Blog Keyword - Midland PaperClips - fine paper, packaging and supply systems distributor

05.04.2012

Gap Inc. Reports April and First Quarter Sales Results

Gap Inc. today reported that net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 increased 6 percent compared with last year, and April 2012 net sales were flat compared with last year.

Net sales for the first quarter, which ended April 28, 2012, increased 6 percent to $3.49 billion compared with $3.30 billion for the first quarter last year. The company’s first quarter comparable sales, which include the associated comparable online sales, were up 4 percent compared with a 3 percent decrease in the first quarter last year.

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05.04.2012

Nordstrom Reports April Sales

Nordstrom, Inc. today reported a 7.1 percent increase in same-store sales for the four-week period ended April 28, 2012 compared with the four-week period ended April 30, 2011. Preliminary total retail sales of $802 million for April 2012 increased 10.5 percent compared with total retail sales of $726 million for the same period in fiscal 2011.

First quarter same-store sales increased 8.5 percent compared with the same period in fiscal 2011. Preliminary first quarter total retail sales of $2.53 billion increased 13.7 percent compared with total retail sales of $2.23 billion for the same period in fiscal 2011.

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05.04.2012

Kohl's Corporation Reports April Comparable Store Sales

Kohl’s Corporation reported today that for the four-week month ended April 28, 2012 total sales decreased 1.9 percent and comparable store sales decreased 3.5 percent from the four-week month ended April 30, 2011.

For the quarter and year-to-date period, total sales increased 1.9 percent and comparable store sales increased 0.2 percent.

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05.04.2012

Saks Incorporated Announces April Comparable Store Sales

Retailer Saks Incorporated today announced that owned sales totaled $259.5 million for the four weeks ended April 28, 2012 compared to $257.3 million for the four weeks ended April 30, 2011, a 0.9% increase. Comparable store sales increased 2.0% for the month.

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05.04.2012

Productivity Top Priority with Xerox’s New iGen 150 Press

Every business wants a speedy road to profitability. For print providers, this means making job setup easy, production times fast and image quality precise and repeatable. Xerox’s (NYSE: XRX) new iGen™ 150 Press arms them with one of the most productive digital cut-sheet color presses.

Debuting here this week at drupa 2012, the iGen 150 is built on Xerox’s proven, award-winning iGen platform. Since its introduction at drupa 2008, the iGen4® Press has been used by more than 1,000 customers to produce millions of profitable pages per month. The iGen4 Press has been recognized to be the most productive system in its class, among those independently tested by the SpencerLab Digital Color Laboratory.1

Gilmore Doculink – a commercial/digital print shop in Ottawa – has tested the iGen 150 and reports the device is going to be a real win for their operation.

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05.04.2012

Flambeau River Papers announces price increase

Effective with all shipments on or after June 4, 2012, Flambeau River Papers will increase the transaction price for all cut size FRP Laser Bond papers by $2.00/cwt.

If you have any questions regarding these changes, please call your Midland Paper sales representative.

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05.04.2012

IP Announces 100% Recycled Paper for North American Customers

International Paper is pleased to announce the launch of a 100% recycled paper offering, Hammermill Great White 100 to North American customers. The paper is the newest product to join the Hammermill Great White line of recycled products.

"Consumers are interested in recycled paper products, but they also want confidence in the quality and how the product performs. Hammermill Great White 100 is the best of both worlds and offers a dependable 99.99% Jam-Free Guarantee paper that has a 92 brightness. It's a great paper that runs smoothly, looks sharp, and contains 100% post consumer fiber," said Jon Ernst, International Paper vice president for Imaging Papers.

This product is produced at IP's world-class Riverdale, Ala. Mill and comes after a multi-million dollar investment into their recycled product capabilities. The Hammermill Great White 100 joins IP's 30% and 50% recycled paper offerings already available and carries the Forest Stewardship Council® certification.

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05.04.2012

Quad/Graphics Renews OfficeMax Retail Insert and Catalog Work, and Adds Direct Mail With New Agreement

Quad/Graphics, Inc. has renewed its exclusive retail insert and catalog printing business with OfficeMax Incorporated and added significant direct mail volume for the leading office supply retailer in a new multiyear agreement. With additional related freight logistics and in-store signage business, total revenues from the long-time Quad/Graphics customer are expected to grow approximately 20 percent versus prior year levels.

“We have printed OfficeMax catalogs for more than 20 years and that has given us a solid foundation to expand our services for this leading retailer,” said Joel Quadracci, Chairman, President & CEO of Quad/Graphics. “Adding direct mail gives us another way to grow our marketing solutions partnership with this important client and reflects our commitment to serving our customers in more ways to deliver even greater value to their businesses.”

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05.03.2012

Macy's, Inc. First Quarter Same-Store Sales up 4.4%

Macy's, Inc. today reported total sales of $1.928 billion for the four weeks ended April 28, 2012, an increase of 0.4 percent compared with total sales of $1.920 billion in the four weeks ended April 30, 2011. On a same-store basis, Macy's, Inc. sales were up 1.2 percent in April 2012 as compared to April 2011.

