Paperclips Blog | RR Donnelley Results

  • 02.23.2012

    Kohl's Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2011 Financial Results

    Kohl's Corporation today reported results for the quarter and year ended January 28, 2012.

    Fourth Quarter Results: Kohl's Corporation reported fourth quarter diluted earnings per share increased 9% to $1.81. Net income for the quarter decreased 8% to $455 million, compared to $494 million ($1.66 per diluted share) a year ago. Net sales were $6.0 billion, a decrease of 0.3 percent from the prior year quarter. Comparable store sales for the quarter decreased 2.1%.

    Fiscal 2011 Results: For the year, diluted earnings per share increased 17% to $4.30 and net income increased 4% to $1,167 million. Net sales were $18.8 billion, an increase of 2.2%. Comparable store sales increased 0.5%.

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  • 02.23.2012

    The New York Times Launches Monthly Science Magazine in China

    The New York Times announced today that it has launched, with Chinese publisher Shanghai Zhenwen Advertising Co., Ltd., Science Times China, a monthly magazine, written in Chinese and distributed in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and other populous cities of the People’s Republic of China.

    Science Times China features articles, illustrations and photographs from the weekly Science Times sections of The New York Times, in addition to selected pieces on health, education and technology from The Times and NYTimes.com. The glossy magazine will also include some local Chinese content, which will be approved by The New York Times, which maintains editorial control over the publication.

    The magazine launched with a circulation of 20,000 copies and costs $5.00 on newsstands. Science Times China will be available via subscription in the coming months.

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  • 02.23.2012

    Clearwater Paper Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Results

    Clearwater Paper Corporation today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2011.

    The company reported net earnings of $11.5 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to net earnings of $37.8 million, or $1.60 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2010. Excluding $1.8 million in after-tax charges related to the sale of our Lewiston, Idaho sawmill on November 28, 2011, fourth quarter 2011 net earnings were $13.3 million, or $0.55 per diluted common share. Fourth quarter 2010 results included $10.5 million in after-tax costs related to the Cellu Tissue acquisition and a $27.1 million benefit from a Cellulosic Biofuel Producer Credit. Excluding these items, fourth quarter 2010 net earnings would have been $21.2 million, or $0.90 per diluted common share.

    Fourth quarter 2011 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, was $52.2 million, compared to $34.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Fourth quarter 2011 Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes $2.9 million in pre-tax adjustments associated with the sale of the sawmill, was $55.1 million. Fourth quarter 2010 Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes $17.2 million in pre-tax Cellu Tissue acquisition related expenses, was $51.9 million.

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  • 02.23.2012

    Limited Brands Announces 19 Percent Increase in Fourth Quarter Adjusted Earnings Per Share

    Limited Brands, Inc. today reported 2011 fourth quarter and full-year results.

    Fourth Quarter Results: Adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 28, 2012, which exclude certain significant items as detailed below, increased 19 percent to $1.50 compared to $1.26 for the quarter ended Jan. 29, 2011.  Fourth quarter adjusted operating income was $786.5 million compared to $713.5 million last year, and adjusted net income was $459.2 million compared to $419.7 million last year.

    Including the significant items below, reported fourth quarter earnings per share were $1.17 compared to $1.36 last year; operating income was $641.1 million compared to $713.5 million last year; and net income was $359.4 million compared to $452.3 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.

    Total sales were negatively impacted by the sale of our third party apparel sourcing business in the beginning of November 2011.

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  • 02.22.2012

    RR Donnelley Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2011 Results

    R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company today reported a fourth-quarter net loss attributable to common shareholders of $326.7 million, or $1.78 per diluted share, on net sales of $2.7 billion compared to net earnings of $27.0 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, on net sales of $2.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010. The fourth-quarter net loss attributable to common shareholders included pre-tax net charges totaling $483.9 million, primarily related to non-cash impairment, compared to pre-tax charges totaling $88.6 million, primarily related to restructuring and non-cash impairment in the fourth quarter of 2010.

    Highlights:
    • Full-year operating cash flow less capital expenditures of $695.4 million at high end of updated guidance range of $650 million to $700 million
    • Year-end debt of $3.7 billion decreased by $278.7 million from the third quarter of 2011
    • Fourth-quarter 2011 GAAP loss per diluted share of $1.78, compared to GAAP earnings per diluted share of $0.13 in the fourth quarter of 2010; GAAP results include non-cash impairment charges of $488.5 million, or $2.25 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2011 and $61.5 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2010
    • Fourth-quarter 2011 non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $0.46, compared to non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $0.51 in the fourth quarter of 2010
    • Full-year 2011 GAAP loss per diluted share of $0.63, compared to GAAP earnings per diluted share of $1.06 in 2010; GAAP results include non-cash impairment charges of $531.5 million, or $2.26 per diluted share, in 2011 and $92.5 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, in 2010

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  • 02.22.2012

    Total Printing-Writing Paper Shipments in January Down 3% from 2011

    According to the American Forest & Paper Association’s January 2012 Printing-Writing Paper Report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 3% in January compared to January 2011. All four major printing-writing grades posted decreases compared to last January. U.S. purchases (shipments + imports – exports) of printing-writing papers decreased 8% in January. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% compared to December 2011.
     
    Some points of interest from the report include: Shipments of uncoated free sheet (UFS) decreased year-over-year one percent, but posted a five percent increase month-over-month. Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) decreased year-over-year two percent, while purchases decreased by eleven percent. Coated mechanical (CM) shipments decreased five percent, which is the lowest year-over-year decrease since March 2011 when it increased. Uncoated mechanical (UM) shipments decreased by double-digit percentages for the eighth consecutive month, yet it is the lowest decrease in the stretch, only hitting ten percent by rounding.
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  • 02.22.2012

    Crude Falls From Nine-Month High in New York on Signs of Europe Slowdown

    Oil fell from a nine-month high after a euro-area industry index unexpectedly declined, signaling a slowdown in demand and countering concern that a conflict between Iran and Western nations may disrupt supplies.

    Futures slipped as much as 0.6 percent in New York, after climbing their highest since May as United Nations inspectors in Iran were denied access to a suspected nuclear-related military base. Equities declined and the euro erased gains against the dollar after an index based on a survey of euro-region purchasing managers dropped below 50, indicating a contraction.

