Paperclips Blog | Stora Enso Results

  • 08.17.2011

    Chico's FAS to Acquire Boston Proper

    Chico's FAS, Inc. announced today a definitive agreement to acquire Boston Proper Inc., a Boca Raton, Florida based privately held direct-to-consumer retailer of distinctive women's apparel and accessories. The $205 million transaction funded from available cash balances is expected to be immediately accretive to Chico's earnings in its first full year of operations before giving any consideration to potential synergies. Synergy opportunities include marketing, circulation and sourcing among others.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Chico's FAS CEO and President David Dyer said, "Boston Proper has grown and thrived by offering women daring, modern fashion with a sensual feel through compelling catalogs, direct marketing campaigns and its on-line channel. Boston Proper's brand focus is highly complementary to our existing brands' customer experience, adds significant volume to our direct-to-consumer channel and provides us new opportunities to grow market share. Boston Proper's talented management team can now accelerate its strategic initiatives to grow revenues and profitability by leveraging our capabilities."

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  • 08.17.2011

    Chico's FAS, Inc. Reports a 47% Increase in Second Quarter Earnings Per Share of $0.25 vs. $0.17

    Chico's FAS, Inc. today announced its financial results for the fiscal 2011 second quarter and six months ended July 30, 2011.

    The Company reported an increase of 47% in earnings per share with net income totaling $43.4 million, or $0.25 per diluted share for the second quarter compared to net income of $30.5 million, or $0.17 per diluted share for the same period last year.

    For the six months ended July 30, 2011, the Company reported an increase of 38% in earnings per share with net income totaling $89.3 million or $0.51 per diluted share, compared to net income of $65.9 million, or $0.37 per diluted share reported for the same period last year.

    Net sales for the quarter increased 18.5% to $551.4 million from $465.4 million in last year's second quarter. Consolidated comparable sales increased 12.8% for the quarter following a 7.6% increase for the same period last year reflecting our compelling fashion offering and effective merchandising and marketing. The Chico's/Soma Intimates brands' comparable sales increased 11.9% following a 5.5% increase for the same period last year, and the White House | Black Market ("WH|BM") brand's comparable sales increased 14.9% following a 12.5% increase for the same period last year.

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  • 08.17.2011

    USPS Proposes to Revise Standards on Folded Self-Mailers and Unenveloped Mailpieces

    As published in the Federal Register yesterday, The Postal Service proposes to revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) to provide standards for creating folded self-mailers (FSM) and other unenveloped mailpieces such as forms, statements, and official notices that will improve processing of these pieces on automated Postal processing equipment. 

    In this proposed rule, the Postal Service defines letter-sized FSM, provides detailed standards about the basic elements of all FSM letter-sized pieces, and introduces ``panels'' as a basic element for constructing FSMs. Additionally, optional creative  elements that are currently found in FSM designs, but are not defined in the DMM, are added.  Comments must be received on or before Sept. 14, 2011.

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  • 08.17.2011

    RR Donnelley Acquires LibreDigital; Extends e-Reader Services Into Book, Magazine and Newspaper Segments

    R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company today announced that it has acquired Austin, TX-based LibreDigital, a leading provider of digital content distribution, e-reading software, content conversion, data analytics and business intelligence services to book, magazine and newspaper publishers as well as to e-reader device providers.

    "Through acquisitions and new product development we continue to extend RR Donnelley's reach across the breadth of the supply chain," said Thomas J. Quinlan III, the company's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Adding LibreDigital's proven, innovative capabilities to our digital content creation and delivery platform will enable us to offer our publishing, retail, e-reader provider and other customers an even broader selection of services."

    LibreDigital (www.libredigital.com) is a pioneer of digital replicas for books and periodicals and today supports the e-reading supply chain with electronic preparation, distribution and engagement services. LibreDigital is a leading provider of e-content to more than 40 e-commerce sites, including those of leading tablet providers. LibreDigital's platform also enables publishers to market and sell digital content direct to the end consumer. Customers include leading publishers as well as manufacturers and marketers of standalone, tablet and mobile e-reading devices.

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  • 08.17.2011

    Staples, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2011 Performance

    Staples, Inc. announced today the results for its second quarter ended July 30, 2011. Total company sales for the second quarter of 2011 increased 5.2 percent to $5.8 billion compared to the second quarter of 2010. Net income for the second quarter of 2011 increased 36 percent year over year to $176 million, and diluted earnings per share, on a GAAP basis, increased 39 percent to $0.25 from $0.18 in the second quarter of 2010.

    Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.22 for the second quarter of 2011 increased 10 percent compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.20 achieved in the second quarter of 2010. These adjusted results exclude a $21 million cash tax refund during the second quarter of 2011 and pre-tax integration and restructuring expense of $22 million during the second quarter of 2010.

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  • 08.17.2011

    Mohawk Fine Papers Acquires Bravo Solutions

    Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. announced today that it finalized the acquisition of Bravo Solutions, Inc. of Elmira, New York.

    Bravo is a leading supplier of specialty synthetic and paper substrates for digital printing. The acquisition includes all brands and certain assets, including manufacturing capacity for converted products, which will remain in Elmira.

    Bravo substrates are designed and engineered for both dry toner presses as well as HP Indigo presses. Mohawk plans to fully integrate the Bravo portfolio, including pressure sensitive, synthetic substrates, integrated products, embedded card sheets and magnetic materials, into the existing Mohawk digital product offering creating the most extensive portfolio of digital substrates in the world.

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  • 08.17.2011

    The Cincinnati Enquirer signs letter of intent to launch bold, new newspaper format

    Gannett Co., Inc. today announced that it has signed a letter of intent with The Columbus Dispatch for the possible printing of The Cincinnati Enquirer and The Kentucky Enquirer in a new, more compact, easy-to-use format. The change would begin in the fourth quarter of 2012.

