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11.07.2012
Time Warner Inc. today reported financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2012.
In the third quarter of 2012, Revenues decreased 3% to $6.8 billion as growth at the Networks segment was more than offset by declines at the Film and TV Entertainment and Publishing segments. Adjusted Operating Income declined 1% to $1.6 billion in the quarter as growth at the Networks and Publishing segments was more than offset by a decline at the Film and TV Entertainment segment. Operating Income also fell 1% to $1.6 billion. Adjusted Operating Income and Operating Income margins were both 23% in the third quarter of 2012, unchanged from the prior year quarter.
In the third quarter, the Company posted Adjusted Diluted Net Income per Common Share (“Adjusted EPS”) of $0.86 versus $0.79 for the year-ago quarter. Diluted Income per Common Share was $0.86 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $0.78 in the prior year quarter.
For the first nine months of 2012, Cash Provided by Operations from Continuing Operations reached $2.3 billion, and Free Cash Flow totaled $2.0 billion. As of September 30, 2012, Net Debt was $16.7 billion, up from $16.0 billion at the end of 2011, due to share repurchases and dividends, partially offset by the generation of Free Cash Flow.
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11.07.2012
Highlights:
- Strong EBITDA outcome of €280 million in the third quarter
- Industry-leading EBITDA margins reflecting SKG’s continued focus on innovative packaging, cost and operating efficiency
- Two successful bond offerings totalling €690 million resulting in reduced debt servicing costs,improved debt maturity profile and further diversification of funding sources
- Acquisition of Orange County Container Group for US$340 million at 5.1x 2012 EBITDA post synergies
- Expect year-end EBITDA in line with 2011
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11.07.2012
News Corporation today reported total revenue for the three months ending September 30, 2012 of $8.14 billion, a $177 million, or 2%, increase over the $7.96 billion of revenue reported in the prior year quarter. The revenue increase was led by 16% growth at the Company’s Cable Network Programming segment, which was partially offset by declines at the Company’s Direct Broadcast Satellite Television and Publishing segments.
The Company reported first quarter total segment operating income(1) of $1.38 billion compared to $1.39 billion reported a year ago. The results reflect operating income improvements at the Company’s Cable Network Programing, Television and Filmed Entertainment segments, led by a $178 million, or 23%, increase at the Cable Network Programming segment. These improvements were more than offset by decreases at the Direct Broadcast Satellite Television, Publishing and Other segments. The first quarter results included a $67 million charge related to the costs of the ongoing investigations initiated upon the closure of The News of the World as compared to $17 million in the corresponding period of the prior year. This year’s first quarter results also included $5 million of costs related to the proposed separation of the Company’s entertainment and publishing businesses. Excluding these charges from both years, respectively, first quarter adjusted total segment operating income of $1.45 billion increased $48 million, or 3%, from $1.40 billion in the first quarter of the prior year.
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11.07.2012
Oil traded near the highest level in two weeks in New York, paring an earlier decline, after U.S. voters returned Barack Obama as president of the world’s biggest crude-consuming nation.
Futures were little changed after dropping as much as 1 percent. Oil rallied with gold while the dollar fell after television network projections showed Obama winning re-election and Republican challenger Mitt Romney conceded defeat. Investors speculated the victory increases the chance the U.S. will continue monetary stimulus that tends to weaken the currency and boost dollar-denominated commodities.
“The idea in the market that Obama is more in favor of further monetary intervention than Romney helped lift gold and oil and weaken the U.S. dollar in response to his election,” said Jeremy Friesen, a commodity strategist at Societe Generale SA in Hong Kong.
West Texas Intermediate crude for December delivery was at $88.72 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, up 1 cent, at 3:42 p.m. Singapore time.
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11.07.2012
Arctic Paper S.A. has announced a public offer to acquire all shares in Rottneros AB, a non-integrated and customized supplier of high quality paper pulp listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm. Rottneros’ Board of Directors has unanimously recommended the offer.
The combined group will be a leading European producer of bulky book paper, high-quality graphic fine paper and pulp for paper producers. In addition, it will remain a significant supplier of market pulp. The combined group will have a good balance between pulp production and consumption in the fine paper mills and thus be less volatile than the two companies as stand-alone entities. It will have four fine paper mills and two pulp mills.
Arctic Paper does not anticipate any material effects of the implementation of the offer for Rottneros’ business or employees, including employment conditions and employment levels at locations where Rottneros currently conducts business.
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11.07.2012
Ahlstrom, a high performance materials company, today celebrates the inauguration of its new production facility in Longkou, Shandong Province, in eastern China. The plant is a joint venture together with Longkou Yulong Paper Co. Ltd, and it produces medical papers used for sterilization wraps and masking tape base papers for the building industry in the Asian market.
"This joint venture in Longkou supports Ahlstrom's growth strategy and strengthens our presence in Asia. Crepe paper used in the medical and building industries in Asia provides us interesting opportunities for growth in the area," says Jan Lång, Ahlstrom's President & CEO.
