors can be removed only for cause. A staggered board makes it more difficult for shareholders to change the majority of the directors and instead promotes a continuity of existing management.

 

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Blank check preferred shares

Our articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of blank check preferred shares. The board of directors can set the voting rights, redemption rights, conversion rights and other rights relating to such preferred shares and could issue such shares in either private or public transactions. In some circumstances, the blank check preferred shares could be issued and have the effect of preventing a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt that the board of directors opposes.

Amendment to our bylaws

Our bylaws may be amended or repealed by our board of directors, including any bylaw adopted, amended or repealed by our shareholders.

North Carolina Shareholder Protection Act

The North Carolina Shareholder Protection Act generally requires the affirmative vote of 95% of a public corporation’s voting shares to approve a “business combination” with any person that a majority of continuing directors determines beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 20% of the voting shares of the corporation (or ever owned more than 20% and is still an “affiliate” of the corporation) unless the fair price provisions and the procedural provisions of the act are satisfied.

“Business combination” is defined by the statute as (i) any merger, consolidation or conversion of a corporation with or into any other entity, (ii) any sale or lease of all or any substantial part of the corporation’s assets to any other entity, or (iii) any purchase or lease from any other entity of assets having a value of more than $5,000,000 in exchange for securities of the corporation.

The act contains provisions that allowed a corporation to “opt out” of the applicability of the act’s voting provisions within specified time periods that generally have expired. The act applies to Rayonier since we did not opt out within these time periods.

Special Meetings of Shareholders

Neither our articles of incorporation nor our bylaws give shareholders the right to call a special meeting of shareholders. Our bylaws provide that special meetings of shareholders may be called only by our board of directors.

Requirements for Qualification as a REIT

In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must abide by certain provisions in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including rules restricting concentration of ownership. For more information, please see “Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences—Organizational and Ownership Requirements.”

Limitation of Liability of Officers and Directors

Our articles of incorporation limit the liability of our directors to us and our shareholders to the fullest extent permitted by North Carolina law. Specifically, our directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of a director’s duty in such capacity, except for liability:

 

   

for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

 

   

for unlawful distributions as provided in Section 55-8-33 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act; or

 

   

for any transaction from which the officer or director derived an improper personal benefit.

 

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Our articles of incorporation also provide indemnification to our directors and officers to the maximum extent allowed by North Carolina law as it exists now or may hereafter be amended. Our directors and officers generally are entitled to indemnity against all liabilities and expenses in any suit or preceding, including a derivative suit, arising out of their status or activities as directors or officers, unless the actions taken by the individual to be indemnified were at the time taken known or believed by him to be clearly in conflict with our best interests.

The inclusion of these provisions in our articles of incorporation may reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors, and may discourage or deter shareholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their duties, even though such an action, if successful, might have otherwise benefited us and our shareholders. These provisions do not alter the liability of directors under federal securities laws and do not affect the right to sue (nor to recover monetary damages) under federal securities laws for violations thereof.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Our transfer agent and registrar of the common shares is The Bank of New York.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

Rayonier may issue warrants for the purchase of preferred stock or common stock.

The warrants will be issued under warrant agreements to be entered into between Rayonier and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all to be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any or all warrants in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered. Copies of the form of agreement for each warrant, including the forms of certificates representing the warrants reflecting the provisions to be included in such agreements that will be entered into with respect to the particular offerings of each type of warrant are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the warrants to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the warrants to which any prospectus supplement may relate and the extent, if any, to which such general provisions may apply to the warrants so offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The following summary of certain provisions of the warrants, warrant agreements and warrant certificates does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by express reference to, all the provisions of the warrant agreements and warrant certificates, including the definitions therein of certain terms.

General

Reference is made to the applicable prospectus supplement for the terms of warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, the warrant agreement relating to such warrants and the warrant certificates representing such warrants, including the following:

 

   

the type and number of shares of preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise of such warrants and the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of such warrants;

 

   

the date, if any, on and after which such warrants and related offered securities will be separately tradable;

 

   

the offering price of such warrants, if any;

 

   

the initial price at which such shares may be purchased upon exercise of warrants and any provision with respect to the adjustment thereof;

 

   

the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;

 

   

a discussion of the material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the ownership or exercise of such warrants;

 

   

call provisions of such warrants, if any;

 

   

any other terms of such warrants;

 

   

anti-dilution provisions of such warrants, if any; and

 

   

information relating to any preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of such warrants.

The warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new warrant certificates of different denominations and warrants may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of shares of capital stock purchasable upon such exercise, and will not be entitled to any dividend payments on such capital stock purchasable upon such exercise.

 

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Exercise of Warrants

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash such number of shares of preferred stock or common stock, as the case may be, at such exercise price as shall, in each case, be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, warrants may be exercised at any time up to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificates properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Rayonier will, as soon as practicable, forward a certificate representing the number of shares of capital stock purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants represented by such warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of stock warrants.

 

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CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following discussion summarizes certain material United States federal income tax considerations to our taxation and qualification as a REIT. The information in this discussion is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), final and temporary Treasury Regulations thereunder, existing administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and judicial decisions, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that future legislation, Treasury Regulations, administrative interpretations or judicial decisions will not significantly change the current law or adversely affect existing interpretations of current law. In addition, no assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the conclusions or positions described in the discussion set forth below. Except as otherwise indicated, no advance ruling from the IRS or opinion of counsel has been or will be sought regarding any matter discussed in this prospectus.

Taxation of Rayonier

General

Under federal income tax law, if certain detailed conditions imposed by the Code and related Treasury Regulations are satisfied, an entity that invests principally in real estate and that would otherwise be subject to tax as a corporation may elect to be treated as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. These conditions relate, in part, to the nature of the entity’s assets and income. Provided we qualify to be subject to tax as a REIT, we will generally not be subject to federal corporate income tax on taxable income that we distribute to our shareholders each year. This treatment substantially eliminates the “double taxation” that ordinarily applies to regular corporations that are subject to taxation once at the corporate level, when income is earned, and again at the shareholder level, when that income is distributed.

We have elected to be treated for federal income tax purposes as a REIT commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2004. Although no assurance can be given, we believe that we were organized and have operated in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT, and we intend to continue to operate in such a manner. In addition, as described more fully under “Income Tests” below, we have received a private letter ruling from the IRS substantially to the effect that our timberlands, including our timberlands that are subject to certain timber cutting contracts, will be considered qualifying real estate assets or interests in real property for purposes of the REIT asset tests discussed below and that the gains we derive from these timber cutting contracts will be from the sale of real property for purposes of the REIT gross income tests.

We believe, commencing with the taxable period ending December 31, 2004, that we have been organized and operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT, and we expect that our proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. However, our future qualification and taxation as a REIT will depend on our ability to meet on an ongoing basis (through actual annual operating results, asset base, distribution levels and diversity of share ownership) the various qualification tests imposed under the Code discussed below. Thus, while we intend to operate so that we will continue to qualify as a REIT, given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual determinations, and the possibility of future changes in law or our circumstances, no assurance can be given that we will so qualify for any particular year. In addition, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge the conclusions and tax positions described in this discussion. Further, the anticipated income tax treatment described in this prospectus may be changed, perhaps retroactively, by legislative, administrative or judicial action at any time. See “Failure to Qualify as a REIT.”

Provided we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we will generally not be subject to federal corporate income taxes on that portion of our ordinary income or capital gain that we distribute to our shareholders. The REIT provisions of the Code generally allow a REIT to deduct dividends paid to its shareholders. This deduction for

 

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dividends paid substantially eliminates the “double taxation” at the corporate and shareholder levels that generally results from investment in a regular corporation. Tax legislation enacted in 2003 generally lowers the rate at which shareholders who are individuals are subject to tax on corporate dividends, from a maximum of 35% (as ordinary income) to a maximum of 15% (the same as long-term capital gains), for the 2003 through 2010 tax years, thereby substantially reducing, though not completely eliminating, the double taxation that has historically applied to corporate dividends. With limited exceptions, however, dividends received by our shareholders from us or from other entities that are subject to tax as REITs may continue to be subject to tax at rates applicable to ordinary income, which, under current law, will be as high as 35% through 2010. Nevertheless, our dividends have generally consisted of a portion that constitutes a return of capital, which would not be subject to tax, and a portion that qualifies as a capital gain dividend, which would be subject to tax at a maximum rate of 15%. We will, nonetheless, be subject to federal tax under certain circumstances, including the following:

 

   

We will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on any undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed net capital gains. See, however, “Annual Distribution Requirements” with respect to our ability to elect to treat as having been distributed to shareholders certain of our capital gains upon which we have paid taxes, in which event the taxes that we have paid with respect to such income would be available as a credit or refund to shareholders.