    "We are committed to serving the greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky communities - and providing consumers with the best news and information anywhere, anytime. We are also committed to listening to our customers and responding to their ever changing needs. As a result of research we've done and the feedback we've received from readers and advertisers, we have signed a letter of intent with The Columbus Dispatch to print The Enquirer in a new compact format that would be brighter, more engaging and easier to read," said Margaret Buchanan, president and publisher of The Cincinnati Enquirer.

    "While covering the same amount of news as the previous format, this new approach would enhance the user experience by allowing for a fuller use of color and photographs and improved readability. By better serving our readers, we would continue to provide advertisers a trusted environment with which to engage their consumers."

    Dimensions of the newly formatted Enquirer would be 10 ½ inches by 14 ½ inches and all of the current content in The Enquirer would remain in the redesigned newspaper, if the agreement is finalized. In addition, The Enquirer's production facility would close fourth quarter, 2012.

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  • 08.17.2011

    Abercrombie & Fitch Reports Second Quarter 2011 Results

    Abercrombie & Fitch Co. today reported unaudited results which reflected net income of $32.0 million and net income per diluted share of $0.35 for the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2011, compared to net income of $19.5 million and net income per diluted share of $0.22 for the thirteen weeks ended July 31, 2010.  Net income for the thirteen weeks ended July 31, 2010, included a charge of $0.02 per diluted share associated with store closures.

    Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2011 increased 23% to $916.8 million from $745.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 31, 2010.  U.S. sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, increased 12% to $684.9 million. International sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, increased 74% to $231.9 million. Total Company direct-to-consumer sales, including shipping and handling, increased 28% to $102.1 million.

    Total comparable store sales for the quarter increased 9%.  By brand, comparable store sales increased 5% for Abercrombie & Fitch, 7% for abercrombie kids, and 12% for Hollister Co. Total sales by brand were $383.4 million for Abercrombie & Fitch, $83.3 million for abercrombie kids and $434.2 million for Hollister Co.

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  • 08.17.2011

    U.S. Containerboard Production for July 2011 rose over June 2011

    The American Forest & Paper Association released its July 2011 U. S. Containerboard Statistics Report today. Containerboard production rose 4.6% when compared to June 2011, and the month over month average daily production was up 1.2%. The containerboard operating rate for July 2011 was down slightly, 0.6 point over July 2010 to 98.1% but it gained 1.2 points over June’s operating rate.
     
    Additional key findings from the report include: Linerboard production posted gain over last year; Medium also showed an increase over June 2011.
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  • 08.17.2011

    Oil Climbs in New York as U.S. Fuel Supply Drop Signals Increased Demand

    Oil advanced from a two-day low in New York as investors bet that shrinking fuel stockpiles in the U.S. indicate demand will increase in the world’s biggest crude- consuming nation.

    Futures rose as much as 1.3 percent before an Energy Department report today that may say crude and gasoline stockpiles fell last week. The industry-funded American Petroleum Institute said yesterday gasoline supplies slid the most in almost five months. Inventories typically shrink in summer amid the May-to-September peak driving season.

    “It’s clearly the inventories supporting prices today,” Thina Saltvedt, an analyst at Nordea Bank AB in Oslo who expects the price of North Sea Brent oil to be capped at $118 a barrel this quarter, said by phone. “It would be interesting to look at the demand figures later today.”

    Crude for September delivery rose as much as $1.16 to $87.81 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, and was at $87.63 at 11:50 a.m. London time. The contract yesterday slipped 1.4 percent to $86.65. Prices have risen 16 percent in the past year.

    Brent for October settlement climbed $1.12, or 1 percent, to $110.23 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe exchange in London. It lost 71 cents to $109.13 yesterday. The September contract, which expired yesterday, fell 0.4 percent to $109.47.

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  • 08.17.2011

    Brown Printing Receives Five Gold Ink Awards Including Top Honors in the Specialty Magazines Category

    Brown Printing has received five Gold Ink Awards in the annual competition including the top honor in the Specialty Magazines category for the second year in a row.

    Brown took home Gold in the Specialty Magazines category for their work on Transworld Snowboarding’s 2011 Photo Annual and Bronze in the Consumer Catalog category for Macy’s: Guide to Finding Your Magic.  Brown also received two Pewters in the Specialty Magazines category for Hearst’s Esquire: Big Black Book and Time’s Sports Illustrated 2011 Swimsuit Issue as well as a third pewter in the Consumer Magazine Category for Condé Nast’s W.

    The awards, billed as “the industry's most prestigious print competition,” attracted more than 1,000 entries in a multitude of different categories. Pieces were judged by production managers and directors on the quality of printing, technical difficulty and overall visual effectiveness.

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  • 08.17.2011

    Hearst Magazines International to Launch Middle East Edition of Good Housekeeping this November

    Good Housekeeping, the world’s most trusted magazine brand, is scheduled to launch in the Middle East this November, today announced Duncan Edwards, president & CEO of Hearst Magazines International (HMI). Good Housekeeping Middle East will be published in partnership with ITP Publishing Group, the Middle East's leading consumer and business magazine publisher, with whom HMI already partners to publish Cosmopolitan, Esquire and Harper’s Bazaar in the region.

    Since its debut in 1885, Good Housekeeping has strived to inform, educate, entertain, and advocate for readers looking for practical strategies and solutions. One of the most enduring and respected American brands, Good Housekeeping has 10 international editions, in addition to its U.S. flagship, having most recently launched in Ukraine in December 2007. The magazine is published in six languages, with distribution in more than 18 countries, and is also scheduled to launch a South African edition this October.

