Paperclips Blog | Crude Oil Results

11.02.2012
AptarGroup Reports Third Quarter Results; Announces European Operations Optimization Plan

AptarGroup, Inc. today reported third quarter results and announced a plan to optimize certain European operations.

Third Quarter 2012 Summary
•Reported sales declined 2% (core sales increased 2% excluding currency effects and acquisition)
•Certain markets in Europe continued to be soft; Latin America and Asia remained strong
•Aptar Stelmi added $25 million in reported sales
•Changes in currency exchange rates negatively impacted sales by approximately 8% and earnings by approximately 7%

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11.02.2012
American Forest & Paper Association Releases September 2012 U.S. Recovered Fiber Monthly Report

The American Forest & Paper Association released its September 2012 U.S. Recovered Fiber Monthly Report on Monday, Oct. 22.

According to the report, total U.S. industry consumption of recovered paper in September was 2.36 million tons, 8 percent lower than August 2012. Year-to-date total consumption in 2012 is 4 percent lower than during the same period last year.

U.S. exports of recovered paper, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, decreased 4 percent in August compared to July, led by a drop in Mixed Papers exports which fell after a very strong July. Year-to-date exports of recovered paper in 2012 are 6.5 percent lower than during the same period in 2011.

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11.02.2012
RockTenn Reports Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2012 Results

RockTenn today reported earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 of $3.45 per diluted share and adjusted earnings of $4.48 per diluted share and for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 of $1.14 per diluted share and adjusted earnings of $1.39 per diluted share.

Net sales of $2,353.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 decreased $109.7 million compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

Segment income, adjusted to eliminate $0.2 million of pre-tax acquisition inventory step-up, was $208.8 million down $32.2 million or 13.4% over the prior year quarter after adjusting the prior year quarter to eliminate $4.0 million of pre-tax acquisition inventory step-up. Segment income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 included $18.2 million received in connection with the termination and settlement of a paperboard supply agreement, net of legal fees in the period, that was mostly offset by $16.8 million of primarily higher start-up costs and lost production after the major capital investments at our Hodge, LA mill relative to our expectations at the beginning of the quarter.

RockTenn’s restructuring and other costs and operating losses and transition costs due to plant closures, net of related noncontrolling interest were $0.19 per diluted share after-tax, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. These costs consisted primarily of $11.5 million of pre-tax integration and acquisition costs, including professional services, employee and other costs, and $11.4 million of pre-tax facility closure charges primarily related to corrugated container and recycled facilities acquired in the Smurfit-Stone Acquisition.

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11.02.2012
Nova Scotia paper plant closing down

A paper mill in Nova Scotia has announced it will shut down next month and throw 135 workers out of a job, saying it is succumbing to the same competitive pressures that plague most plants in the industry.

A letter to employees posted on the website of Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company Ltd. said it hoped a restructuring of operations last year and changes to pricing would make the Hantsport plant sustainable.

“However, after several years of challenge, the board (of Scotia Investments Ltd.) has concluded that it is time to recognize the mill is at the end of its cycle,” said the letter. “Long-term sustainability cannot be achieved.”

The company said challenges in the marketplace, competition from plants using newer and more efficient technology, and rising operational costs are too difficult to overcome.
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11.01.2012
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Announces October Sales

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. today announced comparable store sales in the four weeks ended October 27, 2012 increased 3.7%. Total sales increased 3.7% to $199.1 million in the current year compared with $192.0 million in the prior year period.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2012, comparable stores sales increased 1.9%. Total sales for the thirteen weeks ended October 27, 2012 increased 1.9% to $668.7 million compared with $656.1 million for the prior year period.

Year-to-date comparable store sales increased 0.3%. Year-to-date total sales increased 0.2% to $1,904.4 million compared with $1,901.4 million in the same period last year.

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11.01.2012
Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports October Sales Results

Costco Wholesale Corporation today reported net sales of $7.67 billion for the month of October, the four weeks ended October 28, 2012, an increase of nine percent from $7.01 billion during the similar four-week period last year.

For the first nine weeks of its reporting period ended October 28, 2012, the Company reported net sales of $16.98 billion, an increase of nine percent from $15.62 billion during the similar period last year.

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11.01.2012
Limited Brands Reports October 2012 Sales and Increases Third Quarter Earnings Guidance

Limited Brands, Inc. reported a comparable store sales increase of 3 percent for the four weeks ended Oct. 27, 2012, compared to the four weeks ended Oct. 29, 2011. The company reported net sales of $611.0 million for the four weeks ended Oct. 27, 2012, compared to net sales of $652.4 million last year.

The company reported a comparable store sales increase of 5 percent for the third quarter ended Oct. 27, 2012, compared to the third quarter ended Oct. 29, 2011. The company reported net sales of $2.050 billion for the third quarter ended Oct. 27, 2012, compared to net sales of $2.173 billion last year.

The company reported a comparable store sales increase of 7 percent for the 39 weeks ended Oct. 27, 2012, compared to the 39 weeks ended Oct. 29, 2011. The company reported net sales of $6.603 billion for the 39 weeks ended Oct. 27, 2012, compared to net sales of $6.849 billion last year.

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11.01.2012
Norske Skog, Third quarter 2012: Good cash flow and lower debt

Good capacity utilisation, with high export levels and lower costs, counteracted the effects of the weak market development in Europe and Australia. The significant reduction in debt was a result of strong cash flow.

Gross operating earnings in the third quarter were NOK 365 million, compared to NOK 393 million in the previous quarter. The weak markets in Europe and Australasia were offset by lower variable- and fixed costs and effective production adjustments.
- Despite very challenging markets, we have been able to implement effective production adjustments, considerable cost reductions and a significant debt reduction this year, says President and CEO in Norske Skog, Sven Ombudstvedt.

Cash flow from operating activities (before financial items) was NOK 550 million, an improvement of NOK 162 million from the same quarter last year. The good cash flow for the period was a result of an effective realisation of trade receivables and reduction of inventories. Net interest-bearing debt during the quarter decreased from NOK 6.9 billion to NOK 6.3 billion, and has decreased by NOK 1.6 billion this year, primarily due to cash flow from operating activities and asset sales.
- We have had a significant decrease in debt of NOK 1.6 billion so far this year. This helps to strengthen our financial position going forward, says Ombudstvedt.

The net loss for the period was NOK 433 million, compared with a loss of NOK 1 841 in the corresponding quarter last year. Operating revenue was NOK 4 115 million, compared with NOK 4 799 million in the same quarter last year. The decrease was due to reduced production capacity after the divestment of Bio Bio and the closure of Follum, combined with lower sales volumes in a weak market.

The sale of the Parenco mill to H2 Equity Partners in the Netherlands was completed on 2 October.