 

   

If in a taxable transaction we dispose of an asset held at the REIT level that we owned at the time of our REIT conversion which had a fair market value on the conversion date in excess of its tax basis, referred to as “built-in gain,” we will be subject to tax on the built-in gain at the highest regular corporate rate applicable if the disposition of that asset occurs during the ten year period following our REIT conversion. In addition, if we acquire an asset from a corporation that is subject to corporate-level tax under subchapter C of the Code in a transaction in which our basis in the asset is determined by reference to the transferor’s basis (a “carryover basis transaction”), we will similarly be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate rate applicable if we recognize gain on a disposition of the asset during the ten year period following our acquisition of the asset. Income derived from the harvesting and sale of timber pursuant to certain timber cutting contracts (as opposed to gain derived from the sale of timberlands) is not subject to this built-in gains tax. Thus, we will not be subject to the built-in gains tax on the income we derive from the harvesting and sale of timber from timberlands we held at the time of our REIT conversion or from timberlands we acquire in the future in a carryover basis transaction from a corporation subject to tax under subchapter C if sold pursuant to such timber cutting contracts.

 

   

We will be required to pay a 100% tax on any net income from prohibited transactions. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other taxable dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.

 

   

If we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test as discussed below but have otherwise maintained our qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements have been met, we will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount equal to (1) the gross income attributable to the greater of the amount by which we fail the 75% or 95% gross income test multiplied by (2) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.

 

   

If we should fail to satisfy the asset or other requirements applicable to REITs, as described below, yet nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT because there is reasonable cause for the failure and other applicable requirements are met, we may be subject to an excise tax. In that case, the amount of the tax will be at least $50,000 per failure, and, in the case of certain asset test failures, will be determined as the amount of net income generated by the assets in question multiplied by the highest corporate tax rate (currently 35%) if that amount exceeds $50,000 per failure.

 

   

We will be required to pay a 4% excise tax on the amount by which our annual distributions to shareholders are less than the sum of (1) 85% of our ordinary income for the year, (2) 95% of our REIT

 

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capital gain net income for the year, other than capital gain income we elect to retain and pay tax on and (3) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, other than capital gains from such years which we elect to retain and pay tax on.

 

   

A 100% excise tax may be imposed on some items of income and expense that are directly or constructively paid between a REIT and a TRS if and to the extent that the IRS successfully adjusts the reported amounts of these items.

In addition, we, including our subsidiaries and affiliated entities, may be subject to a variety of taxes, including payroll taxes and state, local and foreign income, property and other taxes on our assets and operations.

Requirements for Qualification

We elected to be treated as a REIT beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 2004. In order to continue to qualify as a REIT, we must meet the requirements discussed below relating to our organization, sources of income, nature of assets and distributions of income.

Organizational and Ownership Requirements

A REIT is a corporation, trust or association:

 

  (1) that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;

 

  (2) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest;

 

  (3) that would be taxable as a domestic corporation but for the special Code provisions applicable to REITs;

 

  (4) that is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to specific provisions of the Code;

 

  (5) the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons;

 

  (6) in which, during the last half of each taxable year, not more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares are owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer “individuals” (as defined in the Code to include specified entities); and

 

  (7) which meets other tests described below, including with respect to the nature of its income and assets.

Conditions (1) through (4) must be met during the entire taxable year, and condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Though our charter does not provide restrictions regarding transfers of our shares, we anticipate that the current diversity of our shareholder base will continue and that we will satisfy the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above.

To monitor compliance with the share ownership requirements, we are generally required to maintain records regarding the actual ownership of our shares. To do so, we must request written statements each year from the record holders of significant percentages of our shares in which the record holders are to disclose the persons required to include in gross income the dividends paid by us. A list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with this request must be maintained as part of our records. Our failure to comply with these record keeping requirements could subject us to monetary penalties. A shareholder that fails or refuses to comply with the request is required by applicable Treasury Regulations to submit a statement with its tax return disclosing its actual ownership of the shares and other information.

