Paperclips Blog | Sales Report Results

05.29.2013
Slow Start for Books-A-Million

Sales for the first quarter ended May 4 fell 7.4%, to $104.5 million, at Books-A-Million and the net loss increased to $3.7 million from $1.9 million in last year’s first quarter. Comparable store sales fell 6.8%. Excluding sales from digital reading devices, comp sales were down 5.8%.
Company CEO Terry Finley said that results were “slightly below our expectations” as the chain had trouble overcoming last year’s strong sales of The Hunger Games series and Fifty Shades of Grey. BAM said as the growth in e-book sales slows, it saw good gains in its general merchandise category as well as a “solid performance from booksamillion.com.” Finley noted that after a strong first part of the quarter, the comparisons to Grey coupled with an "unremarkable" publishing schedule led to a soft April. Within the books category, graphic novels, diet & health, biography and a number of children's segments did well.
Finley said BAM is again facing "extraordinary headwinds" in the current quarter due to last year's Fifty Shades success and a "modest" publishing schedule. The retailer will continue to look for local opportunities to open new stores in the year.

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05.29.2013
A. Schulman Announces an Agreement in Principle to Acquire Network Polymers

A. Schulman, Inc. announced today that it has reached an agreement in principle to purchase Network Polymers, Inc., a U.S. niche engineered plastics compounding and distribution business, for approximately $50 million, subject to completion of due diligence. The transaction is anticipated to close within the next few months.
"We have demonstrated a strong commitment at A. Schulman to grow through opportunistic and strategic acquisitions as well as organic growth. Network Polymers is an excellent fit with our ongoing strategy as we continue to enhance our niche engineered plastics business in the U.S.," said Joseph M. Gingo, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, A. Schulman. "Network Polymers will provide greater penetration in key markets such as building and construction, agricultural products, and lawn and garden. It also brings strong technical expertise and a seasoned sales force that will help to leverage existing A. Schulman products and expertise to a wider customer base. In addition, the combination will expand our distribution business in the U.S."
"The highly talented teams at both Network Polymers and A. Schulman share a passion for providing custom formulations that meet the most demanding customer needs and applications," said Alan Woll, Chief Executive Officer, Network Polymers, Inc. "Our organizations have complementary products and technologies, and we expect our similar cultures to fit together well; therefore, we believe this is an exciting opportunity to become part of A. Schulman's global organization."
Network Polymers is a leading single source provider of thermoplastic resins and alloys. The company offers a broad spectrum of custom resins and alloys to meet customer-specific product design and manufacturing requirements. Network Polymers is also the exclusive producer of the Centrex® ASA family of products as well as the Diamond Polymer brand of ABS, ABS/PC, ASA and ASA/PC thermoplastic products. The company operates a 72,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Akron, Ohio, and employs approximately 70 people. It recorded revenues of $65.3 million in fiscal 2012.

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05.29.2013
Study: One-Quarter of Tablet Owners Prefer Digital Magazines Over Print

Digital publishing consultancy Mequoda Group released results of a recent survey that examined the usage and content consumption of tablet owners. According to the survey, the 1,293 respondents are fairly spendy and a significant portion engage with digital magazines on a monthly basis.
Another notable result indicates that 26 percent of respondents prefer the tablet version of the magazine over its print counterpart. The Mequoda team reads a fair amount of significance into this metric, especially given the growth rate of tablet ownership over the last few years.
In fact, in a blog post about the study, Mequoda CEO Don Nicholas predicts that in seven years, 65 percent of U.S adult Internet users will prefer digital magazines to the print version.
The survey also shows that about 47 percent of tablet owners have spent between $1 and $99 in the last 12 months, but 39 percent have spent $100 or more.

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05.29.2013
Courier Corporation and Ingram Content Group Form Strategic Relationship to Expand Publisher Services

Ingram Content Group Inc. and Courier Corporation (Nasdaq: CRRC), today announced that they will be working together to offer an array of global content services for publisher clients. Courier will use Ingram’s print-on-demand and digital distribution services, and Ingram will use Courier’s printing capabilities to streamline workflow and speed delivery to retailers and readers worldwide.
Through this relationship, Courier will now offer an expanded range of print-on-demand and distribution services, both for its mainstream publishing customers and for self-publishers. At the same time, Courier Publishing imprints such as Dover Publications will use Ingram’s Print To Order channel capabilities to make backlist titles available immediately throughout Ingram’s global distribution network.
“Combining our expertise in process management and print production with Ingram’s channel connections and global scale creates an extraordinary opportunity for authors, publishers and retailers,” said Courier Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James F. Conway III. “In today’s competitive environment, it’s imperative to be fast, flexible and efficient in getting content out to consumers. Thanks to our collaboration with Ingram, publishers will have more and better choices than ever in content management, physical and digital production, and global distribution.
“In addition, through Courier’s recent acquisition of FastPencil, thousands of self-publishers also stand to benefit by gaining access to capabilities previously reserved for the top of the industry.”
“Ingram is proud to work with Courier to integrate digital and print into one seamless, effective service,” said John Ingram, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ingram Content Group. “Courier’s scale efficiencies combined with our print on demand capabilities and worldwide reach will help clients achieve global distribution in the most efficient manner possible.”

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05.29.2013
Chico's FAS, Inc. Reports First Quarter Earnings

Chico's FAS, Inc. today announced its fiscal 2013 first quarter financial results.
For the first quarter, when excluding non-recurring acquisition and integration costs related to the Boston Proper acquisition, the Company reported net income of $51.7 million, a decrease of 4.2% compared to net income of $54.0 million in last year's first quarter, and earnings per diluted share of $0.32, flat to a record $0.32 per diluted share in last year's first quarter. Including non-recurring acquisition and integration costs, the Company reported net income of $51.1 million, a decrease of 4.7% compared to net income of $53.6 million in last year's first quarter, and earnings per diluted share of $0.31, a decrease of 3.1% compared to $0.32 per diluted share in last year's first quarter.
For the first quarter, net sales were a record $670.7 million, an increase of 3.1% compared to $650.8 million in last year's first quarter, primarily reflecting 114 net new stores for a square footage increase of 9.0%. Comparable sales for the first quarter were flat following a 9.6% increase in last year's first quarter, reflecting higher transaction count offset by a decrease in average dollar sale. The comparable sales results primarily reflect the impact of an unusually cool spring and the cycling of strong comparable sales last year.
The Chico's/Soma Intimates brands' comparable sales decreased 2.8% following an 8.8% increase in last year's first quarter for a two-year stack of 6.0% and the White House | Black Market ("WH|BM") brand's comparable sales increased 6.4% following an 11.3% increase in last year's first quarter for a two-year stack of 17.7%.
For the first quarter, gross margin was $386.8 million compared to $378.6 million in last year's first quarter. As a percentage of net sales, gross margin was 57.7%, a 50 basis point decrease from last year's first quarter, primarily reflecting higher promotion of seasonal merchandise during an unusually cool spring and investment in new distribution automation partially offset by lower incentive compensation.