For March-April combined, same-store sales were up 4.4 percent in 2012 compared with the same period in 2011. This was within the company's March-April same-store sales guidance, which initially was for an increase of 3 percent to 3.5 percent, then raised on April 5 to a range of 4.3 to 4.5 percent. As previously reported, April sales were planned to be weaker than in March, given the calendar shift in which the pre-Easter period fell into March this year versus April last year, and a significant cosmetics event shift from April last year to March this year. Moreover, April 2012 sales were disadvantaged by a Mother's Day that is later in May this year.

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05.03.2012

Limited Brands Reports April 2012 Sales

Limited Brands, Inc. reported a comparable store sales increase of 6 percent for the four weeks ended April 28, 2012, compared to the four weeks ended April 30, 2011. The company reported net sales of $659.0 million for the four weeks ended April 28, 2012, compared to net sales of $683.2 million last year.

The company reported a comparable store sales increase of 7 percent for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012, compared to the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011. The company reported net sales of $2.154 billion for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012, compared to sales of $2.217 billion last year.

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05.03.2012

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports Strong Growth in Revenue, EBITDA and EPS for its Fiscal 2012 Third Quarter

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., the world's leading florist and gift shop, today reported revenues from continuing operations of $179.7 million for its fiscal 2012 third quarter ended April 1, 2012, compared with revenues from continuing operations of $158.8 million in the prior year period. The Company said the 13.1 percent increase, or $20.9 million, reflected double digit revenue growth across all three of its business segments and, in particular, continued positive trends in its Consumer Floral segment, which grew 12.6 percent. Total revenue growth for the third quarter benefited from the shift of the Easter holiday to early in the Company's fiscal fourth quarter as well as contributions from several small acquisitions completed in the second half of fiscal 2011 and early in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Excluding these benefits, total revenue for the period increased approximately 9.0 percent compared with the prior year period.

Gross profit margin for the quarter increased 100 basis points to 40.7 percent, compared with 39.7 percent in the prior year period. This was driven by a 200 basis point increase, to 39.0 percent, in the Company's Consumer Floral segment. Operating expenses as a percent of revenue improved 120 basis points to 40.6 percent compared with 41.8 percent in the prior year period. The improved operating expense ratio primarily reflects the increased revenues for the quarter as well as the Company's continued focus on improving leverage across its business platform.

As a result of the strong growth in revenues and gross margin, combined with enhanced operating leverage, EBITDA from continuing operations for the period increased 176.3 percent to $5.0 million compared with $1.8 million in the prior year period. Excluding stock-based compensation, EBITDA for the quarter was $6.4 million compared with $2.9 million in the prior year period. Income from continuing operations improved to $51,000, or $0.00 per share, compared with a loss of $2.2 million, or ($0.04) per share, in the prior year period.

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05.03.2012

Arjowiggins Graphic to build a 60 MW biomass cogeneration unit at its Besse sur Braye paper mill site

Arjowiggins Graphic (AWG) has finalized with CCB, a joint Dalkia France-Cofely subsidiary, the contract to build a 60 MW biomass cogeneration unit at its Besse sur Braye paper mill site, France. The unit will consume 200 000T per annum of waste wood materials to provide all the steam required by the mill and generate electricity for the national French electricity provider, EDF. The project, under discussion for 2 years and selected by the French government as part of the CRE4 program of the ministry of Environment in September 2011, is now ready to start its operational phase and is scheduled for completion during the second half of 2014.

The Besse paper mill, with a capacity of 320 000 tons, is the main production site of AWG. It principally produces high white recycled papers under the well-known brands of Cocoon™,Satimat green™ and Maine gloss green™, as well as CWF and UWF papers from FSC certified virgin pulp under the also well-known brand MCS™.

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05.03.2012

Oil Extends Biggest Drop in Two Weeks on Jobs, Supplies

Oil fell, extending the biggest decline in two weeks, as worse-than-forecast employment data underscored weakness in the global economy and U.S. crude stockpiles increased to the highest level in 21 years.

Futures slipped as much as 0.5 percent in New York after falling 0.9 percent yesterday. Prices dropped as data showed U.S. employers added fewer jobs than predicted last month while unemployment in Germany unexpectedly increased. Crude supplies in the U.S., the world’s biggest consumer of the commodity, rose to the most since September 1990, according to a report from the Energy Information Administration. Fuel stockpiles fell more than analysts projected in a Bloomberg News survey.

“We are still suffering from yesterday’s data,” Gerrit Zambo, an oil trader at Bayerische Landesbank in Munich, said in a telephone interview. “Unemployment numbers from Europe were very disappointing and the U.S. job numbers did their part in bringing oil prices down. The supply-demand situation is quite stable at the moment.”

Crude for June delivery was at $104.70 a barrel, down 52 cents, on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:23 a.m. London time. The contract yesterday slid 94 cents, the most since April 18, to $105.22.

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05.03.2012

Rising ebook sales almost make up for decline in old-fashioned paperbacks

In a sign of how Britons’ reading habits are changing, the Publishers’ Association (PA) said that sales of electronic novels hit £70 million in 2011, up from just £16 million in 2010.

The sales increase of £54 million almost entirely made up for the £57 million decline in sales of traditional paperback novels.

The growth in ebook sales comes as millions of Britons turn to Kindles and other so-called e-readers as their main way of consuming literature.

An estimated one in 40 UK adults were given a Kindle last Christmas, when a total of 1.3 million e-readers were sold.