 

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Disregarded Subsidiaries

If a REIT owns a corporate subsidiary that is a “qualified REIT subsidiary,” that subsidiary is disregarded for federal income tax purposes, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the REIT itself, including for purposes of the gross income and asset tests applicable to REITs as summarized below. A qualified REIT subsidiary is any corporation, other than a TRS, that is wholly-owned by a REIT, or by other disregarded subsidiaries, or by a combination of the two. Other entities that are wholly-owned by a REIT, including single member limited liability companies, are also generally disregarded as separate entities for federal income tax purposes, including for purposes of the REIT income and asset tests. Disregarded subsidiaries and disregarded entities are sometimes referred to herein as “pass-through subsidiaries.”

Taxable REIT Subsidiaries

A REIT, in general, may jointly elect with a subsidiary corporation, whether or not wholly-owned, to treat the subsidiary corporation as a TRS. The separate existence of a TRS or other taxable corporation, unlike a disregarded subsidiary as discussed above, is not ignored for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, such an entity would generally be subject to corporate income tax on its taxable income.

A REIT is not treated as holding the assets of a TRS or as receiving directly any income that a TRS earns. Rather, the shares of a TRS are an asset in the hands of the REIT, and the REIT recognizes as income any dividends that it receives from a TRS. This treatment can affect the income and asset test calculations that apply to the REIT, as described below.

Partnerships

A REIT that is a partner in a partnership will be deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and will be deemed to earn its proportionate share of the partnership’s income. The assets and gross income of the partnership retain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of the gross income and asset tests applicable to REITs, described below.

Income Tests

In order to maintain qualification as a REIT, we must annually satisfy two gross income requirements. First, for each taxable year we must derive, directly or indirectly, at least 75% of our gross income (excluding gross income from “prohibited transactions”) from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property (including “rents from real property” and “gain from the sale or other disposition of real property”) other than property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or from certain types of temporary investments. Second, for each taxable year we must derive, directly or indirectly, at least 95% of our gross income (excluding gross income from “prohibited transactions”) from real property investments that satisfy the 75% test, dividends, interest and gain from the sale or disposition of shares or securities (or from any combination of the foregoing).

In addition, if we should realize any taxable income from the sale or other disposition of property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business (including our share of any such gain realized by any partnership in which we are a partner) then such income would be treated as income from a “prohibited transaction” and would not count for purposes of applying the 95% and 75% gross income tests. Such income would, however, be subject to a 100% penalty tax. We attempt to conduct any activities that could give rise to a prohibited transaction through our taxable REIT subsidiaries. For example, the manufacture and sale of wood products, certain types of timberland sales and sales of logs are conducted through our taxable REIT subsidiaries. Under existing law, whether property is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances with respect to the particular

 

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transaction. However, sales of timberlands that satisfy certain requirements specified in the Code do not constitute prohibited transactions. The principal requirements that have to be satisfied are that (i) the timberlands sold during a tax year can not have an aggregate tax basis that exceeds 10 percent of the aggregate tax bases of all of our assets as of the beginning of the relevant tax year and (ii) our development expenses with respect to such timberlands for the four years prior to the sale and our non-timber related expenses with respect to such sales can not exceed certain specified limits. We intend to conduct our activities so that our sales of timberlands (other than those undertaken by our taxable REIT subsidiaries) qualify for this safe harbor.

Rents that we receive will qualify as “rents from real property” in satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if several conditions are met. Substantially all of the rental income that we have received in the past and anticipate to receive in the future is derived from hunting leases, beekeeping leases, leases for the use of real property to erect and maintain billboards on property adjacent to certain public thoroughfares and the rental of rights of way through certain properties. It is anticipated that any income we receive from such leases and other property interests will constitute “rents from real property” under the applicable rules. While it is not expected that we will receive a substantial amount of rental income, we will take steps to ensure that any such rental income will qualify as “rents from real property” for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests.

In addition, we have received a private letter ruling from the IRS substantially to the effect that our timberlands, including those timberlands that are subject to certain timber cutting contracts, will be considered qualifying real estate assets or interests in real property for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and that our gains derived from these timber cutting contracts will be from the sale of real property for purposes of the REIT gross income tests. In reaching these conclusions, the IRS expressly relied upon a representation from us that our disposal of timber pursuant to these timber cutting contracts will qualify as disposal of timber under Section 631(b) of the Code.