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  • 08.17.2011

    Holmen Interim report January-June 2011

    Profit after tax for January–June 2011 was SEK 672 million (January–June 2010: SEK 312 million). Earnings per share amounted to SEK 8.0 (3.7). Return on equity totalled 8.1 per cent (3.8). Operating profit amounted to SEK 1 050 million (588). The improvement is explained by higher prices for newsprint and paperboard, while higher costs for wood and recovered paper had an adverse impact on the result. Operating profit decreased by SEK 66 million to SEK 492 million compared to the first quarter as a consequence of lower operating profit in Holmen Skog and seasonally lower operating profit for Holmen Energi. Demand for newsprint in Europe rose somewhat in the first six months, but was slightly lower for paperboard compared to the same period last year. The market for sawn timber remained weak.
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  • 08.17.2011

    Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG Half-year Results 2011

    The Mayr-Melnhof Group was able to close the first half-year 2011 with a significant increase of sales and results despite a normalization and the successive slow-down in demand dynamics as well as an increase in raw material costs. The Group’s operating margin came up to 9.4 % (1st half of 2010: 9.0 %).

    We succeeded in keeping business volumes at a high level in both segments, despite an increasing running down of our customers’ stocks due to well-stocked supply chains. Largest direct challenge was dealing with the continuous rise in costs, which besides fibers included to an increasing extent other direct costs. While in the first quarter of 2011 we were still able to achieve a sufficient compensation, in the second quarter this was no longer possible to a full extent.

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  • 08.17.2011

    Twin Rivers Paper Company Reaffirms Sustainability Commitment

    Twin Rivers Paper Company supports its commitment to sustainability by launching Twin Rivers® Offset 100, a printing paper containing 100% post-consumer fiber. Additionally, the company released its new Environmental Philosophy & Practices Overview brochure which highlights key components of its environmental platform. Responding to market demand for higher levels of post-consumer fiber, Twin Rivers Offset 100 fills a void in the market for environmentally friendly printing papers with high recycled content. Available in a basis weight range of 35-50 lb. (25 x 38), Twin Rivers Offset 100 is a versatile paper used in multi-purpose printing applications including manuals, tradebooks, direct mail, financial documents and government printing projects.

    “We are excited about producing a category-leading environmental paper. With curb-side mixed source collection, debris and contamination are a challenge for papermakers. Our operations team worked hard to offer customers a clean, printable product with 100% post-consumer fiber,” said Jim Gehrman, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “In developing Twin Rivers Offset 100, we incorporated our customers’ requirements for high levels of post-consumer fiber with their functional needs for a reliable, flexible offset paper to be used in a range of commercial printing and publishing applications.”

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  • 08.16.2011

    BBC Worldwide sells magazine division to Exponent in £121m deal

    The BBC has sold its consumer magazines division via a licensing and sales agreement to private equity firm Exponent.

    The deal, which comprises more than 30 magazines, is expected to be ratified by the Office of Fair Trading in the autumn whereupon staff will transfer to a new company set up by Exponent.
     
    The arrangement includes the outright sale of magazines "less closely aligned" to BBC programming, such as Olive and Gardens Illustrated, as well as Radio Times.

    However BBC and BBC programme branded titles such as Gardeners' World will be licensed under terms that, while ownership will transfer to Exponent, some editorial control will be retained by BBC Worldwide division BBC Magazines.

    For key BBC brands, such as the magazines for Top Gear as well as Lonely Planet and Good Food, the new Exponent-owned business will act as a contract publisher.

    The acquisition includes BBC Magazines' interest in subscriptions fulfilment business Dovetail - a joint venture with Dennis Publishing - as well as its share in distribution company Frontline. Additionally Exponent will acquire Origin Publishing in which the BBC has a minority share.

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  • 08.16.2011

    Saks Incorporated Announces Results for the Second Quarter and Six Months Ended July 30, 2011

    Retailer Saks Incorporated today announced results for the second quarter and six months ended July 30, 2011.

    For the second quarter ended July 30, 2011, the Company recorded a net loss of $8.4 million, or $.05 per diluted share. Those results included after-tax charges totaling $0.8 million comprised of: a pension and related benefit charge, a write-down of a third party receivable, and an asset impairment charge totaling $1.8 million and the reversal of approximately $1.0 million in state income tax reserves deemed no longer necessary.

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  • 08.16.2011

    Walmart announces FY12 second quarter EPS from continuing operations of $1.09

    Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. today reported financial results for the second quarter ended July 31, 2011. Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 were $108.6 billion, an increase of 5.5 percent from $103.0 billion in last year's second quarter. Net sales for the quarter included a currency exchange rate benefit of $2.3 billion.

    Income from continuing operations attributable to Walmart for the quarter was $3.8 billion, up 5.7 percent from last year. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Walmart (EPS) for the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 were $1.09. In comparison, last year's EPS was $0.97.

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  • 08.16.2011

    Paper Lunch Bags for the Enviro-student

    It’s time for the kids to head back into the classroom after a long afternoons playing in the pool (or maybe playing X-Box in the cooler air-conditioned comfort of the living room, eh?).  As millions of children are excited to see friends they haven’t seen all summer, environmentally-conscious Moms are making sure that the nutritious lunches they packed for them are being carried in strong & durable paper lunch bags. 

    Why paper lunch bags? They are a small easy step to a greener earth because paper is a renewable, sustainable resource that can be recycled and are easier for the kiddos to carry around.  With all the books and sports equipment students have to carry around the last thing they want to lug around is a plastic or metal lunchbox.  And then what if they forget and leave it at school over the weekend, pee-yoo!  With paper lunch bags the can simply crumple it up and put it in the paper recycling container, and with our new more environmentally-aware youth, they know what to do and they do it without a second thought.

    Duro’s Paper lunch bags are available in 5lb and 8lb sizes and in white, Kraft or Recycled paper. The paper lunch bags are packaged for store resale in 50- and 100-count quantities and also have display options of end-cap cartons and point-of-purchase cartons that can be customized with you companies logo of back-to-school promotionary message. 