At one point over the festive season John Lewis, the department store retailer, said that it was selling a Kindle every 30 seconds.

According to the PA’s new Statistics Yearbook, sales of physical books were £489 million in 2011, down from £546 million the year before.

However this decline was almost entirely compensated for by the 330 per cent increase in sales of e-novels.

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05.03.2012

Delhaize Group announces first quarter 2012 results

Financial Summary (at identical exchange rates): Revenue growth of 5.9% (2.3% organic growth); Comparable store sales evolution of -0.6% in the U.S. and -0.9% in Belgium; Double digit revenue growth in Southeastern Europe and Asia even without the positive impact of Delta Maxi acquisition; Group underlying operating margin of 3.5% (at actual exchange rates), impacted by our continuing investment in our growth initiatives, in particular price competitiveness and Bottom Dollar Food.

Other: Accelerating revenue momentum and volume growth in Food Lion Phase One stores and in Bottom Dollar Food stores; As a result of our investment behind strategic initiatives in the current environment, 2012 underlying operating profit is expected to decrease by 15% to 20% at identical exchange rates compared to last year.

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05.03.2012

Metsä Board Corporation’s operating result excluding non-recurring items was EUR 5 million in January–March

Result for January–March: Sales were EUR 545 million (Q4/2011: 524). The operating result excluding non-recurring items was EUR 5 million (-22). The operating result including non-recurring items was EUR -4 million (-215). The result before taxes excluding non-recurring items was EUR -9 million (-33). The result before taxes including non-recurring items was EUR -18 million (-230). Earnings per share from continuing operations excluding non-recurring items were EUR -0.02 (-0.04) and including non-recurring items EUR -0.05 (-0.63).

Events in the first quarter of 2012: The Premium Paper operations of the Reflex mill were sold to Hahnemühle FineArt GmbH and Hahnemühle’s private shareholders. After the closing of the transaction, Metsä Board no longer has operations in Reflex. The company’s management and reporting structure was renewed. As of the first quarter of 2012, the reporting segments are Paperboard, and Paper and Pulp. Pasi Piiparinen started as the head of Paperboard business area on 20 March 2012. The unprofitable operations of the Gohrsmühle mill in Germany were discontinued and the Alizay mill in France was shut down.

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05.03.2012

Report: Mobile commerce accounts for 13.3% of all online sales

IBM today announced the results of its Q1 2012 online mobile and buying trends study. The results showed that mobile commerce accounted for 13.3 percent of all sales, up from just 7% during Q1 2011, said Jay Henderson, strategy director at IBM Digital Marketing.

The study showed that mobile traffic to retailer sites made up 17% of total traffic, up from 11% during Q1 2011, Henderson said. This is important because it shows that mobile e-commerce is a significant driver to retail sites, he said.

“Lo and behold, I think 2012 may actually finally be the year of mobile. For us, that's one of the most exciting trends,” Henderson said. “No longer are we talking about the interesting trend to watch. Mobile's arrived.”

And it's not just about phones anymore, he said. IPads are making up a significant part of the mobile device traffic at 5.3%. Consumers are simply moving away from shopping online using their stationary desktops, Henderson says, which is at once exciting and challenging for CMOs.

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05.03.2012

Metsä Group’s operating result EUR 52 million excluding non-recurring items in January–March

Result for the first quarter of 2012: Sales amounted to EUR 1,284 million (1–3/2011: EUR 1,403 million). Operating result excluding non-recurring items was EUR 52 million (130). Operating result including non-recurring items was EUR 44 million (133). Result before taxes and excluding non-recurring items was EUR 18 million (86). Result before taxes including non-recurring items was EUR 10 million (89).

Events in the first quarter: Metsäliitto Group changed its name to Metsä Group and adopted a new corporate identity. Wood Products Industry is now Metsä Wood, Metsä-Botnia is Metsä Fibre and M-real is Metsä Board. The name of Metsä Tissue remained unchanged. Metsäliitto Cooperative’s Wood Supply is now Metsäliitto Puunhankinta in Finland and Metsä Forest internationally. A new investment product, Equity Bonus, has been available to owner-members of Metsäliitto Cooperative from the beginning of the year. The unprofitable operations of Metsä Board’s Gohrsmühle mill were discontinued and the Alizay mill in France was closed down. Metsä Board sold the Premium Paper business operations of the Reflex mill to Hahnemühle FineArt GmbH.

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05.03.2012

Mondi Group: Interim Management Statement 3 May 2012

Overall performance for the first quarter 2012 was in line with our expectations. As anticipated, the generally weaker trading environment seen towards the end of the prior year continued into the early part of the first quarter. The Group’s underlying operating profit of €120 million in the period was below that achieved in the previous quarter (2011 Q4: €132 million) and below that achieved in the strong trading environment prevalent in the comparable prior year period (2011 Q1: €179 million).

Pleasingly, following the low levels of demand seen towards the end of the previous quarter and into the early part of 2012, there was a clear trend of improving demand through the period under review, such that, on average, sales volumes were higher than the previous quarter across all paper grades. Similarly, although selling prices across all major paper grades were on average lower than those achieved in the previous quarter, a trend of improving prices towards the end of the quarter was evident. The benefits of these improving prices, partly offset by rising fibre input costs, are expected to be realised from the second quarter onwards.