If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for such year if we are entitled to relief under applicable provisions of the Code. These relief provisions will generally be available if our failure to meet these tests is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, we attach to our tax return a schedule of the sources of our income, and any incorrect information on the schedule is not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. It is not possible to state whether we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions in all circumstances. As discussed above under “General,” even if these relief provisions apply, a tax would be imposed with respect to the excess gross income.

Asset Tests

At the close of each calendar quarter, we must satisfy the following tests relating to the nature of our assets:

 

   

First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must consist of:

 

  interests in real property (such as timberlands), including leaseholds and options to acquire real property and leaseholds;

 

  cash or cash items, including certain receivables;

 

  government securities;

 

  interests in mortgages on real property;

 

  shares in other REITs; and

 

  investments in shares or debt instruments during the one-year period following the receipt of new capital raised through equity offerings or offerings of debt with at least a five-year term.

 

   

Second, of our investments not included in the 75% asset class, the value of our interest in any one issuer’s securities may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets.

 

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Third, we may not own more than 10% of the voting power or value of any one issuer’s outstanding securities.

 

   

Fourth, no more than 20% of the value of our total assets may consist of the securities of one or more TRSs.

For purposes of the second and third asset tests, the term “securities” does not include shares in another REIT, equity or debt securities of a qualified REIT subsidiary or a TRS, or equity interests in a partnership. The 10% value test does not take into account “straight debt” issued by an individual or any entity if we hold no other securities issued by such entity, or by a partnership if we own at least a 20% profits interest in the partnership.

As of the date of this prospectus, more than 75% of the fair market value of our assets consist of timberlands owned in fee or held under long-term leases, and we expect that, at all times after the date of this prospectus, more than 75% of our assets owned directly and indirectly will consist of fee ownership and leasehold interests in timberland. Accordingly, we believe that we have met and will continue to be able to meet the 75% test described above.

The board of directors will determine the value of Rayonier’s assets for the purpose of ascertaining compliance with the REIT asset tests. Such a determination is binding upon the IRS so long as our board of directors acts in good faith. It is not known whether our board of directors will rely upon third parties in making its determinations as to the value of our various assets.

If we fail to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a calendar quarter, such a failure would not cause us to lose our REIT status if (1) we satisfy all of the asset tests at the close of the preceding calendar quarter and (2) the discrepancy between the value of our assets and the asset test requirements arises from changes in the market values of our assets and is not wholly or partly caused by our acquisition of one or more non-qualifying assets. If we do not satisfy the condition described in clause (2) of the preceding sentence, we still can avoid disqualification as a REIT by eliminating any discrepancy within 30 days after the close of the calendar quarter in which the discrepancy arises.

Legislation enacted in 2004 contains a number of provisions applicable to REITs, including relief provisions that make it easier for REITs to satisfy the asset requirements, or to maintain REIT qualification notwithstanding certain violations of the asset and other requirements. These provisions are generally effective beginning with the 2005 tax year, except as otherwise noted below.

One such provision allows a REIT which fails one or more of the asset requirements to nevertheless maintain its REIT qualification if (a) it provides the IRS with a description of each asset causing the failure, (b) the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, (c) the REIT pays a tax equal to the greater of (i) $50,000 per failure, and (ii) the product of the net income generated by the assets that caused the failure multiplied by the highest applicable corporate tax rate (currently 35%), and (d) the REIT either disposes of the assets causing the failure within 6 months after the last day of the quarter in which it identifies the failure, or otherwise satisfies the relevant asset tests within that time frame.

A second relief provision applies to de minimis violations of the 10% and 5% asset tests. Specifically, a REIT may maintain its qualification despite a violation of such requirements if (a) the value of the assets causing the violation do not exceed the lesser of 1% of the REIT’s total assets or $10,000,000 and (b) the REIT either disposes of the assets causing the failure within 6 months after the last day of the quarter in which it identifies the failure or the relevant tests are otherwise satisfied within that time frame.