    The figures indicate that “euro-zone economies will remain very weak in the months ahead,” said Andy Sommer, a senior trader at EGL AG in Dietikon, Switzerland. “That means oil demand in the euro zone remains weak.”

    Oil for April delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell as much as 60 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $105.65 a barrel and was at $105.78 at 10:09 a.m. London time. The contract earlier rose to $106.41, the most since May 5.

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  • 02.22.2012

    Dirt Rag Wins 2012 Aveda Environmental Award for Magazines

    Aveda and the Green America Better Paper Project named the winners of the 2012 Aveda Environmental Award for Magazines. Dirt Rag, a mountain biking magazine, earned this year’s top spot. Kansas City’s green living publication Greenability landed the runner-up nod, and GRIT completes the top trio as finalist.

    The Environmental Award for Magazines debuted in 2005, recognizing the best in sustainable publishing practices in the consumer and b-to-b sectors. Last year, Mother Jones and Experience Life took home top honors.

    Of this year’s winners, Better Paper Project director Frank Locantore said in a prepared press statement, “Despite the rise of the digital age, the world is using more paper than ever before. Dirt Rag, Greenability and GRIT are all examples of how we can make print more sustainable. They stand out in the magazine publishing industry, where only about two percent of U.S. publications regularly use recycled paper.”

    Dirt Rag currently uses 90 percent recycled, Forest Stewardship Council Certified and Process Chlorine Free paper; the magazine also encourages its employees to bike to work. 

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  • 02.22.2012

    Sales, Earnings Up at Quarto

    With sales in both its co-edition and publishing divisions showing gains, revenue at Quarto Group rose 5.5% in 2011 to $186.1 million, the U.K.-based publisher reported. Adjusted pretax profits rose to $12.1 million from $11.5 million. The gains came despite only minor improvement in the U.S., which accounted for 55% of revenue. Sales in the U.S. rose 1%, to $82.8 million, as the acquisition Cool Springs Press (for $3 million) and sales of its Walter Foster imprint offset soft results in Quarto’s transportation and graphic design lists.
     
    In breaking down results by segment, publishing sales rose 6%, to $123.6 million, helped by the Cool Springs purchase as well as that of the U.K.’s Frances Lincoln (for $7.3 million). E-book sales rose 500%, but at $2.1 million, comprise only a small portion of overall revenue. In his chairman’s statement, Laurence Orbach acknowledged that Quarto is moving cautiously in the e-book field, believing that the technology is not yet developed enough to allow Quarto to put its almost entirely nonfiction books into enhanced digital formats. " [Our] efforts to build both apps and e-books around the kind of content we create have not been well rewarded,” Orbach wrote. “This is not surprising, as they have not taken advantage of the benefits that the new tablet computers and e-readers now offer. At the moment, and seeking to take advantage of better and less cumbersome software authoring tools, more efforts are being made to create enhanced e-books. No doubt, some will turn out to be very fine, but it remains unclear whether there is a profitable commercial model lurking in all of the experimentation.”
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  • 02.22.2012

    Chico's FAS, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings Per Share up 25% to $0.15

    Chico's FAS, Inc. today announced its financial results for the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 28, 2012.

    Net Income and Earnings per Share: For the fourth quarter, net income was $25.1 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, an earnings per share increase of 25% compared to net income of $20.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for last year's fourth quarter.

    For the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012, excluding non-recurring acquisition and integration costs, net income was $144.4 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, an earnings per share increase of 31% compared to net income of $115.4 million, or $0.64 per diluted share in fiscal 2010.  For fiscal 2011, net income, including acquisition and integration costs, was $140.9 million, or $0.82 per diluted share.

    Net Sales: For the fourth quarter, net sales were $569.2 million, an increase of 19.8% compared to $475.0 million in last year's fourth quarter. The increase reflects a comparable sales increase of 8.7%, an 8.7% increase in square footage and $28.5 million in sales for Boston Proper.  The consolidated comparable sales increase of 8.7% for the fourth quarter was on top of a 4.5% increase for last year's fourth quarter, and reflects increases in both average dollar sale and transaction count.  The Chico's/Soma Intimates brands' comparable sales increased 5.5% on top of a 4.4% increase in last year's fourth quarter and the White House | Black Market ("WH|BM") brand's comparable sales increased 15.4% on top of a 4.7% increase in last year's fourth quarter. 

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  • 02.22.2012

    Franklin Dodd Communications Combines Two Florida Printing Firms

    Dodd Communications, a division of Nationwide Argosy Solutions, and Franklin Communications are combining their operations in Florida. The resulting company will be named Franklin Dodd Communications.

    Dodd Communications, founded in Miami 35 years ago, works with Fortune 500 companies, advertising agencies, graphic designers, and artists. It’s one of eight U.S. divisions owned by Houston-based Nationwide Argosy Solutions, a technology, graphic communications, and fulfillment company.

    Based in Miami, Franklin’s services include design, digital printing, sheetfed and web offset printing, fulfillment, database marketing and promotional items. It is one of the largest fully integrated digital and offset printing companies in the southeastern United States.

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  • 02.22.2012

    Buckeye Technologies Florida Facility Resuming Operation Following Power Failure

    Buckeye Technologies Inc. today announced that its Foley Plant in Perry, Florida, which manufactures specialty wood cellulose and fluff pulp, is returning to normal operation following a power failure and electrical surge that occurred last Friday, February 17. The power failure was triggered by a malfunction in a high voltage electrical line and subsequent transformer failure in its power house. This resulted in the unplanned, complete shutdown of the facility. Power has been fully restored to the facility, and one of the plant’s two production lines resumed operation at normal rates on Sunday. Company officials are targeting for the second line to resume normal operation on Wednesday, February 22.

    Buckeye Chairman and CEO John B. Crowe said, "While this is an unfortunate event, I appreciate the efforts of our employees and contractors with a rapid and around the clock effort to return the plant to normal operations. Resources have performed in a safe manner to identify the damaged equipment and make the necessary repairs. We are working with all of our customers and anticipate no major customer issues from this event. The Foley Plant remains in a sold out position and we believe current inventory levels are adequate to cover the production losses for the near term. Our highest priority is to safely return the plant to full operation.”