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05.29.2013
WTI Falls From Weekly High as OPEC Signals Stable Output

West Texas Intermediate crude fell before data likely to show a decline in U.S. gasoline stockpiles as OPEC delegates in Vienna indicated the group will leave its output target unchanged at this week’s meeting.
Futures dropped as much as 0.9 percent in New York after gaining for the first time in a week yesterday as U.S. consumer confidence rose to the highest in five years. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will keep its production limit at 30 million barrels a day at a May 31 meeting in Vienna, said two delegates who asked not to be identified because the decision isn’t yet final. An Energy Information Administration report tomorrow may show gasoline supplies dropped 650,000 barrels last week, according to a Bloomberg News survey.
“OPEC will be a non-event, as the key producers seem quite happy with the status quo,” said Carsten Fritsch, an analyst at Commerzbank AG in Frankfurt. “In the inventory report, gasoline stock change will be most important to watch,” with the U.S. entering the peak summer driving season, he said.
WTI for July delivery was at $94.47 a barrel, down 54 cents, in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 11:31 a.m. London time.

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05.29.2013
Domtar to expand its personal care business with the acquisition of Associated Hygienic Products

Domtar Corporation today announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of privately-held Associated Hygienic Products ("AHP"), the largest manufacturer and supplier of store brand infant diapers in the United States, from DSG International for $272 million. The closing of the transaction is expected by the end of the second quarter of 2013, subject to customary closing conditions.
"The market for store brand infant diapers is growing steadily in North America driven by high quality products and a strong value proposition. The acquisition of AHP will provide meaningful market expansion opportunities and innovative product development capabilities with our existing Personal Care business, as well as synergies to the bottom line," said John D. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Domtar. "This will be our fourth transaction in Personal Care in two years, and with it the division will reach over $200 million in annualized EBITDA by 2017. This earnings runway is part of our Company-wide goal of having $300-$500 million in annualized EBITDA from growing businesses over the next four years."
AHP manufactures and markets infant diapers in the United States with established long-term relationships in the retail distribution channels. AHP operates two large modern facilities, a 376,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Delaware, Ohio and a 312,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Waco, Texas. The company also has administrative offices and operates a distribution center in Duluth, Georgia. AHP has 621 employees and has annual run rate sales and EBITDA of $320 million and $31 million respectively.
It is anticipated that the integration to Domtar's Personal Care division will provide annualized synergies of $10 million within two years. The synergies will come from a combination of lower purchasing costs, a reduction in general and administrative costs and sharing of best practices in manufacturing and product development.

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05.29.2013
Price Increase on Resolute Forest Products’ Coated & SC Grades

Please be advised that, effective with shipments on or after July 1, 2013, Resolute Forest Products will raise its Coated & SC paper prices by amounts specified below (see primary grades listed). The products impacted by the price increase include, but are not limited to, the following:
ResoluteSCA; ResoluteSCB; ResoluteSNC; ResoluteGloss & ResoluteBrite 76 = + $40 US/st
ResoluteBrite 80 & ResoluteMax 84 = + $30 US/st
The increases will be applicable to all basis weights and finishes, and all up charges apply.

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05.28.2013
Tetra Pak announces global launch of new cap made from renewable material

Tetra Pak® today announces the global launch of LightCap 30; a high density polyethylene (HDPE) cap made from sugar cane.

TINE, a leading dairy producer, distributor and exporter, based in Norway, is the first brand in Europe to use these bio-based caps. Its Piano vanilla sauce, TINE iced coffee, iced tea and chocolate milk will be packaged in the Tetra Brik Aseptic Edge with bio-based LightCap 30.

“As one of Norway’s largest users of packaging, it is important that we use our resources optimally and prioritise sustainability. This is a business imperative for us. Tetra Pak’s TBA Edge, which is made from about 75% renewable resources, now comes with bio-based cap, offering us the opportunity to further enhance the environmental profile of our products”, said Björn Malm, Sustainability Manager, at TINE.

The renewable polyethylene used in LightCap 30 starts out as sugar cane. The cane is crushed and the juice fermented and distilled to produce ethanol. Through a process of dehydration, ethanol is converted into ethylene, which is then polymerised to produce the polyethylene used to manufacture the cap.
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05.28.2013
Award-Winning All-Girls Surf Magazine is Back!

The second issue of SURFER Magazine’s award-winning women’s surf magazine, SALTED, hits newsstands June 11. The debut issue earned a 2013 MAGGIE Award in the Best Annual & Custom Publication category and also had the highest in sell-through of any special issue produced by SURFER. Issue 2 promises nearly 100 pages of female surf content—including massive photo features, interviews with the best and most interesting surfers, adventures to far-off locales, health, fashion and more. Some of the many female surfers featured in Issue 2 include Malia Manuel, Kassia Meador, Steph Gilmore, and Lisa Andersen.

“For the second issue, we wanted to really show how broad female surfing is, so we included features that span all ages, locations, and sectors of the surf world,” says SURFER Managing Editor Janna Irons, who edited the issue. “There’s a profile on one of the most progressive female surfers on the planet, Malia Manuel, as well as one on one with one of the greatest female surfers of all time, Lisa Andersen. There are trips to Iceland, China, and Mexico, and a massive photo feature of beautiful images from all over the globe. We also included a feature on the best female big-wave surfers, where they discuss the dangers and motivations for surfing massive waves. Plus, we threw in a short fashion feature, an op-ed, and a collection of smaller features on interesting characters in the surf world. There really is a ton of great content in the issue that I’m super excited about.”

“We are proud to create a special issue that really showcases the women in the sport,” says Publisher Tony Perez. “The caliber of female athletes has never been this high, and their performances have never been better. And thanks to the endemic support for the girls, we are able to produce this amazing product.”

SALTED’s debut issue landed on newsstands last summer to major acclaim and readers have been asking for more ever since. Female surf content has been scarce in the media in recent years leaving female surf fans hungry for this kind of female focused content.

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05.28.2013
RR Donnelley Awarded Multi-Year Multi-Million Dollar Agreement by Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company today announced that it has been awarded a multi-year multi-million dollar agreement by Williams-Sonoma, Inc. that renews and significantly expands the companies' relationship. Under the terms of the agreement RR Donnelley will provide printing, sophisticated co-mailing and mailing logistics services for all of Williams-Sonoma, Inc.'s catalogs.

A premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States and globally, Williams-Sonoma, Inc.'s catalog titles include Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, PBdorm, Pottery Barn Bed & Bath, Pottery Barn Outdoor, Williams-Sonoma, Williams-Sonoma Home, West Elm, Rejuvenation as well as its recently launched Mark and Graham, Agrarian and West Elm Market.