Annual Distribution Requirements

In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required to make distributions (other than capital gain dividends) to our shareholders in an amount at least equal to (1) the sum of (a) 90% of our “REIT taxable income” (computed

 

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without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain) and (b) 90% of the net income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure property, minus (2) the sum of certain items of non-cash income. These distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and if paid on or before the first regular dividend payment date after such declaration. To the extent that we do not distribute (or we are not treated as having distributed) all of our capital gain or we distribute (or we are treated as having distributed) at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our “REIT taxable income,” as adjusted, we will be subject to tax on the undistributed income at regular corporate tax rates. If we should fail to distribute during a calendar year at least the sum of (1) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (2) 95% of our REIT capital gain income for such year (other than capital gain income that we elect to retain and pay tax on as provided for below) and (3) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods (other than capital gains from such years which we elected to retain and pay tax on), we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the amounts actually distributed.

We may elect to retain rather than distribute our net long-term capital gains. The effect of this election is that:

 

   

we would be required to pay the tax on such gains at regular corporate tax rates;

 

   

our shareholders, although required to include their proportionate share of the undistributed long-term capital gain in income, would receive a credit or refund for their share of the tax paid by us; and

 

   

the basis of a shareholder’s stock would be increased by the amount of the undistributed long-term capital gains (minus the amount of the tax on capital gains paid by us which was included in income by the shareholder).

It is possible that we, from time to time, may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet the annual distribution requirements described above due to timing or other differences between (1) the actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible expenses and (2) the inclusion of such income and deduction of such expenses in arriving at its taxable income. If we encounter this situation, we may elect to retain the capital gain and pay the tax on the gain. Nevertheless, in order to pay such tax or otherwise meet the distribution requirements, we may find it necessary to arrange for short or possibly long-term borrowings, issue equity, or sell assets.

Under certain circumstances, we may be able to rectify a failure to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying “deficiency dividends” to our shareholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends; however, we will be required to pay interest based on the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends.

Distribution of C corporation Earnings and Profits

In order to qualify as a REIT, we cannot have at the end of any taxable year any undistributed tax earnings and profits (“E&P”) that is attributable to a C corporation taxable year (“C corporation E&P”). We believe that we distributed all of our C corporation E&P on or prior to December 31, 2003. The calculation of such E&P, however, is a complex factual and legal determination. We may have had less than complete information at the time we undertook our analysis or may have interpreted the applicable law differently than the IRS. There can be no assurances that the IRS will agree with our determination of our C corporation E&P, and there are uncertainties regarding the amount of such E&P. These uncertainties include the possibility that the IRS could, upon audit, increase our taxable income, which would increase our C corporation E&P.

Failure to Qualify as a REIT

If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year and if the relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject to tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular

 

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corporate rates. Distributions to shareholders in any year in which we fail to qualify as a REIT will not be deductible by us and, in fact, would not be required to be made. In such event, all distributions to shareholders would be subject to tax as ordinary income (and, through the 2010 tax year, as qualified dividend income to individual U.S. shareholders), to the extent of our current and accumulated E&P. Subject to certain limitations, corporate U.S. shareholders may be eligible for the dividends received deduction. If having qualified as a REIT, we later fail to so qualify, unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we will be disqualified from being eligible to be subject to tax as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which our REIT qualification was lost.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell or distribute the securities included in this prospectus (the “Securities”) through underwriters, through agents, to dealers, in private transactions, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices.

In addition, we may sell some or all of the Securities included in this prospectus through:

 

   

a block trade in which a broker-dealer may resell a portion of the block, as principal, in order to facilitate the transaction;

 

   

purchases by a broker-dealer, as principal, and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; or

 

   

ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker solicits purchasers.

In addition, we may enter into option or other types of transactions that require us to deliver Securities to a broker-dealer, who will then resell or transfer the Securities under this prospectus. We may enter into hedging transactions with respect to our Securities. For example, we may:

 

   

enter into transactions involving short sales of the Securities by broker-dealers;

 

   

sell Securities short themselves and deliver the shares to close out short positions;

 

   

enter into option or other types of transactions that require us to deliver Securities to a broker-dealer, who will then resell or transfer the Securities under this prospectus; or

 

   

loan or pledge the Securities to a broker-dealer, who may sell the loaned shares or, in the event of default, sell the pledged shares.

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell Securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell Securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use Securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use Securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment). In addition, we may otherwise loan or pledge Securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the Securities short using this prospectus. Such financial institution or other third party may transfer its economic short position to investors in our Securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other Securities.

