Paperclips Blog | Japs-Olson Results

  • 02.06.2012

    Resolute Unveils Align™ Family of Environmentally Responsible Papers

    Resolute Forest Products today unveiled its Align™ family of high brightness, environmentally responsible papers that can be used as alternatives to chemical pulp coated and uncoated freesheet in most commercial printing applications.

    Typical freesheet papers are designed for brightness and use more trees and chemicals than are needed for most print applications. Align papers are made with up to 50% less wood fiber and have a smaller environmental footprint than traditional offset papers, including some containing recycled content. By delivering higher opacity and bulk at a lower basis weight than traditional freesheet, Align also helps reduce paper, postage and transportation costs.

    "For several years, Resolute has seen growing demand for high-quality, eco-conscious papers that can reduce print costs," said Richard Garneau, President and Chief Executive Officer. "With our Align papers, customers can reduce fiber consumption and save money without sacrificing quality in their printed products. Align makes sense for their budgets and the environment."

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  • 02.03.2012

    Weyerhaeuser Reports Fourth Quarter, Full Year Results

    Weyerhaeuser Company today reported net earnings of $65 million for the fourth quarter, or 12 cents per diluted share, on net sales from continuing operations of $1.6 billion. This compares with net earnings of $171 million, or 32 cents per diluted share, on net sales from continuing operations of $1.5 billion for the same period last year.

    Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2011 include net after-tax charges of $12 million for restructuring and asset impairments. Excluding these items, the company reported net earnings of $77 million, or 14 cents per diluted share. This compares with net earnings before special items of $52 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.

    For the full year 2011, Weyerhaeuser reported net earnings of $331 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, on net sales from continuing operations of $6.2 billion. This compares with net earnings of $1.281 billion on net sales from continuing operations of $6.0 billion for the full year 2010. Earnings for the full year 2010 include $1.064 billion from income tax adjustments related to Weyerhaeuser's conversion to a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

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  • 02.03.2012

    Ahlstrom's Global Filtration Technical Center advances filtration testing

    Ahlstrom Corporation, a global high-performance materials company, announced that it has completed significant upgrades to its Global Filtration Technical Center in Turin, Italy.

    Ahlstrom has been investing in testing and processing equipment in its Global Filtration Technical Center in Turin during the last year. Now the state of the art technical center is equipped with various filtration testing and simulation equipment. Testing can be carried out as finished filters or flat sheet configuration, and the testing facility focuses on research and development for all transportation, air and liquid filtration applications.

    Ahlstrom is the world's largest filtration material producer. Ahlstrom Filtration has 5 other Technical Centers in North and South America and in Asia, which offer research and development support globally for testing and development of filter media.

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  • 02.03.2012

    Oil Rises From Near Six-Week Low Before Jobs Report

    Oil rose, paring some of this week’s decline before a U.S. government report on hiring levels in December. Brent crude’s premium to the New York price is set for the largest weekly gain in a month.

    Futures were set for a weekly loss after dropping a fifth day yesterday, the longest losing streak since August. The U.S. added 140,000 jobs last month after gaining 200,000 in December, according to a Bloomberg News survey of economists before a Labor Department report today. London-traded Brent’s premium to West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. benchmark, widened 30 percent this week to the most since Nov. 12.

    “Payroll numbers will dominate macro-driven trading today,” said Andrey Kryuchenkov, an analyst at VTB Capital in London, who predicts prices may decline further. “Global demand growth is slowing this year, while developed nations will see contracting consumption.”

    Crude for March delivery was at $96.85 a barrel, up 49 cents, in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:22 a.m. London time. The contract fell 1.3 percent to $96.36 yesterday, the lowest settlement since Dec. 19.

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  • 02.03.2012

    Chesapeake joins Pan-European Sustainability Project

    Chesapeake, a leading manufacturer of consumer packaging, is contributing to a pan-European project that aims to revolutionise paper packaging. The project, coordinated by the UK’s Sheffield Hallam University, has secured EU funding in-excess of €3m (£2.5m) and is expected to result in the development of ‘NEWGENPACK’ - the next generation of environmentally friendly paper packaging.

    Experts from across Europe are pooling ideas and resources to ‘change the face of paper packaging’ and create innovative sustainable packaging with enhanced properties.

    Carol Hammond, Head of R&D at Chesapeake, who is one of the research partners, declared that the expertise bought together for the project has the potential to create a new generation of packaging.

    The group, with specialists from Sweden, Poland, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK, said it will focus on the development of new packaging that is both sustainable and economically viable. The participants are carrying out top level, individual research projects to advance in three major fields: next generation packaging composites; cellulose fibre based active packaging and the effect of packaging production on the environment, the economy and society as a whole.

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  • 02.03.2012

    Publishers Seek Solutions as USPS Nears Brink

    The United States Postal Service is teetering at the edge of collapse, and magazine publishers—almost completely dependent on the postal service—are desperately looking for answers.

    The challenges are enormous. Publishing companies face a massive shift in consumer habits online, but revenue isn't following nearly as fast as the reader. Consequently, print-magazine revenue remains a key to the economics of most companies. These topics and more were discussed Thursday at the MPA's first-ever Postal Summit, held in New York. The keynote was Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe.