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  • 02.21.2012

    American Media, Inc.'s Muscle & Fitness Bulks Up with Major Redesign and New Editorial Features

    David J. Pecker, Chairman, President and CEO of American Media, Inc., today announced that Muscle & Fitness, the #1 magazine for serious fitness enthusiasts, is all new in 2012. With over 6.2 million readers, Muscle & Fitness is dedicated to providing the most effective training, nutrition and supplement information. The magazine has undergone a major redesign with a new section, new departments, and a renewed focus on bringing readers the specific information they need to take ownership of their appearance, their strength, and their health.

    “The Muscle & Fitness brand has prided itself for 72 years on always providing readers with cutting-edge training and nutrition content,” commented Mr. Pecker. “With the redesigned magazine, the expansion of the website including the introduction of the Muscle & Fitness store, and a variety of strong industry partnerships, we have taken the magazine to new heights.”

    Beginning with the March issue, which hits newsstands nationwide on February 27th, Muscle & Fitness will showcase a new, modern look, with larger images, cleaner layouts, and more dynamic color schemes. Terry Crews, actor and former NFL player, will grace the March cover as part of a special “21 Gun Salute,” which ranks the Hollywood actors with the most muscular arms. The feature also provides readers with 21 arm workouts from authorities such as UFC fighter Tim Kennedy, celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Future issues of the magazine will see equally compelling themes that speak to specific interests of Muscle & Fitness readers.

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  • 02.21.2012

    Oil Trades Near Nine-Month High on Iran Tension

    Oil traded near the highest price in nine months in New York after euro-area finance ministers agreed on a second bailout for Greece.

    Crude advanced as much as 2.1 percent from its Feb. 17 settlement. There was neither floor trading nor a closing price yesterday in the U.S. because of the Presidents’ Day holiday. Brent, the benchmark for half the world’s oil, was little changed in London after Europe Union finance ministers awarded 130 billion euros ($173 billion) in aid to Greece.

    “The Greek bailout was priced into oil because it was expected that a deal would be approved,” said Andrey Kryuchenkov, an analyst at VTB Capital in London. “Brent is overbought. We have some geopolitical issues in Iran and Syria but OPEC is producing at record levels and output from Libya is increasing.”

    Oil futures for March delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange, which expire today, rose as much as 2.2 percent from the Feb. 17 close to $105.44, the highest price since May 5, and were at $104.50 at 11:39 a.m. London time. The more-actively traded April contract was at $104.84, up 1.2 percent.

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  • 02.21.2012

    Interfor's Q4 Results Decline on Lower Volumes and Market Prices

    INTERNATIONAL FOREST PRODUCTS LIMITED reported a net loss of $6.5 million or $0.12 per share in the fourth quarter of 2011. Included in the Company's accounts in the quarter was the effect of unrecognized tax assets of $3.9 million or $0.07 per share.

    Excluding the tax allowance and other one-time items, Interfor recorded a net loss of $2.5 million or $0.04 per share compared to a net loss of $0.5 million or $0.01 per share in the immediately preceding quarter and net earnings of $0.5 million or $0.01 per share in the fourth quarter of 2010.

    Also included in the Company's accounts in the fourth quarter was a provision for share-based compensation of $0.9 million or $0.02 per share compared to a recovery of $0.9 million or $0.02 per share in the third quarter.

    Sales revenue in the fourth quarter was $190.0 million, down $10.2 million or 5% versus the third quarter, reflecting lower sales volumes and market prices.

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  • 02.21.2012

    Kraft Foods Caps 2011 With Strong Fourth Quarter Results

    Kraft Foods Inc. today reported strong fourth quarter and full year 2011 results, driven by robust revenue growth, effective cost management and focused investments in the company's iconic brands.

    "We delivered terrific results in 2011, and our businesses are healthier than ever due to the disciplined execution of our strategy," said Irene Rosenfeld, Chairman and CEO.  "We expect to deliver top-tier growth in 2012, in line with our long-term targets, while we prepare to successfully launch the North American grocery and global snacks companies later this year."

    Net revenues for the fourth quarter were $14.7 billion, up 6.6 percent.  Organic Net Revenues grew 6.1 percent. 

    For the full year, net revenues were $54.4 billion, up 10.5 percent.  Organic Net Revenues grew 6.6 percent, driven by strong growth across all geographies.  Pricing contributed 6.0 percentage points of growth, and volume/mix contributed 0.6 percentage points. 

    Operating income for the fourth quarter was $1.5 billion, and operating income margin was 10.3 percent.  Underlying Operating Income(1), which excludes acquisition-related costs(3), Integration Program costs(4), and spin-off-related costs(5), grew 7.4 percent to $1.7 billion.

    Operating income for the full year was $6.7 billion, and operating income margin was 12.2 percent.  Underlying Operating Income(1) grew 9.7 percent to $7.2 billion, driven primarily by effective management of input costs through pricing and productivity, favorable foreign currency and volume/mix gains.  These gains were partially offset by the year-over-year change of unrealized gains/losses from hedging activities and the loss of the Starbucks CPG business(6). 

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  • 02.21.2012

    Newest Sustainability Report Highlights Eco-Efficient Products, Services and Projects at Sun Chemical

    Sun Chemical released its 2011 sustainability report, which expands on its established data-driven metrics by showcasing how the company’s leadership in sustainability is helping customers adapt and be more eco-efficient.

    While Sun Chemical continues to be data-driven in its sustainability efforts by reporting the performance measurement for seven key sustainability metrics as outlined in its previous reports, the 2011 sustainability report expands on this commitment by citing specific examples of how its products, services and projects are helping customers improve their environmental impact.

    “We’re now going beyond providing meaningful data that will help meet customer goals,” said Gary Andrzejewski, Sun Chemical’s Corporate Vice President of Environmental Affairs. “We are showing concrete examples of things we are doing to help customers produce less waste and carbon dioxide, while at the same time improving the efficiency of their operations.”