Patrick Connolly, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Williams-Sonoma, Inc. stated, "Catalogs play an integral role in our multi-channel merchandising strategy and they must reflect the quality of our brands. We are pleased that RR Donnelley will be producing these important communications for all of our concepts."

In addition to catalogs and mailing logistics RR Donnelley also provides Williams-Sonoma, Inc. with commercial printing, direct mail, labels and financial printing.

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05.28.2013
PEFC Publishes 2013 Chain of Custody Standard, Aligned with EUTR

The 2013 PEFC Chain of Custody standard, published today, offers companies an efficient mechanism to demonstrate compliance with EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) requirements. The standard was revised over the past 18 month to satisfy the specific conditions of emerging and existing legislative and regulatory processes, with a particular focus on the EUTR.

The EUTR, which entered into force in March 2013, prohibits illegally harvested timber from being placed on the EU market. It sets out mandatory procedures designed to minimise the risk of illegal timber being sold and applies to both imported and domestically produced timber and is therefore relevant for companies globally.

Key changes to the 2013 Chain of Custody standard include:
Expanded definition of controversial sources to include EUTR-specific requirements such as compliance with trade and customs legislation in addition to legislation relating to international, national, or local legislation concerning forest-related activities.
Additional information requirements on tree species and origin to satisfy information needs of various legislative and regulatory processes such as the EUTR
The PEFC Due Diligence System (DDS) is now an integral element of the PEFC Chain of custody standard and mandatory for all certified entities and all material, including certified material.
Enhanced scope of prohibited material to include conflict timber
PEFC will provide extensive support to ensure a smooth transition to the 2013 standard, including webinars, FAQs, and face-to-face training sessions. More information will be published shortly.
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05.28.2013
B2B Revenues Rises, Credits Events, Digital Ads

Overall, business-to-business media revenues are growing, due to an upward trend in B2B trade shows which, together with digital advertising, more than offset the continuing decline in print advertising.

The American Business Media’s Business Information Network reported that total revenues grew 3.4% from $24.6 billion in 2011 to $25.5 billion. Revenue from trade shows increased 4.4% from $11.2 billion to $11.7 billion, while print revenues fell 4.8% from $7.8 billion to $7.5 billion.

The print result is roughly in line with the consumer magazine industry, where total print advertising revenues fell 3% over the same period, according to the Publisher’s Information Bureau.

Digital was another bright spot for B2B, with digital advertising increasing 15.9% from $3.5 billion to $4.1 billion. Revenue form data and business information services increased 7.3% from $2 billion to $2.19 billion. Thus, in 2012 digital advertising contributed about 16.2% of total B2B revenues, up from 11% in 2008, while print advertising kicked in 29.4%, down from 37% in 2008. Trade shows contributed 45.8%, the same proportion as 2008, and data and business information services accounted for 8.6%, up from 6% in 2008.

Looking to the future, ABM was cautiously optimistic, noting the results of a January survey of B2B media CEOs in which 58% said that business conditions were positive, while 35% were neutral and just 7% were negative. 60.5% expected business conditions to be even better next year, while 37% were neutral and 2% negative.
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05.28.2013
“Flexo Goes Green” – The Breakthrough of Corrugated Post Printing in China

China is the second largest country worldwide in terms of corrugated production. Unfortunately printing on most of the boxes is still quite simple, just to fulfil a transportation function.

In a successful cooperation, Bobst, Esko and Flint Group recently achieved a real break¬through in corrugated post printing by starting the initiative “Flexo Goes Green”, which stands for sustainability, productivity and quality. All the project partners keep driving for more advanced corrugated post printing, in order to serve and support the vast needs of boxes in China. During the Sino-Corrugated 2013 fair in Shanghai they presented a corrugated box called “Flexo Goes Green”, which gained a lot of attention.

The box was printed with Flint Group’s non-toxic water-based ink, FLEXOPAK C, and photopolymer printing plate, nyloflex® ART 284 Digital, on a Bobst VISION-160 press, the prepress work was delivered by Esko. The outcome was so distinctive and impressive, that visitors were really surprised: high resolution with a wide tonal range, excellent solid ink transfer and coverage as well as clean printing with high speed. Thanks to the state-of-the-art technology provided by the three partners, the result demonstrates that post printing with an extremely high quality can become reality in the Chinese flexo market. This technology enhances the sales function of the corrugated box with high eye-catching moments. Now, corrugated post printing is not only an alternative to pre-printing by offset but also an excellent solution in means of sustainability, productivity and quality.

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05.28.2013
EUROGRAPH Publishes April 2013 Statistics for the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of Graphic Papers was down 1.0% vs. April 2012 and is down 4.6% year-to-date.
Total European shipments of Newsprint was down 4.4% vs. April 2012 and is down 6.5% year-to-date.
Total European shipments of SC-Magazine was up 0.2% vs. April 2012 and is down 3.8% year-to-date.
Total European shipments of Coated Mechanical Reels was down 3.2% vs. April 2012 and is down 7.1% year-to-date.
Total European shipments of Uncoated Mechanical was up 14.3% vs. April 2012 and is up 4.8% year-to-date.
Total European shipments of Coated Woodfree was down 5.1% vs. April 2012 and is down 5.0% year-to-date.
Total European shipments of Uncoated Woodfree was up 4.3% vs. April 2012 and is down 2.7% year-to-date.
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05.28.2013
Catalyst Paper sells Elk Falls site

Catalyst Paper announced that it has sold its Elk Falls industrial site and related assets to Quicksilver Resources Canada Inc., a Calgary-based corporation with extensive natural gas holdings. The $8.6 million sale was signed and closed today.

Sale of the approximate 1,200-acre parcel includes a fully serviced, 400-acre industrial site and adjacent property near Campbell River. The site formerly housed a paper and pulp mill which began operation in 1952, was indefinitely curtailed in 2009 and closed permanently in 2010. Work has been underway since then to prepare the site for sale and redevelopment for other industrial uses.

Catalyst Paper manufactures diverse specialty mechanical printing papers, newsprint and pulp. Its customers include retailers, publishers and commercial printers in North America, Latin America, the Pacific Rim and Europe.

Catalyst operations support 7,000 direct and indirect jobs and generate nearly $2 billion in annual BC economic impact. With a combined annual production capacity of 1.5 million tonnes, company facilities are located in Crofton, Port Alberni, Powell River, Surrey and Nanaimo.
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05.28.2013
Destination XL Group, Inc. Reports First-Quarter 2013 Financial Results

Destination XL Group, Inc., the largest multi-channel specialty retailer of big & tall men's apparel and accessories, today reported operating results for the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

For the first quarter of fiscal 2013, total sales were $93.6 million compared with $95.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Comparable sales for the first quarter decreased 0.5% compared with the same period of the prior year. On a comparable basis, sales from the retail stores increased 0.8% while the direct business decreased 6.0%. The increase in the retail stores was primarily driven by the DXL stores that had a comparable increase of 17.7%, which represented 22.1% of the Company's comparable retail store sales. Comparable sales for the 23 DXL stores that have been open for more than one year increased 4.7%.