    In a discussion of what a smaller, slower and possibly more expensive postal service would look like, People managing editor Larry Hackett laid out what would happen if delivery service went from six to five days.

    “We’re closing by Tuesday afternoon and we’re generally on sale in major transit hubs by Wednesday morning," he said. "We aim to have 70 percent of our subscribers have a copy by Friday evening. Customers expect to get their magazines at a certain period of time. If you start disappointing them, they may stop subscribing.”

    Nina La France, vice president of Consumer Marketing for Forbes Media, was asked by Hearst Magazine EVP John Loughlin if a publication could pass postal-rate increases on to customers.

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  • 02.03.2012

    Domtar Corporation reports preliminary fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011 financial results

    Domtar Corporation today reported net earnings of $61 million ($1.63 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to net earnings of $117 million ($2.95 per share) for the third quarter of 2011 and net earnings of $325 million ($7.59 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2010. Sales for the fourth quarter of 2011 amounted to $1.4 billion. Excluding items listed below, the Company had earnings before items1 of $93 million ($2.49 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to earnings before items1 of $123 million ($3.10 per share) for the third quarter of 2011 and earnings before items1 of $103 million ($2.41 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2010.

    For fiscal year 2011, net earnings amounted to $365 million ($9.08 per share) compared to net earnings of $605 million ($14.00 per share) for fiscal year 2010. The Company had earnings before items1 of $452 million ($11.24 per share) for fiscal 2011 compared to earnings before items1 of $471 million ($10.90 per share) for fiscal 2010. Sales amounted to $5.6 billion for fiscal year 2011.

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  • 02.03.2012

    Caraustar's Uncoated Mills Receive FSC and SFI Certification

    Caraustar Industries, Inc., one of North America's largest producers of uncoated recycled boxboard (URB), has recently achieved certification in the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)™ Chain of Custody Standard for the following mills: Austell Boxboard Mill #2 in Austell, GA, Carotell Paperboard in Taylors, SC, Cincinnati Paperboard in Cincinnati, OH and Tacoma Paperboard in Tacoma, WA.  Other Caraustar mills received their certification earlier, Austell Boxboard Mill #1 and Sweetwater Paperboard.

    Caraustar is pleased to now have all six URB mills certified. This certification supports the continuation of sustainable fiber sourcing as the mills produce a 100% recycled paperboard product. A variety of grades and major markets are served from the mills, among them folding cartons, tubes and cores, gypsum facing papers, and specialty products.

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  • 02.03.2012

    Rite Aid Reports 2.2 Percent Same Store Sales Increase for January

    Rite Aid Corporation today announced sales results for January.  For the four weeks ended January 28, 2012, same store sales increased 2.2 percent over the prior-year period. January front-end same store sales increased 2.7 percent. Pharmacy same store sales, which included an approximate 230 basis points negative impact from new generic introductions, increased 2.1 percent. Prescription count at comparable stores increased 1.6 percent over the prior-year period.
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  • 02.03.2012

    DS Smith’s shareholders approved the acquisition of SCA´s packaging operations

    Today, Friday February 3, 2012, the shareholders of UK-based packaging group DS Smith Plc approved the company´s proposal to acquire SCA’s packaging operations, excluding the two kraftliner mills in Sweden.

    The transaction remains subject, amongst other things, to antitrust clearance from the European Commission. Closing is expected during the second quarter of 2012. Regarding the French part of the packaging operations, DS Smith has made a formal offer to acquire this business. This process is subject to an information and consultation procedure with the relevant works councils and will be treated separately.

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  • 02.03.2012

    Tetra Pak opens a new packaging material factory in Finland

    Tetra Pak inaugurates today its new packaging material factory in Finland. The factory, located in the town of Imatra, with a planned capacity of 500 million packages per year, will expand Tetra Pak’s gable top capacity for Northern Europe.

    The laminated paper board used to produce the packaging material comes from the Imatra paper mills only six km from the location of the new factory, and the short distance helps reduce the CO2 emissions for the transportation of paperboard to the factory.

    The production facilities are expected to be ISO 14001 certified during Quarter 1, 2013, and plans are underway to implement World Class Manufacturing (WCM) practices at the plant. ISO 14001 is an environmental management system standard; WCM is a tool to help drive and visualise improvements in various areas, including cost, efficiency, competence, maintenance, availability, quality, safety and environment.

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  • 02.03.2012

    Twin Rivers Paper Company Expands Footprint in the Label Market

    Twin Rivers Paper Company, a leading manufacturer of lightweight specialty label, packaging, and publishing papers, has announced that their market-proven Alliance® TT (Thermal Transfer) product is now available in 40 lb. This newly designed 40 lb basis weight (24x36/500) broadens the company’s comprehensive label product offering. This label portfolio includes release liner, C1S wet strength, thermal transfer and specialty base stock.

    Alliance TT, long known for its excellent performance, Flexo (flood coat) and thermal transfer ribbon printability as well as pleasing aesthetics - eliminates many of the hassles that converters encounter when picking a thermal transfer label. With its specialized coating and surface smoothness, it delivers high quality images across a wide range of ribbon combinations. Its high brightness combined with its appealing blue-white shade provides an unparalleled print contrast for better bar code readability. And now with Alliance TT in 40 lb, converters can get more units out of a roll bringing even further savings to their customers.

