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

11.01.2011

Shrinking Without Wrinkling -- New Avery Dennison Label Material Enables Late-Stage Decorating of Vacuum-Shrink Bags

A new brand-enhancing pressure-sensitive labeling solution for meat and dairy packaging applications is being introduced by Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials (LPM) at Labelexpo 2011. The patent-pending product, called Avery Dennison Shrink PS, is engineered to survive the vacuum-shrink process without wrinkling, providing both shelf appeal and production-related benefits.

Avery Dennison Shrink PS labels are applied to shrinkable bags off-line or in-line prior to filling and vacuum sealing. Compared with preprinted shrink-bag labeling, the Shrink PS solution offers enhanced labeling flexibility and the opportunity to differentiate products at a later stage in the packaging process. As a result, food processors can reduce or eliminate multiple sets of preprinted shrink bags in inventory, cutting overall costs and increase flexibility.

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11.01.2011

HarperCollins to Acquire Thomas Nelson

In a deal that will unite the country’s two largest religion book publishers, HarperCollins, parent company of Zondervan, has reached an agreement to acquire Thomas Nelson for an undisclosed price. HC expects to close the purchase before the end of the year.

HC CEO Brian Murray said the publisher was attracted to Nelson because of its “great content and great authors.” He sees Nelson as being more broad based than Zondervan, pointing to Nelson lines in such areas as business and leadership. Nelson, he added, “is a leader in the inspirational market and we are always looking for good content.” Nelson has had one of the bestselling books of the year in Heaven Is for Real. The area where the two are in the most direct competition is the Bible category. Nelson and Zondervan are the dominant Bible publishers in the Christian market, and they license or own translations that compete head to head.

Murray said it was too early to discuss how Nelson will be integrated into HC, although he said HC will continue to maintain offices in Grand Rapids, Mich., home to Zondervan, as well as Nashville where Nelson is headquartered.

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10.31.2011

AbitibiBowater Announces Improved Operating Earnings for Third Consecutive Quarter

AbitibiBowater Inc. today reported a net loss of $44 million for the third quarter of 2011, or $(0.46) per share, on sales of $1.2 billion. This compares with a net loss of $829 million, or $(14.35) per share, on sales of $1.2 billion in the third quarter of 2010.
Excluding $96 million of special items described below, net income in the quarter was $52 million, or $0.53 per share, compared with a net loss excluding special items of $95 million, or $(1.65) per share, in the third quarter of 2010.
"Our operating earnings improved for the third consecutive quarter following emergence at the end of last year," said Richard Garneau, president and chief executive officer. "Overall shipments increased and, with the exception of pulp, pricing in each of our segments was stable or better in this quarter. We continue to make progress in spite of an economy that continues to prove challenging."

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10.31.2011

UPM launches a new composite in which wood fibres replace non-renewable raw material

UPM has developed a new composite for both industrial and consumer end-uses. The new composite is made from virgin wood fibers and clean plastic polymers. The proportion of wood fibres in the composite varies from 20 to 60 percent depending on the end-use.

UPM’s new composite is suitable for various end-uses, explains Stefan Fors, Director of UPM’s Advanced Fibre Materials. “UPM’s new composite is ideal for electronic and automotive industries. It is also good material for furniture, tableware and other goods for everyday living. The possibilities are extensive. Our strong point is the raw material — renewable and wood-based pulp fibre.”

The new composite can be dyed and moulded like plastic. Products made from UPM’s composite are consistent quality, odourless and safe. The material is delivered to customers in the form of composite granules, which UPM produces in Lahti, Finland.

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10.31.2011

Amcor Unveils Round Wide Mouth PET Jar for Food Packaging

Amcor Rigid Plastics, the world’s leading producer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging, is ready to unseat glass as the dominant material in 24 oz wide mouth food containers. The industry leader in hot fill technology sees major market opportunities for its newly introduced 24 oz round, wide mouth PET jar for the food industry. The stock hot fill container is a lightweight replacement for glass for pasta sauces, apple sauce, salsas, jams and jellies, and other food products filled at temperatures up to 205 F.

Conversion from glass to PET not only improves a brand owner’s environmental stance but its market position with consumers as well. Users, particularly families with children, will now be able to enjoy the consumer-friendly benefits of PET including lightweight, easy opening, and much improved product evacuation. Also high on the list of key features is the unbreakable design, transparency, and the environmental benefits of a lightweight and recyclable jar.

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10.31.2011

Billerud reports strong earnings and very strong cash flow

Highlights: January-September 2011 compared with the same period in 2010

Net sales amounted to SEK 7 257 million (6 549), an increase of 11%.
Operating profit amounted to SEK 903 million (711), corresponding to a margin of 12% (11).
Profit for the period amounted to SEK 638 million (480).
Earnings per share amounted to SEK 6.19 (4.66).

July-September 2011 compared with April-June 2011

Net sales amounted to SEK 2 327 million (2 383).
Operating profit amounted to SEK 296 million (275). The increase is mainly due to lower costs including lower costs for periodic maintenance shutdowns and lower costs for inputs.
The order situation weakened during the quarter.
Prices in local currency for the packaging paper segments were stable compared with the second quarter. Price pressure increased, however, towards the end of the quarter.
Market-related shutdowns were implemented during the quarter, primarily relating to sack paper, in order to restore the balance in the market.

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10.31.2011

Oil Declines in New York, Paring Biggest Monthly Increase Since May 2009

Oil fell in New York on speculation demand will falter after the biggest monthly gain in more than two years and a surge in the dollar. Brent’s premium to U.S. crude slid to a four-month low.

Futures fell as much as 1.2 percent after Japan weakened the yen for the third time this year and a technical indicator signaled prices may have risen too fast. A stronger dollar typically curbs demand for commodities from holders of other currencies. Crude prices at $100 a barrel would be unsustainable, according to the former head of the International Energy Agency. Oil is up 17 percent in October, the biggest monthly increase since May 2009.