The 6.0% decrease in comparable direct sales during the first quarter was primarily related to a 60.0% decline from catalogs, which was partially offset by a 5.1% increase in e-commerce sales. In response to lower catalog sales, the Company has intensified its digital marketing efforts, which include emails, web searches, Internet banners, and affiliate sites. During the first quarter, the number of catalogs distributed and impressions were reduced by 56.0% and 70.0%, respectively. The catalog component of direct sales dropped to 6.4% from 15.2% during last year's first quarter.

For the first quarter of fiscal 2013, gross margin, inclusive of occupancy costs, was 47.5% compared with gross margin of 47.7% for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The decrease of 20 basis points was the result of occupancy dollar growth of 2.6% and reduced sales, offset slightly by an increase of 50 basis points related to merchandise margins.

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05.28.2013
WTI Crude Halts Four-Day Drop Before U.S. Confidence Data

Brent crude advanced to its highest in a week, and West Texas Intermediate snapped a four-day drop, before the release of consumer confidence and housing data in the U.S., the world’s largest consumer of the commodity.

Brent gained as much as 1.6 percent in London amid forecasts that the Conference Board’s index of consumer sentiment, to be released today, probably climbed this month to its highest level since November. WTI slid as much as 1 percent earlier after the energy minister for the United Arab Emirates said global oil demand will stay “relatively weak.” OPEC is forecast to keep its supply target unchanged on May 31.

“The U.S. recovery is advancing, rather than accelerating,” said Guy Wolf, global head of market analytics at Marex Spectron Group in London. “On a relative basis, the U.S. remains the best growth spot of the major economies, but on an absolute basis things are not great.”

Brent for July settlement rose as much as $1.59 to $104.21 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe exchange, the highest intraday level since May 21. The European benchmark grade was at a premium of $9.23 to WTI. The spread was $8.85 a barrel yesterday, the widest based on closing prices since May 15.

WTI for July delivery rose as much as 71 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $94.86 a barrel and was at $94.81 in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange as of 11:18 a.m. London time.

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05.24.2013
Dollar Tree, Inc. Reports Record First Quarter Results
Dollar Tree, Inc., North America's leading operator of discount variety stores selling everything for $1 or less, reported its results for the quarter ended May 4, 2013 ("first quarter"). Consolidated net sales for the first quarter were a record $1.87 billion, an 8.3% increase compared to $1.72 billion reported for the quarter ended April 28, 2012 ("first quarter 2012"). Comparable store sales increased 2.1%, on top of a 5.6% increase for the first quarter 2012.

Earnings per diluted share for the first quarter were $0.59, an 18.0% increase compared to earnings per diluted share of $0.50 reported for the first quarter 2012.

Highlights
- Earnings per diluted share increased 18.0%, to $0.59
- Consolidated net sales increased 8.3%, to $1.87 billion
- Comparable store sales increased 2.1%
- Operating margin increased 70 bps to 11.6%
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05.24.2013
Gap, Inc. Reports First Quarter Results
Gap Inc. today reported that net sales for the first quarter, which ended May 4, 2013, increased 7 percent to $3.73 billion compared with $3.49 billion for the first quarter last year. Due to the 53rd week in fiscal year 2012, comparable sales for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 are compared with the 13-week period ended May 5, 2012. On this basis, the company’s first quarter comparable sales increased 2 percent compared with a 4 percent increase in the first quarter last year.

First quarter diluted earnings per share increased to $0.71 compared with $0.47 last year. The fiscal year 2013 first quarter diluted earnings per share included a positive impact from the calendar shift created by the 53rd week in fiscal year 2012 and a benefit from the favorable resolution of tax positions in the quarter. The company reaffirmed its fiscal year 2013 diluted earnings per share guidance of $2.52 to $2.60.

Highlights
- Positive 2 percent comparable sales versus positive 4 percent last year, driven by strength in all three global brands: Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic.
- Operating margin expanded 290 basis points to 14.2 percent.
- Net earnings were up $100 million, or 43 percent, compared with the first quarter last year.
- Gap Inc. opened five Athleta stores in the first quarter, for a total of 40 stores open to date.
- The company opened nine Old Navy stores in Japan in the quarter, for a total of 10 stores open to date.
- The company continued to expand its store base in China, opening two additional stores in the quarter, for a total of 49 stores.
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05.24.2013
Ralph Lauren Reports Better-Than-Expected Fourth Quarter and Full FY 2013 Profits
Ralph Lauren Corporation today reported net income of $127 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013, compared to net income of $94 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012. In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013, the Company recorded approximately $6 million in pre-tax impairment and restructuring charges associated with winding down its Rugby operations.

Excluding the Rugby-related charges, net income rose 39% to $131 million and net income per diluted share increased 42% to $1.41 in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013. Net income for the full year Fiscal 2013 period was $750 million, or $8.00 per diluted share, compared to net income of $681 million, or $7.13 per diluted share, for Fiscal 2012. Excluding $19 million in Rugby-related charges, net income for Fiscal 2013 rose 12% to $762 million and net income per diluted share increased 14% to $8.13.

Highlights
- Fourth Quarter Net Revenues were $1.6 Billion, Reflecting Strong Retail Segment Growth
- Consolidated Operating Income Rose 33% in the Fourth Quarter and Operating Margin Expanded 270 Basis Points to 11.1%
- Earnings Per Diluted Share Increased 38% to $1.37 in the Fourth Quarter
- Full Year Fiscal 2013 Net Revenues were $6.9 Billion and Diluted EPS Increased 12% to $8.00
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05.24.2013
Stein Mart, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2013 Financial Results
Net income for the first quarter of 2013 was $14.7 million or $0.33 per diluted share compared to net income of $10.8 million or $0.25 per diluted share in 2012. EBITDA for the first quarter increased 29.3 percent to $31.2 million compared to $24.1 million in 2012 (see Note 1).

Total sales for the first quarter of 2013 increased 3.8 percent to $321.4 million, while comparable store sales increased 1.2 percent.

"We ended the quarter strongly with an 8.0 percent comp sales increase in April and a positive comp for the quarter, despite a slow start caused by colder than normal weather and the Easter calendar shift," said Jay Stein, Chief Executive Officer. "Our increased sales and a higher gross profit rate leveraged against relatively flat expenses drove our substantially higher earnings."

Highlights
- Diluted earnings per share of $0.33 compared to $0.25 last year.
- Net income of $14.7 million increases 35.6 percent.
- Comparable store sales up 1.2 percent.
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05.24.2013
Office Depot And OfficeMax Select The Boston Consulting Group to Provide Integration Support

Office Depot, Inc. and OfficeMax Incorporated today announced that The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a global management consulting firm, has been selected to provide integration support for the companies' proposed merger.