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  • 02.03.2012

    The New York Times Company Reports 2011 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results

    The New York Times Company announced today 2011 fourth-quarter diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $.39 compared with $.44 in the same period of 2010. Excluding severance and the special items discussed below, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $.45 in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with $.46 in the fourth quarter of 2010.

    The Company had an operating profit of $106.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with $111.6 million in the same period of 2010. Excluding depreciation, amortization, severance and the special items discussed below, operating profit increased 3.1 percent to $151.0 million from $146.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.

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  • 02.03.2012

    MWV Expands Melodie(R) Pump Capacity and Global Patent Protection for Fragrance Dispensing Systems with NoC(R) Dip Tubes

    MeadWestvaco Corp., global leader in packaging and packaging solutions, today announced the startup of its expanded production capacity for the popular Melodie(R) fragrance pump in the company's Barcelona, Spain facility. Along with this increased capacity, the company is pleased to confirm that the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China has approved the company's patent application for a fragrance dispensing system using fluoropolymer dip tubes - such as MWV's NoC(R) dip tube - and that related patents have also been granted in Mexico and Russia.

    MWV's patented Melodie pump with the NoC dip tube dispensing system offers brands complete freedom to design a premium fragrance package where the decoration and design features of the bottle take center stage in the consumer's eye. The elegant pairing of MWV's virtually invisible NoC dip tube and Melodie pump allows the fragrance to stand out as a superior, prestige product. Furthermore, the recognition of MWV's innovation by the U.S., Chinese, Mexican, and Russian patent offices allows MWV to offer patent-protected, innovative packaging solutions to customers around the world.

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  • 02.03.2012

    The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Announces January Sales

    The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. today announced comparable store sales for the four weeks ended January 28, 2012 decreased 3.5%. Total sales decreased 3.2% to $174.4 million for the four weeks compared with $180.1 million for the prior year period. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, comparable stores sales decreased 2.6%. Total sales for the thirteen weeks ended January 28, 2012 decreased 2.7% to $983.2 million compared with $1,010.0 million for the prior year period.
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  • 02.03.2012

    Nordstrom Reports January Sales

    Nordstrom, Inc. today reported a 5.0 percent increase in same-store sales for the four-week period ended January 28, 2012 compared with the four-week period ended January 29, 2011. Preliminary total retail sales of $688 million for January 2012 increased 13.2 percent compared with total retail sales of $607 million for the same period in fiscal 2010.
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  • 02.03.2012

    Saks Incorporated Announces January Comparable Store Sales

    Retailer Saks Incorporated today announced that owned sales totaled $175.6 million for the four weeks ended January 28, 2012 compared to $163.8 million for the four weeks ended January 29, 2011, a 7.2% increase. Comparable store sales increased 10.5% for the month.
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  • 02.03.2012

    Kohl's Corporation Reports January Comparable Store Sales

    Kohl's Corporation reported today that for the four-week month ended January 28, 2012 total sales increased 2.4 percent and comparable store sales increased 0.6 percent over the four-week month ended January 29, 2011. For the year, total sales increased 2.2 percent and comparable store sales increased 0.5 percent.
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  • 02.03.2012

    Target Reports January Sales Results

    Target Corporation today reported that its net retail sales for the four weeks ended January 28, 2012 were $4,608 million, an increase of 5.1 percent from $4,383 million for the four weeks ended January 29, 2011. On this same basis, January comparable-store sales increased 4.3 percent.
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  • 02.03.2012

    American Direct Adding a Sanden Web Offset Press, Its Third in 12 Months

    American Direct, a sister company to Tidewater Direct, has announced the purchase of a 10-color Sanden 1500 web offset printing press. This marks the third Sanden 1500 press the company has acquired in less than a year.

    Utilizing printing cylinder inserts compatible with the two eight-color Sanden presses that precede it, this press is the ideal complement to American Direct’s pressroom layout. The addition of the third press, which is the fifth press at this facility and number 14 across the company, allows the printer to perform fewer cylinder changes in its regular workflow, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing cost.

    Adding a third press shows an astounding commitment to the direct mail printing and pharmaceutical printing markets in which the company continues to be a growing player. Notably, this press will now enable American Direct to print 10-color forms with 17?, 22? and 28? repeats. This lends itself well to direct mail printing that requires four-color printing on both sides, plus a spot color (which in many cases can be a logo or a another critical color).

    The press is fully capable of producing additional formats that use all 10 units. This new capability brings value to the printer’s already capable pressroom.

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  • 02.02.2012

    Limited Brands Reports January 2012 Sales

    Limited Brands, Inc. reported a comparable store sales increase of 9 percent for the four weeks ended Jan. 28, 2012, compared to the four weeks ended Jan. 29, 2011.  The company reported net sales of $774.5 million for the four weeks ended Jan. 28, 2012, compared to net sales of $772.6 million last year.

    The company reported a comparable store sales increase of 7 percent for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 28, 2012, compared to the fourth quarter ended Jan. 29, 2011.  The company reported net sales of $3.515 billion for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 28, 2012, compared to sales of $3.456 billion last year.