“My anticipation is that prices will consolidate,” said Jonathan Barratt, a managing director of Commodity Broking Services Pty in Sydney. Prices at $93 to $95 a barrel are “expensive,” he said.

Crude for December delivery dropped as much as $1.07 to $92.25 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $92.61 at 3:31 p.m. Singapore time. Prices slid 0.7 percent on Oct. 28 to $93.32.

Brent crude for December settlement was at $109.12 a barrel, down 0.7 percent, on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The contract traded at a premium of $16.56 a barrel to New York futures, which would be the lowest close since July 4. It settled at a record $27.88 on Oct. 14.

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10.31.2011

Magazine Publishers Look to Where Digital is Booming: The Book Business

After the initial flurry of excitement surrounding the release of their digital editions, magazine publishers are now beginning to focus on the strategies behind the products. In addition to complete digital editions, many are seeking other avenues to repackage and sell digital content. Mag publishers don’t need to look far to see where the digital conversion is paying off: its literary counterpart, the book business.

In fiscal first quarter 2012, bookseller and newsstand provider Barnes and Noble saw its digital content sales quadruple. The retailer attributed this growth largely to its eReader offering; the NOOK business increased 140 percent during this period to $277 million. Overall sales for BN.com jumped 37 percent to $198 million. As brick and mortar bookstores topple (including the recent goodbye to former book giant Borders), the e-book appears to be finally taking hold.

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10.31.2011

Metso to supply tissue line to CMPC Tissue, Chile

Metso will supply a complete tissue production line to CMPC Tissue S.A. of Santiago, Chile. The tissue line will be installed at CMPC’s Talagante mill in Chile. The line will be started up during 2013. The value of the order will not be disclosed. This kind of production line is typically valued at EUR 20-30 million, depending on the scope of the delivery and the production output.

Metso’s delivery will comprise a complete tissue production line with stock preparation equipment and an Advantage DCT 200+ tissue machine including an OptiFlo II TIS headbox, a Metso Yankee cylinder, an Advantage AirCap hood, an Advantage WetDust dust management system and an Advantage SoftReel reel. The production line will be optimized to enhance final product quality and save energy.

The delivery will also contain an extensive Metso automation package including a Metso DNA process automation system for machine, process and drive controls as well as a Metso IQ quality control system.

With a width of 5.6 m, the new production line will produce 50,000-60,000 tons a year of high-quality facial, toilet and towel grades. The raw material for the new line will be virgin and DIP pulp.

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10.31.2011

PaperWorks’ Crest Complete HolobriteTM package receives PPC Eco Award

The results from the 68th Annual National Paperboard Packaging Competition are in and PaperWorks’ Crest Complete HolobriteTM package has been awarded the 2011 Eco Award.

The PaperWorks HolobriteTM package stood out for its innovation and design while maintaining the package’s recyclable, biodegradable and compostable qualities. Typically, holographic effects are accomplished through the lamination of non-biodegradable PET onto boxboard, a process that renders the package non-recyclable. The PaperWorks HolobriteTM package is unique in that the company succeeded in maintaining the package’s sustainable qualities by micro-embossing a reflective coating onto CRB boxboard.

“Our industry is one of innovation and excellence. It is an honor to be recognized for a package design that not only stands out on the shelf, but that is in line with PaperWorks’ commitment to being environmentally conscious. The ECO Award recognizes our efforts to create packages that use paperboard to create more sustainable packaging,” says John Hartwell, Executive Vice President, Packaging Group.

The process used by PaperWorks is not only less costly to produce, but also eliminates the need for off-site lamination, thereby reducing transportation costs, energy expenditures while reducing raw material consumption.

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10.31.2011

E-book Sales Rose 116% in August

E-book sales from publishers that report to the AAP rose 116.5% in August, to $88.8 million, compared to August 2010. The gain marked an acceleration in e-book growth compared to July when sales of the format increased 105%, the slowest in 2011. All trade print segments had a decline in August sales with the largest coming in mass market paperback where sales from reporting companies fell 36.4%. Sales of digital audio rose 30.2% at 12 digital audio publishers.

For the first eight months of 2011, e-book sales increased 144.4%, to $649.2 million, from 18 reporting publishers to the AAP monthly statistics program. Sales were off by double digits in all trade print segments in the January-August period, although sales in the religion category were up 9% in the year to date at the 22 reporting houses.

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10.31.2011

Standard Register Reports Third Quarter 2011 Financial Results

Standard Register today announced its financial results for the third quarter. The Company reported revenue of $157.5 million and a net profit of $8.4 million, or $0.29 per diluted share. The results compare to prior year revenue of $163.6 million and a net profit of $1.4 million, or $0.05 per diluted share. Through nine months, the Company reported revenue of $486.7 million and a net profit of $8.0 million, or $0.28 per diluted share. The nine month results compare to prior year revenue of $495.7 million and a net profit of $0.5 million, or $0.02 per diluted share. The results for the current quarter and year reflect a favorable impact to net profit of $12.2 million, or $0.42 per diluted share due to termination of the postretirement healthcare plan.

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10.28.2011

Harte-Hanks Reports Third Quarter Results

Harte-Hanks, Inc. today reported third quarter 2011 diluted earnings per share of $0.19 on revenues of $212.8 million. These results compare to diluted earnings per share of $0.22 on $216.7 million in revenues for the third quarter of 2010.

For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the company generated free cash flow (defined below) of $12.8 million, down from $15.9 million in the prior year's third quarter.

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10.28.2011

Deluxe Reports Third Quarter 2011 Financial Results

Deluxe Corporation announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011.