During the quarter, Norske Skog announced the closure of a newsprint machine at the Tasman mill in New Zealand, and conversion of a newsprint machine to magazine paper production at the Boyer mill in Australia. This will result in a total closure of around 250 000 tonnes of newsprint capacity in Australasia.

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11.01.2012
Sandy Seals The Deal On Zero Ad Growth For 2012

Superstorm Sandy’s economic effects on the central media region of the Northeast will be felt in many ways for months to come. On the advertising front, the storm has battered an already weakening environment, according to Pivotal Research’s Brian Wieser in his latest revised outlook for final 2012 results.

After most agency holding companies reported tepid growth in the last week, a soft second half of the year was apparent. “And then Superstorm Sandy arrived, making us certain that 2012 will prove to be a year without growth for the US advertising economy,” writes Wieser in a research note to investors.

Pivotal is reducing its previous projections for ad industry growth downwards from 1.2% for the third quarter and .9% for the fourth to -.5% and -1.4% respectively. Political advertising and the Olympics are excluded to normalize the estimates. The net effect is 0% growth for the year. Wieser sees both Web goliaths Google and Facebook outperforming everyone else, however.

In addition to general weakness among agency holding companies and comments from marketers on corporate earning calls this season, Wieser says Sandy will cost the industry at least $500 million in lost activity.

For the magazine sector, Pivotal is predicting 2012 will end with -7.9% growth with $12.7 billion in ad spend. The research firm is expecting another decline of 6.7% next year as well.

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11.01.2012
Metsä Group’s operating result for January–September EUR 181 million

Metsä Group Interim Report 1–9/2012 Stock Exchange Release 1 November 2012 at 12 noon

Result for January–September
– Sales amounted to EUR 3,773 million (1–9/2011: EUR 4,123 million).
– Operating result excluding non-recurring items was EUR 181 million (311). Operating result including non-recurring items was EUR 161 million (229).
– Result before taxes excluding non-recurring items was EUR 106 million (217). Result before taxes including non-recurring items was EUR 86 million (130).

Result for July–September 2012
– Sales totalled EUR 1,242 million (7–9/2011: EUR 1,317 million).
– Operating result excluding non-recurring items was EUR 67 million (63). Operating result including non-recurring items was EUR 56 million (44).
– Result before taxes excluding non-recurring items was EUR 35 million (35). Result before taxes including non-recurring items was EUR 25 million (17).

Events in the third quarter of 2012
– Pulp deliveries improved on the previous quarter, but market prices decreased. Delivery volumes of paperboard increased on the previous quarter, with prices remaining stable.
– Metsä Wood decided to invest EUR 30 million in upgrading its Vilppula sawmill. The investment will be carried out in 2013.
– A new paper machine was commissioned in Metsä Tissue’s Krapkowice mill in Poland. The investment programme includes two new paper machines, the second of which will be commissioned next year.
– The bark gasification plant at Metsä Fibre's Joutseno mill was introduced for trial use in July. With this plant, the mill will be the first carbon dioxide neutral pulp mill in Finland.

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11.01.2012
Glatfelter Reports Third Quarter 2012 Results

Glatfelter today reported 2012 third quarter adjusted earnings of $19.4 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared with $12.8 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, in the 2011 third quarter. On a GAAP basis, third quarter 2012 net income totaled $20.1 million, or $0.46 per share, compared with $13.0 million, or $0.28 per share, in the third quarter of 2011. Consolidated net sales in the third quarter of 2012 totaled $404.4 million, a 2.9 percent decrease from the third quarter of 2011 primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency translation. On a constant currency basis, net sales were slightly higher.

“Our third quarter results reflect solid performance from our Specialty Papers business which delivered top-line growth, again outperforming the broader uncoated freesheet market, and it significantly increased operating income,” said Dante C. Parrini, chairman and chief executive officer. “Additionally, our Composite Fibers and Advanced Airlaid Materials businesses, although challenged by difficult economic conditions in Europe, each reported improved operating results, largely due to lower input costs and our ongoing focus on continuous improvement initiatives. We increased adjusted earnings per share by 57 percent and business unit operating income by 16 percent, reflecting the strength of our diversified business model and our North American market positions. Further, in early October 2012, we completed a $250 million offering of 5.375 percent notes, replacing our existing notes. Together with the 2011 refinancing of our revolving credit facility, this transaction significantly reduces our cost of capital and maintains our very strong financial position.”
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11.01.2012
Wenner Media Strikes Content Deal with Yahoo

While digital content partnerships between publishers have been a common tactic for driving traffic and branding from one site to another, less common are dedicated pages shared between the two. Such is the deal that Yahoo and Wenner Media announced today, with Yahoo's omg! and Yahoo Music featuring mini-sites and blended content from Us Weekly and Rolling Stone. Likewise, UsMagazine.com and RollingStone.com will feature Yahoo-branded channels.

Taking the syndication deal a step further, Us Weekly and Rolling Stone print magazines will also feature Yahoo content.

According to the partnership, the two companies will pool editorial resources to contribute content across the sites. Wenner's Men's Journal will also provide its content to Yahoo, making it the first time the brand has appeared on the network.

The partnership gives Wenner a huge upside on scale. According to September comScore numbers, Usmagazine.com and Rollingstone.com attracted 6.7 million and 3.1 million uniques, respectively. omg! and Yahoo Music attracted 28 million and 18.1 million uniques.

Those numbers, along with the dedicated landing pages, will drive more traffic back to the Wenner brands, of course, but they also provide a key business opportunity. "Even though Us Weekly and Rolling Stone are terrific brands, the scale is relatively small in terms of the ever-increasing traffic advertisers are looking for," says David Kang, Wenner Media's chief digital officer. "Rolling Stone and Us Weekly often create great custom programs, but we are unable to deliver the kind of scale advertisers want."

Kang describes the Wenner brands as high-quality, boutique content sources for Yahoo's mass-market reach. "Now we're able to offer the boutique editorial treatment and all the scale you'd ever want."

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11.01.2012
Canfor Reopens Radium Sawmill

Canfor Corporation officially reopened its operations at Radium Hot Springs, B.C. on October 29, following a $38.5-million capital investment to upgrade the sawmill and build a new planer mill. When the mill is running at full capacity in 2013, it is expected to produce 240 million board feet annually and directly employ 144 people.

“This investment shows how optimistic Canfor is about the future of our industry and this region,” Canfor President and CEO Don Kayne said at the official reopening event October 31. “The mill has been totally reconfigured so it can produce high-quality lumber products for customers around the globe, and do so efficiently and competitively.”
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11.01.2012
Oil Trades Near 3-Day High as Refineries Resume

Oil traded near the highest level in three days in New York as U.S. East Coast refineries resumed operations in the aftermath of Atlantic superstorm Sandy, increasing crude demand.