    The report highlights Sun Chemical’s leadership role in low migration technology. As the regulatory landscape in Europe around the use of printing inks on food packaging has changed dramatically, Sun Chemical was the first company to offer low migration inks and provide best practice guides to help printers comply with the regulations.

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  • 02.21.2012

    Saks Incorporated Announces Results for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Ended January 28, 2012

    Retailer Saks Incorporated today announced results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 28, 2012.

    Overview of Results for the Fourth Quarter Ended January 28, 2012: For the fourth quarter ended January 28, 2012, the Company recorded net income of $37.0 million, or $.21 per share. These results included a net after-tax gain totaling $8.0 million, or $.04 per share, comprised of: severance and asset impairment charges totaling $3.9 million, store closing expenses of $1.1 million, a positive retroactive adjustment (from April 15, 2011 to October 29, 2011) of $3.1 million as provided in the risk and revenue sharing provisions of the November 2011 amendment of the Company’s credit card program agreement with HSBC, and
    the reversal of approximately $9.9 million in state estimated income tax reserves deemed no longer necessary.

    Excluding this net after-tax gain, the Company would have recorded net income of $29.0 million, or $.17 per share, for the fourth quarter ended January 28, 2012.

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  • 02.21.2012

    The Home Depot Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2011 Results

    The Home Depot®, the world's largest home improvement retailer, today reported sales of $16.0 billion for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, a 5.9 percent increase from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Comparable store sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 were positive 5.7 percent, and comp sales for U.S. stores were positive 6.1 percent.

    Net earnings for the fourth quarter were $774 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $587 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2010. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, diluted earnings per share increased 38.9 percent from the prior year.

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  • 02.21.2012

    Macy's, Inc. Reports Its Third Consecutive Year of Significant Growth in Sales, Earnings and Cash Flow

    Macy's, Inc. today reported its third consecutive year of significantly improved financial performance. Sales, earnings and cash flow for 2011, including the fourth quarter, exceeded management's expectations and represented continued progress as the company continues to capture market share from its competitors.

    Earnings were $1.74 per diluted share for the 13-week fourth quarter of 2011, ended Jan. 28, 2012. Diluted earnings per share were $1.70 in the fourth quarter of 2011, excluding pre-tax gains of approximately $54 million ($34 million after tax or 8 cents per share) from the sale of store leases related to the 2006 divestiture of Lord & Taylor, and approximately $29 million in pre-tax expenses ($18 million after tax or 4 cents per share) primarily related to store closings announced on Jan. 4.

    In the 13-week fourth quarter of 2010, earnings were $1.55 per diluted share. Diluted earnings per share were $1.59 in the fourth quarter of 2010, excluding asset impairment charges and other costs and expenses related to store closings announced in January 2011 of $25 million ($16 million after tax or 4 cents per diluted share).

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  • 02.21.2012

    Neenah Paper Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

    Neenah Paper, Inc. today reported earnings from continuing operations of $0.47 per diluted common share in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to adjusted earnings of $0.30 per share in the fourth quarter of 2010. Excluding adjustments, earnings in the fourth quarter of 2010 were $0.43 per share and included a $0.13 per share gain from the sale of a paper mill in Ripon, California.

    Net sales of $165.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 grew three percent compared with the prior year period, while operating income of $13.6 million increased 36 percent from adjusted operating income of $10.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The improvement in operating income and margins in 2011 resulted from higher volumes, increased selling prices and improved manufacturing cost efficiencies.

    For the full year, 2011 net sales of $696.0 million were up six percent versus the prior year, while adjusted operating income of $59.0 million grew 14 percent. Adjusted earnings per diluted common share increased 30 percent, from $1.47 in 2010 to $1.91 in 2011.

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  • 02.20.2012

    Amcor announces interim profit result for six months ended 31 December 2011

    Highlights: Record profit after tax before significant items of $304.7 million, up 13.9%; Significant items, primarily relating to acquisitions and restructuring activities, were an after tax expense of $99.8 million compared with an after tax expense of $41.3 million in 2011; Profit after tax and significant items was $204.9 million, down 9.4%; The negative impact from translation of overseas earnings into Australian dollars on profit after tax and before significant items was approximately $16 million; Returns, measured as underlying profit before interest and tax to average funds employed, of 15.1%.
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  • 02.20.2012

    Oil Rises to 9-Month High; Iran Says Halts Europe Exports

    Oil rose to a nine-month high in New York after Iran said it halted some crude exports and investors bet that fuel demand will increase as Europe moves closer to bailing out Greece.

    Futures climbed as much as 1.9 percent for a fourth day of gains, the longest rising streak since December. Iran will supply crude to “new customers” instead of companies in the U.K. and France, the oil ministry’s news website, Shana, said, citing Alireza Nikzad Rahbar, a spokesman. Prices also advanced as European finance ministers prepared to meet to discuss a 130 billion-euro ($172 billion) aid package for Greece, the country’s second rescue in less than two years.

    “The heightened level of tension surrounding Iran’s nuclear program continues to support prices, as does satisfactory growth in the U.S. and China,” said Christopher Bellew, a senior broker at Jefferies Bache Ltd. in London, who correctly predicted last week that the price of Brent crude would advance to $120 a barrel.

    Crude for March delivery rose as much as $1.97 to $105.21 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the highest intraday price since May 5. The contract, which expires tomorrow, was at $104.92 at 11 a.m. London time. The more actively traded April contract gained $1.70 to $105.30.

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  • 02.20.2012

    USPS - New business plan charts path to financial stability

    The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) today released an important update to its business plan for returning to profitability and long-term financial stability. While fundamentally consistent with the approach advanced by the Postal Service over the past year, the plan released today incorporates important refinements of financial projections and recommended legislative reforms.

    “The plan we have developed requires a combination of aggressive cost reduction, rethinking the way we manage our healthcare costs, and comprehensive legislation to reform the business model of the Postal Service,” said Postmaster General, Patrick Donahoe. “If provided the flexibility to quickly implement this plan, we can return to profitability and better serve the American public. If not, we risk becoming a significant burden to the American taxpayer.”