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  • 02.02.2012

    Abercrombie & Fitch Provides Fourth Quarter 2011 Business Update

    Abercrombie & Fitch today reported on the Company's performance for the quarter ended January 28, 2012.  Net sales increased 16% to $1.329 billion for the quarter, compared to net sales of $1.149 billion for the fiscal quarter ended January 29, 2011.

    Comparable store sales for the quarter were flat to last year.  Comparable store sales for the quarter were below expectations, primarily due to lower than expected sales in U.S. stores.

    Total U.S. sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, increased 4% to $962.2 million.  Total international sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, increased 62% to $366.6 million.  Total Company direct-to-consumer sales, including shipping and handling, increased 41% to $212.3 million. 

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  • 02.02.2012

    Gap Inc. Reports January Sales

    Gap Inc. today reported that January 2012 net sales decreased 1 percent compared with last year.

    Net sales for the four-week period ended January 28, 2012 were $833 million compared with net sales of $843 million for the four-week period ended January 29, 2011. The company’s comparable sales for January 2012, which include the associated comparable online sales, were down 4 percent compared with a 3 percent increase for January 2011.

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  • 02.02.2012

    Macy's, Inc. Fiscal 2011 Same-Store Sales Rise 5.3%

    Macy's, Inc. today reported total sales of $1.336 billion for the four weeks ended Jan. 28, 2012, an increase of 2.0 percent compared with total sales of $1.310 billion in the four weeks ended Jan. 29, 2011. On a same-store basis, Macy's, Inc. sales were up 2.4 percent in January.

    For the 13-week fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, Macy's, Inc.'s sales totaled $8.723 billion, up 5.5 percent from total sales of $8.269 billion for the final 13 weeks of 2010. On a same-store basis, the company's fourth quarter sales were up 5.2 percent.

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  • 02.02.2012

    United Retail Group Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

    United Retail Group, owner of the Avenue® brand of women’s fashion apparel and a subsidiary of Redcats USA, today announced that it has voluntarily initiated Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, and that it is pursuing a sale process under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code.

    In conjunction with the filing, United Retail Group has entered into an asset purchase agreement with an entity controlled by Versa Capital Management, which it intends to submit to the Court to serve as the “stalking horse” bid for a Court-supervised auction of the business. Versa Capital, a private equity firm with significant experience in revitalizing retail operations, has agreed to buy the company's assets through the bankruptcy process for cash and the assumption of certain liabilities.

    Versa Capital has agreed to operate Avenue as a going concern while keeping the majority of Avenue stores open. The Company has filed motions to maintain critical vendor relationships and payments, as well as motions to honor gift cards and the Avenue loyalty reward program.

    To provide liquidity during the restructuring process, United Retail Group has arranged a $40 million Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) facility from its existing revolving credit lender, Wells Fargo, to provide sufficient working capital for Avenue to continue to operate the business as usual.

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  • 02.02.2012

    Crude Oil Falls to Six-Week Low as U.S. Stockpiles Rise, Fuel Demand Slip

    Oil fell to the lowest in six weeks as U.S. crude stockpiles increased more than estimated and gasoline use fell to a 10-year low. Brent crude in London was at the biggest premium to New York oil in 12 weeks.

    Futures declined for a fifth day, losing as much as 1 percent after an Energy Department report yesterday showed crude supplies in the U.S. rose by 4.2 million barrels last week. Inventories were projected to increase 2.6 million barrels, according to a Bloomberg News survey. Talks on Iran’s nuclear program have made little progress, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a speech in Beijing today.

    “The bears worried about poor demand after last night’s data and prices weakened,” said Christopher Bellew, a senior broker at Jefferies Bache Ltd. in London, who expects Brent crude to trade in a range of $110.50 to $112.50 a barrel this week. “But Iran is still a cause for concern.’’

    Crude for March delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell as much as 95 cents to $96.66 a barrel, the lowest since Dec. 20, and was at $96.88 at 10:17 a.m. London time. The contract fell 0.9 percent yesterday to $97.61 a barrel. Prices are down 2 percent this year.

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  • 02.02.2012

    Social ad revenue shows strong growth

    Advertising on social sites continues to surge, with Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter all achieving strong advertising revenue growth year over year, according to a new report by eMarketer.

    Facebook continues to lead all social sites in ad revenue, reaching an estimated $3.8 billion in 2011, double the $1.9 billion in ad sales the year before. Facebook also has widened its lead in the display-ad market, with 27.9% of monies spent in the U.S. last year, ahead of Yahoo with 11%.

    LinkedIn ad revenue hit $154.6 million last year, up 95% from the $79.3 million the year before. EMarketer estimates that LinkedIn's ad sales will cool somewhat this year, growing 46% to $226 million. Twitter ad sales grew 233% to $139.5 million, up from $59.9 million in 2010. The report estimates that Twitter's international growth will push ad sales to $259.9 million this year, a year-over-year rise of 83%.

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  • 02.02.2012

    Hickory Printing Solutions Achieves G7 Master Qualified Printer Status at Both Locations

    Hickory Printing Solutions, a Consolidated Graphics, Inc. company and full service print provider, announced today it has achieved G7 Master Qualified Printer status at both Hickory locations in Conover and Greensboro, NC, through IDEAlliance, the nonprofit industry organization that develops, educates, and validates best practices in publishing and information technology. Hickory Printing Solutions' G7 Master Qualified Printer designation highlights the company's commitment to quality, consistency and color management.