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  • 08.16.2011

    Crude Oil Futures Decline as Investors Speculate Global Economy Is Slowing

    Oil dropped from the highest in almost two weeks in New York after Germany’s economy all but stagnated in the second quarter, heightening concern that fuel consumption will diminish.

    Futures slid as much as 1.5 percent today as Germany’s Federal Statistics Office said gross domestic product, adjusted for seasonal effects, rose 0.1 percent from the first quarter. Growth across Europe slowed more than economists forecast. A report today may show U.S. housing starts and building permits fell in July. The Energy Department may say tomorrow U.S. crude oil stockpiles declined to a five-month low.

    “The overall picture is that worldwide economic activity is slowing down a bit, and of course that’s bearish for oil,” said Sintje Diek, an analyst at HSH Nordbank in Hamburg who correctly predicted that Brent prices would fall to $100 this summer. “There are fears the recovery in the euro zone will be very sluggish because of the debt crisis. Maybe we’ll see lower prices than $100.”

    Crude for September delivery declined as much as $1.32 to $86.56 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $86.89 at 11:55 a.m. London time. The contract yesterday gained 2.9 percent to $87.88, the highest settlement since Aug. 3. Prices have risen 15 percent in the past year.

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  • 08.16.2011

    RR Donnelley Expands CustomPoint(R) Solutions Group With Acquisition of Sequence Personal

    R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company today announced that it has acquired New York-based Sequence Personal, an innovative provider of proprietary software that enables readers to select relevant content to be digitally produced as specialized publications. Focused originally on the creation of individualized medical journals with targeted advertising, Sequence's technologies have expanded to enable custom publishing across a broad variety of verticals. For example, its ANTHOLOGY offering provides consumers a wide array of choices for individualizing content. Publishers and other organizations can take advantage of Sequence's applications to increase revenues by allowing advertisers to select unique ad selection criteria for more targeted delivery.

    Sequence will become a part of RR Donnelley's CustomPoint Solutions Group, which provides collaborative strategies for originating creative and editorial content, multichannel marketing, proven e-subscription models, self-serve direct marketing and custom publishing.

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  • 08.16.2011

    The Home Depot Announces Second Quarter Results

    The Home Depot®, the world's largest home improvement retailer, today reported second quarter of fiscal 2011 net earnings of $1.4 billion, or $0.86 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $1.2 billion, or $0.72 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2010. For the second quarter of fiscal 2011, diluted earnings per share increased 19.4 percent from the prior year.

    Sales for the second quarter totaled $20.2 billion, a 4.2 percent increase from the second quarter of fiscal 2010. Comparable store sales for the second quarter were positive 4.3 percent, and comp sales for U.S. stores were positive 3.5 percent.

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  • 08.16.2011

    Urban Outfitters Reports Record Q2 Sales

    Urban Outfitters, Inc., a leading lifestyle specialty retail company operating under the Anthropologie, Free People, BHLDN, Terrain and Urban Outfitters brands, today announced net income of $57 million and $95 million for the three and six months ended July 31, 2011, respectively. Earnings per diluted share were $0.35 for the quarter and $0.59 for the six months ended July 31, 2011.

    Total Company net sales rose by 10% over the same quarter last year to $609 million. Comparable retail segment net sales, which include our direct-to-consumer channels, improved 1% for the quarter while comparable store net sales decreased 2% for the quarter. Comparable retail segment net sales at Free People and Urban Outfitters increased 18%, and 1%, respectively while comparable retail segment net sales at Anthropologie were flat for the quarter. Direct-to-consumer comparable net sales increased 15% and wholesale segment net sales rose 7% for the quarter.

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  • 08.16.2011

    Buckeye Technologies Announces Release of 2011 Sustainability Report

    Buckeye Technologies Inc. announced the release today of its 2011 Sustainability Report. This report (which summarizes calendar year 2010 results) highlights continuing efforts on reducing fossil fuels, water, solid waste, and air emissions. Buckeye has reduced its Greenhouse Gas emissions (from fossil fuels and purchased electricity) by over 5% per ton of production since 2007, while generating 80% of its total energy needs from renewable biomass. In addition, significant reductions of water used daily were achieved (down 7% since 2007) while reducing landfill wastes by 18% since 2007. The report also shares information about Buckeye's social impacts, including the impressive response to a renewed corporate-wide commitment to safety, reducing the Total Incidence Rate from 3.5 to 2.5 during the reporting period, with an additional reduction to 1.8 by the end of June.

    John Crowe, Chairman and CEO, emphasized that "Buckeye has embarked on a sustainability strategy that embraces the importance of protecting the environment and resources for future generations while leveraging long-term business and shareholder value."

    For more information about Buckeye Technologies and its sustainability efforts, and for a downloadable copy of the 2011 Sustainability Report, please visit our website at www.bkitech.com.

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  • 08.15.2011

    RDA Holding Co. Announces Results for the Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2011

    RDA Holding Co., parent company of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., the global multi-brand and multi-platform media and direct marketing company, announced today its financial results for the three month period ended June 30, 2011.

    Highlights:  Revenue declined 6.2% from the 2010 quarter primarily due to a decline in our Lifestyle & Entertainment Direct segment (LED), lower response rates and a lower active customer base across many of our international markets, declining renewals in our U.S. segment and declining advertising in certain segments.  Net income declined $253 million from the 2010 quarter to a loss of $240.5 million, primarily due to an estimated impairment charge of $256.7, aforementioned declining revenue and increased promotional investments over the 2010 quarter.  Consolidated EBITDA was down 32.3% due substantially to increased marketing spending in the first half, challenges in some direct marketing business lines, in particular LED which accounted for the majority of this decline, and challenges in Every Day with Rachael Ray. This was partially offset by a stronger performance in Reader’s Digest Community where profits increased 17.1%.