Average input costs were lower than the prior quarter, but increased during the period with closing benchmark prices being higher than those at 31 December 2011. Benchmark hardwood pulp prices had increased by 15% at 31 March 2012 from 31 December 2011 levels and recovered paper increased by 30% over the same period. Wood costs remained at similar levels to those of the previous quarter.

Most emerging market currencies to which the Group is exposed as a net exporter were slightly weaker against the euro when compared to the previous quarter, providing a small positive contribution to the Group’s performance.

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05.03.2012

Study compares bio-based plastics

A qualitative analysis of bio-based plastics evaluates their environmental, health, and safety impacts through LCA information and plots them on an Avoid/Preferred spectrum.

“None of the bio-based plastics currently in commercial use or under development are fully sustainable. …Some bio-based plastics are preferable from a health and safety perspective, and others are preferable from an environmental perspective.” That’s the top-line conclusion of a study published by the Journal of Cleaner Production, titled “Sustainability of bio-based plastics: general comparative analysis and recommendations for improvement.”

Beginning with the assumption that “bio-based plastics appear to be more environmentally friendly materials than their petroleum-based counterparts when their origin and biodegradability are compared,” the 9-page study takes a qualitative approach to comparing a range of bio-plastic materials, “including all stages of their life cycles (cradle to grave) to assist in decision making about the selection of these materials.” In particular, the study evaluates which of the bio-based plastics currently on the market, or soon to be on the market, are preferable from an environmental, health, and safety perspective.

To analyze the materials, the study—conducted by the Work Environment Department and the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts-Lowell—reviewed existing literature on their environmental, health, and safety impacts, using a Bioplastics Spectrum to visually summarize the data.

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05.03.2012

Norske Skog, First quarter 2012: Lower costs and debt

Lower costs strengthened Norske Skog's gross operating earnings in the first quarter compared with the same quarter last year, while debt was significantly reduced.

Gross operating earnings in the first quarter were NOK 380 million, up from NOK 296 million in the same period last year, mainly as a result of lower costs. Earnings were somewhat weaker compared with the last quarter of 2011, due to seasonal effects.

We have received little help from the market. We have partly compensated for this through strong cost control, says President and CEO in Norske Skog, Sven Ombudstvedt.

Cash flow from operating activities was NOK 267 million and improved significantly from the same quarter last year when it was negative NOK 239 million. Net interest-bearing debt was reduced from NOK 7.9 to 7.1 billion during the quarter, mainly as a result of cash flow from operations and asset sales.

In two years, we have cut debt by NOK 2.4 billion or 25%. Risk has been reduced, and the financial room for manoeuvre has clearly been improved, says Ombudstvedt.

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05.03.2012

Resolute Now Owns 50.1% of Fibrek

AbitibiBowater Inc., doing business as Resolute Forest Products (NYSE: ABH) (TSX: ABH), today announced that it has taken up and accepted for payment 1,633,800 additional shares of Fibrek Inc. (TSX: FBK) deposited to its offer as of the close of business today. Together with the shares the Company acquired up to and including April 23, Resolute now has majority control of Fibrek, with approximately 50.1% of the currently outstanding shares. As aggregate consideration for the shares taken up today, Resolute will distribute approximately 46,000 newly-issued shares of its common stock and CAD$900,000 in cash through RFP Acquisition Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Resolute's offer remains open and expires at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on May 4, 2012.

The offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Fibrek made by Resolute, together with RFP Acquisition Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, is more fully described in the offer circular and other ancillary documentation that Resolute filed on December 15, 2011, on the "SEDAR" website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators, as varied and extended. As further described in the offer circular and other ancillary documentation related to the offer (as amended), Resolute intends to carry out a second step transaction to acquire the Fibrek shares not deposited in the offer.

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05.03.2012

RR Donnelley Develops and Deploys New ProteusJet(SM) Multiweb Digital Print Platform for Direct Marketers

R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company today announced the development and installation of its new proprietary ProteusJet Multiweb platform, which has been installed in two of the company's direct response production facilities. This next generation piezoelectric 4-color inkjet technology enables direct marketers to use sophisticated 100% customized content and messaging to precisely target consumers for improved ROI.

"Our ProteusJet Multiweb four color print technology is a game changer for marketers who seek to maximize readership, receptivity and results," said Thomas J. Quinlan III, RR Donnelley's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Developing and deploying these exclusive high speed inkjet presses reflect our strategy of offering a compelling digital service to every segment that we serve. The RR Donnelley innovation pipeline continues to deliver winning technologies that expand the range of digitally driven solutions that we can provide."

The unique platform incorporates 2- and 3-web in-line assembly configurations to deliver superior high speed variable imaging quality in full color with crisp high resolution. The platform's image area allows designers to take full advantage of the ability to personalize 4-color content anywhere across the web and also extends the same high quality, 4-color imaging to the in-line envelope. This flexible platform also allows for a hybrid in-line print solution that enables offset to be integrated into the Multiweb imaging line.

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05.03.2012

Rite Aid Reports 2.9 Percent Same Store Sales Increase for April

Rite Aid Corporation today announced sales results for April.

For the four weeks ended April 28, 2012, same store sales increased 2.9 percent over the prior-year period. April front-end same store sales increased 2.7 percent. Pharmacy same store sales, which included an approximate 311 basis points negative impact from new generic introductions increased 3.0 percent. Prescription count at comparable stores increased 3.8 percent over the prior-year period.