The Boston Consulting Group will be responsible for working with the management teams from both companies to help define the priorities, vision, and guiding principles of the integration process. They will work closely with the two companies' integration leaders to establish a detailed integration plan that includes defining Day 1 priorities, preparing functional and synergy planning timelines, refining and establishing baseline and top-down synergies, conducting a culture assessment, and supporting the development of change management and communication plans.

BCG will provide a dedicated, on-site support team comprised of senior leaders, strategic advisors, and functional experts with extensive integration experience and deep understanding of multi-channel distribution and the global office supply industry. BCG has helped global and multinational clients integrate hundreds of mergers and acquisitions in the last five years.

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05.24.2013
General Converting, Inc. Installs Speedmaster XL 106

When General Converting, Inc. (GCI), Bolingbrook, IL, found itself in the market for a new, 40" offset press, it aimed to purchase a state-of-the-art machine that would help the company to expand its presence in the markets it already served, and improve the cost structure to its customers. Because nothing less than the best available technology would do, the company turned to longtime supplier Heidelberg for a solution, ultimately choosing an 8-color Speedmaster XL 106 with Image Control and Inpress Control, full logistics, and workflow integration via Prinect Pressroom Manager.

Based in Bolingbrook, IL, privately held General Converting, Inc. designs and manufactures custom specialty folding cartons and display work primarily for customers in the candy and confectionery markets. Other markets include foods, cosmetics, clothing, housewares, pet products, pharmaceuticals, automotive, office and school, and DVD packaging. The company also provides die cutting, folding and gluing, as well as co-packing and fulfillment services.

"We needed a press that was capable of fast makeready and changeover to match the flexibility, creativity, and responsiveness our customers demand as their production requirements change," said Bob Ruebenson, company president. "Alongside our existing 6-color Speedmaster CD 102 LYL UV double coating press and our 7-color Speedmaster CD 102 UV perfecting press, the new Speedmaster XL 106 puts us in a position to anticipate customer needs and respond to scheduling and forecasting changes without delay, and without compromising on quality."

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05.24.2013
Mail-Gard® Installs Océ JetStream® 2200 to Boost Capacity for High-Volume, Full-Color Variable Printing

Mail-Gard®, a division of IWCO Direct and one of the nation’s leading providers of critical communication recovery solutions, has increased its capacity for full-color (CMYK) variable data printing with the installation of an Océ JetStream® 2200 at its facility in Warminster, Pa. The printer is also equipped with dynamic magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) printing and perforation capabilities, giving Mail-Gard the flexibility to print a variety of job requirements on demand. The new press unit will be fully operational in June and complements the full-color capabilities currently present at IWCO Direct’s facilities in Chanhassen, Minn.

The JetStream 2200 meets increasing demand for print-to-mail recovery plans that include full-color variable continuous print and multiple finishing requirements. Printing at 500 feet per minute with 600 DPI, Mail-Gard’s JetStream 2200 has dynamic perforation and MICR printing along with in-line tractor-feed hole punch capabilities. These features allow a variety of print applications such as checks, statements, invoices and more, to be printed within the same data stream, significantly reducing the time required to set up and produce print runs with multiple formats.

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05.24.2013
FiberMark's Product Chosen for Record-Breaking Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Support Jersey Shore

FiberMark has announced that its Super Arcoflex® 1025 Cerulean Blue C2S, will be part of the ‘Jersey Shore Revitalization’ event, televised nationally on the Today Show this coming Friday.

On Friday, May 24th starting at 7AM, beaches along the Jersey Shore will be participating in the “Stronger than the Storm” ribbon cutting event. The kickoff event is a five mile ribbon cutting by Governor Chris Christie; in conjunction the Governor will be appearing on the Today Show as a guest host from 7-9AM announcing that the New Jersey beaches survived the storm and are open for business. Other parts of the shore will hold similar ribbon cuttings spanning 100 miles worth of seafront.

All ribbon, produced by FiberMark, will span across Seaside Heights, around the businesses, and down the shore. They believe it will break the Guinness World Record for ribbon cutting. For more information, the general kickoff of the website is www.strongerthanthestorm.com, initiated by the State of New Jersey and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

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05.24.2013
Production of Pulp and Paper in Sweden Down Slightly in First Quarter 2013

The Swedish Forest Agency said that in the first quarter of 2013 Swedish mills' production of paper and paperboard totaled 2.8 million tonnes, a decrease of 2.4 percent. The production of newsprint decreased the most by 12 percent, and printing paper fell by 3 percent.

Other paper and paperboard grades increased slightly in the first quarter, the Agency said.

Wood pulp production totaled 3 million tonnes — a decrease of 0.7 percent when compared to the first quarter of 2012. Production of sulphate pulp, which accounts for 64 percent of the total production of wood pulp, was 0.7 percent higher in the first quarter of 2013 compared with the same quarter 2012.

Production of other grades of wood pulp decreased slightly, the Agency said.

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05.24.2013
Ilim Publishes its Q1 2013 results
Ilim Group reports that from January to March 2013, its Koryazhma Mill (Arkhangelsk Oblast) manufactured 276,000 tons of pulp and paper products — a 1% increase compared to the same period of 2012. This includes 93,000 tons of market pulp — a 2% increase against the first three months of 2012. Here are some additional highlights:
- Market containerboard production gained 1%, reaching 126,000 tons.
- Paper production lost 2% and amounted to 58,000 tons. The mill produced 20,000 tons of sack paper, 32,000 tons of offset paper, and 5,000 tons of wallpaper.
- Pulp cooking increased by 1%, totaling 289,000 tons in the first quarter of 2013.
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05.24.2013
Stora Enso Inaugurates New Containerboard Machine

Stora Enso’s transformation continues, and as a tangible proof of this strategic journey the new containerboard machine at Ostroleka in Poland was officially inaugurated on 23 May. The crown jewel of Ostroleka Mill, the new light-weight containerboard machine that went on stream in early 2013, runs exclusively on recovered fibre.

“We have to continue to rethink, and the investment in Poland is another step in our transformation into a value-creating renewable materials company focusing on growth markets,” says Stora Enso CEO Jouko Karvinen.

“The demand for modern light-weight corrugated packaging is increasing rapidly. The market in Central and Eastern Europe will grow by over 5% per year,” says Mats Nordlander, EVP, Renewable Packaging. “Our new BM 5 will strengthen our position in the growing markets of Central and Eastern Europe, and at the same time supporting our packaging growth strategy.”

New containerboard machine – a sustainable investment
Stora Enso’s integrated network for collecting paper for recycling in Poland, the new efficient power plant that uses more than 50% biofuels and this new state-of-the-art containerboard machine with low energy consumption will make Ostroleka the benchmark for cost and product offering in Europe.