West Texas Intermediate futures were little changed after rising 0.7 percent yesterday. East Coast refineries accounting for 76 percent of the 1.29 million barrels a day of capacity in Sandy’s path have restored operations or are in the process of doing so. Price gains stalled before an Energy Department report today that may show U.S. crude stockpiles rose to the highest level in three months ahead of the storm.

“Refineries are getting back online quickly, so clearly that is going to remove some of that concern about a temporary oversupply,” said Michael McCarthy, a chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney. “I’m expecting further pressure on prices in the next week or so from inventory builds.”

Crude for December delivery was at $86.32 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, up 8 cents, at 9:34 a.m. in London.

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11.01.2012
American Forest & Paper Association Releases September 2012 Printing-Writing Paper Report

The American Forest & Paper Association has released its September 2012 Printing-Writing Paper Report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 7 percent in September compared to September 2011. All four major printing-writing grades posted decreases compared to the previous period. The decrease in shipments followed the drop in U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers by 10 percent compared to September 2011.

Additional key findings include:
August U.S. imports of coated free sheet (CFS) papers decreased year-over-year for the tenth time in the past 12 months.
August U.S. exports of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers increased year-over-year by more than 20 percent – the third 20+ percent increase in 2012.
September shipments of coated mechanical (CM) papers reach second highest monthly total for the year but are still down year-over-year.

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11.01.2012
RR Donnelley Reports Third-Quarter 2012 Results

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company today reported third-quarter 2012 net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $71.4 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, on net sales of $2.5 billion compared to net earnings of $158.0 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, on net sales of $2.7 billion in the third quarter of 2011. Third-quarter 2012 net earnings attributable to common shareholders included pre-tax charges for restructuring ($12.3 million) and impairment ($1.6 million, non-cash), acquisition-related expenses ($1.3 million) and a tax provision related to certain foreign earnings no longer considered to be permanently reinvested ($11.0 million). Third-quarter 2011 net earnings attributable to common shareholders included pre-tax charges for restructuring ($23.6 million) and impairment ($10.6 million, non-cash), a loss on debt extinguishment ($1.3 million) and acquisition-related expenses ($0.7 million), partially offset by the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits ($77.4 million, non-cash).

Net sales in the quarter were $2.5 billion, down $174.5 million, or 6.5%, from the third quarter of 2011. Pro forma for acquisitions, net sales decreased 6.9% due to volume declines, a 118 basis point unfavorable impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, price erosion and a 46 basis point unfavorable impact of lower pass-through paper sales. Gross margin of 22.8% in the third quarter of 2012 declined from 23.4% in the third quarter of 2011 as unfavorable pricing on by-products, volume declines and pricing pressure more than offset lower variable compensation expense, productivity improvements and lower pension expense. SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales in the third quarter of 2012 improved to 10.1% from 11.1% in the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to productivity improvements resulting from focused cost reduction actions, lower pension expense and lower variable compensation expense. Operating earnings in the third quarter of 2012 were $186.7 million, which were impacted by restructuring and impairment charges and acquisition-related expenses totaling $15.2 million, compared to operating earnings in the third quarter of 2011 of $156.8 million, which included restructuring and impairment charges and acquisition-related expenses totaling $34.9 million.

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11.01.2012
Macy's, Inc. Same-Store Sales Up 4.1% in October

Macy’s, Inc. today reported total sales of $1.908 billion for the four weeks ended Oct. 27, 2012, an increase of 3.6 percent compared with total sales of $1.842 billion in the four weeks ended Oct. 29, 2011. On a same-store basis, Macy’s, Inc. sales were up 4.1 percent in October as compared to October 2011.

“Business was strong in October, and we delivered a solid performance in the third quarter,” said Terry J. Lundgren, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Macy’s, Inc. “The key growth strategies we put in place three years ago continue to provide us new opportunities for continuous improvement in driving sales. We are feeling confident about our prospects for the upcoming holiday season and have increased our sales guidance for the fall season, despite the interruption caused by Hurricane Sandy in the first few days of the fourth quarter.”

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11.01.2012
Target Reports October Sales Results

Target Corporation today reported that its net retail sales for the four weeks ended October 27, 2012 were $4,982 million, an increase of 3.0 percent from $4,839 million for the four weeks ended October 29, 2011. On this same basis, October comparable-store sales increased 2.4 percent.

“While Target’s October comparable-store sales were near the low end of our expected range, our third quarter comparable-store sales increase of 2.9 percent was in line with our guidance,” said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Target Corporation. “As we enter the fourth quarter we feel very good about our holiday season merchandising and marketing plans and our ability to deliver outstanding value for our guests while generating strong financial performance for our shareholders. With programs like 5% REDcard Rewards and Holiday Price Match our guests can shop at Target with confidence – knowing they’re getting the best prices on a unique assortment of holiday wants and needs.”

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11.01.2012
Resolute Forest Products Issues Sustainability Report for 2011 Performance

Resolute Forest Products (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) released its Sustainability Report for 2011 Performance today, detailing Company efforts to balance environmental, social and economic considerations. The report also publicly introduces Resolute's first company-wide sustainability strategy which has three primary areas of focus:
• Reinforce Resolute's environmental credentials, taking appropriate steps to responsibly manage its environmental footprint;
• Position the Company as a competitive employer, attracting and retaining employees based on opportunities to quickly learn and grow within a dynamic organization; and
• Build solid community relations in Resolute's operating locations, recognizing that economically viable and civically involved companies support long-term regional prosperity.

Resolute's key sustainability accomplishments outlined in the report include:
• Becoming a member in the World Wildlife Fund's prestigious Climate Savers program, which helps companies set and achieve ambitious emission reduction targets. In 2011, the Company reduced its GHG emissions by 6% from 2010 levels, a 62% decrease versus 2000 levels.
• Increasing efforts to certify more Company-managed woodlands operations through the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) Sustainable Forest Management standard, leading to the Company becoming the world's largest manager of FSC-certified forests in 2012.
• Creating a management-level sustainability committee which prepared and is responsible for implementing Resolute's new corporate sustainability strategy.
• Completing a major life-cycle assessment of the Company's eco-friendly family of papers in 2011. These papers were launched in 2012 under the Align™ brand name.

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10.31.2012
Torstar Corporation Reports Third Quarter Results

Torstar Corporation today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012.

Highlights for the quarter:
· Revenue was $355.3 million in the third quarter of 2012, down $23.4 million (6.2%) from $378.7 million in the third quarter of 2011. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and TMGTV product sales, revenue was down $16.0 million (4.5%).

· EBITDA (see “non-IFRS measures”) was $43.2 million in the third quarter of 2012, down $10.5 million from $53.7 million in the third quarter of 2011.

· Net income attributable to equity shareholders was $14.1 million ($0.18 per share) in the third quarter down $11.1 million ($0.14 per share) from $25.2 million ($0.32 per share) last year.