Any broker-dealers or other persons acting on our behalf that participate with us in the distribution of the shares may be deemed to be underwriters and any commissions received or profit realized by them on the resale of the shares may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. As of the date of this prospectus, we are not a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding between any broker or dealer and us with respect to the offer or sale of the Securities pursuant to this prospectus.

We may have agreements with agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms, and their affiliates, may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business. This includes commercial banking and investment banking transactions.

At the time that any particular offering of Securities is made, to the extent required by the Securities Act, a prospectus supplement will be distributed, setting forth the terms of the offering, including the aggregate number

 

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of Securities being offered, the purchase price of the Securities, the initial offering price of the Securities, the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other items constituting compensation from us and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.

Underwriters or agents could make sales in privately negotiated transactions and/or any other method permitted by law, including sales deemed to be an “at the market” offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes sales made directly on or through The New York Stock Exchange, the existing trading market for our Securities, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange.

We will bear costs relating to all of the Securities being registered under this registration statement.

Pursuant to a requirement by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or NASD, the maximum commission or discount to be received by any NASD member or independent broker/dealer may not be greater than eight percent (8%) of the gross proceeds received by us for the sale of any Securities being registered pursuant to Commission Rule 415 under the Securities Act.

If more than 10% of the net proceeds of any offering of Securities made under this prospectus will be received by NASD members participating in the offering or affiliates or associated persons of such NASD members, the offering will be conducted in accordance with NASD Conduct Rule 2710(h).

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal and tax matters will be passed upon for us by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., New York, New York and Houston, Texas. Certain legal matters relating to North Carolina law will be passed upon for us by our North Carolina counsel, Alston & Bird LLP, Charlotte, North Carolina. Any underwriters will be advised about other issues relating to any offering by their own legal counsel.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements. the related financial statement schedules, and management’s report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated in this Registration Statement by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth the estimated expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities covered by this Registration Statement, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. All of the expenses will be borne by us except as otherwise indicated.

 

SEC Registration Fee

   $ *  

Printing and Engraving Expenses

     50,000 **

Legal Fees and Expenses

     75,000 **

Accountants’ Fees and Expenses

     75,000 **

Listing Fees

     ***  

Fees and Expenses of Trustees

     20,000 **

Miscellaneous Costs

     10,000 **
        

Total

   $ 230,000 **
        

* Under Commission Rule 456(b) and 457(r), the Commission registration fee will be paid at the time of any particular offering of securities under the registration statement, and is therefore not currently determinable.
** Because an indeterminate amount of securities is covered by this registration statement, the expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities are not currently determinable. The amounts shown are estimates of expenses for the amount of securities which the registrant is currently authorized to issue, but do not limit the amount of securities that may be offered.
*** The listing fee is based upon the principal amount of securities listed, if any, and is therefore not currently determinable.

 

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Sections 55-8-50 through 55-8-58 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act contain specific provisions relating to indemnification of directors and officers of North Carolina corporations. In general, the statutes provide that (1) a corporation must indemnify a director or officer who is wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in his defense of a proceeding or a threatened proceeding to which he is a party or a threatened party because of his status as such, except to the extent limited or eliminated in the corporation’s articles of incorporation, and (2) a corporation may, but is not required to, indemnify a director or officer if he is not wholly successful in such defense, if it is determined that the director or officer meets certain standards of conduct, provided, however, when a director or officer is liable to the corporation or is adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him, the corporation may not indemnify him. A director or officer of a corporation who is a party to a proceeding may also apply to the courts for indemnification, unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, and the court may order indemnification in certain circumstances set forth in the statute. A corporation may, in its articles of incorporation or bylaws or by contract or resolution, provide indemnification in addition to that provided by statute, subject to certain conditions.

Our articles of incorporation obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by North Carolina law, to indemnify our directors and officers against all liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) incurred in connection with any suit or proceeding. This right to indemnification includes the right of a director or officer to be paid expenses in advance of the final disposition of any proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking to repay such amount. Our articles of incorporation also provide that, to the full extent permitted by law, a director shall not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of any duty as a director.

Reference is made to Article VI and Article VII of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

 

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We have in effect insurance policies indemnifying our directors and officers and those of our subsidiaries, against civil liabilities of such directors and officers.

In addition, we have indemnification agreements in effect between us and each of our directors.