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05.03.2012

Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports April Sales Results

Costco Wholesale Corporation today reported net sales of $7.25 billion for the month of April, the four weeks ended April 29, 2012, an increase of seven percent from $6.80 billion during the similar period last year.

For the first thirty-five weeks of its reporting period ended April 29, 2012, the Company reported net sales of $63.59 billion, an increase of ten percent from $57.59 billion during the similar period last year.

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05.03.2012

Stein Mart, Inc. Reports April 2012 Sales

Stein Mart, Inc. today reported comparable store sales for the four-week period ended April 28, 2012 decreased 1.6 percent. Total sales for the period were $95.2 million, a decrease of 0.9 percent from $96.0 million in the same period in 2011. For the first quarter, comparable store sales decreased 0.4 percent and total sales decreased 0.1 percent.

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05.03.2012

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Announces April Sales

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. today announced comparable store sales for the four weeks ended April 28, 2012 decreased 5.0%. Total sales decreased 5.3% to $187.2 million for the four weeks compared with $197.7 million for the prior year period.

First quarter of fiscal 2012 comparable store sales decreased 1.3%. First quarter of fiscal 2012 total sales decreased 1.4% to $640.8 million compared with $649.9 million for the same period last year.

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05.03.2012

KapStone Reports Record First Quarter Results

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation today reported record results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Consolidated net sales of $299.8 million in the first quarter of 2012 increased by $93.1 million, or 45.0 percent, compared to $206.7 million for the 2011 first quarter, primarily due to the USC acquisition and from increased volume from our legacy operations. In the quarter, 330,000 tons of paper were sold compared to 323,000 tons a year earlier. The USC acquisition added 1.5 billion square feet of corrugated product sales in the first quarter of 2012 compared to none a year earlier. Lower average selling prices driven mainly by softness in export containerboard markets and a less favorable product mix partially offset the sales gains.

Operating income of $27.5 million for the 2012 first quarter increased by $2.0 million, or 8.0%, compared to the 2011 first quarter. The improved financial performance primarily reflects benefits from the acquisition, productivity gains and higher sales volume. Partially offsetting these gains were lower selling prices, a less favorable product mix, inflation on labor, benefits and input costs and acquisition start up expenses. The first quarter's operating income was also negatively impacted by higher stock compensation expense resulting from the March 2012 grants and the immediate expensing of a significant portion of those grants.

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05.02.2012

GP announces US$2.00/cwt price increases on cut-size products

(Industry Intelligence) – Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP (GP) has notified its customers that it will raise prices on its cut-size products by US$2.00 per cwt, effective with shipments on or after June 1.

Orders entered and acknowledged by April 30 will be billed at the agreed price, the April 30 letter to customers indicates.

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05.02.2012

MOD-PAC CORP. Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial Results

MOD-PAC CORP., a manufacturer of custom and stock paperboard packaging and provider of personalized print products, reported total revenue of $13.8 million for the first quarter of 2012, which ended March 31, 2012, compared with $13.9 million for the first quarter of 2011. The change in revenue reflects a 1.0% decline in custom folding carton sales.

Net loss for the first quarter of 2012 was $123 thousand, or ($0.04) per diluted share, compared with net income of $357 thousand, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2011. Despite relatively flat sales, a change in product mix and higher paperboard costs had a negative effect on margins.

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05.02.2012

Ascena Retail Group, Inc. Reaches Agreement to Acquire Charming Shoppes, Inc.

Ascena Retail Group, Inc. and Charming Shoppes, Inc. today jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Ascena will acquire Charming Shoppes in a cash transaction valued at approximately $890 million. Ascena has agreed to make a cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of Charming Shoppes common stock at a price of $7.35 per share. The tender offer is expected to commence within 10 business days. Subject to customary conditions and approvals, the transaction is expected to close during the second calendar quarter of 2012.

Founded in 1940 and headquartered in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Charming Shoppes is a leading apparel retailer specializing in women's plus-size apparel. Charming Shoppes is the parent company of three distinct brands - Lane Bryant, Catherines Plus Sizes and Fashion Bug - and operates over 1,800 retail stores nationwide and store-related e-commerce websites. Charming Shoppes also operates Figi's, a direct marketing business.

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05.02.2012

Oil Drops From Five-Week High as U.S. Stockpiles Advance

Oil slid from the highest level in five weeks as increasing crude stockpiles in the U.S. and declining industrial output in Europe fanned concern that global demand may weaken.

Futures in New York dropped as much as 0.5 percent. U.S. crude inventories rose 2.04 million barrels last week, the fifth gain in six weeks, the American Petroleum Institute said yesterday. Euro-area manufacturing shrank for a ninth month in April, while France, Italy and Greece will hold elections this weekend. Prices advanced 1.2 percent yesterday after an index of U.S. manufacturing increased at the fastest pace in 10 months.

“Concerns about Europe continue to weigh on risk,” Michael Hewson, a London-based analyst at CMC Market, which handles about $240 million a day in U.S. crude contracts, said today in an e-mailed response to questions. “There’s still a lot of uncertainty ahead of this weekend’s political events in France, Greece and Italy. Economic data continue to disappoint in Europe.”