    At its core, the plan requires the reduction of annual costs by at least $20 billion by 2015, rising to more than $22 billion by 2016. This cost reduction is necessary given projected declines in First-Class Mail volume, which has already has dropped by 25 percent since 2006.  However, the Postal Service can achieve only a portion of these reductions under current business model constraints; legislative changes are needed to achieve the full $20 billion in cost reductions.

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  • 02.20.2012

    Wiley Acquires Inscape, a Leading Provider of DiSC®-Based Learning Solutions

    John Wiley & Sons, Inc., announced today that it has acquired Inscape Holdings Inc., a leading provider of DiSC®-based assessments and training products that develop critical interpersonal business skills.  Wiley paid $85 million to purchase all of the stock of Inscape, the majority of which are held by investment funds controlled by New York City-based Sentinel Capital Partners. The acquisition will enable Wiley to capitalize on both companies' content, assets, and relationships, enhance its global reach, and move more aggressively into digital delivery to the growing workplace learning and assessment market.

    "Inscape's solutions-focused DiSC® offerings are a perfect complement to Wiley's highly respected products published under its Pfeiffer brand, such as Kouzes and Posner’s Leadership Practices Inventory®.  Together we will serve a broad swath of talent professionals who in turn support managers, leaders, and teams in, corporations, government agencies, and organizations of all sizes around the world," said Jeffrey Sugerman, Inscape's chief executive officer, who is joining Wiley along with Inscape's more than 50 colleagues, as a result of the acquisition.

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  • 02.17.2012

    UPM launches a new service for all-in-one colour and workflow management

    UPM will introduce a new service UPM ColorCTRL at drupa in May. The new workflow management application is developed to support users in reaching the best possible print result on UPM Papers – each time. It is created in co-operation with market leading supply chain partners including the expertise of UPM’s technical field team, the best-in-class workflow system by Dalim Software and award-winning ColorServer technology by GMG in one application.

    As a Biofore Company UPM strives for continues development and innovative solutions with added value. “UPM’s services are tailored to improve our customers’ business processes and to help them to reach their business targets – from efficiency and also environmental point of view. UPM ColorCTRL is an excellent example of this,” says Thomas Ehrnrooth, Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

    UPM ColorCTRL is a web based pdf workflow management application. It is the first full turnkey solution in the market which covers the whole process from the creation of the print ready pdf page to the final colour accurate print product. It is enabled through the use of optimised paper profiles by GMG.

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  • 02.17.2012

    Ahlstrom introduces the first metalized poster paper for outdoor billboards at Fespa Digital 2012

    Ahlstrom, a global high performance materials company, announced today it will launch a new metalized poster paper for outdoor billboards at Fespa Digital 2012, the largest European event for digital wide format print industry, held in Barcelona on February 21-24.

    Advertising today requires companies and brand owners to continuously develop innovative marketing activities for maximum impact. Out-of-home advertising is no exception.

    To help companies making their brands stand out boldly from the crowd, Ahlstrom has developed Ahlstrom ChantafficheTM Metalized, the first metalized poster paper for outdoor billboard. This new one-side coated paper provides a premium metallic effect to posters for enhanced brand image. It is a supreme medium for advertising high-end cars, watches, perfumes, beers or fashion lines.

    To develop the new paper, Ahlstrom combined two unique areas of competence: expertise in base paper for metalization and know-how in blueback poster paper for optimal visual impact, easy posting and lasting stand-out.

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  • 02.17.2012

    Income statement for Södra, 2011

    Södra's operating profit for 2011 fell by SEK 1,266 million to SEK 1,005 million compared with 2010. Net sales fell by SEK 1,536 million to SEK 18,191 million, primarily as a consequence of the economic downturn and weak markets over the second six months of the year, in combination with a strengthening of the Swedish krona. Return on capital employed fell to 9 per cent, compared with 23 per cent in 2010.
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  • 02.17.2012

    Arandell Corp asks - Do you have an Effective Catalog Printing Process?

    If your company offers a variety of products, a simple e-mail or flyer may not be enough to successfully market your goods.  Catalog printing has been used for decades as a way for business owners to bring in greater sales.  Catalogs show up everywhere, from the mailbox to grocery store shelves.  If you are a business owner, an effective catalog campaign can raise brand recognition and sales.

    The first step in creating a great catalog is to research your target market and your business.  What type of business is it?  Who are the clients you wish to target?  What do they look for?  What do they need and want?  How can you provide benefits to them?  Once you know the answers to these questions, you can provide a catalog that will give your target audience what they need.

    Next, you must bring all the data you researched together so it can be put into a successful marketing strategy.  That leads you to your next step, which is designing the catalog.

    The design and theme of your catalog must be governed by the information to be included.  The information you received from the target clients should give you an idea of the level of professionalism necessary for the work.  For instance, if your target market is purely corporate, you will need a very professional design.  Bright colors and flashy graphics are not appropriate, because the prospects will ignore them, or at worst, won’t even look at the catalog.  If you have a more general audience, a simple, easy design will be best.

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  • 02.17.2012

    Crude Oil Set for Biggest Weekly Gain This Year on U.S. Economy, Greek Aid

    Oil rose for a third day in New York, heading for the biggest weekly gain this year, as signs of an improving U.S. economy and progress on a bailout for Greece bolstered the outlook for fuel demand. Brent touched an eight- month high.

    West Texas Intermediate futures climbed as much as 0.6 percent today and have gained 4.1 percent this week, the most since the five days ended Dec. 23. U.S. applications for jobless payments fell to the lowest since 2008, the Labor Department said yesterday. European governments are considering cutting interest rates on emergency loans to Greece and using European Central Bank contributions to plug a financing gap for the second bailout, two people familiar with the discussions said.

    “The U.S. economy is in better shape than had been feared,” Eugen Weinberg, the head of commodities research at Commerzbank AG in Frankfurt, who predicts Brent crude will slide toward $110 a barrel by the end of the year. “The current price action is a liquidity and investment-driven rally on the back of U.S. economic sentiment and improving equity markets, fueled further by fears of possibly supply cutbacks.”

    WTI for March delivery rose as much as 64 cents to $102.95 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $102.70 at 12:03 p.m. London time.