Third Quarter 2011 Highlights:Revenue for the quarter was $355.1 million compared to $367.6 million during the third quarter of 2010. Revenue in 2010 included a contract settlement of $24.6 million. Excluding the contract settlement, revenue increased 3.5% compared to 2010, with growth in Small Business Services more than offsetting declines in the personal check businesses.

Gross margin was 65.5 percent of revenue compared to 67.0 percent in 2010. The contract settlement in 2010 had a favorable impact of 2.4 percentage points on 2010 gross margin. Favorable impacts from price increases and the Company's continued cost reduction initiatives more than offset increased material costs and delivery rates in 2011.

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10.28.2011

Temple-Inland to Open New Chicago Facility

Temple-Inland is pleased to release exciting news: a new state-of-the-art display and graphics facility is slated to open January, 2012 in Chicagoland. Temple-Inland Display and Packaging Chicago will offer the combined services and expertise of the Elgin Corrugated Box and Mack Packaging brands from a single, newly renovated plant in Carol Stream, Illinois.

With the opening of this new facility, Temple-Inland is positioned to provide industry-leading, high-end corrugated packaging, displays and fulfillment to current Mack, Elgin, and Temple-Inland customers plus new customers throughout the country.

This facility, working in concert with the entire network of operations, including the newly opened (April, 2011) Aurora box plant, allows Temple-Inland to meet the packaging and display needs for boutique businesses as well as large, high-volume corporations with national brands demanding global consistency.

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10.28.2011

Vistaprint Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year 2012 Financial Results

Vistaprint N.V., a leading online provider of professional marketing products and services to micro businesses and the home, today announced financial results for the three month period ended September 30, 2011, the first quarter of its 2012 fiscal year.

Financial Metrics: Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 grew to $212.4 million, a 25 percent increase over revenue of $170.5 million reported in the same quarter a year ago. Excluding the estimated impact from currency exchange rate fluctuations, total revenue grew 20 percent from the same quarter a year ago.

Gross margin (revenue minus the cost of revenue as a percent of total revenue) in the first quarter was 63.2 percent, compared to 63.1 percent in the same quarter a year ago.

Operating income in the first quarter was $9.7 million, or 4.6 percent of revenue, and reflected a 21 percent decrease compared to operating income of $12.3 million, or 7.2 percent of revenue in the same quarter a year ago.

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10.28.2011

Canfor Reports Results for Third Quarter of 2011

Canfor Corporation today reported a net loss of $9.6 million for the third quarter of 2011, compared to net income of $26.2 million for the second quarter of 2011 and net income of $37.2 million for the third quarter of 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company’s net income was $48.9 million, compared to $116.4 million for the comparable period in 2010.

The Company’s net loss attributable to shareholders for the third quarter of 2011 was $21.6 million, or $0.15 per share, compared to shareholder net income of $2.1 million, or $0.01 per share, for the second quarter of 2011, and shareholder net income of $9.1 million, or $0.06 per share, for the third quarter of 2010. For the first nine months of 2011, the shareholder net loss was $12.5 million, or $0.09 per share, compared to shareholder net income of $48.5 million, or $0.34 per share, for the first nine months of 2010.

The Company reported operating income of $14.5 million for the third quarter of 2011, down $12.0 million from $26.5 million for the second quarter. The decrease principally reflected a decline in the pulp and paper segment’s earnings of $10.8 million to $37.3 million, primarily resulting from capital upgrade related downtime and lower pulp market prices. The Lumber segment recorded an operating loss of $11.7 million, which was in line with the previous quarter.

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10.28.2011

Glatfelter to Expand Capacity of Rapidly Growing Composite Fibers Business Unit

Glatfelter, a leading global supplier of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials, today announced capacity expansion plans for its Composite Fibers business unit, which serves the growing global tea and single serve coffee markets, among others.

The Company will invest US$50 million at its Gernsbach, Germany facility to expand its inclined wire capacity by nearly 20%, or approximately 10,500 short tons, by converting a conventional flat wire paper machine to a state-of-the-art inclined wire paper machine used to manufacture filter papers for tea bags and single-serve coffee applications as well as certain composite laminate products and technical specialties.

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10.28.2011

Fortress Paper Resumes Construction Activities

Fortress Paper Ltd. announced that it has resumed construction activities at its Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill in Thurso, Quebec, after all employees of contractors engaged by the Company reported to the construction site today.

The Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill began experiencing instances of construction worker absenteeism in the evening of Thursday, October 20, 2011, with certain trade workers failing to report, in increasing numbers, to the construction site the following day and throughout the weekend. While at the time the Company did not consider that these actions were likely to materially impact the timing of the conversion project at the mill, the unexpected full walkout by the construction workers on Monday, October 24, 2011 has impacted the critical path of the project. The Company expects construction activity to reach normalized levels once the construction workforce is fully remobilized and construction activities are fully ramped-up, however it is possible that labour relations could change as a result of ongoing opposition to proposed government legislation.

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10.27.2011

Cabela's Inc. Reports Record Third Quarter Fiscal 2011 Results

Cabela's Incorporated today reported record financial results for third quarter fiscal 2011.

For the quarter, adjusted for divestitures, total revenue increased 6.2% to $678.6 million; Retail store revenue increased 6.8% to $393.8 million; Direct revenue decreased 1.7% to $210.9 million; and Financial Services revenue increased 33.7% to $71.4 million. For the quarter, comparable store sales decreased 1.6%. On a reported basis, total revenue increased 5.5% and Direct revenue decreased 3.5%. A detailed reconciliation is provided at the end of this release.