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  • 08.15.2011

    Domtar announces the acquisition of Attends Healthcare, Inc.

    Domtar Corporation today announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of privately-held Attends Healthcare, Inc. ("Attends"), manufacturer and supplier of incontinence products, from KPS Capital Partners, L.P. for $315 million. The closing of the transaction is expected during the third quarter 2011, subject to customary closing conditions.

    "This is a good transaction that allows us to take measured steps into the consumer products market in a product area where high single-digit global growth is expected," said John D. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Domtar. "We believe there is the potential to double Attends' earnings within five years and we are committed to unleashing the great organic growth potential. With this acquisition, we will consume internally some of our high quality Lighthouse™ fluff pulp produced in our nearby Plymouth, North Carolina mill. Domtar will continue to look for innovative ways to build growing businesses based on sustainable wood fiber."

    Attends produces a complete line of incontinence care products and washcloths marketed primarily under the Attends® brand name. The company has a wide product offering encompassing over 170 SKUs and it serves a diversified customer base in multiple channels throughout the United States and Canada. The company operates a 775,000 square foot facility with nine production lines and a state-of-the-art distribution center in Greenville, North Carolina. Attends has approximately 330 employees, annual sales of approximately $200 million, and an estimated run-rate EBITDA of $39 million.

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  • 08.15.2011

    NewPage Announces Second Quarter 2011 Financial Results

    NewPage Corporation (NewPage) today announced its results of operations for the second quarter of 2011.

    Net sales in the second quarter of 2011 were $888 million compared to $890 million in the second quarter of 2010.  Higher average paper sales prices were offset by lower sales volume during the second quarter of 2011 due in part to certain unplanned outages as well as reduced overall demand.  Net income (loss) was $(132) million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $(174) million in the second quarter of 2010.

    Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the attached reconciliation), as further adjusted to exclude certain items shown in the table below, was $68 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $20 million in the second quarter of 2010.

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  • 08.15.2011

    Hastings Entertainment, Inc. Reports Results for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2011

    Hastings Entertainment, Inc., a leading multimedia entertainment retailer, today reported results for the three and six months ended July 31, 2011. Net loss was approximately $4.1 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, for the three months ended July 31, 2011 compared to a net loss of approximately $0.1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the three months ended July 31, 2010. Net loss was approximately $3.6 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, for the six months ended July 31, 2011 compared to net earnings of $0.9 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the six months ended July 31, 2010.

    Operating loss and adjusted operating loss were approximately $5.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to operating income and adjusted operating income of approximately $13,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2010. Adjusted operating income (loss) excludes gift card breakage revenue and stock compensation expense. Operating loss was approximately $4.1 million for the six months ended July 31, 2011 compared to operating income of approximately $1.5 million for the same period in the prior year. Adjusted operating loss was approximately $3.9 million for the current six month period compared to adjusted operating income of approximately $1.5 million for the same period in the prior year.Earnings before interest, taxes, property and equipment depreciation expense and amortization ("EBITDA") was approximately ($0.5 million) for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to approximately $4.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2010. Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes gift card breakage revenue and stock compensation expense, was approximately ($0.4 million) for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to approximately $4.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2010. EBITDA was approximately $4.7 million for the six months ended July 31, 2011 compared to approximately $10.2 million for the same period in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $4.9 million for the current six month period compared to approximately $10.2 million for the same period in the prior year.

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  • 08.15.2011

    USPS Exploring Additional Legislative Proposals

    While the Postal Service remains the cornerstone of a $1 trillion industry and will continue to be vital to the U.S. economy, the Postal Service will be insolvent next month due to significant declines in First-Class Mail volume, the effects of a Congressional mandate to prefund retiree health benefits and increases in network costs, wages and benefits.

    The Postal Service has taken unprecedented steps over the past decade to reduce costs in areas within its control, including cost reductions totaling $12 billion in the past four fiscal years. To return to financial stability, the Postal Service seeks legislative changes to allow for network and workforce adjustments. Legislative action is needed to do the following:

    Allow the Postal Service to establish its own health benefits program
    Allow the Postal Service to administer its own retirement system
    Give the Postal Service the ability to adjust the size of its workforce to match operational needs and the changing marketplace.

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  • 08.15.2011

    China Shengda Packaging Group Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2011 Results

    China Shengda Packaging Group Inc., a leading Chinese paper packaging manufacturer, today announced its financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2011.

    Revenues decreased $0.7 million, or 2.2%, to $32.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, from $33.3 million during the same period of 2010. The decrease was primarily a result of decreased sales volume. The sales volume decreased 6.7 million square meters, or 7.7%, to 80.1 million square meters for the three months ended June 30, 2011, from 86.8 million square meters during the same period of 2010. The decreased sales volume was mainly the result of (i) a reduction in demand from the customers due to challenges resulting from more restrictive financial policies by the People's Bank of China ("PBOC"), which adversely affected the business of many customers of the Company, and (ii) a loss of certain orders due to labor shortages resulting from longer delays in the workforce returning following the Chinese New Year holiday as compared to the same period in 2010. As reported by Chinese media sources, the problem of workers not returning to work was more pronounced in the YRD region this year compared to the prior years. 

    Color cartons accounted for 28.6% of total revenues for in the second quarter of 2011 and flexo cartons accounted for 71.4%, compared to 27.7% and 72.3%, respectively, in the same period of 2010. Average per square meter prices for color cartons and flexo cartons during the second quarter of 2011 were $0.46 and $0.39, respectively, as compared to $0.43 and $0.37, respectively, for the same period of 2010.