Crude for June delivery declined as much as 53 cents to $105.63 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was at $105.73 at 11:05 a.m. London time. The contract yesterday gained $1.29 to $106.16, the highest close since March 27. U.S. crude futures are up 7 percent this year.

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05.02.2012

Questex Sells 8 Brands in Its Industrial and Specialty Group

Questex has sold the eight brands under its Industry and Specialty group in a pair of deals that transitioned six in a management buyout to new company North Coast Media, and two in a deal that closes later this week to RISI, an organization that tracks the forest product market.

North Coast Media was started by president and owner Kevin Stoltman, who was most recently vice president of the Industrial and Specialty Group. North Coast, backed by mix of angel and other capital, bought six magazines including Pit & Quarry, LP Gas, Pest Management Professional, Landscape Management, Golfdom and GPS World—along with related web sites and other assets.

The deal includes a transition services agreement that allows North Coast to get its offices set up as Questex continues to operate back-office functions during the next two months. All of the editorial, sales and other support staff will continue with North Coast.

Questex CEO Kerry Gumas declined to offer details on terms of the deal except to say that it was done in all cash, and says it allows the company to focus on core assets that have more growth potential across digital and events.

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05.02.2012

Glatfelter Reports Strong First Quarter 2012 Results

Glatfelter today reported 2012 first quarter net income of $18.9 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, compared with adjusted earnings of $16.0 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2011. Adjusted earnings for the first quarter of 2011 exclude gains from timberland sales and acquisition and integration costs. Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2012 were $397.4 million compared with $396.8 million for the first quarter of 2011.

“We are off to a strong start in 2012 with solid performance from all three of our businesses,” said Dante C. Parrini, chairman and chief executive officer. “Specialty Papers delivered a 7 percent increase in operating income led by improved operating performance, new business development, and continuous improvement initiatives. Our Advanced Airlaid Materials business continues to demonstrate progress with operating income more than doubling on a year-over-year basis and Composite Fibers also made good progress despite decreased production rates this quarter from two machine upgrades. As expected, both of these businesses experienced softer conditions in certain consumer-driven European market segments. Furthermore, our 2011 share repurchase program and the debt refinancing activities undertaken late last year are contributing to year-over-year earnings-per-share growth.”

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05.02.2012

Bobit Business Media Acquires Newport Business Media

Bobit Business Media, the b-to-b media company specializing in the vehicle-fleet business, announced Tuesday that it has has acquired Newport Business Media, whose brands include Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT), TruckingInfo.com, Heavy Duty Aftermarket Journal and Newport Poster Network.

Newport Business Media, based in Schaumburg, Illinois, has been family owned and operated for 60 years. “Newport has always concentrated on serving the heavy-truck industry with editorial excellence and premier marketing services,” said CEO Jim Hutchinson. “We know that Bobit will use its highly successful publishing expertise to build on those strengths.”

For his part, Bobit CEO Ty Bobit called the acquisition an opportunity to move into a new but related market. “These heavy truck properties fill a void we’ve had in our fleet coverage,” Bobit said. “Now we cover ALL the fleet vehicle markets and we can build a powerful fleet database. HDT is the most recognized and honored magazine in the commercial vehicle field, and Truckinginfo.com is the number one Website in trucking. Their addition makes Bobit the largest fleet media company in the world.”

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05.02.2012

Global mobile media sales top $100 billion in 2011

2011 was the first year that global consumer spending on media content, apps and services for mobile phones broke through the $100 billion barrier, according to the Global Mobile Media Forecast from Strategy Analytics. Consumers will increase spending on mobile media from $121.8 billion in 2011 to $138.2 billion in 2012, a 13.4% jump, predicts Strategy Analytics, a research and consulting firm. At the same time, advertisers’ spending on mobile media is expected to almost double, increasing 84.1% from $6.3 billion to $11.6 billion, resulting in the total mobile media market reaching $149.8 billion in revenue in 2012, a 17.0% increase from $128.1 billion in 2011.

Mobile media includes wireless carrier data plans, social network microtransactions (such as Facebook coins), apps (in-app transactions and in-app advertising), music, wallpapers, and advertising associated with videos.

Most consumer spending, 60.2%, is on data plans, making wireless carriers the key beneficiaries to the tune of $82.8 billion in 2012, up 9.5% on 2011, the firm predicts. A key driver of mobile media growth, however, is the apps market on smartphones. Consumers across the globe downloaded more than 23 billion apps in 2011; this will increase by 38% to more than 32 billion in 2012, the forecast says.

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05.02.2012

IWCO Direct Recognized for Safety and Technical Excellence

IWCO Direct, a leading national provider of direct marketing solutions, has recently been recognized for the company’s Safety and Technical Excellence achievements by two leading industry organizations.

A 2011 Industry Safety Leader Award was presented to IWCO Direct on April 21 at the Envelope Manufacturers Association (EMA) Spring Meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. This is the sixth consecutive year IWCO Direct has been recognized for its commitment to safety by the association.

On April 18, IWCO Direct was recognized with the MAILCOM Technical Excellence Award at the 2012 MAILCOM Conference in Washington, D.C. The award was based on IWCO Direct’s commitment to equipment standardization and employee training. IWCO Direct has installed complementary equipment across its national platform so work can easily be transitioned between IWCO Direct’s facilities in Minnesota and Pennsylvania. A process for transferring specialized equipment from plant-to-plant to complete specific projects was also developed. To make the company more efficient, IWCO Direct cross-trains employees on multiple pieces of equipment and conducts frequent performance reviews to ensure the training is effective and addresses any concerns as they arise.