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10.31.2012
Global excellence in printing celebrated: 10 Sappi International Printers of the Year announced

The 10 winners for 2012, in the world's most prestigious printing competition, were announced today in Johannesburg, South Africa by Ralph Boettger, Chief Executive Officer Sappi Limited.

The Sappi International Printers of the Year awards recognise the best printers from around the world; those that continually raise the bar for print excellence as new technologies and techniques have allowed them to continue to produce printed communication that grabs the attention of their intended audience despite the media clutter of our fast-paced modern world.

The international winners were chosen from 33 regional gold finalists in the following categories: annual reports, books, brochures, calendars, catalogues, digital print, general print, magazines – sheetfed, magazines – web, packaging and labels and printer's own promotion. The independent panel of judges worked to a strict set of technical criteria, focusing on production qualities (overall appearance, quality of finishing and general difficulty of the print job, as well as factors such as dot sharpness, ink density, registration, sheet size, paper weight, screen ruling, stitching and die-cutting), whilst taking into account the overall balance and appeal of the printed work and whether the combination of design, finishing and the choice of materials was appropriate. With all the finalist entries being of such a high standard, the ultimate winners were those that stood out for the judges as having that extra appeal and attention to the finest detail.

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10.31.2012
NewPage Supports WRI's Launch of New Forest Mapping Tools

NewPage Corporation announced today its support of the World Resources Institute (WRI) in releasing new groundbreaking web applications created to help ensure that palm oil production is pursued in a way that avoids deforestation. These two publicly available web tools–the Forest Cover Analyzer and the Suitability Mapper—are the first of their kind, designed to enable companies and governments to implement commitments to sustainable palm oil.

Since 2008, NewPage has supported WRI's Project POTICO, a project designed to divert oil palm development in Indonesia onto low-carbon, already-cleared lands and thereby avoid deforestation. Though NewPage sources fiber for its operations exclusively in North America under rigorous environmental and social criteria, NewPage believes strongly in supporting initiatives like Project POTICO that are working to improve forest product procurement practices across the globe.

Project POTICO's Forest Cover Analyzer tool allows users to identify and assess forest conditions in Indonesian Borneo, including the extent of forests, forest cover change, where oil palm and other concessions are located, and the suitability of land for sustainable palm oil development. Given the increased focus many corporations are placing on responsible procurement of forest and agricultural products, the Forest Cover Analyzer is designed to be an extremely valuable tool for corporate buyers, suppliers, and investors looking to avoid risks associated with deforestation concern and to locate plantations not associated with forest clearing.

The second tool, the Suitability Mapper, is an online mapping system designed for use by palm oil producers and spatial planners, allowing them to locate low-carbon degraded lands on Indonesian Borneo that are potentially suitable for sustainable palm oil production.

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10.31.2012
Mondi Group: Interim Management Statement 31 October 2012

This interim management statement provides an update on the financial performance and financial position of the Group since the half-year ended 30 June 2012, based on management accounts up to 30 September 2012 and estimated results for October 2012.

Underlying operating profit for the third quarter ended 30 September 2012 was €135 million (year to date €405 million, 2011 €490 million) in line with that of the comparable prior year period (Q3 2011 €136 million) and below that of the prior quarter (Q2 2012 €150 million). This was in line with expectations and reflects a stable trading environment considering the impact of the traditionally weaker European summer months, annual maintenance shuts at a number of the Group’s larger operating sites during the quarter and ongoing strong cost containment.

Sales volumes were, on average, similar to those achieved in the previous quarter but above those of the comparable prior year period, although demand in the downstream converting operations was below that of the prior year. Third quarter average benchmark selling prices across all grades were below those of the comparable prior year period. Selling price increases were realised in kraft paper during the quarter and price increases for containerboard are effective from early in the fourth quarter of 2012.

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10.31.2012
Newspaper Circs Slip, But Paywalls Boost Some

The total average weekday circulation of American newspapers decreased 0.2% between the middle of 2011 and the middle of 2012, according to the latest report from the Audit Bureau of Circulations, covering the six-month period ending in September. There was some positive news, however, as digital paywalls boosted circs significantly for some publications.

One of the biggest increases resulting from the implementation of paywalls came at The New York Times, whose average weekday circulation jumped 40.3% from 1,150,589 in the six-month period ending September 2011 to 1,613,865 during the same period of 2012. But the NYT was just one of a number of papers registering increases (not all of which can be attributed to paywalls).

At The Los Angeles Times, average weekday circ jumped 11.9% from 572,998 to 641,369, while The Wall Street Journal grew 9.4% from 2,096,169 to 2,293,798. Among regional newspapers, the Newark Star-Ledger saw weekday circ increase 48.1%; the St. Petersburg Times, 30.4%;; The Honolulu Star Advertiser, 26.3%; the Tampa Tribun,25.4%; the Atlanta Journal-Constitution 25.3%; the Las Vegas Review-Journal, 18.3%; theDenver Post, 16.9; The Boston Globe, 11.9%; and the Chicago Sun-Times, 11%. The New York Post edged up 2.1% .
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10.31.2012
EURO-GRAPH Publishes Monthly Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers in September were down 9.5% vs. 2011 and are down 4.7% year-to-date.

Total European shipments of newsprint in September were down 7.2% vs. 2011 and are down 3.9% year-to-date.

Total European shipments of SC-Magazine grades in September were down 15.6% vs. 2011 and are down 5.5% year-to-date.

Total European shipments of Coated Mechanical Reels in September were down 15.4% vs. 2011 and are down 7.4% year-to-date.

Total European shipments of Uncoated Mechanical (Improved & Others) in September were down 3.5% vs. 2011 and are down 4.0% year-to-date.

Total European shipments of Coated Woodfree in September were down 5.3% vs. 2011 and are down 3.5% year-to-date.

Total European shipments of Uncoated Woodfree in September were down 7.8% vs. 2011 and are down 3.5% year-to-date.

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10.31.2012
Oil Trims Biggest Monthly Decline Since May After Storm

Oil rose, trimming the biggest monthly decline since May, as refineries started resuming operations after the Atlantic superstorm Sandy moved away from the U.S. East Coast.

West Texas Intermediate futures gained as much as 1.1 percent after advancing 0.2 percent yesterday. Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ 355,000 barrel-a-day Pennsylvania refinery is restoring operations and NuStar Energy LP (NS)’s 74,000 barrel-a-day plant in Paulsboro, New Jersey, will be at full production tomorrow, the companies said. Seven refineries with a total capacity of 1.29 million barrels a day had shut or reduced operations because of Sandy.

“If we think the refineries on the East Coast haven’t suffered material damage and are restarting,” that will support WTI prices, said Torbjoern Kjus, a senior oil analyst at DNB ASA in Oslo, who predicts Brent crude will average $109 a barrel this quarter. “You could argue Sandy should have more negative effects on oil demand than negative effects on supply.”