    "Our focus is on providing a high level of quality and expanding our extensive production capabilities to constantly meet the evolving needs of our customers. Acquiring G7 Master Qualified Printer status at both of our facilities reinforces this promise," said Stephen Patton, President of Hickory Printing Solutions. "Having certification at both locations confirms that we are taking the steps necessary to verify color consistency across all presses, giving us a flexibility that makes our clients' lives easier."

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  • 02.02.2012

    Crown Holdings Reports Fourth Quarter 2011 Results

    Crown Holdings, Inc. today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2011.

    Net sales in the fourth quarter grew to $2,058 million over the $1,949 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, primarily driven by the pass-through of higher raw material costs and higher sales unit volumes of beverage cans, offset by lower sales unit volumes of food cans and a decrease of $27 million from foreign currency translation.  Approximately 74% of net sales were generated outside the U.S. in the fourth quarter compared to 73% in the fourth quarter of 2010.

    Fourth quarter gross profit improved to $289 million over the $288 million in the 2010 fourth quarter and included a decrease of $5 million from foreign currency translation.

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  • 02.02.2012

    Time Inc.’s MAGHOUND Shuttering

    Time Inc.’s print magazine venture MAGHOUND is closing. The service debuted in 2008, and is expected to fold early this year. Dubbed the “Netflix of the magazine industry” in the press, MAGHOUND hawked multiple titles for a discount price, without the commitment of a subscription.

    The Time Inc. subsidiary offered three titles for $4.95 a month, five for $7.95, seven mags for $9.95 and $1.00 per title for eight magazines or more. The service, which billed customers’ credit/debit cards directly, operated on a monthly cycle.

    According to a Time Inc. representative, the publisher will close the division in order to focus budgets and manpower on the digital push (all 21 Time titles were digitized in 2011). There will be a grace period in which users are made aware of the
    changes and advised to subscribe directly to their magazines of choice.

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  • 02.02.2012

    Harte-Hanks Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

    Harte-Hanks, Inc. today reported fourth quarter 2011 diluted earnings per share of $0.23 on revenues of $224.6 million. These results compare to diluted earnings per share of $0.24 on $236.0 million in revenues for the fourth quarter of 2010.

    For the three months ended December 31, 2011, the company generated free cash flow (defined below) of $16.2 million, down from $17.3 million in the prior year’s fourth quarter. Capital expenditures for the quarter were $4.6 million compared to $4.8 million in the prior year’s fourth quarter.

    For the year, the company’s revenues decreased to $850.8 million and operating income decreased 17.2% to $75.4 million. Diluted earnings per share for the year were $0.70 compared to $0.84 for 2010.

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  • 02.02.2012

    International Paper Reports Fourth-Quarter and 2011 Earnings

    International Paper reported preliminary full-year 2011 net earnings attributable to common shareholders totaling $1.3 billion ($3.07 per share) compared with $644 million ($1.48 per share) in full-year 2010. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the company reported net earnings of $257 million ($0.59 per share) compared with $316 million ($0.73 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2010. Amounts in all periods include special items.

    Full-year 2011 earnings from continuing operations and before special items were $1.4 billion ($3.10 per share) compared with $890 million ($2.05 per share) in 2010. Earnings from continuing operations and before special items in the fourth quarter of 2011 totaled $288 million ($0.66 per share) compared with $296 million ($0.68 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2010.

    Annual sales totaled $26.0 billion in 2011 compared with $25.2 billion in 2010. Quarterly net sales were $6.4 billion in the fourth quarter compared with $6.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010.

    Full-year 2011 operating profits were $2.2 billion compared with $1.7 billion in 2010. Operating profits in the fourth quarter were $577 million compared with $561 million in 2010, both of which included special items.

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  • 02.02.2012

    Tupperware Brands Reports Fourth Quarter 2011 Results

    Tupperware Brands Corporation today reported fourth quarter 2011 sales and profit, with a sales increase in dollars of 3% and 7% in local currency+.

    GAAP net income for the quarter of $86.9 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, compared with 2010 fourth quarter GAAP net income and EPS of $80.7 million and $1.26 per share, respectively.  Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.50 in the quarter was 12 cents, or 9%, better than 2010 in U.S. dollars, including a negative foreign currency impact of 7 cents.  Excluding the impact of foreign exchange on the comparison, adjusted diluted earnings per share was up 19 cents, or 15%.

    For the 53 weeks ended December 31, 2011, the Company reported sales of $2.6 billion, a 12% increase in dollars and 9% in local currency compared with 2010.  For the same period, the Company's GAAP net income of $218 million decreased 3%, and diluted earnings per share of $3.55, was up 2 cents or 1% versus prior year.  Excluding certain adjustment items, diluted earnings per share of $4.45 improved 20% in U.S. dollars compared with 2010, and excluding a favorable 11 cent impact on the comparison from foreign exchange rates, improved 16%.

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  • 02.02.2012

    Quad Acquires Commercial and Specialty Printer Williamson Printing Corporation

    Quad/Graphics, Inc., a global provider of print and related multichannel solutions, today announced it has purchased Dallas-based Williamson Printing Corporation, a full-service commercial and specialty products printer specializing in short- to medium-runcatalogs, case-bound books, direct mail and other promotional products.The acquisition expands the company’s growing U.S. network of commercial and specialty print facilities to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, home to one of the largest concentrations of corporate headquarters in the United States.