    Consumer and industrial goods manufacturing sectors are the Company's principal markets. Its major customers remained home appliances and electronics manufacturers and food, beverage and cigarette manufacturers in the YRD, which accounted for 22.2% and 23.9%, respectively, of the total revenues in the second quarter of 2011.

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  • 08.15.2011

    Metso to supply two containerboard machines to Chinese Anhui Shanying Paper

    Metso will supply two containerboard machines to Anhui Shanying Paper Industry Co. Ltd. in the City of Ma’anshan in Anhui Province, China. The start-up of PM 6 is scheduled for the second and that of PM 5 for the third quarter of 2013. The value of the order will not be disclosed. A typical value of two containerboard lines varies from EUR 100 to 150 million, depending on the scope of delivery and the production capacity.

    Metso’s delivery will include two complete 8.60-m-wide (wire) containerboard machines from headbox to winder. The deliveries will also include machine clothing, automation systems and a wide range of process systems. This kind of an extensive overall delivery package from the same supplier enables the design of highly energy-efficient production lines.

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  • 08.15.2011

    Price increase for Koehler Thermal Papers

    Papierfabrik August Koehler AG announces price increase for thermal paper in USA and Canada by 4% effective October 1, 2011 in response to cost pressures.
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  • 08.15.2011

    Second Heidelberg Environmental Dialog – Sustainability Has Arrived at Print Shops

    Environmental protection, like sustainability, is a global issue of ever increasing importance that also affects the print media industry. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) therefore played host once again to the international Environmental Dialog at the Print Media Academy on the occasion of the presentation of the second Heidelberg ECO Printing Award. Guests included the award winners and the print shops nominated for the award - in other words, companies that have long been committed to environmental protection. The participants discussed current and future environmental trends with Stephan Plenz, Member of the Management Board responsible for Heidelberg Equipment, and the members of the independent panel of judges. The entries submitted for the environmental award show a clear move toward fully integrated sustainability management. As well as print shops' environmental commitment, the importance attached to social factors is increasing all the time.

    Details According to the participants, the next step involves saving increasingly scarce resources such as water, utilizing intelligent heat recovery systems in the pressroom, and above all allowing employees and end customers to play a part in the sustainability process. "The idea behind the award and the Environmental Dialog is to motivate print shops throughout the world to strengthen their commitment to environmental protection even further and to offer an international platform for sharing ideas and learning from each other," explained Plenz, who presided over the Environmental Dialog.

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  • 08.15.2011

    Crude Oil Futures Decline Before Data on U.S. Housing, European Economy

    Oil fell, reversing earlier gains, before reports this week from the U.S. and Europe forecast to indicate that the global recovery is losing momentum.

    Data this week will show U.S. housing starts and building permits fell in July, while consumer prices rose the least in three months as unemployment restrained spending, according to surveys by Bloomberg News. The euro-zone economy probably expanded 0.3 percent in the second quarter, down from first- quarter growth of 0.8 percent.

    “It’s unlikely we’ll see a pronounced rebound in crude prices here as fears over a global economic slowdown are still rife,” said Andrey Kryuchenkov, an analyst at VTB Capital in London.

    Crude for September delivery fell as much as 98 cents, or 1.2 percent, to $84.40 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $84.62 at 11:23 a.m. London time. Earlier it climbed to $85.82. Brent oil for September settlement was at $107.86, down 15 cents, on the London-based ICE Futures Europe.

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  • 08.15.2011

    Grainger Intends to Acquire Fabory Group

    Grainger today announced its intention to acquire the shares of Fabory Group, a leading European distributor of fasteners and related MRO products. The transaction price will be approximately $344 million (euro 242 million). The parties plan to enter a definitive agreement upon completion of required consultations with Works Councils representing Fabory employees in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2011.

    Fabory is headquartered in Tilburg, the Netherlands, and is the fastener market leader in the Netherlands and Belgium. With 2010 sales of ~$300 million (euro 211 million), Fabory offers its 120,000 customers access to more than 80,000 products in 14 countries. The company has been aggressively expanding its MRO and fastener offering throughout Central and Eastern Europe and also provides supply chain fastener solutions to OEM customers in Europe, North America and China as well as through a joint venture in India through Sterling Fabory Ltd.

    "Fabory provides a unique opportunity for Grainger to enter one of the world's largest MRO markets through an established and growing business," said Jim Ryan, Grainger Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Fabory brings expertise as a fastener specialist to amplify Grainger's product offering, while Grainger's scale and supplier network will help accelerate further growth of Fabory's business."

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  • 08.15.2011

    July 2011 preliminary US print/write shipments

    (UBS) AF&PA just released preliminary July printing and writing paper shipment data. Overall trends were similar to June. Volumes were off c6.8% m/m. Total print/write shipments fell 5.9% y/y in July vs -5.5% in June. Comps were dramatically easier in July (+1.4% vs +11.7% in June). Shipments are off 4.1% ytd. Looking to 2H 2011 the industry will face materially easier comps; printing and writing paper shipments rose 12% in 1H10 but were flat in 2H10.

    Uncoated free shipments fell 2.4% y/y (-1.3% ytd) vs 2.7% drop in June. The comp was easy with c5% drop Jul-10; this was materially easier than other grades. Shipments fell 4.6% m/m. Uncoated groundwood was the second weakest grade with 10.9% y/y decline. But the comp was toughest of all 4 grades +15.7%, though much easier vs 41% growth in Jun 10. Shipments are off 9.1% ytd.

    Coated free shipments fell 3.8% y/y, similar to June (-4.1% ytd). The comp was tough with 12.7% growth last year but 1500bp easier than Jun. Shipments fell 7.5% 17.6% m/m. Coated groundwood shipments fell 14% y/y (-8.3% ytd). This was worse than 7% drop in June despite 400pb easier comp. Shipments fell 13% m/m.