Net income increased 65% to $35.6 million compared to $21.6 million in the year ago quarter, and earnings per diluted share were $0.50 compared to $0.31 in the year ago quarter, each excluding impairment charges of approximately $3.0 million pre-tax in each of the third quarters of 2011 and 2010. The Company reported GAAP net income of $33.3 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.47 as compared to GAAP net income of $19.7 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.29 in the year ago quarter. See the supporting schedules to this earnings release labeled "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a detailed reconciliation of the GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

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10.27.2011

Clearwater Paper to Sell Lewiston Sawmill to Idaho Forest Group

Clearwater Paper Corporation today announced the company has entered into an agreement to sell its Lewiston, Idaho, sawmill to Idaho Forest Group of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

The transaction includes the sale of Clearwater Paper's sawmill, planer mill, dry kilns, and related assets along with log and finished goods inventories and timber under contract, in the aggregate amount of approximately $30 million. As part of the transaction, the two companies have entered into a long-term residual fiber supply agreement with the goal of delivering consistent supplies of chips and sawdust to Clearwater Paper's Lewiston pulp mill from Idaho Forest Group Mills.

Clearwater Paper is expected to ramp down production in the coming weeks in preparation for Idaho Forest Group to officially take possession in the fourth quarter of 2011. Clearwater Paper's approximately 250 affected employees will receive severance and all provisions subject to the WARN Act, which includes up to 60 days' worth of pay and benefits.

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10.27.2011

1-800-FLOWERS.COM® Reports Revenue Growth from Continuing Operations of 15.2 Percent

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., the world's leading florist and gift shop, today reported revenues from continuing operations of $117.2 million for its fiscal 2012 first quarter ended October 2, 2011, compared with revenues from continuing operations of $101.7 million in the prior year period. The Company said strong revenue growth was achieved in all three of its business segments, with revenues in its core Consumer Floral division up 12.0 percent, BloomNet Wire Service revenues up 23.7 percent and Gourmet Food and Gift Baskets revenues increasing 18.6 percent, compared with the prior year period. The Company attributed the strong revenue growth for the quarter to a number of factors including: increased average order value as well as improving trends in website conversions and transactions in its Consumer Floral segment; increased order volumes and product sales in BloomNet; increased wholesale business in several of its Gourmet Food and Gift Baskets brands; and same-store sales growth in its Fannie May brand. In addition, revenues reflected contributions from several small acquisitions completed in the second half of fiscal 2011 and early in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

Gross profit margin for the quarter was 39.7 percent compared with 42.3 percent in the prior year period. The lower gross margin percentage primarily reflects increased wholesale product mix in the Company's BloomNet and Gourmet Food and Gift Baskets segments. Operating expense ratio (excluding depreciation and amortization) during the quarter was 42.1 percent compared with 45.1 percent in the prior year period. The improved operating expense ratio primarily reflects the increased revenues for the quarter as well as well as the Company's continued focus on improving leverage across its business platform.

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10.27.2011

U.S. Recovered Paper Consumption Drops in September

According to the September 2011 Recovered Paper Monthly Report published today by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), total U.S. industry consumption of recovered paper was 2.46 million tons, 7% lower than September of last year, and 4% lower than August 2011. The decrease was observed across all grades of recovered paper, most noticeably in Pulp Substitutes at 10%. Overall, the year-to-date decrease in consumption compared to the same period in 2010 remains around 4%. On the other hand, inventories increased to their highest levels for this year, led by a 12% increase in Mixed inventories.

U.S. exports of recovered paper increased slightly in August compared to July. Year-to-date exports in 2011 continue to be 14% higher than last year by volume. Despite growing imports and decreasing consumption, estimated year-to-date recovery (consumption + exports – imports) is 2.6% higher than the same period last year, fueled by consistently strong exports of recovered paper.

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10.27.2011

Bemis Company Reports 2011 Third Quarter Results

Bemis Company, Inc. today reported its 2011 third quarter results:
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Total Bemis net sales were $1.36 billion for the third quarter of 2011, a 4.9 percent increase from $1.29 billion for the same period of 2010. Sales growth included a 2.3 percent increase due to currency translation. The remaining increase in net sales reflects higher selling prices offset by lower unit sales volumes.

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2011 was $0.53 compared to $0.56 per share for the same quarter of 2010. Excluding professional fees and other acquisition associated costs incurred, adjusted diluted earnings from continuing operations would have been $0.56 per share for the current quarter compared to $0.57 per share in the same quarter of 2010.

FLEXIBLE PACKAGING BUSINESS SEGMENT
Bemis’ flexible packaging business segment reported net sales of $1.22 billion. This represents a 5.5 percent increase compared to net sales of $1.15 billion for the third quarter of 2010. Currency effects increased net sales by 2.1 percent. The remaining sales growth reflected higher selling prices compared to the third quarter of 2010, partially offset by lower unit sales volumes. Segment operating profit for the third quarter of 2011 was $117.4 million, or 9.7 percent of net sales, compared to operating profit of $133.9 million, or 11.6 percent of net sales for the same period of 2010.

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10.27.2011

Crude Oil Gains on European Debt Agreement, Signs of U.S. Economic Growth

Oil advanced in New York after European leaders agreed on measures to tame a sovereign debt crisis that threatens to slow economic growth and curb demand for commodities.

Futures climbed as much as 2.5 percent after falling 3.2 percent yesterday, the biggest decline this month. Officials in Europe persuaded bondholders to take 50 percent losses on Greek debt and boosted a bailout fund to 1 trillion euros ($1.4 trillion). The Commerce Department may say today the U.S. economy grew at the fastest pace this year in the third quarter. U.S. supplies of fuels such as gasoline, diesel and heating oil fell last week, the Energy Department said yesterday.

“The countries at least showed the will to find a solution to the debt crisis, and the participation of the banking sector in a debt cut is certainly good news for the market,” said Gerrit Zambo, a trader at Bayerische Landesbank in Munich. “The gains in oil are quite limited compared to equities, though, suggesting traders are hesitant to believe that European efforts will bring up oil again.”

Crude for December delivery rose as much as $2.23 to $92.43 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was at $92.18 at 11:01 a.m. London time. Yesterday, the contract declined the most since Sept. 30, losing $2.97 to $90.20. Prices have gained 0.7 percent this year.