    “Williamson is an exceptional printing company with a long list of regional and national clients,” said Joel Quadracci, Chairman, President & CEO of Quad/Graphics. “It has a superior reputation for quality, service and innovation, and its experience and success in growing its commercial and specialty printing business will complement our own growth plans for that segment.”

    Williamson’s two Dallas facilities will join Quad/Graphics’ Commercial & Specialty group, which also operates facilities in Burlington, Menomonee Falls and New Berlin, Wis.; Enfield, Conn.; and Leominster, Mass. The group provides publishers, marketers and retailers with specialized print products and services, including specialty books, catalogs and directories; marketing collateral; print-on-demand custom publications; specialty binding; and mailing and fulfillment.

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  • 02.01.2012

    RockTenn Continues to Grow and Invest in Automated Sorting Capabilities for Recycled Materials

    RockTenn announced today the opening of a new single-stream recycling facility in Memphis, TN, expanding the Company’s recycling capabilities and increasing its presence and service capabilities.

    The new 150,000 square-foot facility will complement RockTenn’s established single-stream recycling plants in Chattanooga and Knoxville. The automated, single-stream system allows designated recyclable materials to be fully commingled during collection instead of separated into different bins, a process that offers significant benefits to homes and businesses.

    The opening of the Memphis plant, as the first single-stream facility in the city’s metropolitan area, represents a key investment in RockTenn’s Recycling and Waste Solutions growth plan. This is RockTenn’s ninth single-stream system within its thirty-nine recycling facilities. The Company will continue to expand its recycling powers nationwide in the upcoming year in order to reinforce its commitment to provide easy recycling solutions to better serve customers worldwide.

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  • 02.01.2012

    Neenah Completes Purchase of Premium Brands from Wausau Paper

    Neenah Paper, Inc. announced today completion of the previously announced purchase of certain premium paper brands and other assets from Wausau Paper Corp.

    Key components of the transaction include: A cash payment of $21 million to acquire: Astrobrights®, Astroparche® and Royal brands. Exclusive license rights for a portion of Exact® brand specialty business, including Index, Tag and Vellum Bristol. Approximately one month of finished goods inventory. Converting equipment for retail grades. A supply agreement under which Wausau will manufacture and supply certain products to Neenah Paper during a transition period.

    Annual sales from the purchased brands are estimated to be approximately $100 million and the Company expects to incur one-time costs related to the integration of approximately $10 million.

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  • 02.01.2012

    American Eagle Outfitters to Open Stores Throughout Israel

    American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. today announced that its first store in Israel will open to the public on Thursday, February 2, at Ramat Aviv Mall, in Tel Aviv. Ten additional stores are planned over the next month, in locations such as The Big Mall in Petach Tikva, Kiryat Ono Mall, and Mall of Haifa. The franchise stores will be operated by Fox-Wizel Ltd., a leading retailer and wholesaler in the region.

    AEO has been expanding its international presence for the past three years, now with 21 stores in 10 countries, partnering with retail experts in each region. Today, there are franchise stores open in Russia, China, Hong Kong and various cities throughout the Middle East. The first stores in Japan are slated to open in the coming months.

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  • 02.01.2012

    Ahlstrom posts financial statements bulletin for 2011

    Continuing operations October–December 2011 compared with October–December 2010: Net sales EUR 371.3 million (EUR 416.8 million); Operating loss EUR 4.2 million (EUR 9.0 million loss); Operating profit excluding non-recurring items EUR 1.7 million (EUR 12.7 million).

    Highlights in October–December 2011: Divestment of the Home and Personal business area was concluded except for the Brazilian operation that is expected to be transferred by the end of first quarter 2012. A new vision ‘Inspiring people, passionate about new ideas, growing with our customers’ was introduced to define the kind of company we aim to be in the future. Acquisition of a 49.5% stake in a developer of battery technology Porous Power Technologies, LLC.

    Continuing operations January–December 2011 compared with January–December 2010: Net sales EUR 1,607.2 million (EUR 1,636.3 million); Operating profit EUR 20.1 million (EUR 46.5 million); Operating profit excluding non-recurring items EUR 49.7 million (EUR 66.8 million).

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  • 02.01.2012

    Amazon.com Announces Fourth Quarter Sales up 35% to $17.43 Billion

    Amazon.com, Inc. today announced financial results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011.

    Operating cash flow increased 12% to $3.90 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with $3.50 billion for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2010. Free cash flow decreased 17% to $2.09 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with $2.52 billion for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2010.

    Common shares outstanding plus shares underlying stock-based awards totaled 468 million on December 31, 2011, compared with 465 million a year ago.

    Net sales increased 35% to $17.43 billion in the fourth quarter, compared with $12.95 billion in fourth quarter 2010. Excluding the $101 million favorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter, net sales would have grown 34% compared with fourth quarter 2010.

    Operating income was $260 million in the fourth quarter, compared with $474 million in fourth quarter 2010. The favorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter on operating income was $5 million.