Any underwriters, dealers or agents who execute any of the underwriting agreements referred to in Exhibit 1 to this Registration Statement will agree to indemnify our directors and our officers who signed the Registration Statement against certain liabilities which might arise under the Securities Act, from information furnished to us by or on behalf of any such indemnifying party.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

Item 16. Exhibits.

 

  (1) See the Exhibit Index on the page immediately preceding the exhibits for a list of exhibits filed as part of this registration statement on Form S-3, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

 

  (2) Financial Statement Schedules

Not Applicable.

 

Item 17. Undertakings.

 

  (1) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:

 

  (a) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;

 

  (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

  (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

 

  (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(i), (a)(ii) and (a)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrants pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

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  (b) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

  (c) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

  (d) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

 

  (i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

  (ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x), for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date it is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or the prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 

  (e) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

The undersigned registrants undertake that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrants pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrants will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer to sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

  (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrants relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

  (ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of either of the undersigned registrants or used or referred to by either of the undersigned registrants;

 

  (iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrants or their securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrants; and

 

  (iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrants to the purchaser.

 

  (2)

Each undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of such registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or

 

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Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein by such registrant, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

  (3) Each undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

 

  (4) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrants will, unless in the opinion of their counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by them is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

  (5) Each undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Jacksonville, State of Florida on the 18th day of May, 2007.

 

RAYONIER INC.
By:   /s/ Lee M. Thomas
 

Name: Lee M. Thomas

Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

RAYONIER TRS HOLDINGS INC.
By:   /s/ Lee M. Thomas
 

Name: Lee M. Thomas

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

RAYONIER FOREST RESOURCES, L.P.
By:  

RAYONIER TIMBERLANDS MANAGEMENT, LLC

its General Partner

By:   /s/ Lee M. Thomas
 

Name: Lee M. Thomas

Title: President

 

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POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Hans E. Vanden Noort and Carl E. Kraus and each of them, any of whom may act without the joinder of the other, as his lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments or post-effective amendments to this registration statement, or any registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with exhibits hereto and other documents in connection therewith or in connection with the registration of the securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact and agents or his substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on May 18, 2007.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/    W. L. Nutter        

W. L. Nutter

   Chairman

/s/    Lee M. Thomas        

Lee M. Thomas

(Principal Executive Officer)

   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

/s/    Hans E. Vanden Noort        

Hans E. Vanden Noort

(Principal Accounting Officer)

   Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer

/s/    Carl E. Kraus        

Carl E. Kraus

(Principal Financial Officer)

   Senior Vice President, Finance

/s/    C. David Brown, II        

C. David Brown, II

   Director

/s/    James H. Hance, Jr.        

James H. Hance, Jr.

   Director

/s/    Richard D. Kincaid        

Richard D. Kincaid

   Director

/s/    Paul G. Kirk, Jr.        

Paul G. Kirk, Jr.

   Director

/s/    Thomas I. Morgan        

Thomas I. Morgan

   Director

/s/    Carl S. Sloane        

Carl S. Sloane

   Director

/s/    Ronald Townsend        

Ronald Townsend

   Director

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description

1.1*      Form of Underwriting Agreement—Debt Securities
1.2*      Form of Underwriting Agreement—Equity Securities
4.1*      Specimen of Share Certificate of Rayonier Inc.
4.2        Form of Senior Indenture—Rayonier Inc.
4.3        Form of Subordinated Indenture—Rayonier Inc.
4.4        Form of Senior Indenture—Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc.
4.5        Form of Subordinated Indenture—Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc.
4.6        Form of Senior Indenture—Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P.
4.7        Form of Subordinated Indenture—Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P.
4.8*      From of Preferred Stock Certificate for Rayonier Inc.
4.9*      Form of Stock Warrant Agreement (including form of Warrant Receipt) for Rayonier Inc.
5.1        Opinion of Alston & Bird LLP, as to the validity of the securities being issued
8.1        Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., with respect to certain tax matters
23.1        Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2        Consent of Alston & Bird LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.3        Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 8.1)
24.1        Powers of Attorney (included in signature page)
25.1**    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 respecting the Senior Indenture
25.2**    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 respecting the Subordinated Indenture

* To be filed either as an amendment or as an exhibit to a report filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 of the Registrant and incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement.
** To be filed in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Rule 5b-3 thereunder.

 

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