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  • 02.17.2012

    Colbert Installs New Flexographic Printing Press

    Colbert Packaging Corporation, a leading manufacturer of folding cartons, rigid paper boxes and paperboard specialty products, today announced that it has installed a new nine-color 23-inch wide Primographic printing press, custom-built by CPS Canadian Primoflex Systems. The CPS CP 585 joins Colbert's repertoire of specialized flexographic equipment in its 45,000 square foot facility in Lake Forest, Ill., one of three Colbert manufacturing plants and the only one focused exclusively on flexographic packaging solutions and pressure-sensitive roll labels.

    Colbert's CP 585 features nine print stations and has the ability to print four-color processes (4/4) on both sides of web-fed paperboard and coat in a single pass. The press provides increased format options for customers, and can print both water-based and ultraviolet inks. It also features Cold Foil and HoloCureTM technologies for producing metallic and holographic effects on package surfaces.

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  • 02.17.2012

    USPS redesigning mail processing network based on area hubs

    USPS is looking to reduce the size of its Area Mail Processing (AMP) plant network from around 461 facilities to under 200 over the next few years, and is expected to complete closure reviews in the next two weeks.

    Yesterday at the latest quarterly Mailers’ Technical Advisory Committee meeting at USPS headquarters, executives said that the smaller number of surviving mail processing plants would be supported by hundreds of smaller area “hub” facilities for more localised distribution of processed mail.

    These hubs could be set up in existing USPS sites that have other functions like business mail entry and retail facilities, but many are likely to be subcontracted out to distribution partners.

    “It’s all being designed around efficient transportation,” said USPS vice president of network operations Dave Williams yesterday.

    Details on exact plants to be closed, and which three-digit zip codes will apply to which surviving plant, are to be revealed soon after the AMP reviews are completed.

    Hopes are that the overall network restructuring will take around $2.6bn in annual operating costs out of the system, with closures set to begin after the current moratorium runs out on May 15.

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  • 02.17.2012

    Orient Paper Announces Unaudited Preliminary Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011

    Orient Paper, Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of diversified paper products in northern China, today announced unaudited preliminary results for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2011. The Company plans to release full financial results and file its Form 10-K on or before March 15, 2012 and will hold an earnings conference call to discuss its results.

    For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, total unaudited revenue increased 21.6% to approximately $150.7 million from $124.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2010. In fiscal year 2011, the Company sold 108,174 tons and 122,320 tons of corrugating medium paper and offset printing paper, respectively, up 0.91% and 8.34% compared to fiscal 2010, respectively. In addition, the average selling prices of the Company's corrugating medium paper and offset printing paper products rose 24.93 % and 8.31 %, respectively, compared to fiscal 2010. The Company expects to report unaudited gross profit of approximately $33.0 million for fiscal year 2011, compared to $26.2 million in fiscal 2010. The Company is expecting unaudited net income to be approximately $21.5 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, up from $15.6 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, in fiscal 2010.

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  • 02.17.2012

    Twin Rivers Paper Company Simplifies Paper Selection Process

    Twin Rivers Paper Company, a leader in lightweight specialty packaging, label, and publishing papers, has released a packaging swatchbook, making it easier for customers to select the right paper for their application. This swatchbook features a broad range of coated and uncoated papers designed for packaging applications that require PFOA-free grease-resistance, wet-strength, FDA compliance, printability, strength properties and recycled content. Common applications for these packaging papers include sandwich wraps, basket liners, sugar packets, print-ply for multi-wall bags, theater popcorn bags, microwave popcorn bags and much more.

    The packaging swatchbook focuses on two primary brands - Acadia and Bladepak®. Acadia, an uncoated machine-finish paper is available in 15-75 lb (24x36/500) basis weights and is known for its flexibility and functionality. Acadia offers grease-resistant properties and other options ideal for waxing, extruding and laminating applications.

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  • 02.17.2012

    West Fraser Announces Fourth Quarter Results

    West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. today reported earnings after discontinued operations of $6 million or $0.14 per share on sales of $650 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 and earnings after discontinued operations of $73 million or $1.47 per share, on sales of $2,762 million for 2011.

    In the quarter our lumber operations generated an operating loss of $30 million (Q3 – negative $15 million) and EBITDA of negative $8 million (Q3 - $6 million). The decline in our results reflects weaker prices for lower-grade SPF lumber and wider-dimension SYP lumber and reduced shipments.

    The panel segment, which includes plywood, LVL and MDF, did not generate any operating earnings in the quarter (Q3 – negative $2 million) and EBITDA of $4 million (Q3 - $2 million) as Canadian dollar plywood and MDF prices showed some improvement.

    Pulp and paper operations generated operating earnings in the quarter of $13 million (Q3 - $19 million) and EBITDA of $27 million (Q3 - $36 million). Pulp prices weakened during the quarter with the NBSK benchmark averaging 7% lower than in the third quarter.

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  • 02.17.2012

    West Linn Paper Company continues progress towards sustainability goals by achieving Climate Registered status for a third year

    West Linn Paper Company achieved Climate Registered™ status by successfully measuring its carbon footprint according to The Climate Registry’s best-in-class program, then having it third party verified and reporting the data on The Registry’s website.  West Linn Paper joins over 440 other leading organizations across North America in adopting a truly sustainable approach to doing business.

    Measuring their carbon footprint with The Registry allows West Linn Paper Company to prepare for future regulation, identify inefficiencies and potential for cost savings, and provide real and meaningful data to their customers and shareholders about their environmental performance. It is a continued step towards reducing their energy usage, costs and carbon emissions.

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  • 02.17.2012

    MWV’s Crescendo® Approved for Chocolate and Confectionery Packaging Market

    MeadWestvaco Corporation, a global leader in packaging and packaging solutions, has its Robinson EN 1230-2 sensory analysis approval for its Crescendo® paperboard for chocolate and confectionery packaging. This analysis, required for all confectionery packaging and paperboard, tests the paperboard’s ability to maintain product quality without a trace of taint or odor from the packaging. Crescendo’s approval on the Robinson test confirms its ability to maintain product integrity and value, and provides brand owners with confidence in packaging solutions for their luxury confectionery products.

    Crescendo, available with one-sided coating (Crescendo C1S) or two-sided coating (Crescendo C2S), meets the high standards of packaging seen in the European chocolate and confectionery market and is safe for direct food contact. The unique fibre-mix material and finishing process results in high stiffness and durability.