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05.02.2012

Online retail sales up 6% in March

A report released Tuesday by IBM found that the U.S. online retail sector grew more than 6% in March 2012. This upswing in March closes a quarter in which online sales were down slightly from the same period in 2011.

IBM’s online economic indicator identified several trends of importance to chief marketing officers, e-commerce leaders and customer service professionals. The most notable development over this first quarter period was the continued growth of mobile commerce which resumed the momentum established in December by accounting for 13.3% of online retail sales, double the number seen in first quarter 2011.

In addition to sales, the economic indicator identified growth in positive consumer sentiment around key attributes of a successful buying experience. Specifically focused on department stores, the indicator found consumers are increasingly optimistic when it comes to convenience, experience and overall value, each up from this same period last year. Businesses are increasingly looking to analyze social media to assess the way their customers view them.

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05.02.2012

Daily Press Media Group Announces Production Agreement with Media General

The Daily Press Media Group and Media General, Inc. today announced that they have reached a production agreement for Media General’s Operations & Distribution Solutions Group to print and package DPMG’s three newspapers, the Daily Press, The Virginia Gazette, and Tidewater Review at Media General’s production facility in Hanover County, Virginia.

“The decision to move our printing and packaging operations will enable us to focus our efforts entirely on community journalism and marketing, reaching consumers through the media channel that suits them best—in print, online, or via their mobile device,” said Digby Solomon, DPMG’s President, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer.

Media General’s plant is a state of the art facility providing cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities. The facility currently prints The Richmond Times-Dispatch, The (Charlottesville, Va.) Daily Progress, and several other daily and weekly newspapers. The facility will print all editions of DPMG’s three newspapers. The agreement will result in the elimination of positions in DPMG’s printing and packaging division; the company will provide severance and outplacement assistance to displaced employees.

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05.02.2012

Stora Enso to develop a B2 in-line packaging printing line which integrates with HP Indigo 30000 Digital Press

Stora Enso, a leading packaging board and packaging solutions provider, today announced that it is bringing a new digital package printing solution to the consumer paperboard packaging market with HP.

Using the company's vast experience and knowledge in paperboard media and packaging solutions, Stora Enso is developing a B2 coater, Stora Enso Lakka, that will integrate in-line with the new HP Indigo 30000 Digital Press - a 750 mm wide sheet-fed press designed specifically to print paperboard packaging, This new breakthrough solution is scheduled for commercial availability in late 2013.

Stora Enso's leadership in packaging and digital solutions and HP's market position in packaging printing presses will offer an optimal combination for the needs of the folding- carton packaging market. The development of a production solution based on the new generation of HP Indigo wide-format printing presses is designed to support the need and great potential for digital printing of packages.

The first step in this new cooperation will be a co-development of an inline press and coater line - integrating HP Indigo 30000 Digital Press with Stora Enso's new coating unit, Stora Enso Lakka.

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05.02.2012

Simon & Schuster Has Fast Start to 2012

Digital content sales jumped 64% in the first quarter ended March 31 at Simon & Schuster, helping to lift total revenue 14%, to $176 million. Operating income before depreciation and amortization (and before impairment charges) rose 43%, to $10 million; both quarters has charges of $2 million.

In addition to higher digital sales, which accounted for 26% of total revenue, sales of print books also rose in the quarter. Bestselling titles in the period included Kill Shot by Vince Flynn and Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult. The quarter also benefited from the continued success of fourth quarter releases Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson and 11/22/63 by Stephen King.

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05.02.2012

Time Warner Inc. Reports First Quarter 2012 Results

Time Warner Inc. today reported financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Revenues increased 4% from the year-ago quarter to $7.0 billion, reflecting growth at the Film and TV Entertainment1 and Networks segments. Adjusted Operating Income rose 6% to $1.4 billion, also due to increases at the Film and TV Entertainment and Networks segments. Adjusted Operating Income margins were 19% in the first quarter of both 2012 and 2011. Operating Income decreased 2% to $1.2 billion, while Operating Income margin was 18% in 2012 compared to 19% in the prior year first quarter.

In the first quarter, the Company posted Adjusted Diluted Net Income per Common Share of $0.67 versus $0.58 for the year-ago quarter. Diluted Income per Common Share was $0.59 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to $0.59 for last year’s first quarter.

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05.02.2012

Standard Register Raises the Bar for Digital Color Print Quality with G7 Master Printer Qualification

Standard Register, a leader in the management and execution of mission-critical communications, has received G7 Master Printer Qualification for its operations in seven regional printing centers.

The G7 Master Printer status ensures that all print products meet a stringent process delivering high quality, consistent color. This reliability of visual appearance is critical to guarantee consistent brand imagery across all forms of collateral, packaging, signage and more.

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05.02.2012

Consumer Confidence Steady in April According to Discover U.S. Spending MonitorSM

Consumer confidence was flat in April, as more people saw their personal finances improving, while the effect of higher gas prices may have contributed to declining attitudes about the overall economy. The Discover U.S. Spending Monitor, a nearly 5-year-old daily poll tracking economic confidence and spending intentions of nearly 8,200 consumers throughout the month, climbed 0.2 points to 96.7. The Monitor remains at its highest level since October 2007.