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  • 08.15.2011

    Postal Service Cutting 228,000 Career Jobs; 185,000 in Total

    The Postal Service proposal cuts nearly 228,000 career jobs between now and 2015, not the 120,000 included in many headlines.  This figure is even larger than what the Postal Service has included in its discussion paper as it reflects employment levels at the end of June.   The following table shows the actual changes from employment levels at the end of June with the 2015 employment levels based on the relevant paragraphs in the Postal Service's discussion paper.

    The total number of jobs lost will nearly 185,000 the Postal Service wants to increase the number of non-career employees by over 50%.   Corporations announcing restructurings would have used the 185,000 figure in press releases and may have also included the 228,000 figure regarding career employees as well.  The Postal Service most likely used the smallest number in its press release to minimize the political blowback that the job cuts will create.

    The larger numbers are also more relevant as attrition is uncertain.  The number of layoffs of RIF's could be higher or lower than the 120,000 depending on the pace of attrition.

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  • 08.12.2011

    J. C. Penney Company, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Financial Results

    J. C. Penney Company, Inc. today reported net income of $14 million or $0.07 per share for the second quarter ended July 30, 2011, including previously announced restructuring charges. The Company's exclusive and private brands such as Liz Claiborne®, Modern Bride®, Arizona® and St. John's Bay®, as well as the expansion of Sephora inside jcpenney attracted new customers to jcpenney, resulting in 1.5 percent comparable store sales growth for the second quarter and 2.7 percent same store sales growth for the first half of the year.

    Comparable store sales for the second quarter rose 1.5 percent. Total sales decreased 0.8 percent, reflecting the Company's exit from its catalog business. Internet sales through jcp.com were $326 million in the second quarter, increasing 2.8 percent over last year. Overall, the strongest merchandise results in the period were in women's apparel and accessories and fine jewelry. Geographically, the best performance was in the southwest region of the country.

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  • 08.12.2011

    UPM to Establish Four Jointly Owned Forests in Different Locations in Finland

    UPM will establish four regional jointly owned forests in Finland using about 2 000 hectares of company forests as an original asset.

    UPM’s jointly owned forests will be located in Western, Eastern and Central Finland as well as in Ostrobothnia next to UPM mills using significant volumes of wood.

    By establishing the jointly owned forests UPM aims at promoting active forest ownership to improve stable wood supply to the market, and to improve the profitability of forestry. Additionally the aim is to prevent splitting up of the forest properties.

    The forest owner can incorporate his/her own forest estate into to the jointly owned forest. In exchange he/she will receive shares of the jointly owned forest equivalent to the value of his/her estate. In jointly owned forest efficient wood production, sustainable forest management and recreational use of the forests are combined. The income from wood sales will be divided up regularly among the owners.

    Marketing of UPM’s jointly owned forests will start in autumn 2011. This is the point when negotiations to incorporate new forest areas into the jointly owned forests will start.

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  • 08.12.2011

    HarperCollins Year-End Results In

    HarperCollins didn’t merit a word in parent company News Corp.’s announcement concerning year end results with the $33 billion company focused on explaining that the hacking scandal has not had an impact on its operations.
     
    In a prepared statement, HC said it “exceeded its plan for the year,” although there was no indication if sales and earnings rose or fell compared to fiscal 2010 when it had sales of $1.27 billion and operating profit of $88 million. According to HC, the children’s division had its second best year ever in fiscal 2011 helped by higher e-book sales. E-book sales accounted for about 12% of all U.S. last year. Canada also had an exceptional year.
     
    HC is part of News’ publishing group which had sales of $8.8 billion in fiscal 2011. During the year-end conference call, News chairman Rupert Murdoch said he had no intention of selling the group which is mainly comprised of newspapers plus HC. Since the hacking scandal broke, there has been speculation that News would sell the newspaper division which in turn would have meant that HC would be looking for a new home.
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  • 08.12.2011

    Graham Packaging Announces Results for Second Quarter 2011

    Graham Packaging Company Inc. today announced results for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.

    Net sales for the second quarter of 2011 improved to $821.2 million, an increase of 25.8% compared to the second quarter of 2010.  The increase was driven by the acquisition of Liquid Container, higher resin costs (which are passed on to customers), and favorable exchange rates.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter increased to $154.6 million, compared to $133.7 million in the second quarter of 2010.  The increase was due to the acquisition of Liquid Container and related synergy achievement.

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  • 08.12.2011

    Demand Media Up 31 Percent in Page Views in First Half 2011

    Demand Media released its financial results for the second quarter of 2011, as well as its numbers for the first half of 2011. While more traditional media companies only fared so-so in January-June 2011 (ABC released its first half numbers yesterday; about half of magazines reported circ declines), Demand Media saw a strong first half, with both revenue and page views up.

    Page views were up 31 percent from 3.948 million in January-June 2010 to 5.155 million in January-June 2011. According to Demand’s financial report, “…page views were positively impacted by a product change associated with certain page features, including the presentation of picture slide shows, which did not impact advertising impressions.”

    Overall revenue was also up for the company, increasing 39 percent from first half 2010’s $114 million to first half 2011’s $158.97 million.

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  • 08.12.2011

    Deluxe Corporation Ranks No. 1 on EPA's Top 20 Printers List of Green Power Purchasers

    Deluxe Corporation announced today that it has increased its ranking to No. 1 on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Top 20 Printers list of the largest green power purchasers. This achievement demonstrates Deluxe Corporation's commitment to protecting the environment and builds upon its existing partnership with EPA's Green Power Partnership. Deluxe Corporation is purchasing nearly 38 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 63 percent of the organization's electricity use. Deluxe Corporation is buying renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Renewable Choice Energy. This demonstrates a proactive choice to switch away from traditional sources of electricity generation and support cleaner renewable energy alternatives.