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05.24.2013
Tetra Pak Wins Dupont's First Silver Anniversary Award

Some industries have dazzling ceremonies to mark great achievement, such as the Academy Awards, Emmys and Grammys. And others have a Hall of Fame, from every major sport to country music, rock and roll, astronauts and more. But neither format comes to mind when you think about packaging. Yet many groundbreaking innovations in this field have - and continue to - usher in significant societal change that improves quality of life, health, safety, nutrition and more for billions of people around the world.

DuPont recognized this 25 years ago when they founded their prestigious Awards for Packaging Innovation - which is the industry's longest-running, global, independently judged celebration of innovation and collaboration and the closest thing it has to a Hall of Fame. DuPont Awards recognize seminal and inspirational achievements annually, and this year those earning top honors included Procter & Gamble for reducing waste in packaging by 30 percent in Gilette razors; BMC for partnering with a materials recovery firm to keep ink cartridges out of landfills; and AidPod for a kit that tucks between the bottles in soda crates to deliver life-saving medicine sub-Saharan villages.

And to mark the program's 25th anniversary, Tetra Pak was honored with the first DuPont Silver Anniversary Award for Excellence in Continuing Innovation.

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05.24.2013
Holmen to Build Wind Farm

Together with investment fund Eurofideme 2, the Swedish pulp and paper company Holmen has decided to build a wind farm in the municipality of Norrtälje in a jointly-owned company. The annual production is an estimated 165 GWh and the wind farm is planned to commence operation in autumn 2014.

Eurofideme 2, a renewable energy infrastructure fund of Mirova, has acquired half the shares in the company that Holmen founded to run wind power production on its own land in the municipality of Norrtälje near Hallsta Paper Mill. The decision now marks the start of installation of 17 wind turbines with an installed power capacity of a total 51 MW and an expected annual production of 165 GWh. An environmental permit has already been obtained. According to the plan, the turbines will be taken into operation in autumn 2014.

“This project will exploit Holmen’s excellent opportunities to produce wind power on its own land,” says Holmen’s President and CEO Magnus Hall. “It is also an important element in our focus on renewable energy, set to increase our self-sufficiency in electricity.”

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05.24.2013
Paper and Electronic Communications – Two Sides of the Same Coin?
There are two sides to every story. This is precisely the point the aptly named non-profit organization Two Sides set out to make when it challenged the Paperless2013 campaign. The initiative, supported by big names like Google and Fujitsu, encouraged consumers to make the switch from paper to electronic communication this year.

In response, Two Sides published an open letter challenging Google Chairman Eric Schmidt to reexamine the one-sided view that using paper to conduct business was better for the environment. Unlike the veiled “better for the environment” claims made by Paperless2013, Two Sides provided the following, along with other, fact-based arguments in defense of paper.
- Data centers used to power electronic communications can waste up to 90 percent of the electricity they consume and are regularly found in violation of clean air regulations; Google’s data centers consume nearly 300 million watts.
- The volume of trees grown on United States forestland has increased 49 percent over the last 50 years.
- When referenced more than once, documents printed on paper are less likely to impact the environment than repeatedly accessing them electronically.
By mid-March, Paperless2103 had removed images of trees from its webpage and social media sites and changed its slogan from “Save money. Save time. Save trees” to “Take the paper out of paperwork.” This successful outcome is just one example of the particular effectiveness Two Sides has had, in their own words, “challenging and correcting misleading environmental claims related to print and paper.” The organization has identified 47 “leading” companies have encouraged customers to use electronic services through the use of unfounded environmental claims.
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05.24.2013
Forget ‘Showrooming’: 77% of Mobile Retail Shoppers Buy In-Store

Don’t look now, but the smartphone might end up being more friend than foe to the retail industry. According to a new study from xAd and Telmetrics, mobile now accounts for one third of all retail activity online with 98 million shoppers using a smartphone as their retail experience. And the vast majority of those mobile shoppers end up making purchases in-store – not on Amazon.

The findings of the study, which was conducted by Nielsen, contradict the anecdotal “showrooming” trend (in which consumers research on a mobile device then buy online or in another store) that has led some retailers to match prices found online and others to cut access to wi-fi in the store. The study found that 77% of smartphone users who make a purchase after looking up retail-related information on their device buy in-store — compared to only 20% who do so online.

“People are using the smartphone in the store as a compliment to what they’re doing,” says Bill Dinan, president of Telmetrics, the call tracking company that co-sponsored the survey. “When you start to view the smartphone as a complement to the purchase cycle, and as retailers understand that, that number will only increase.”

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05.24.2013
USPS Offers Discount on Samples

From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, product marketers will receive 5% off delivery of trial-sized samples. Earlier this year, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) introduced a program called Simple Samples that offered flat-rate pricing, volume discounts, and eliminated the need for outer packaging. Now, convinced that CPG marketers are making a bad bet by scaling down sampling programs, the USPS's new products marketers are cutting rates in an attempt to get them back into the game.

“We're trying to re-invigorate product sampling through the mail and we figure there's no better way to do it than to offer a promotion,” says Lisa Bobb-Semple, manager of lightweight parcels at USPS. “We're focused on trial-sized samples, because research shows they convert sales better and we want to encourage brand managers who aren't doing it to try it.”

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05.24.2013
AAA Fuel Gauge & Exchange Rates

AAA Fuel Gauge 5/24/13
National Unleaded Regular:
Current Average - $3.659/gallon
Month Ago Average - $3.515/gallon
Year Ago Average - $3.678/gallon
Highest Recorded Average - $4.114/gallon on 7/17/08

Diesel:
Current Average - $3.889/gallon
Month Ago Average - $3.908/gallon
Year Ago Average - $3.981/gallon
Highest Recorded Average - $4.845/gallon on 7/17/08

Current Exchange Rates as of 5/24/13
American Dollar to Canadian Dollar = 0.968022
American Dollar to Chinese Yuan = 0.162989
American Dollar to Euro = 1.291428
American Dollar to Japanese Yen = 0.009775
American Dollar to Mexican Peso = 0.080538

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05.24.2013
WTI Heads for Biggest Weekly Decline in a Month on Supply

West Texas Intermediate headed for its biggest weekly drop in more than a month amid signs of rising U.S. oil inventories and a global economic slowdown.

Futures slid as much as 0.8 percent in New York. Prices may decline next week amid speculation that U.S. fuel supplies will be sufficient to meet summer demand after factory output in China shrank for the first time in seven months, according to a Bloomberg News survey. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. recommended selling WTI and buying Brent contracts for December 2014 as supplies accumulate on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

“U.S. crude stocks are very well-filled, and there’s some disappointing economic data from China,” said Hannes Loacker, an analyst at Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) in Vienna, who estimates WTI will average $92 this quarter. “It’s not the best cocktail for crude.”

WTI for July delivery fell as much as 78 cents to $93.47 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $93.55 as of 12:02 p.m. London time. The volume of all contracts traded was 0.5 percent below the 100-day average. Prices are 2.6 percent lower this week, the most since the seven days ended April 19.