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10.27.2011

Clearwater Paper Reports Third Quarter 2011 Results

Clearwater Paper Corporation today reported financial results for the third quarter of 2011.

The company reported net earnings of $8.6 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2011, compared to net earnings of $15.0 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2010. The third quarter 2011 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, was $46.2 million, compared to $40.3 million in the third quarter of 2010. Clearwater Paper acquired Cellu Tissue on December 27, 2010. The third quarter of 2011 includes Cellu Tissue's results, which is the primary reason for many of the variances between the 2011 and 2010 periods.

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10.27.2011

International Paper Reports Strong Third Quarter Earnings

International Paper today reported third quarter 2011 net earnings from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders totaling $518 million, or $1.19 per share ($0.92 excluding special items), including record profit levels in North American Coated Paperboard and solid results in emerging markets. Despite increasing input costs on most raw materials, the company improved earnings and cash flow in the quarter with superior operational, outage and cost management performance.

Quarterly net sales were $6.6 billion compared with $6.6 billion in the second quarter of 2011 and $6.7 billion in the third quarter of 2010.

Operating profits were $571 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared with $483 million in the second quarter of 2011 and $752 million in the third quarter of 2010, all of which included special items.

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10.27.2011

OfficeMax Reports Third Quarter 2011 Financial Results

OfficeMax® Incorporated, a leader in office supplies, technology and services, today announced the results for its fiscal third quarter ended September 24, 2011. Total sales were $1,774.8 million in the third quarter of 2011, a decrease of 2.1% from the third quarter of 2010. For the third quarter of 2011, OfficeMax reported net income available to OfficeMax common shareholders of $21.5 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, compared to $20.0 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2010.

"In the quarter, we maintained our profit margins in a tough economic climate and a soft Back-to-School season," said Ravi Saligram, President and CEO of OfficeMax. "With our new senior management team largely in place, we remain focused on driving operational efficiencies as we position the company for long-term growth."

Contract segment sales of $883.3 million in the third quarter of 2011 increased 0.7% (a decrease of 2.6% on a local currency basis) compared to the prior year period. This increase reflected a U.S. Contract operations sales decrease of 2.4% and an international Contract operations sales increase of 7.7% in U.S. dollars (a decrease of 3.0% on a local currency basis). The U.S. Contract sales decline in the third quarter primarily reflects weaker sales to existing corporate accounts, partially offset by sales to new customers exceeding lost sales to former customers. Both U.S. and International Contract operations showed improvements in the rates of sales declines on a local currency basis compared to the prior quarter.

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10.27.2011

Sealed Air Reports Third Quarter 2011 Results

For the third quarter 2011, Sealed Air Corporation reported diluted net earnings per common share (EPS) of $0.41, including $0.07 of acquisition items related to the Diversey Holdings, Inc. ("Diversey") acquisition, compared with $0.43 in 2010. Adjusted EPS increased 12% to $0.48, compared with $0.43 in 2010. (See attached supplements for non-U.S. GAAP reconciliations and information.)

Net sales increased 10% to $1.25 billion, while gross profit was $336 million, or 26.9% of net sales, compared with $321 million, or 28.4% in 2010. Operating profit was $130 million, or 10.4% of net sales, which includes $24 million of acquisition- and integration-related expenses and lower variable incentive compensation expenses. This compares with $147 million, or 13.0%, in 2010. Excluding the acquisition- and integration-related expenses, adjusted operating profit was $154 million, or 12.3% of net sales, compared with 13.1% in 2010. Adjusted EBITDA was $196 million, compared with $192 million in 2010.

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10.27.2011

Orchids Paper Products Company Reports 2011 Third Quarter Results

Orchids Paper Products Company today reported third quarter 2011 financial results.

Net sales in the third quarter of 2011 increased 6% to $26.1 million, a new quarterly record, compared with $24.5 million in the same period in 2010. Year-to-date net sales increased $1.9 million, or 3% to $72.2 million, compared with $70.2 million in the same period of 2010.

Third quarter 2011 net income was $1.6 million, an increase of $205,000, or 14%, compared with $1.4 million of net income in the same period of 2010. Year-to-date net income for 2011 was $3.5 million, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 30%, compared with $5.0 million of net income in the same period of 2010.

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10.27.2011

Graphic Packaging Holding Company Reports Third Quarter 2011 Results

Graphic Packaging Holding Company, a leading provider of packaging solutions to food, beverage and other consumer products companies, today reported Adjusted Net Income of $33.8 million, or $0.09 per share, based on 390.6 million weighted average diluted shares. This compares to third quarter 2010 Adjusted Net Income of $24.1 million, or $0.07 per share, based on 347.2 million weighted average diluted shares.

On an unadjusted basis, the Company reported a Net Loss for third quarter 2011 of $47.5 million, or $(0.12) per share, compared to third quarter 2010 Net Income of $17.6 million, or $0.05 per share. During the third quarter of 2011, the Company recorded a $96.3 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge for a reporting unit within its flexible packaging segment. The net impact of the charge was $80.0 million or $(0.20) per share, after deducting the associated income tax benefit of $16.3 million. Third quarter 2011 Net Loss also includes a $1.3 million charge associated with a loss on modification or extinguishment of debt. Third quarter 2010 Net Income includes $6.5 million of charges associated with a loss on modification or extinguishment of debt.

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10.27.2011

Domtar Corporation reports preliminary third quarter 2011 financial results

Domtar Corporation today reported net earnings of $117 million ($2.95 per share) for the third quarter of 2011 compared to net earnings of $54 million ($1.30 per share) for the second quarter of 2011 and net earnings of $191 million ($4.44 per share) for the third quarter of 2010. Sales for the third quarter of 2011 amounted to $1.4 billion. Excluding items listed below, the Company had earnings before items1 of $123 million ($3.10 per share) for the third quarter of 2011 compared to earnings before items1 of $98 million ($2.37 per share) for the second quarter of 2011 and earnings before items1 of $183 million ($4.26 per share) for the third quarter of 2010.