In April, 39 percent of respondents rated their personal finances as good or excellent, a 3-point increase from the month before. At the same time, high gas prices appear to be taking their toll on spending. According to the poll, more than half of respondents said that high gas prices are forcing them to change summer vacation plans, while 61 percent said that the high gas prices may cause them to cut back on discretionary spending.

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05.02.2012

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Reports First Quarter 2012 Results

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. today announced its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012. The Company reported revenue for the first quarter of $49.8 million.

Lisa Gersh, President and Chief Operating Officer, said, "Our first quarter results were overall better than we anticipated. We believe we are making good early progress in implementing our strategic initiatives to improve performance. We are particularly excited to now have our full print and digital advertising sales teams in place to drive what we anticipate will be improved Publishing results beginning in the second half of 2012. This objective, combined with expectations of continued growth in Merchandising and the benefit of a lower-cost Broadcasting platform, should position MSLO to return to profitability in 2012."

First Quarter 2012 Summary:
Revenues were $49.8 million in the first quarter of 2012, compared to $52.7 million in the first quarter of 2011, as anticipated, due to lower revenue in our Publishing and Broadcasting segments, partially offset by higher Merchandising revenue.

Adjusted EBITDA loss for the first quarter of 2012 was $(1.8) million, compared to $(4.3) million in the prior year period.

Operating loss for the first quarter of 2012 was $(4.2) million compared with $(6.8) million in the prior-year period.

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05.02.2012

CVS Caremark Reports Record First Quarter Results

CVS Caremark Corporation today announced revenues, operating profit and net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

First Quarter and Year-Over-Year Highlights:
•Net revenues increased 19.9% to a record $30.8 billion, with Pharmacy Services up 32.3% and Retail Pharmacy up 9.9%
•Retail Pharmacy segment same stores sales increased 8.4%
•Adjusted EPS of $0.65, up 14.7%; GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations of $0.59
•Generated free cash flow of $2.4 billion; cash flow from operations of $2.8 billion

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05.02.2012

RR Donnelley Reports First-Quarter 2012 Results

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company today reported first-quarter net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $37.4 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, on net sales of $2.5 billion compared to net earnings of $33.9 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, on net sales of $2.6 billion in the first quarter of 2011. First-quarter 2012 net earnings attributable to common shareholders included pre-tax charges for restructuring ($40.7 million) and impairment ($9.3 million, non-cash), a loss on debt extinguishment ($12.1 million), acquisition-related expenses ($0.3 million) and a $19.8 million pre-tax favorable adjustment to accounts receivable for prior periods' over-accruals of rebates owed to certain customers within the office products reporting unit in the U.S. Print and Related Services segment. First-quarter 2011 net earnings attributable to common shareholders included pre-tax charges for restructuring ($42.7 million) and impairment ($8.1 million, non-cash) and acquisition-related expenses ($0.4 million).

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05.02.2012

The New York Times Announces Strong Circulation Gains

For the six-month period ending March 31, 2012, The New York Times saw strong circulation growth according to the just released Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) report. Total average circulation, which includes total print and total digital, was 1,586,757 for Monday–Friday and 2,003,247 for Sunday.

The gains in total average circulation over the same period one year ago were 73% for Monday-Friday and 50% for Sunday. These gains can largely be attributed to the popularity of The Times’s digital subscription packages, which launched in the United States on March 28, 2011 and also to new ABC rules on reporting digital circulation.

For the ABC reporting period, total average digital circulation for Monday-Friday was 807,026 and for Sunday it was 737,408. This category of circulation includes all paid and verified digital subscription copies as well as paid subscriptions to replica editions and e-readers including Amazon’s Kindle and the Barnes & Noble NOOK.

The Times saw significant growth in non-replica paid and verified circulation, which is illustrative of the way in which Times subscribers access content across platforms. These averages include and reflect the daily usage of multiple digital platforms by subscribers.

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05.02.2012

Boston Globe Circulation Grows for First Time Since September 2004, According to Latest ABC Statement

The Boston Globe announced today that its circulation has grown for the first time since September of 2004, according to numbers released by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC).

Total average Sunday circulation is currently 365,512 and total average daily circulation is 225,482, representing a year-over-year increase. Sunday circulation is up 2.5 percent, and total daily circulation is up 2.9 percent.

“This growth clearly reflects our readers’ dedication to our high-quality and award-winning journalism delivered both in print and across a variety of digital devices,” said Christopher Mayer, publisher of The Boston Globe. “With the largest newsroom in New England, we’re providing the most reliable and in-depth coverage in the region.”

Overall audience continues to grow. In March of 2012, BostonGlobe.com and Boston.com combined reached over 7 million unique monthly visitors. Paid digital subscribers to BostonGlobe.com and the Globe's e-readers and replica editions totaled approximately 18,000 as of March 18, 2012, up approximately 13 percent since the end of the fourth quarter of 2011.

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05.02.2012

Finch Paper announces price increase for business papers

Effective with shipments June 1, 2012, prices for the following cut size business papers will increase by $2.00/cwt: Finch Xerographic, Finch Laser, All Private Label Cut Size.

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