Crude for December delivery rose as much as 91 cents to $86.59 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, and was at $86.34 at 10:29 a.m. London time. Prices gained 14 cents yesterday to $85.68, the highest close since Oct. 26.

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10.31.2012
Bertelsmann’s Print Unit To Do Business As Be Printers

The printing division of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, founded a few months ago, will operate under the name Be Printers from now on. The international media company had merged most of its worldwide print operations in this unit to achieve improved control and focus. Now, the name of the business unit was unveiled in Hamburg along with its newly developed corporate design.

Bertelsmann is thus uniting 17 production sites in six countries on three continents under the Be Printers umbrella. The Be Printers group does business in the key markets of America (U.S. and Colombia) and Europe (Prinovis Germany and UK, Italy, Spain). The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Be Printers is Bertram Stausberg, who also heads Prinovis. The individual Be Printer companies will continue to do business under their original names. Axel Springer will remain a co-shareholder in Prinovis.

Be Printers generates annual revenues of €1.2 billion and employs approximately 6,800 people. The group covers the full technological range of modern printing (gravure, web and sheetfed offset, digital printing). Its plants produce magazines, catalogs, brochures, books and calendars for their clients.

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10.31.2012
Berry Plastics Group, Inc. to Reopen its Madisonville, Kentucky, Facility

At a news conference held at the Madisonville/Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation, Berry Plastics Group, Inc., together with Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, announced that the Company will reopen its Madisonville, Kentucky, manufacturing facility to increase its production capacity.

"I am very pleased to announce that we will soon begin reconfiguring our Madisonville, Kentucky, facility which is slated to begin production in 2013," said Jon Rich, Chairman and CEO of Berry Plastics. "We are extremely appreciative of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Hopkins County officials, and the city of Madisonville for their joint support of this initiative, which will allow us to reopen the facility, creating the opportunity for new jobs within the region and specifically the Madisonville community."

"This is a tremendous day for the Commonwealth, Madisonville, and Berry Plastics, with more than 400 jobs being created and a significant capital investment being made," said Gov. Beshear. "Today's announcement is a demonstration that Berry Plastics continues to build on its growth as a leading global manufacturer in its field."

Berry acquired the Madisonville (Hopkins County) facility during its acquisition of Rexam's specialty and beverage closures business in August 2011. Earlier this year, the Company shuttered the facility, as a result of the redistribution of production to its other rigid closed top manufacturing facilities. The facility had employed approximately 140. Berry announced today that it will convert the facility to manufacture rigid open top products.

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10.31.2012
MOD-PAC CORP. Reports Record Quarterly Product Sales and 43% Increase in Net Income for the Third Quarter of 2012

MOD-PAC CORP., a high value-added, on-demand print services firm that designs and manufactures custom and stock folding cartons, reported total revenue of $15.4 million for the third quarter of 2012, which ended September 29, 2012, compared with $14.4 million for the third quarter of 2011. The 7.1% increase reflects higher custom folding carton sales, partially offset by lower waste paperboard sales. Net income for the third quarter of 2012 was up sharply to $0.9 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, from net income of $0.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2011.

Daniel G. Keane, President and CEO, commented, “We had a strong third quarter, achieving record quarterly product sales on continued growth in our custom folding carton business. The growth in this line demonstrates the success of our sales and marketing initiatives as we increased the amount of business from several established accounts and added a number of new smaller accounts. We continue to anticipate solid product demand for the remaining part of 2012.”

Record Third-Quarter Product Sales Highlighted by Custom Folding Carton Growth
• Sales of custom folding cartons reached a quarterly record of $12.3 million, up 9.5% from $11.2 million in the third quarter of 2011. The increase was primarily due to additional business from several existing customers, the ramp-up of sales from some large customers whose business was earned last year and, to a lesser extent, augmented by new smaller customers. Partially offsetting the growth was lower waste paperboard sales.
• Stock packaging sales remained relatively consistent at $2.3 million in the third quarter.
• Personalized print sales were $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2012, down slightly from the prior-year period.

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10.31.2012
Melitta USA Converts to Sonoco's Paperboard Composite Container

As the world's largest producer of composite cans, Sonoco, is helping Melitta USA move from traditional metal cans to high-performance composite cans that deliver better shelf appeal and a reduced environmental footprint.

Melitta, which has been roasting premium European-style coffee at its location in Cherry Hill, N.J., for over 40 years, has converted its 603- and 401-volume coffee cans to Sonoco's lighter weight paperboard composite container made from recycled and recyclable content. Sonoco's rigid paperboard containers weigh less than metal cans, making them less expensive to ship, and they perform as well as metal canisters in abuse resistance and shelf life.

"With the new cans, we're offering consumers the same premium product in a package that they can feel good about purchasing – a lighter weight option made from renewable and recyclable materials," said Jeff Bridges, vice president, Melitta USA.

"Additionally, we were very pleased with the conversion process," Bridges continued. "Over the past two years, Sonoco's team of dedicated quality and technical experts has provided us with the most seamless transition possible."

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10.31.2012
Ahlstrom announces price increases for its filtration materials worldwide

Ahlstrom, a global leader in high performance materials, announces price increases in the first quarter of 2013 for its filtration materials globally as a consequence of the continued high level of raw materials prices, such as specialty fibers, chemicals and energy.

The price increase will affect filtration materials produced by Ahlstrom globally. The level and timing of the increase will depend on the markets served, the raw material content of the product and the agreements in place. The increase will be between 5-10 %.

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10.31.2012
KapStone Reports Record Third Quarter Results

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation today reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012.

Consolidated net sales of $309.5 million in the third quarter of 2012 increased by $93.7 million, or 43.4 percent compared to $215.8 million for the 2011 third quarter. The increase is primarily due to the USC acquisition which contributed $99.1 million of additional revenue based on selling 1.56 billion square feet of corrugated products compared to none in 2011. In 2012's third quarter, 329,000 tons of paper were sold compared to 327,000 tons a year earlier. The Company's average selling price increased by $2 per ton compared to the second quarter of 2012, but was $14 per ton lower than the third quarter of 2011 due to lower export containerboard prices and product mix.

Operating income of $31.1 million for the 2012 third quarter increased by $1.0 million, or 3.2 percent, compared to the 2011 third quarter. The improved financial performance primarily reflects benefits from the acquisition and the timing of annual planned maintenance outages, partially offset by lower selling prices, unplanned downtime at our Roanoke Rapids, NC mill and unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

Unfavorable foreign exchange rates resulting from the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the euro reduced operating income by $1.5 million.

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10.31.2012
Boston Globe's Paid Circulation Grows, ABC Audit Reports

The Boston Globe’s paid circulation grew over the last six months, including an 11.9 percent jump for average daily circulation over the same period a year earlier, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, an independent group.