Operating income before items1 was $193 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to an operating income before items1 of $165 million in the second quarter of 2011. Depreciation and amortization totaled $93 million in the third quarter of 2011.

The increase in operating income before items1 in the third quarter of 2011 was the result of lower maintenance costs and variable compensation, higher average selling prices for paper and the positive impact of a weaker Canadian dollar. These factors were partially offset by lower average selling prices for pulp and lower shipments for paper and pulp. When compared to the second quarter of 2011, paper shipments decreased 1% and pulp shipments decreased 1%. Paper deliveries of ArivaTM increased 5% when compared to the second quarter of 2011. The shipments-to-production ratio for paper was 102% in the third quarter of 2011, compared to 101% in the second quarter of 2011. Paper inventories declined by 16,000 tons while pulp inventories increased by 21,000 metric tons as at the end of September, compared to June levels.

Domtar paper shipments are expected to decline in the fourth quarter when compared to the third quarter due to seasonal factors while the cyclical downturn in global pulp markets is expected to lead to further declines in average selling prices for market pulp. Domtar's fourth quarter results will benefit from the inclusion of Attends' financial results for a full quarter.

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10.27.2011

Golfsmith Announces Third Quarter 2011 Earnings Results

Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc., today announced financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2011.

Third Quarter Highlights: Net revenues increased 8.3 % to $101.0 million as compared to net revenues of $93.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Net revenues reflect a 3.4 percent increase in comparable store sales and an 11.2 percent increase in net revenues from the direct-to-consumer channel.

Operating income for the third quarter was $1.8 million as compared to an operating loss of $1.1 million for the same period last year. The third quarter of fiscal 2011 included $0.6 million in charges for legal and other professional services incurred outside the ordinary course of business. The third quarter of 2010 included $1.6 million in charges related to store closings, asset impairment and lease termination costs.

Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 totaled $1.3 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $1.1 million, or $0.07 per share for the same period last year. Excluding the store closing costs and other unusual charges, the Company's net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was $1.9 million, or $0.11 per share, as compared to $0.2 million, or $0.01 per share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

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10.27.2011

International Paper Announces 2020 Goals to Increase Energy Efficiency and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Globally

International Paper is committing to use 15 percent less energy and to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020. Using 2010 as a baseline, these goals are the first in a set of comprehensive sustainability goals the company will announce in the next six months.

"Our commitment to sustainability spans our 110 year history and these goals are a natural next step in demonstrating that we can make the products that matter to people in a way that matters," said David Kiser, International Paper vice president, environment, health, safety & sustainability.

International Paper plans to achieve these reductions by increasing manufacturing efficiencies, exploring new technologies and engaging our employees to find innovative solutions in its operations.

"The goals of improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions go hand-in-hand. Less energy means fewer emissions and in the last five years we have been able to reduce our energy usage by 12 percent. We are confident we can achieve these goals while still delivering our industry leading products, performance and customer service," Kiser added.

International Paper is announcing these goals in conjunction with recent recognition it received from the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Leaders program for achieving voluntary fossil fuel greenhouse gas emission reductions of more than 40 percent from 2000 to 2010.

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10.27.2011

Sonoco Recycling Breaks Ground on Charleston Facility

Sonoco Recycling, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sonoco and one of the largest packaging recyclers in North America, today announced that it has broken ground on a new materials recovery facility (MRF) in Charleston County, S.C. Expected to be complete in February of 2012, the new MRF will service both residential and commercial/industrial recycling.

"Our new facility represents a $1 million investment into the greater Charleston community," said Jim Brown, vice president, Sonoco Recycling. "We've been in Charleston County since 1972, and are excited to continue our growth in this area by offering expanded services to local residents and businesses."

The MRF, located at 2025 Tellico Road in North Charleston, will add 15 new jobs in addition to the 200 people currently employed by Sonoco Recycling in South Carolina. With the new facility, Sonoco Recycling aims to grow capacity by 25 percent, increasing processing capabilities by expanding the list of materials accepted in Charleston County. Additionally, the new MRF will be equipped to process residential single-stream (commingled) materials.

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10.27.2011

Valassis Announces Results for the Third Quarter Ended Sept. 30, 2011

Valassis today announced the following financial results for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2011: Revenues were $528.4 million, a decrease of 7.7% compared to $572.4 million for the prior year quarter due to the negative impact of the macroeconomic climate on client advertising budgets; the previously announced anticipated shortfall in Run-of-Press (ROP) revenue within the Neighborhood Targeted segment; and the negative impact of the increased costs of high coupon redemption on annual consumer promotion budgets. This has resulted in reduced consumer packaged goods (CPG) programs across our various business segments. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.58, an increase of 11.5% from $0.52 for the prior year quarter. Net earnings were $27.5 million, an increase of 1.9% from $27.0 million for the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA* was $69.8 million, a decrease of 12.5% compared to $79.8 million for the prior year quarter driven primarily by the decline in revenue.

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10.27.2011

Avery Dennison Announces Third Quarter 2011 Results

Avery Dennison Corporation today announced preliminary, unaudited third quarter 2011 results.

Pressure-sensitive Materials (PSM): Label and Packaging Materials sales grew compared to the prior year as volume declines were offset by pricing actions. Sales in Graphics and Reflective Solutions were relatively flat. Operating margin increased compared to prior year as the impact of lower volume was more than offset by lower employee-related costs. Pricing and cost reduction actions offset inflation compared to the same period last year. Prices and raw material costs are stabilizing.