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  • 02.17.2012

    MMP employees to stage second walk-out

    Almost 150 employees at Mayr-Melnhof Packaging (MMP) in Bootle will walk out over redundancy terms for a second time this Friday.

    The Austrian-owned company's 149 staff took action last week over the terms offered to staff facing redundancy and what they claim is an unfair method of selection.

    On Friday and Saturday (10-11 February), employees went on strike and held a demonstration on site, while further industrial action took place from 13-15 February.

    Action continues tomorrow (17 February) when employees will walk out for 24 hours, while a picket line will also be in place from 12-6pm Saturday. Further stoppages are planned between 21-27 February.

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  • 02.17.2012

    Cabela's(R) Unveils New Outpost Store Retail Initiative

    Cabela's Incorporated, the World's Foremost Outfitter(R) of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, announced today plans to open its first Cabela's Outpost Store, unveiling a new retail initiative that will introduce the unique Cabela's retail experience to customers in underserved markets across the United States and Canada.

    Cabela's expects the first Cabela's Outpost Store, in Union Gap, Wash., a suburb of Yakima, to open in the fall of 2012. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2012.

    Cabela's Outpost stores, designed for efficiency, flexibility and convenience at around 40,000-square-feet, will open in markets with less than 250,000 people, bringing the same quality products and customer service for which Cabela's is famous to hometown markets too small to support Cabela's popular next-generation stores.

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  • 02.17.2012

    Cabela's(R) Announces Plans for New Stores

    Cabela's Incorporated, the World's Foremost Outfitter(R) of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, announced today plans to open three next-generation stores and relocate its Winnipeg, Canada, store in 2013.

    Construction is scheduled to begin on next-generation stores in Columbus, Ohio; Grandville, Mich.; and Louisville, Ky., in the summer of 2012 and Cabela's expects to open each location in spring 2013. Ranging from 80,000- to 88,000-square-feet, the stores will be built in Cabela's trademark style with an exterior of log construction, stonework, wood siding and metal roofing. Large glass storefronts will allow customers to view much of the stores' interior as they approach the building.

    Cabela's next-generation layout is designed to maximize product assortment and availability while surrounding customers in the outdoor experience with wildlife and outdoor memorabilia displays. The Columbus, Grandville and Louisville stores will feature a Gun Library, Bargain Cave and Fudge Shop, among other features unique to each location.

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  • 02.17.2012

    Cabela's Inc. Reports Strong Top and Bottom Line Growth for Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2011

    Cabela's Incorporated today reported record financial results for fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

    For the quarter, adjusted for divestitures, total revenue increased 5.4% to $983.7 million; Retail store revenue increased 9.8% to $525.6 million; Direct revenue decreased 1.9% to $378.9 million; and Financial Services revenue increased 34.5% to $77.7 million. For the quarter, comparable store sales increased 1.7%. On a reported basis, total revenue increased 5.3% and Direct revenue decreased 2.1%. A detailed reconciliation is provided at the end of this release.

    For the quarter, net income increased 25% to $75.0 million compared to $59.9 million in the year ago quarter, and earnings per diluted share were $1.06 compared to $0.86 in the year ago quarter, each excluding certain items. The Company reported GAAP net income of $69.8 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.99 as compared to GAAP net income of $66.3 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.95 in the year ago quarter. Fourth quarter 2011 results include impairment charges of $7.8 million pre-tax mostly related to economic development bonds; while fourth quarter 2010 results include a benefit of $9.2 million pre-tax.

    For fiscal 2011, net income increased 24% to $150.8 million compared to $121.3 million last year, and earnings per diluted share were $2.12 compared to $1.76 a year ago, each excluding certain items. The Company reported GAAP net income of $142.6 million and earnings per diluted share of $2.00 as compared to GAAP net income of $112.2 million and earnings per diluted share of $1.62 a year ago. Fiscal 2011 results include impairment charges of $12.2 million pre-tax, while fiscal 2010 results include impairment and special charges of $13.6 million pre-tax.

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  • 02.17.2012

    Valassis Announces Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year Ended Dec. 31, 2011

    Valassis today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended Dec. 31, 2011.  Fourth-quarter 2011 revenues were $595.3 million, a decrease of 5.7% from $631.2 million in the prior year quarter.  Full-year 2011 revenues were $2,236.0 million, a decrease of 4.2% from $2,333.5 million in full-year 2010.  These decreases in revenues were due primarily to the previously announced shortfall in Run-of-Press (ROP) revenues within the Neighborhood Targeted segment and reduced spending by consumer packaged goods (CPG) clients across our various business segments.

    Fourth-quarter 2011 net earnings were $34.3 million, an increase of 38.2% from $24.8 million in the prior year quarter.  Fourth-quarter 2011 diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.76, an increase of 61.7% from $0.47 in the prior year quarter.  Fourth-quarter 2011 net earnings and diluted EPS were negatively impacted by charges in an aggregate amount of $14.0 million ($8.5 million, net of tax) and $0.19, respectively, primarily related to the restructuring of certain non-core businesses and the associated costs including write-offs of impaired assets, as well as the early termination of leases and severance costs. 

    Full-year 2011 net earnings were $113.4 million and full-year 2010 net earnings were $385.4 million. Full-year 2011 adjusted net earnings* were $133.5 million, which excludes debt refinancing costs, net of tax, of $11.6 million and the charges described above, net of tax, of $8.5 million.  Full-year 2010 adjusted net earnings* were $98.7 million, which excludes debt refinancing costs of $14.7 million, net of tax, and litigation settlement proceeds, net of tax and related payments, of $301.4 million.  Full-year 2011 adjusted net earnings* increased 35.3% from full-year 2010.  Full-year 2011 diluted EPS was $2.33 and full-year 2010 diluted EPS was $7.42. Full-year 2011 adjusted diluted EPS*, which excludes a $0.41 effect from debt refinancing costs and the charges described above, was $2.74.  Full-year 2010 adjusted diluted EPS*, which excludes a net effect of $5.52 from debt refinancing costs and litigation settlement proceeds, net of tax and related payments, was $1.90.  Full-year 2011 adjusted diluted EPS increased 44.2% from full-year 2010. 