Average Sunday circulation was 372,541 for the six-month period that ended in September, an increase of 3.4 percent over the same period a year earlier, according to the Chicago-based Audit Bureau. Average daily circulation rose 11.9 percent to 230,351 over those same six months.

“These numbers build on a trend we first saw this spring, when the Globe’s paid circulation grew for the first time since September 2004,” said Christopher Mayer, the Globe’s publisher. “This reflects our readers’ commitment to our award-winning journalism, no matter what the platform.”

The numbers include print circulation and digital subscriptions. While the Globe saw print declines of 6% for Sunday and 9% for daily over the same period a year earlier, these were offset by gains in digital subscriptions. The Globe has 26,000 digital-only subscribers to BostonGlobe.com, which launched in October 2011, as of the end of the third quarter of this year. Overall, 50,000 readers use the Globe’s portfolio of digital products, averaged over the six-month ABC reporting period.

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10.31.2012
Sonoco Plastics Opens New Albany, Ohio Plant to Commercial Production

Sonoco, one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, has commenced commercial production of rigid plastic containers for personal care products at its new $15 million plant, located in the Beauty and Home Care campus in New Albany, Ohio.

According to Rodger Fuller, vice president of Rigid Plastics, Sonoco's new 142,230-square-foot plant is currently operating 11 injection stretch blow-molding production lines, producing PET bottles for personal care products. In addition, the plant is operating four injection molding machines that are producing plastic components for wall air fresheners.

"Sonoco Plastics is a leader in designing and producing innovative, customized rigid plastic packaging for some of the largest personal care brands in North America. As we continue to ramp up production from our new Beauty Park facility we will be adding six more injection stretch blow-molding lines," Fuller said. "By year-end 2012, we expect to be in full production and reach total employment of 70 people. That said, we have the capacity and capability to further grow this plant's production for other personal care and food-grade containers."

Sonoco Plastics is a leading manufacturer of mono-layer and multi-layer blow-molded bottles and jars, thermoformed cups and trays and engineered molded and extruded containers, spools and trays. The Company has 25 plastics operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Netherlands and Germany. In addition to the Beauty Park facility, Sonoco Plastics operates a state-of-the-art food-grade, blow-molding and injection molding plant in Columbus, Ohio. The Company is currently reviewing plans for additional expansion of this facility as well, Fuller added.

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10.31.2012
The New York Times Announces Solid Circulation Gains

For the six-month period ending September 30, 2012, The New York Times saw solid circulation growth according to the just released Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) report. Total average circulation, which includes total print and total digital, was 1,613,865 for Monday–Friday and 2,100,893 for Sunday.

The gains in total average circulation over the same period one year ago were 40% for Monday-Friday and 28% for Sunday. As with the last reporting period, these gains can largely be attributed to the continuing popularity of The Times’s digital subscription packages and to ABC rules on reporting digital circulation.

For this most recent ABC reporting period, total average digital circulation for Monday-Friday was 896,352 (up 136% over one year ago) and for Sunday, it was 850,816 (up 129%). 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.

For the six-month period ending September 30, 2012, total average print circulation for The New York Times for Monday-Friday was 717,513 and total average print circulation for Sunday was 1,250,077. These figures represent declines; -6.9% for Monday-Friday and -1.8% on Sunday, when compared to the same period last year.

However, we continue to see growth in our Sunday home delivery circulation, which for this reporting period was 998,080, a 0.6% increase over the same period one year ago. This marks the third consecutive reporting period with increases in Sunday home delivery and a proof point of the value of free all digital access, which is provided as a benefit of all print subscriptions to The Times in terms of acquisition and retention efforts.

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10.31.2012
Sonoco Expands Waynesville Thermoforming Facility

Sonoco, one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, announced today that it has completed an 18,000-square-foot expansion at its Waynesville, N.C., thermoforming location, where it will start up a new multilayer, trim-in-place line. This new machine will enable the production of a wide variety of containers with the added capability of complex shapes for chilled foods, as well as thermally processed shelf stable food products. In addition to the new line, the Waynesville location has added capacity through plant consolidation efforts. As a result of the new line and added capacity, 33 new employees have been hired.

According to Rodger Fuller, vice president of Rigid Plastics, Sonoco's new line is being installed now and will be ready for full production in December. "This investment in large-scale multilayer polypropylene production complements our existing capabilities for processed food packaging, which include crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET) and polypropylene frozen food trays; portion control cups; and blow molded bottles for retorted and aseptically processed beverages," said Fuller. "Sonoco Plastics is a leader in designing and producing innovative, customized rigid plastic packaging for some of the largest food and beverage producers in North America. We look forward to expanding our offering through this new state-of-the-art production line and hope to further grow within this category in the future.

Sonoco's packaging capabilities for processed food extend beyond plastics to include steam vent flexible bags, as well as retortable flexible pouches, closures and membranes. Our ability to produce barrier plastic trays rounds out our offering across the processed foods category."

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10.31.2012
Gov. Gregoire celebrates the reopening of Harbor Paper in Hoquiam

Gov. Chris Gregoire today celebrated the reopening of Harbor Paper, formerly Grays Harbor Paper Co., which reopened in September and immediately began producing paper. Today, Harbor Paper is in full production and brings an estimated 175 family wage jobs to the region.

“Today is a celebration of renewal,” said Gregoire. “The reopening of Harbor Paper is a positive example of what can happen when the state, private investment and local business comes together – and that is they can help rebuild and revive a local economy and community. Paper production has been a constant in Grays Harbor for more than 84 years and has employed many generations of workers. Today that commitment continues and I’m very proud to have played a role in this success story.”

The Harbor Paper mill received state funding through Washington’s Small Business Credit Initiative, a program announced in December of 2011 and administered by the state’s Department of Commerce to provide small business owners with as much as $5 million in loans to help create and preserve jobs in underserved communities. That funding, combined with private investments, helped re-open the mill’s doors.

Harbor Paper is leading the way in producing uncoated, free-sheet recycled paper using sustainable and renewable energy sources. The mill is a net producer of energy and the production process is carbon neutral.

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10.30.2012
West Fraser Announces Third Quarter Results

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. today reported earnings for the third quarter of 2012 of $55 million and earnings per share of $1.27 on sales of $772 million. For the first nine months of 2012, earnings were $65 million and earnings per share were $1.51, on sales of $2.2 billion.

In the quarter the lumber segment generated operating earnings of $37 million and EBITDA of $58 million. Lumber prices continued to reflect gradually improving U.S. demand combined with continuing steady demand for Canadian lumber from both Canada and Asia. Higher benchmark lumber prices triggered a reduction in duties charged on softwood lumber exported to the U.S. from B.C. and Alberta during the quarter.