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  • 02.01.2012

    Bemis Company Publishes Corporate Responsibility Report

    Bemis Company, Inc. today announced that it has published a Corporate Responsibility Report highlighting Bemis’ sustainable business practices. The report profiles Bemis’ programs and practices that benefit its business in economically viable, environmentally sound, and responsible ways. It is organized across three categories: Economic Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, and Social Sustainability.

    “As a multinational supplier of flexible packaging and pressure sensitive material, a fundamental component of our strategy is to operate a profitable, ethical company, and be responsible stewards of our environment and communities,” said Henry Theisen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bemis Company, Inc.  “We will continue our commitment to achieving results and delivering on expectations with character and accountability.”

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  • 02.01.2012

    Billerud to acquire UPM-Kymmene’s packaging paper business

    Billerud Finland Oy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Billerud AB, has signed an agreement with UPM-Kymmene (UPM) to acquire UPM’s packaging paper business in Pietarsaari and Tervasaari with sales of approximately EUR 220 million (SEK 2 billion) in 2011. Billerud pays EUR 130 million (approximately SEK 1.2 billion) for the business. The acquisition will significantly reduce Billerud’s pulp exposure and strengthen the offering within packaging paper. In addition, the currency exposure is also reduced.

    ”We see great potential in the acquired business as it will now be integrated in a business focused on packaging paper. The acquisition will give us a strong platform to continue developing our offering within smarter packaging solutions. In addition, the acquisition significantly reduces our pulp exposure and adds a much larger Euro cost base, which we view positively.” says Per Lindberg, President and CEO of Billerud.

    The acquisition includes one paper machine in Pietarsaari and one paper machine in Tervasaari, both in Finland. Both machines rank among the largest and most efficient of its kind in Europe and are assessed as well invested and well maintained. The machines produce packaging paper (sack/kraft paper) used in a broad range of areas such as food, retail, construction and other industries. Annual production capacity is approximately 300,000 tonnes. The business has approximately 185 employees. Other activities at the mill sites will remain owned and operated by UPM.

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  • 02.01.2012

    Oil Trades Near One-Week Low in New York on Rising Supplies, U.S. Outlook

    Oil advanced in New York for the first time in four days after China’s manufacturing index unexpectedly rose, boosting speculation that the world’s second- biggest crude consumer is withstanding Europe’s debt crisis.

    Futures gained as much as 0.9 percent after China’s purchasing managers’ index rose to 50.5 from 50.3 in December. The median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey was for a reading below the 50 level that marks the difference between expansion and contraction. Oil fell for a third day yesterday after the government said consumer confidence and business activity cooled in the U.S. Data from the American Petroleum Institute indicated oil stockpiles rose to the highest level since November.

    The “positive” data from China boosted oil after it traded near a one-week low earlier in the session, Andy Riddell, head of retail derivatives at London Capital Group Holdings Plc., said in an e-mail. “Any sign of bad economic numbers coming out of the U.S. will see longs bailing out.”

    Crude for March delivery increased as much as 86 cents to $99.34 in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and traded at $99.32 at 11:15 a.m. London time. The contract yesterday declined 0.3 percent to $98.48 a barrel, the lowest close since Jan. 20. Prices slid 0.4 percent in January, falling for a second month.

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  • 02.01.2012

    Catalyst Paper announces initial order under CCAA

    Catalyst Paper Corporation announced today that the company and certain of its subsidiaries have obtained an Initial Order from the Supreme Court of British Columbia under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).  The terms and conditions of the restructuring plan have not yet been determined by the company.

    The company also announced that JP Morgan has agreed to provide debtor-in possession (DIP) financing to Catalyst, which is expected to provide the company with up to approximately $175 million of available capital during the CCAA proceedings.  Advances under the DIP will be available after approval by the Court, which the company expects to obtain on February 3, 2012.  The Initial Order provides the company with access to an amount the company believes is sufficient to fund operations until the Court hearing on February 3, 2012.  The company’s operating revenue combined with the proposed DIP financing are expected to provide sufficient liquidity to meet ongoing obligations to employees and suppliers and ensure that normal operations continue during the restructuring process.  Catalyst management will remain responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company.

    The company intends to apply for recognition of the Interim Order under chapter 15 of title 11 of the US Code.

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  • 02.01.2012

    Domtar enters into an agreement for the sale of its Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Québec assets

    Domtar Corporation today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement with Fortress Global Cellulose Ltd ("Fortress"), and with a subsidiary of the Government of Québec, for the sale of its Lebel-sur-Quévillon assets. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012.

    "The sale of the Lebel-sur-Quévillon assets to a strategic buyer is a positive outcome for the community and we wish them success for the future," said John D. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Domtar. "The buyer will convert the mill to the manufacture of dissolving pulp and we will support them through this transition by marketing and selling their initial production of paper grade softwood pulp which is contractually limited to a maximum of 100,000 metric tons."

    As per the agreement, all pulp and sawmilling assets including the buildings and equipment will be sold to Fortress for the nominal sum of $1.00 and all lands related to the facilities will be sold to a subsidiary of the Government of Québec for the nominal sum of $1.00.

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  • 02.01.2012

    Hearst and Condé Nast Sell Comag to Jim Pattison Group

    Comag Marketing Group, the Princeton, New Jersey-based national magazine distributor jointly owned by Hearst and Condé Nast, has been sold to the Jim Pattison Group. The deal signals the exit of the two publishers from the magazine distribution business and is being positioned as an effort to heal a newsstand supply chain that's long been fraught with competing interests and inefficiencies.