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05.24.2013
Thank You!

On behalf of everyone at Midland Paper, we would like to thank all our men and women in uniform for their unwavering commitment to the protection of this great nation. We wrap up this week's edition of Midland Paper Clips with the History of Memorial Day and wish all of you a safe and happy holiday.

The History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer. To find out more about the History of Memorial Day please click on the link below.

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05.23.2013
HP Reports Second Quarter 2013 Results
HP today announced financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2013. Second quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.55, down from $0.80 in the prior-year period and above its previously provided outlook of $0.38 to $0.40 per share. Second quarter non-GAAP diluted EPS was $0.87, down from $0.98 in the prior-year period and above its previously provided outlook of $0.80 to $0.82 per share. Second quarter non-GAAP earnings information excludes after-tax costs of $621 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, related to restructuring charges, amortization of purchased intangible assets and acquisition-related charges.

For the second quarter, net revenue of $27.6 billion was down 10% year over year and down 9% when adjusted for the effects of currency.

Highlights
- Second quarter non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.87, down 11% from the prior year, above previously provided outlook of $0.80 to $0.82 per share
- Second quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.55, down 31% from the prior year, above previously provided outlook of $0.38 to $0.40 per share
- Second quarter net revenue of $27.6 billion, down 10% from the prior year and down 9% when adjusted for the effects of currency
- Cash flow from operations of $3.6 billion, up 44% from the prior year
- Returned $1.1 billion in cash to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases
- Improved operating company net debt position by $1.8 billion, the fifth consecutive quarterly reduction of over $1 billion
- Declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 14.52 cents per share on the company's common stock
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05.23.2013
Limited Brands Reports First Quarter 2013 Earnings

Limited Brands, Inc. today reported 2013 first quarter results.

First Quarter Results
Earnings per share for the first quarter ended May 4, 2013, increased 17% to $0.48 compared to $0.41 for the quarter ended April 28, 2012. First quarter operating income was $311.2 million compared to $293.2 million last year, and net income was $142.5 million compared to $124.6 million last year.

The company reported net sales of $2.268 billion for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013, an increase of 5 percent compared to sales of $2.154 billion for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. The company reported a comparable store sales increase of 3 percent for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2012.

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05.23.2013
Lowe’s Reports First Quarter Sales and Earnings Results

Lowe’s Companies, Inc., the world’s second largest home improvement retailer, today reported net earnings of $540 million for the quarter ended May 3, 2013, a 2.5 percent increase over the same period a year ago. Diluted earnings per share increased 14.0 percent to $0.49 from $0.43 in the first quarter of 2012.

Sales for the quarter decreased 0.5 percent to $13.1 billion from $13.2 billion in the first quarter of 2012, while comparable sales for the quarter decreased 0.7 percent.

“Results for indoor categories were solid for the quarter, a testament to the team’s continued focus on improving our core business through cross-functional collaboration and consistent execution in stores and across other selling channels,” commented Robert A. Niblock, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO.

“Cooler than normal temperatures and greater precipitation resulted in a delayed spring selling season which impacted our results in exterior categories,” Niblock added. “While overall performance in the month of March was particularly soft, April improved significantly and we have maintained that positive momentum through the first few weeks of May.”

Delivering on the commitment to return excess cash to shareholders, the company repurchased $1.0 billion of stock and paid $178 million in dividends in the first quarter of 2013.

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05.23.2013
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2013 Results
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a leading theme park and entertainment company, today reported financial results for the quarter ending March 31, 2013.

Highlights
- First quarter total revenue growth of 12% versus the first quarter 2012
- Total revenue per capita growth of 10% versus the first quarter 2012
- Adjusted EBITDA[1] growth of $17.3 million versus the first quarter 2012
- Net loss improvement of $4.8 million versus the first quarter 2012
- Free Cash Flow[1] improvement of $57.0 million versus the first quarter 2012
- Successful Initial Public Offering on April 19th
First Quarter 2013
During the first quarter, the Company generated total revenue of $238.6 million, an increase of $26.2 million, or 12%, over the same period in 2012. Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure defined below, was $11.1 million compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $6.2 million in the same quarter in 2012. The Company reported a net loss for the first quarter of 2013 of $40.4 million, or $0.49 per share, compared to a net loss of $45.1 million, or $0.55 per share, over the same period in 2012.
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05.23.2013
Staples, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2013 Performance

Staples, Inc. announced today the results for its first quarter ended May 4, 2013. Total company sales for the first quarter of 2013 were $5.8 billion, a decrease of three percent compared to the first quarter of 2012. First quarter 2013 total company sales growth was negatively impacted by approximately one percent due to 97 store closures in North America and Europe during the 12 months preceding the first quarter of 2013. The foreign exchange impact from the stronger U.S. dollar negatively impacted total company sales growth by approximately 50 basis points during the first quarter of 2013.

First quarter 2013 operating income rate declined 52 basis points versus the first quarter of 2012 to 4.90 percent. This decrease primarily reflects investments to accelerate growth and deleverage of fixed expenses, partially offset by a favorable comparison to the first quarter of 2012, which included significant expenses related to headcount reductions and the settlement of a contractual dispute. The company reported first quarter 2013 income from continuing operations of $170 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, compared to income of $193 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, during the first quarter of 2012.

During the first quarter of 2013, the company generated operating cash flow of $348 million and invested $41 million in capital expenditures, resulting in free cash flow of $306 million. The company utilized free cash flow to repurchase 4.9 million shares for $65 million, and ended the quarter with $2.5 billion in liquidity, including $1.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents.

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05.23.2013
Brown Printing Company and Clear Lake Press Announce Strategic Alliance

A strategic alliance between two well-known Waseca, MN printing companies was announced today. Brown Printing Company, the third largest magazine and catalog printer in the nation, and Clear Lake Press, a supplier of magazine, catalog and direct mail components for twenty five years, have agreed to commence a strategic alliance, pooling their respective strengths and resources in order to better serve their customers and prospects with a more comprehensive suite of printing solutions.

Dan Nitz, President of Clear Lake Press, stated, “This alliance is important for both companies. Brown and Clear Lake Press will become stronger in their respective niches by working together and will be able to serve existing and prospective customers more efficiently.”

Mike Amundson, CEO of Brown Printing added, “The ability for Brown Printing to continually improve and expand its array of print and marketing solutions is critical to our continued success in the very competitive markets we serve. Entering into an alliance with Clear Lake Press will allow us to better serve our customers and make it easier and more cost efficient for them to do business with us.”

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05.23.2013
Hess Print Solutions Announces Plan for Sale to Bang Printing

Hess Print Solutions and its subsidiaries (HPS), a provider of accountable print performance solutions and other value-added services for catalogs, books, publications and educational printed products, announced today that HPS has entered into an agreement to sell substantially all of its assets to an affiliate of Bang Printing.