The panels segment, which includes plywood, LVL and MDF, generated improved operating earnings in the quarter of $22 million and EBITDA of $25 million reflecting strong Canadian plywood prices.

Pulp and paper operations generated operating earnings of $17 million and EBITDA of $28 million, in line with the previous quarter. The average NBSK benchmark price for the quarter fell to US$853 per tonne from US$900 in the previous quarter but reduced costs resulted in a marginal improvement in operating earnings compared with the previous quarter.

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10.30.2012
Wausau Paper Announces Third-Quarter Results

Wausau Paper today reported that:
• Excluding special items, third-quarter adjusted net earnings from continuing operations were $0.06 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net earnings of $0.12 per diluted share during the same period last year.
• Net earnings from continuing operations, excluding special items, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, were $0.25 per diluted share and $0.27 per diluted share, respectively.

During 2012, the Company completed the sale of its premium Print & Color brands, inventory and select equipment, and the permanent closure and sale of its Brokaw, Wisconsin, manufacturing site. The Company began reporting the operations of the Brokaw manufacturing facility and related closure activities as a discontinued operation as of March 31, 2012, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, the discontinued operation is separately presented from continuing operations for all periods presented in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. All results discussed below exclude the discontinued operation unless otherwise indicated.

Third-quarter net loss from continuing operations was $5.2 million, or $0.10 per share compared to net earnings of $5.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share a year ago. On a year-over-year basis, consolidated net sales decreased five percent to $202 million with shipments measured in tons decreasing three percent. Year-to-date, the Company reported a net loss from continuing operations of $1.5 million, or $0.03 per share, compared with net earnings of $10.0 million, or $0.20 per diluted share in the comparable 2011 period. For the nine months ended September 30, consolidated net sales increased two percent to $631 million as shipments increased four percent.

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10.30.2012
FTC revised Green Guides finally appear

It’s been a long five years, but at the beginning of October, the revised Green Guides were finally published by the Federal Trade Commission. The Green Guides offer a set of guidelines for marketers to follow to ensure that they are being honest, forthcoming, and not deceptive about their claims of sustainability. Surprising as it may seem, the Green Guides were originally published in 1992, and no substantial revision has been made since 1998, says GreenBiz. Naturally, there have been a few developments in the area of sustainability since then.

Among other modifications, the guides caution marketers not to make broad, unqualified claims that a product is “environmentally friendly” or “eco-friendly” — or “green” — because the FTC’s consumer perception study confirms that such claims are likely to suggest that the product has specific and far-reaching environmental benefits. The commission notes, “Very few products, if any, have all the attributes consumers seem to perceive from such claims, making these claims nearly impossible to substantiate.”

The new guides offer new guidance on certifications and “seals of approval” (which are considered endorsements and thus fall under the purview of FTC’s Endorsements Guides), carbon offsets, the use of the phrase “free-of,” claims about non-toxicity, claims about using renewable energy/materials, and more.

Finally, either because the FTC lacks a sufficient basis to provide meaningful guidance or wants to avoid proposing guidance that duplicates or contradicts rules or guidance of other agencies, the Green Guides do not address use of the terms “sustainable,” “natural,” and “organic.” Or “green.”

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10.30.2012
Thirty Sonoco Facilities Receive Sustainability Star Awards for 2011 Sustainability Efforts

Sonoco, one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, today announced that 19 of its Industrial Carriers (North America) facilities successfully diverted over 95 percent of landfill waste in 2011. These 19 facilities bring the total number of Sonoco plants to 30. Four of the 19 plants have achieved landfill-free status by sending less than one percent to landfill, while the other 15 have reached five percent or less.

"One of our Company-wide sustainability initiatives is to take 10 percent of our global manufacturing facilities landfill free by 2015," said Harris DeLoach Jr., chairman and chief executive officer. "To see this level of buy-in by one of our divisions is very encouraging, and raises the bar for all Company divisions."

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10.30.2012
Sealed Air Announces Definitive Agreement for the Sale of Diversey Japan

Sealed Air Corporation announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with an investment vehicle of The Carlyle Group (“Carlyle”), a global alternative asset manager, for Carlyle to acquire Diversey G.K. (“Diversey Japan”) (an indirect subsidiary of Diversey, Inc.) for gross proceeds of approximately ¥30 billion (USD equivalent of approximately 377 million).

Diversey Japan is a leading provider of cleaning, sanitation and hygiene products and solutions, mainly to institutional customers in the Japanese market, with trailing twelve month sales as of September 30, 2012, of approximately $321 million.

“The determination to sell Diversey Japan follows a strategic portfolio review aimed at focusing on higher growth countries in which our portfolio offers the greatest potential,” said William V. Hickey, Sealed Air’s Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “We are very committed to our strategy of growing our presence in food safety and security, facility hygiene and product protection globally. We intend to continue our close relationship with Diversey Japan as we collaborate in areas such as product development, procurement and providing quality service to customers. The sale of Diversey Japan allows us to continue to offer leading solutions and service levels, while accelerating debt reduction and generating value for our stockholders.”

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10.30.2012
Fibria Third Quarter Loss Narrows on Lower Inventories, Uptick in Demand

The seasonality seen in the months of July and August weakened demand in the Northern Hemisphere and increased world producers' inventories as compared to 2Q12. However, inventories were lower as compared to 3Q11 and by the end of 3Q12, we had seen demand pick up, especially in Asia. This confirmed the positive market fundamentals, also demonstrated by the marginal rise in sales volume as compared to 2Q12 despite world economic uncertainty. The average dollar appreciated 3% against the real, contributing to the increases in net operating revenue of 4% and 7% quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year, respectively.

The Company accepted a binding offer from CMPC Celulose Riograndense S.A. for the purchase of forestry assets and lands located in State of Rio Grande do Sul (Losango), consisting approximately 100 thousand hectares of owned areas and nearly 39 thousand hectares of forestland of eucalyptus in these owned areas and in third parties leased areas, for the total amount of R$615 million to be paid, in currency, in three installments: (i) R$488 million by the approval of the transaction by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE); (ii) R$122 million to be deposited by the time of CADE’s approval, on an escrow account to be opened before a leading financial institution, which will be released upon other applicable governmental approvals and other condition precedent and (iii) R$5 million by the effective assignment of the existing agreements related to the assets and applicable government approvals. The agreement between the parties sets the term for National Defense Council’s approval. Refer to Note 1, item (d) (iii) for further details. The transaction does not include forest partnership contracts developed in the Losango areas, which will be maintained and honored by Fibria. The Company will analyze opportunities for the use of wood volumes derived from these contracts. The proceeds of this operation will be used to reduce leverage ratios.

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10.30.2012
Consumer confidence rose to highest level in five years

According to Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan on Monday, the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 82.6 in October, the highest level since September 2007.