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  • 02.17.2012

    MediaCard – for brilliant print results

    Stora Enso broadens its Graphical Board offering with MediaCard, a single layer (SL) board with a double silk coated surface. MediaCard can be used for various graphical and packaging applications which demand a remarkably high visual appearance.

    “With the launch of MediaCard Stora Enso completes its Graphical Board offering for brandowners, designers, converters and printers. The high-white, bright and smooth surface of MediaCard supports excellent print results and is suitable for a wide range of graphical end uses and packaging such as covers, folders, cards, tags, tickets, posters, game cards and shopping bags”, says Jonas Pettersson, Sales Director for Stora Enso Graphical Boards Business Segment.

    MediaCard is produced at Stora Enso’s Uetersen mill in Germany with a double silk coated surface on either one or two sides: MediaCard C1S is one-side double coated and offered in basis weights of 120 to 300 g/m². MediaCard C2S is two-side double coated and in 250 and 300 g/m² available.

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  • 02.17.2012

    Nordstrom Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2011 Earnings

    Nordstrom, Inc. today reported net earnings of $236 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter ended January 28, 2012. This represented an increase of 1.7 percent compared with net earnings of $232 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, for the same quarter last year.

    Fourth quarter same-store sales increased 7.1 percent compared with the same period in fiscal 2010. Net sales in the fourth quarter were $3.17 billion, an increase of 12.5 percent compared with net sales of $2.82 billion during the same period in fiscal 2010. Additionally, total net sales of $10.50 billion for fiscal 2011 were the highest in the company’s history and represented two consecutive years of approximately 13 percent annual growth.

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  • 02.17.2012

    MOD-PAC CORP. Reports 43% Increase in Net Income on 15% Revenue Growth in 2011

    MOD-PAC CORP., a manufacturer of custom and stock paperboard packaging and provider of personalized print products, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2011.

    In the fourth quarter of 2011, revenue increased $1.8 million, or 13.7%, to $14.6 million from $12.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Each of the Company’s product lines contributed to the revenue growth. Net income was $0.4 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared with $0.2 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2010. The higher net income reflects positive leverage from higher sales, offset by negative product mix and continued raw material pricing pressures. The prior year fourth quarter includes a $178 thousand, or $0.05 per diluted share, charge for impaired asset write-downs.

    Total revenue for 2011 was $56.2 million compared with $48.7 million in 2010, reflecting higher folding carton sales and improved waste sales due to a recovery in the recycling market. Net income increased 43.3% to $1.9 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, in 2011 from $1.3 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, in 2010. Higher revenue along with productivity and cost reduction initiatives drove the net income increase.

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  • 02.16.2012

    KapStone Reports Record Fourth Quarter Results

    KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation today reported preliminary record results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2011.

    For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011: Record net sales of $269 million, up 35% versus 2010; Net income of $74.2 million, up 463% versus prior year; Adjusted net income of $13.5 million, up $2.4 million, or 21% versus prior year.

    For the year ended December 31, 2011: Record net sales of $906 million, up $123 million versus 2010, or 16%; Net income of $124 million, up $59 million versus prior year; Adjusted net income of $67 million, up $38 million versus prior year.

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  • 02.16.2012

    Arctic Paper announces a general price increase of 5-6% for uncoated and coated fine papers

    During 2011 Arctic Paper has taken several measures to further reduce costs and increase efficiency. However, current manufacturing cost levels and cost increases for transportation and raw material make a paper price increase unavoidable.

    Arctic Paper wishes to announce to its customers a price increase on all UWF and CWF paper grades, both in sheets and reels. The price increase will range from 5-6% and will differ from the current price levels per country and paper grade.

    The price increase will be implemented for all markets and deliveries from 15 March 2012 will be affected.

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  • 02.16.2012

    Oil Declines From Five-Week High In New York After Greek Bailout Delayed

    Oil fell from a five-week high in New York as European leaders pushed back a bailout for Greece, heightening concern that the region’s debt crisis will damage economic growth and curtail fuel consumption.

    Europe’s creditor countries struggled to reach an agreement over a rescue of Greece, seeking more control over how future aid is spent as the country faces the threat of default over a bond payment due on March 20. Iran stopped crude exports to France and the Netherlands and threatened to end shipments to four other European countries, state-run Mehr reported yesterday, citing an unidentified official at the National Iranian Oil Co.

    “Yet another postponement of the Greek deal is creating some risk-off” said Thorbjorn Bak Jensen, an analyst at Global Risk Management in Middelfart, Denmark. “Yesterday’s news from Iran was bullish, but not bullish enough to justify a rally. It is still rumors and speculation.”

    Oil for March delivery fell as much as 78 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $101.02 and was at $101.27 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:53 a.m. London time. The contract yesterday rose $1.06 to $101.80, the highest close since Jan. 10.

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  • 02.16.2012

    Active Interest Media Buys Marine Group Assets from Source Interlink

    Active Interest Media, the enthusiast publisher with titles and events in the healthy living, home buying, marine and outdoor markets, has taken over the marine group from Source Interlink Media in an asset deal.

    The brands included in the transaction are Power & Motoryacht and Sail. Terms were not released, but AIM is effectively taking over the publishing of the brands in an asset deal, with a performance-based buyout down the road—a deal similar to one AIM's outdoor group did with Skram Media in June, 2010. AIM COO Andy Clurman declined to offer more details on the terms of the deal, only noting it was an asset sale, not a stock-based transaction.

    Power & Motoryacht is a monthly with a circulation of almost 150,000. According to Source Interlink, its website gets about 150,000 monthly uniques. Sail, also monthly, claims a rate base of 100,000.

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  • 02.16.2012

    Mercer International Inc. Reports Record Annual Pulp Production and Energy Sales and 2011 Q4 and Year End Results

    Mercer International Inc. today reported results for the fourth quarter and for the year ended December 31, 2011. Operating EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2011 was €17.0 million ($22.9 million), compared to €64.6 million ($87.8 million) in the last quarter of 2010 and €49.2 million ($69.5 million) in the third quarter of 2011.
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