The decision to sell to Bang Printing followed an extensive process of reviewing various strategic opportunities for HPS that was aimed at ensuring that it will remain a viable long-term business partner for customers, vendors and employees. This sale will allow HPS and Bang Printing to combine their existing capabilities and provide customers with a more diversified suite of products and services.

"The strategic decision to pursue a financial restructuring through a sale will allow us to proactively and quickly improve our financial position and ensure we have the resources to meet the needs of our clients, suppliers, employees and other business partners going forward" said Jerry Haywood, interim CEO of HPS.

Bang Printing has over 100 years of experience in the book and commercial printing industry, with its corporate offices in Brainerd, MN. Bang offers complete printing, binding and fulfillment services at a competitive price, with facilities in both Minnesota and California.

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05.23.2013
FutureMark Paper Group Celebrates Anniversary of Manistique Paper Acquisition

FutureMark Paper Group, North America's leading provider of responsibly made recycled paper, celebrated the one year anniversary of the acquisition of Manistique Papers. FutureMark's Manistique facility is a 72-acre manufacturing site that can produce up to 500 tons of recycled pulp per day and approximately 130,000 tons per year of uncoated, 100-percent recycled paper. FutureMark Manistique is the sole North American producer of exclusively 100% recycled uncoated printing and packaging papers.

Since the completion of the sale in May 2012, the FutureMark Manistique facility has completed 24 new hires, representing a 20 percent increase in its staff. In addition, the facility's management has implemented new maintenance programs and purchased new production equipment, with plans for additional capital investment to further improve product quality and production efficiency. As a result of these improvements, the FutureMark Manistique facility has added 60 new customers over the course of the year, and reached a 5 year high in total tonnage of recycled paper manufactured per day.

"It has been a rewarding experience to join the FutureMark Paper Group team," stated Jon Johnson, Executive VP & General Manager, FutureMark Manistique. "Our facility has made significant strides in the first year to increase production, improve quality and expand the workforce with individuals who take pride in being part of an environmentally-focused company. We have many projects on the horizon to further enhance the unique position the Manistique mill has as a 100% recycled specialty paper producer."

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05.23.2013
Georgia-Pacific and Koch Industries Help Tornado Relief in Oklahoma

Undoubtedly, this has been a tragic time for Oklahomans after tornados ripped a destructive path through the cities of Moore and Shawnee. Our deepest and most sincere thoughts are with the many affected families who are mourning losses and faced with rebuilding their lives.

We are thankful that nearly 1,000 Georgia-Pacific employees working nearby in our Muskogee, Okla. facility are safe and were not hit by the storms.

Unfortunately from past experience, we know that in the aftermath of a disaster the most basic, everyday items are often needed right away. For the affected families in the state, Georgia-Pacific has donated six truckloads of products from our Muskogee, Okla., Fort Smith, Ark. and Naheola, Ala. facilities including Angel Soft® and Quilted Northern® bath tissue, Sparkle® paper towels, Dixie® cups and plates, and Mardi Gras® napkins.

We also routinely work through aid organizations such as Convoy of Hope and Feed the Children who will be distributing these products to people who need them most.

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05.23.2013
Ilim Group's First Quarter 2013 Production of Pulp and Paper Flat, But Containerboard Up
Russian pulp and paper producer Ilim Group said that from January to March 2013, its Koryazhma Mill (Arkhangelsk Oblast) manufactured 276,000 tons of pulp and paper products — a 1% increase compared to the same period of 2012. This includes 93,000 tons of market pulp — a 2% increase against the first three months of 2012.
- Market containerboard production gained 1%, reaching 126,000 tons.
- Paper production lost 2% and amounted to 58,000 tons. The mill produced 20,000 tons of sack paper, 32,000 tons of offset paper, and 5,000 tons of wallpaper.
- Pulp cooking increased by 1%, totaling 289,000 tons in the first quarter of 2013.
- OAO Ilim Gofra, corrugated box business of Ilim Group in the Leningrad Oblast, produced 32 million sq. meters of corrugated products — a 9% increase against the similar period of the last year.
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05.23.2013
Toasting 110 Years Of Freedom And Livin' The High Life®

Born across the street from each other in Milwaukee, Miller High Life and Harley-Davidson have been making timeless American products for 110 years. Now they're making something together. Today, Bill Davidson , vice-president of the Harley-Davidson Museum and great-grandson of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson officially kicked-off a multi-year partnership with Miller High Life by helping brewmasters make a batch of the Champagne of Beers.

The beer brewed with Davidson will not be specially marked and will instead be distributed like any other batch of High Life brewed in the Miller Brewery. So this summer whenever someone celebrates after a great ride by enjoying the Champagne of Beers, they might be sipping this special batch. Harley-Davidson and Miller High Life will also keep some of this batch aside to celebrate special occasions with consumers throughout the summer.

Beyond the unique batch of brew, commemorative Harley-Davidson designs will be featured on Miller High Life cans and packaging. The partnership will bring customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles with Miller High Life graphics to participating retail stores. The brands will also rev up excitement by offering fans the chance to win exclusive prizes throughout the summer – including Harley-Davidson commemorative apparel and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Fans can follow Miller High Life 's Facebook page to get information on promotions and events in their area.

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05.23.2013
PEFC UK Publishes Annual Report 2013

The latest annual report by our UK-based national member contains reviews of its national marketing, communications and public affairs activities over the past year as well as Hugh Miller's first report as Chairman of PEFC UK. The report also contains news from PEFC International and an update on how companies with PEFC Chain of Custody certification will also be able to meet the EU Timber Regulation's due diligence requirements.
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05.23.2013
WTI Oil Extends Losses as Stockpiles Rise, China Factories Slow

West Texas Intermediate oil fell for a third day, extending the biggest decline in three weeks as U.S. gasoline stockpiles unexpectedly gained and manufacturing in China shrank for the first time in seven months.

Futures slid as much as 0.8 percent in New York after losing 2 percent yesterday, the most since May 1. Gasoline inventories rose 3 million barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration reported yesterday. Supplies were forecast to decrease 300,000 barrels, according to a Bloomberg News survey. A reading of China’s Purchasing Managers Index dropped to a preliminary 49.6 for May, the lowest since October and missing the median estimate of 50.4.

“Stockpiles are very high and have been that way for a very long time,” said David Lennox, an analyst at Fat Prophets in Sydney. “We’re coming up to the driving season and one would expect to see significant drawdowns going forward,” he said of the Memorial Day holiday on May 27 that marks the start of the peak U.S. gasoline demand period.

WTI for July delivery fell as much as 76 cents to $93.52 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $93.63 at 11 a.m. Singapore time. The volume of all contracts traded was 10 percent below the 100-day average. Prices declined $1.90 to $94.28 yesterday, the lowest close since May 14.

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