Economists polled by Bloomberg projected 83 for the measure after a preliminary October reading of 83.1.

The Michigan index of consumer expectations six months from now, which more closely projects the direction of consumer spending, rose to 79 from 73.5 in September. The gauge of current conditions climbed to 88.1 from 85.7 a month ago.
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10.30.2012
Hurricane Sandy Disrupts Delivery Service on East Coast

As Hurricane Sandy slammed the East Coast today, affecting about 50 million people from the Mid-Atlantic states to Canada, the country's major shipping companies incurred interruptions to some of its delivery areas.

On its Service Alerts page, FedEx posted an announcement that said: "FedEx is closely monitoring Hurricane Sandy. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our team members, as well as providing the highest level of service to our customers. Although contingency plans are in place, some service delays and disruptions may be anticipated in the following states: New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island and North Carolina. FedEx is committed to providing service to the best of our ability in areas that can be safely accessed."

The U.S. Postal Service said FedEx, which transports priority, express and some first class mail, canceled service to a number of locations today including Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Bradley International Airport (Windsor Locks, CT); Dulles, VA; Harrisburg, PA; Lehigh Valley, PA; Philadelphia, PA; Providence, RI; Newark, NJ; New York, NY; Stewart Airport, NY; and Washington, DC.

The USPS has its latest news regarding delivery areas affected by Hurricane Sandy on its mail service updates page. USPS spokesperson David Partenheimer said in an email today that "conditions will continue to change rapidly in areas affected by Sandy, and managers in all impacted areas will evaluate local conditions and make decisions based on whether our carriers can safely deliver the mail."

UPS is reporting unavoidable service delays in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia.

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10.30.2012
Ilim Group's Output of P&P Products in the First Three Quarters of 2012 Exceeds over 1.9 mln Tons

Over the first nine months of 2012, Ilim Group’s mills in the Northwest Russia and in Siberia manufactured 1,928,000 tons of pulp and paper products, which is slightly more than for the same period last year.

The output of market pulp reached 1,224,000 tons, which is a 2% growth against last year.

Market containerboard production totaled 525,000 tons, 2% less than in the first nine months of 2011.

Paper production has gained 5%, reaching 179,000 tons.

OAO Ilim Gofra, corrugated box business of Ilim Group in the Leningrad Oblast, increased its production volumes by 4.5% to reach 94,248,000 square meters of corrugated products.

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10.30.2012
Heidelberg Further Expands its Consumables Business

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is further expanding its consumables business in Switzerland by taking over the Pfaffnau-based OFS Group (OFS). With a workforce of around 25, OFS is one of the leading suppliers of prepress systems and consumables in Switzerland, and has been active in the market for over 40 years. The main focus of the company has been on the sale of platesetters in conjunction with the corresponding printing plates from Kodak for the sheetfed offset and newspaper market. As a result of this takeover, Heidelberg Schweiz AG is now the largest dealer in consumables in the graphics industry.

"The OFS Group and Heidelberg have a comprehensive sales and service network in Switzerland. By combining the activities of the two companies in the area of consumables, customers now have access to a wide range of products from a single source. At the same time, they will benefit from the renowned high quality and service standards of Heidelberg," says Peter Tix, Head of Consumables and CtP at Heidelberg. Heidelberg plans to pool all of its Swiss consumables activities at the OFS's former headquarters in Pfaffnau. In the future, customers will not only be able to purchase the OFS Group's existing range of CtP systems and printing plates for the offset and newspaper market from Kodak, they will also have access to the full Heidelberg range of SAPHIRA consumables including inks, varnishes, washup cloths, blankets, chemicals, rollers, and the SAPHIRA Eco Line of environmentally friendly consumables - all from a single source. Heidelberg will also be underlining its high standard of service with a new color mixing station - a fully-automated, high-precision system that is among the most state-of-the-art in Switzerland. Customers in Switzerland can order most products online at www.shop.heidelberg.com.

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10.30.2012
FT Continues Strong Digital Growth in Q3 Earnings

The Financial Times has more digital subscribers than print and that gap is only growing.

Digital subscriptions increased again in Q3--up 17 percent since January and 26 percent year-over-year--and now account for 313,000 of the 600,000-plus combined subscribers, according to FT ownership group Pearson who released its nine-month interim management statement on Monday. FT reaches an audience of close to 2.1 million daily.

The publisher first announced digital subscriptions had surpassed print at the halfway mark of this year. At that point, "over 300,000" readers were paying for digital content.

Despite the good news on the subscriber front, Pearson issued harsh commentary on the state of its advertising business for the second-consecutive quarter, saying prospects "remain[] weak and short-term." The statement did note that its advertising market share had increased however.

Today's news comes weeks after The Economist--in which the FT Group holds a controlling stake--became one of the first magazine publishers to guarantee a rate base of digital-only subscribers. Set at 50,000, the move was heralded as a way to attract advertisers through transparency in a notoriously hazy digital arena.
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10.30.2012
IBM predicts mobile consumer spending spree

Everyone knows that online consumer purchasing increases as the holiday season nears. However, IBM's latest Online Retail Index, comprised of roughly 500 online retailers in the U.S., projects tremendous growth in mobile sales during the holiday season over the same period last year.

While the projected 3.1% overall increase in online sales is consistent with past growth associated with holiday shopping, IBM anticipates mobile purchasing will constitute 20% of online holiday sales this year.

This percentage has consistently doubled over the past two years—hitting 5.5% in 2010 and 11% in 2011. Jay Henderson, global strategy program director for IBM's Enterprise Marketing Management division, doesn't anticipate a slowdown of mobile purchasing activity in the coming years. “I do think at some point we'll likely see mobile plateau, but it's got a long run until we get to that point,” Henderson says, attributing the increase to the proliferation of smartphones and tablets.

During the holiday season, IBM will further break down spending figures on mobile phones versus tablet devices; at this point, it doesn't differentiate between spending on mobile apps versus mobile web pages.

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10.30.2012
Courier to Bring Digital Print to Kendallville Plant

Courier Corporation, one of America’s leading innovators in book manufacturing, content management and publishing, today announced its plans to provide complete end-to-end digital production capability at its flagship four-color plant in Kendallville, Indiana.

The heart of the new production line will be a high-volume HP T410 Color Inkjet Web Press, Courier’s fourth HP digital press and its largest to date. With three HP T350 presses already running at its plant in North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Courier opted for the greater capacity and flexibility of the T410, with its 42-inch web width, to serve an even larger customer base across a full range of run lengths at the Indiana plant.

Other key components include HP’s new Indigo 10000 digital press for book covers, a Muller Martini binding line and extensive warehousing and distribution facilities. The new equipment is scheduled to be installed over the winter for ramp-up next spring at a cost of approximately $13 million, which will bring Courier’s total investment in digital production to $40 million.

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