    Jay Felts will continue as CMG's president and the company's headquarters will remain in Princeton. Michael Korenberg, JPG's vice chairman, will become chairman of CMG. The deal does not include CMG UK, which will continue to be owned by National Magazine Company Ltd. and Condé Nast UK.

    According to Korenberg, Hearst and Condé Nast had not put Comag on the block, but after about a year of conversations, a deal became a more viable option.

    The deal greatly expands JPG's reach into the market. JPG is based in Vancouver, BC and owns wholesaler The News Group, which bought Anderson News' assets when that wholesaler shut down in 2009. The News Group is estimated to have about a 50 percent market share in the U.S.

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  • 02.01.2012

    Portucel announces results for 2011

    In a year marked by a particularly harsh economic climate, the Group recorded turnover of approximately € 1.5 billion, representing growth of 7.4% over the previous year. This increase was due essentially to growth in uncoated woodfree (UWF) printing and writing paper, made possible by rising output from the new paper mill, and by the growth in power output.

    The new UWF paper mill in Setúbal achieved output at year-end 2011 equivalent to 97% of its nominal capacity, producing approximately 485 thousand tons of paper. Growing output allowed the Group to achieve a 7% increase in the quantity of paper placed on the market which, combined with rising paper prices over the course of the year, resulted in overall growth in paper sales of more than 9%.

    Highlights: 2011 compared to 2010: Group turnover grows by 7.4%; Exports of € 1 233 million representing 95% of pulp and paper sales; EBITDA of € 385.1 million; Power output hits 1.9 TWh; Net debt down by € 230 million; Sales of mill brands set new record.

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  • 02.01.2012

    Ilim Group is awarded Proof of Leadership in Forest Management Certification

    Following the results of 2011, Ilim Group was acknowledged as the leader of forest management certification. The respective Proof of Leadership was awarded to Ilim Group by the Russian Branch of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Therefore Ilim Group has proved once again its leadership in forest management certification in Russia. As a reminder, all forest areas leased by Ilim Group, which is over 5.16 million hectares, have been certified by FSC. The Company’s share accounts for 18.4% of all certified forests in Russia.

    A FSC Forest Management Certificate guarantees that only economically sustainable, socially and environmentally responsible forest management methods were used during logging operations, all requirements for reforestation were observed, and the rights of local community and indigenous peoples were fully respected.

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  • 02.01.2012

    Menasha Packaging Announces Acquisition of The Strive Group

    Menasha Packaging Company announced today that it has acquired The Strive Group of Chicago. Both companies are family-owned and privately held. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
              
    According to Mike Waite, president of Menasha Packaging, “The acquisition of Strive will enhance our merchandising supply chain model and strengthen our geographic coverage. Customers are increasingly turning to companies that can manage their entire merchandising process and the addition of Strive to Menasha Packaging will improve our offerings and strengthen our competitive position.”  
     
    The acquisition will make Menasha the largest independent in-store promotional solutions provider to retailers and CPGs in the United States as well as strengthen its traditional packaging business. 
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  • 02.01.2012

    UPM to build the world's first biorefinery producing wood-based biodiesel

    UPM is to invest in a biorefinery producing biofuels from crude tall oil in Lappeenranta, Finland. The industrial scale investment is the first of its kind globally. The biorefinery will produce annually approximately 100,000 tonnes of advanced second generation biodiesel for transport. Construction of the biorefinery will begin in the summer of 2012 at UPM’s Kaukas mill site and be completed in 2014. UPM’s total investment will amount to approximately EUR 150 million.

    ”The biofuels business has excellent growth potential. The quality of our end product and its environmental characteristics has gained significant interest among a wide range of customers, and the investment is profitable.  Lappeenranta is the first step on UPM’s way in becoming a significant producer of advanced second generation biofuels. This is also a focal part in the realisation of our Biofore strategy”, says UPM President and CEO Jussi Pesonen.

    UPM ’s advanced biodiesel, UPM BioVerno, is an innovation which will decrease greenhouse gas emissions of transport up to 80% in comparison to fossil fuels. The product’s characteristics correspond to those of the traditional oil-based fuels and highly complement today’s vehicles and fuel distribution systems.

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  • 02.01.2012

    UPM continues to invest in efficient energy generation

    UPM continues to invest in efficient energy generation and builds a new combined heat and power plant at the UPM Schongau mill in Germany. The target is to significantly reduce energy costs as well as to secure the energy supply. The total investment is EUR 85 million.

    The new power plant will generate process heat as well as electricity for the mill. It will also provide sustainable and energy efficient district heating for roughly 750 households and public institutions such as local school and hospital in Schongau. The renewed energy supply at the mill will be based on the highly efficient combined heat and power technology utilising gas as a fuel.

    “The new gas power plant will improve the security and self-sufficiency of energy supply to our mill,” explains Winfried Schaur, General Manager, UPM Schongau. “The renewal of the energy generation ensures efficient production and will safeguard the competiveness of the mill. Furthermore, it guarantees a sustainable paper production loop based on innovative and low-emission technologies.”

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