Office and Consumer Products (OCP): The decline in sales reflected weak end market demand. Operating margin declined due primarily to the effects of lower volume and raw material inflation, partially offset by lower advertising spend and employee-related costs.

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10.27.2011

O-I Reports Third Quarter 2011 Results

Owens-Illinois, Inc. today reported financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2011.

Third quarter net sales were $1.862 billion in 2011, up from $1.689 billion in the prior year's third quarter, primarily due to higher sales volume and favorable foreign currency translation effects.

Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to the Company in the third quarter of 2011 were $119 million, or $0.72 per share (diluted), compared with net earnings from continuing operations in the third quarter of 2010 of $127 million, or $0.77 per share (diluted). Exclusive of the items not representative of ongoing operations listed in Note 1, third quarter 2011 adjusted net earnings were $139 million, or $0.84 per share (diluted), compared with adjusted net earnings in the prior year third quarter of $136 million, or $0.83 per share (diluted). Third quarter 2011 adjusted net earnings improved significantly from second quarter 2011 adjusted net earnings of $98 million, or $0.59 per share (diluted).

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10.26.2011

MWV Reports Third Quarter Sales and Earnings Growth

MeadWestvaco Corporation today reported another quarter of earnings growth, with income from continuing operations of $117 million, or $0.67 per share ($0.70 ex-items) in the third quarter. The global packaging company grew sales by 9 percent, including strong performance in global markets for food, beverage and tobacco packaging, and higher sales of performance chemicals for inks, adhesives, and oilfield drilling markets.

"MWV's record-setting quarterly operating results clearly demonstrate the stronger, more sustainable financial returns we are generating with our market-focused strategy," said John A. Luke, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer. "We continue to make progress with commercial strategies designed to capture growth in targeted areas and expand our market share - even in those markets where demand is being impacted by global economic conditions. This progress - building on the success we have had all year - demonstrates the strong financial return on our strategy and gives us a confident long-term outlook."

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10.26.2011

Meredith Reports Fiscal 2012 First Quarter Results

Meredith Corporation, the leading media and marketing company serving American women, today reported fiscal 2012 first quarter earnings per share of $0.48, compared to $0.56 in the year-ago period. Revenues were $328 million, compared to $343 million. Meredith recorded approximately $11 million, or $0.15 per share, less of political advertising revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 than in the year-ago period, which is expected in an off-election year.

Fiscal 2012 first quarter National Media Group operating profit was $36 million, compared to $40 million in the prior-year period. Revenues were $259 million, compared to $267 million. Expenses decreased 2 percent.

"Print and digital advertising revenues continue to be challenged - primarily the food and beverage and pharmaceutical categories - due to higher commodity cost pressures and fewer pharmaceutical drugs in the marketplace," Lacy said. "The remainder of our National Media Group activities posted solid performance in the quarter, including circulation, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing and brand licensing."

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10.26.2011

Buckeye Board Approves Expanding High-Purity Specialty Wood Pulp Capacity

Buckeye Technologies Inc. today announced that its Board of Directors approved funding to increase the high-end specialty wood pulp capacity by 42,000 tons at its Buckeye Florida "Foley" operation. The cost of the project is expected to be approximately $79 million with an anticipated rate of return of 15% to 20%. Engineering and design work is nearing completion, and construction is expected to begin in January 2012 with project startup planned for December 2012. This investment will be funded by cash flow from operations.

Buckeye's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Crowe said, "This specialty expansion project will provide much needed high-purity specialty volume for strategic customers in all of our high-end markets including casings, tire cord, ethers, filtration, micro-crystalline cellulose, and acetate. Additionally, this will improve our overall plant product mix from 42% specialty wood pulp to just over 50% specialty wood pulp while maintaining the Foley plant's existing total capacity at 465,000 tons per year. This is the type of high-return organic growth opportunity that we will continue to target as we allocate our free cash flow to its highest and best use. We believe this project will provide excellent value to our customers and our shareholders."

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10.26.2011

Buckeye's First Quarter FY 2012 Results

Buckeye Technologies Inc. today announced first quarter adjusted net income* of $29.9 million or $0.74 per share, which excludes net income of $11.2MM or $0.28 per share from cellulosic biofuel credits generated in 2009. Adjusted net income* rose 118% as compared to the prior year period's $13.7 million or $0.34 per share, which excluded net income of $51.3 million or $1.26 per share from cellulosic biofuel credits generated in 2009.

Net sales of $240 million were up 19% versus last year's first quarter sales of $202 million. Sales benefited from higher selling prices and increased cotton linter pulp shipment volume. The $0.40 increase in adjusted EPS*, compared to the prior year period, was driven by these same factors. Aside from significantly higher cotton linter costs, cost inflation for chemicals, transportation and other raw materials was modest with energy prices stable.

Comparing the first quarter of fiscal 2012 to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, sales were down $16 million or 6% lower as we rebuilt inventories at our Foley mill back to target levels and nonwovens shipment volume was down. Adjusted Operating Income* was flat at $44.0 million even with the lower sales revenue as selling, research and administrative expenses and direct costs were down relative to the fourth quarter, and higher selling prices were sufficient to offset increases in input costs during the first quarter. Adjusted EPS* of $0.74 was up $0.06 compared to $0.68 in the fourth quarter. Adjusted EPS* benefitted from a foreign exchange gain, lower net interest expense and a lower effective tax rate.

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10.26.2011

Amazon.com Announces Third Quarter Sales up 44% to $10.88 Billion

Amazon.com, Inc. today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2011.

Operating cash flow increased 19% to $3.11 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with $2.62billion for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2010. Free cash flow decreased 17% to $1.53 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with $1.83 billion for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2010.

Common shares outstanding plus shares underlying stock-based awards totaled 469 million on September 30, 2011, compared with 465 million a year ago.

Net sales increased 44% to $10.88 billion in the third quarter, compared with $7.56 billion in third quarter 2010. Excluding the $371 million favorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter, net sales would have grown 39% compared with third quarter 2010.