    Last month the EPA updated each of its National Top Partner lists, highlighting some of America's largest green power purchasers. Each list highlights EPA Green Power Partners that have completed the largest annual voluntary purchases through July 6, 2011. The EPA updates its Top Partner Lists quarterly at www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists.

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  • 08.12.2011

    Fibria May Sell Piracicaba Plant to OJI for $313 Million

    Fibria Celulose SA (FIBR3), the world’s largest pulp producer, said it may sell its Piracicaba plant in Brazil to OJI Paper Co. for $313 million.

    OJI, based in Tokyo, has been granted exclusive acquisition rights until Sept. 29, Sao Paulo-based Fibria said today in a Brazilian regulatory filing. The sale is pending an audit of the unit by OJI, among other items, according to the statement.

    Fibria plans to use the proceeds from the sale to pay off debt, Chief Financial Officer Joao Elek said in a May 25 interview. The paper maker obtained an $800 million bank loan that month. Second quarter profit rose 67 percent after the appreciation of the Brazilian real cut its dollar-denominated debt and pulp production increased, the company said last month.

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  • 08.12.2011

    Nordstrom Reports Second Quarter 2011 Earnings

    Nordstrom, Inc. today reported net earnings of $175 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, for the second quarter ended July 30, 2011. This represented an increase of 20 percent compared with net earnings of $146 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, for the same quarter last year.

    Second quarter same-store sales increased 7.3 percent compared with the same period in fiscal 2010. Net sales in the second quarter were $2.72 billion, an increase of 12.4 percent compared with net sales of $2.42 billion during the same period in fiscal 2010.

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  • 08.12.2011

    Crude Heads for Third Weekly Drop on Concern Volatility Threatens Recovery

    Oil fell in New York, heading for a third weekly decline, on signs that the global recovery is slowing down and demand for fuels will be reduced.

    Futures slid as much as 2 percent, ending a two-day climb. Crude has fallen to a 10-month low of $75.71 a barrel and traded as high as $85.97 this week. France’s economy failed to grow in the second quarter and manufacturing in the euro region unexpectedly declined in June, reports today showed.

    “Fear is the driving factor,” said Eugen Weinberg, head of commodities research at Commerzbank AG in Frankfurt, whose forecast for prices in the second quarter was third-closest among 29. “In the last few years things have hardly been worse than they are now. We have extremely low growth from the U.S., a slowdown in China, definitely troubles in the euro zone.”

    Crude for September delivery fell as much as $1.70 to $84.02 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was at $85.22 at 10:51 a.m. London time. Yesterday, the contract gained 3.4 percent to $85.72. Futures have lost 1.9 percent this week and 6.7 percent in 2011.

    Brent oil for September settlement on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange dropped as much as $1.16, or 1.1 percent, to $106.86 a barrel. The European benchmark contract was at a premium of $23 to U.S. futures, down from a record close of $23.79 on Aug. 10.

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  • 08.11.2011

    Arjowiggins to increase paper prices

    Along with most other manufacturers, it increased prices in May this year. However, Papierfabrik Scheufelen has already announced increases from 1 September.

    A statement from Arjowiggins said that it would also be implementing a 9-10% increase from the beginning of September.

    It said: "Due to rising chemical, energy and transportation costs, and the increase in pulp and waste paper prices over the past year, Arjowiggins Graphic has been forced to review the business’s current pricing structure of its graphic papers range.

    "Despite the extensive cost-reduction measures, which are in place in all of Arjowiggins Graphic’s European mills, recent cost rises have led to an unavoidable price increase across the company’s range of coated and uncoated papers."

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  • 08.11.2011

    Meredith Offers iPad Subscriptions to Better Homes and Gardens, Parents and Fitness Through the App Store

    Meredith Corporation, the leading media and marketing company serving American women, today announced the highly popular iPad editions of Better Homes and Gardens, Parents and Fitness are available for sale on a subscription basis beginning with the September 2011 issues. Annual and monthly subscriptions range from $9.99 to $14.99 per year to $1.99/month, and are available through In-App Purchase on the App Store.

    Print subscribers for all three magazines will have free access to the iPad edition through their current subscription. Single-issues will continue to be available for sale through the App Store.

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  • 08.11.2011

    Presstek Reports Strong Equipment Revenue and Improved Operating Profit in Second Quarter 2011

    Presstek, Inc., a leading supplier of digital offset printing solutions to the printing and communications industries, today reported financial and operating results for the second quarter ended July 2, 2011. In the quarter, the Company reported total revenue of $31.4 million, a comparable level with the amount reported in the second quarter of 2010.

    The Company reported adjusted EBITDA of $0.3 million in the second quarter, the seventh consecutive quarter of positive EBITDA. The Company had an operating loss of $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2011, a 34% ($0.6 million) improvement from the amount reported in the 2010 second quarter. The improvement was driven primarily by an increase in equipment gross margin and lower operating expenses, offset partially by lower consumables margin. During the second quarter of 2011, the Company incurred a net loss from continuing operations of $1.7 million, or $0.05 per share, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $1.8 million, or $0.05 per share, in the second quarter of 2010.

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  • 08.11.2011

    Grainger Reports July 2011 Sales Results

    Grainger today reported sales results for the month of July 2011. Daily sales increased 10 percent versus July 2010. Results for the month included a 1 percentage point positive contribution from acquisitions and a 2 percentage point contribution from foreign exchange. Excluding acquisitions and foreign exchange, organic sales increased 7 percent, including 8 percentage points from volume and 2 percentage points from price, partially offset by a 3 percentage point decline from oil spill related sales in 2010. In 2010, Grainger provided safety and related products used to clean up the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which contributed approximately 1 percentage point to total company sales for the full year. July 2011 had 20 selling days, one less than July 2010. The 2011 third quarter will have the same number of selling days as the 2010 second quarter (64 days).
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