Operating income was $79 million in the third quarter, compared with $268 million in third quarter 2010. The favorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter on operating income was $14 million.

Net income decreased 73% to $63 million in the third quarter, or $0.14 per diluted share, compared with net income of $231 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, in third quarter 2010.

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10.26.2011

Oil Advances a Fourth Day in New York as China Considers Economic Stimulus

Oil traded near its highest in 12 weeks in New York on speculation China’s government will boost the economy of the world’s second-biggest crude consumer, while European leaders prepared to tackle the region’s debt crisis.

Prices gained as much as 0.8 percent after settling yesterday at the highest in almost three months. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said economic policy will be fine-tuned as needed and the industry ministry said it is studying “stimulative policies” for smaller companies. European government heads will hold a summit today to agree on a plan to rein in a sovereign- debt crisis that threatens to curb economic growth and slow demand for commodities.

“Crude oil has been extremely macro-driven lately because of the European crisis,” said Filip Petersson, commodity strategist at Stockholm-based SEB AB. “The general trends have been in the same direction as equities.”

Crude oil for December delivery was at $93.71 a barrel, up 54 cents, in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:48 a.m. London time. The contract yesterday increased 2.1 percent to $93.17, the highest settlement since Aug. 2. Prices are up 2.5 percent this year.

December futures were at a 16-cent premium to January, compared with 24 cents at yesterday’s close. The front-month contract settled higher than the next month Oct. 24 for the first time since Nov. 20, 2008. The so-called backwardation typically signals an increase in demand or decline in supply in the near term.

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10.26.2011

Ziff Davis Enterprise to abandon print next year

Stop the presses: Ziff Davis Enterprise plans to be the first major b-to-b publisher to abandon print completely. The company, which publishes Baseline, CIO Insight and eWeek, will go paperless in January.

The move is designed to eliminate paper, printing and postage costs, but it is also part of a broad mobile and digital strategy that the company is calling OmniDigital. Beginning in November, Ziff Davis Enterprise will launch websites and native apps geared for a variety of smartphones, such as the Android, BlackBerry, iPhone and Windows Phone 7, as well as the iPad, Rim Playbook and Android-powered tablets.

“The future of engagement is mobile, it is social and it is entirely digital,” Steve Weitzner, CEO of Ziff Davis Enterprise, said in a statement. “We intend to drive the digital marketing standard for b-to-b tech media and accelerate the "anywhere and everywhere' consumption of content by exploiting the rapid adoption of mobile and tablet devices in the IT community.”

Using digital editions, Ziff Davis Enterprise plans to boost the frequency and audience reach of its magazines. The company said Baseline and CIO Insight will double their frequency from six times a year to monthly. Additionally, eWeek will return to biweekly frequency, up from 19 issues a year.

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10.26.2011

CEPIFINE has published September 2011 European Fine Paper Statistics

Total deliveries of CWF were down 7.4% in September and are down 4.7% year-to-date. Total deliveries of UWF were up 0.9% in September and are down 2.3% year-to-date.

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10.26.2011

CEPIPRINT has published September 2011 Statistics

Total European shipments of Newsprint were down 7.5% in September (-2.7% ytd). Total European shipments of SC-Magazine grades were up 3.5% (+1.3% ytd). Total European shipments of Coated Mechanical grades were down 0.4% (+1.8% ytd). Total European shipments of Uncoated Mechanical grades were down 9.9% (-0.4% ytd).

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10.26.2011

Flint Group announces November 1st price increases for solvent and water packaging inks in North America

The highly volatile raw material cost market in 2011 requires Flint Group to increase prices of packaging inks in North America effective 1 November 2011.

The dramatic increase in the cost of raw materials this year makes it necessary to increase the prices on both water and solvent based packaging inks. Susan Kuchta, Vice President North American Packaging and Narrow Web, commented, "We have experienced cost pressure on nearly all raw materials this year. The impact of the raw material cost increase varies by color, product and technology. Therefore, price increases must also vary by color, product, and technology."

The price increase will generally range between 5-8%. Although there may be some products which may be above or below this range due to the type and concentration of raw materials making up its composition.

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10.26.2011

Fortress Paper Announces Temporary Work Delay

Fortress Paper Ltd. announced that an unexpected walkout by unionized employees of the contractors engaged by the Company on the dissolving pulp conversion and cogeneration projects has resulted in the temporary suspension of construction activities at its Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill in Thurso, Quebec. Although the construction unions have not issued an official statement, Fortress Paper understands that the walkout is a result of the opposition to a bill proposed by the Quebec Government and not as a result of disputes with the Company or their employers. The walkout is affecting construction projects across the Province of Quebec. Fortress Paper is exploring available options to resume construction work at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill, and is in discussions with its contractors and government representatives with a view to resolving this situation as soon as practicable.

Management remains hopeful that the issues relating to this walkout can be resolved shortly, with the result that the re-start of the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill and the commencement of dissolving pulp production that was planned for early November 2011 would only experience a minor delay. However, as the duration or outcome of the walkout is out of management’s control and cannot be reasonably predicted, a further delay remains a possibility. Fortress Paper will provide updated guidance in this regard following the resumption of construction work at the mill.

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10.26.2011

Holmen Releases Interim report for January-September 2011

Summary: Profit after tax for January-September 2011 was SEK 1 015 million (January-September 2010: SEK 528 million). Earnings per share reached SEK 12.1 (6.3). Return on equity totalled 8.1 per cent (4.3). Operating profit amounted to SEK 1 570 million (971). The improvement is explained by higher prices for newsprint and paperboard, while higher costs for wood and recovered paper had an adverse impact on the result. Demand for both newsprint and paperboard in Europe weakened during the third quarter, and the market for sawn timber remained weak.

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