The new plant in China is the outcome of a EUR 21.9 million investment, of which EUR 13.1 million contributed by Ahlstrom, and employs approximately 140 people. Located in the Zhu You Guan Industrial Park in Longkou, the plant is conveniently positioned near a large commercial port with excellent connects to China and Asia by road and sea, ensuring easy logistics for both incoming raw materials and shipment of products. The investment was initially announced on October 28, 2010.
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11.07.2012
Neenah Paper, Inc. today reported earnings from continuing operations of $0.55 per diluted common share in the third quarter of 2012 compared with earnings of $0.42 per share in the third quarter of 2011. After excluding costs of $0.01 per share ($0.3 million pre-tax) to integrate purchased fine paper brands, adjusted earnings in the third quarter of 2012 were $0.56 per share.
“Our teams continue to execute well, with both business segments delivering double-digit earnings growth and improved efficiencies. With working capital improving as expected, we generated record cash flow that was used to further reduce debt”
Net sales of $206.3 million in the third quarter of 2012 rose 18 percent compared to $174.9 million in the third quarter of 2011, while consolidated operating income increased 30 percent, growing to $16.3 million in the current quarter from $12.5 million in the third quarter of 2011. Results include the acquisition of selected fine paper brands from Wausau Paper Corporation in January 2012.
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11.07.2012
September 2012 US commercial printing shipments were $6.97 billion, down -$232 million, or -3.2% versus September 2011. On an inflation-adjusted basis, shipments were down -$375mil, or -5.1%.
For the first nine months of 2012, shipments were down -$1.3 billion on a current dollar basis (-2.1%, and -4.2% an inflation adjusted basis).
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11.07.2012
The Discover U.S. Spending Monitor increased 6.8 points from September to October, the largest one-month increase in the history of the Monitor. The Monitor is a 5-year-old daily poll tracking economic confidence and spending intentions of nearly 8,200 consumers throughout the month. October’s 98.1 rating is an all-time high for the Monitor.
The percent of consumers rating the U.S. economy as good or excellent increased to 18 percent in October, up 5 percentage points from September 2012 and 11 percentage points from October 2011. In advance of the last presidential election in October 2008, only 8 percent of consumers rated the U.S. economy as good or excellent.
While 51 percent of consumers viewed the economy as poor in October, this was a 5-point decrease from September 2012 and an 18-point decrease from October 2011.
From September 2012 to October 2012, male and female respondents who rated the economy as good or excellent increased by 7 points to 20 percent and 4 points to 16 percent, respectively.
Respondents expecting the economy to improve increased 5 points from the prior month and 21 points from October 2011 to a Monitor-high 35 percent.
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11.07.2012
Macy’s, Inc. today reported strong third quarter earnings that underscore the company’s continued progress in implementing key business strategies to drive growth. Earnings were 36 cents per diluted share for the third quarter of 2012, ended Oct. 27, 2012. This compares with earnings of 32 cents per diluted share in last year’s third quarter.
Sales in the third quarter totaled $6.075 billion, up 3.8 percent from total sales of $5.853 billion in the third quarter of 2011. On a same-store basis, Macy’s, Inc.’s third quarter sales were up 3.7 percent.
For the year to date, Macy’s, Inc. sales totaled $18.336 billion, up 3.7 percent from total sales of $17.681 billion in the first 39 weeks of 2011. On a same-store basis, Macy’s, Inc.’s year-to-date sales were up 3.7 percent.
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11.07.2012
MWV Specialty Chemicals, a division of MeadWestvaco Corporation, announced a definitive agreement to purchase the remaining outstanding ownership stake of Resitec Industria Quimica, Ltda., a Brazilian company that serves the Latin American Pine Chemicals industry. MWV and South Africa-based AECI Limited (JSE: AFE) have held a 50-50 joint venture partnership interest in Resitec for the past four years. The decision to move Resitec to one owner was made jointly. The agreement is contingent on final government approvals. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“We’ve had a successful four-year joint venture partnership interest in Resitec, and we are pleased to have them join MWV as we continue to accelerate our growth in emerging markets,” said Ed Rose, president, MWV Specialty Chemicals. “The Resitec employees have built a strong business, and we look forward to their continued support in serving our customers. This transaction represents MWV’s commitment to pine chemicals, which is core to our business in Brazil and in Latin America. We will leverage our innovative products and strong technical expertise with current customers, and in expanded markets, including oilfield, adhesives and paving solutions to profitably grow in this important region,” he added.
“Growth in Brazil remains an important component of AECI’s strategy,” said Dr. Graham Edwards, CEO of AECI. “The company has reviewed and refined the details of this strategy in terms of its preferred target markets and business model. Whilst involvement in Resitec has been invaluable for acquiring local knowledge and experience as a platform for future expansion, AECI concluded that Resitec is not ideally aligned with its core strategy.”
With approximately 115 employees, Resitec’s operations include a manufacturing facility located in the city of Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, an administrative office located in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro and a tall oil refinery in the city of Palmeira, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Resitec currently provides chemical products for the rubber, lubricants, food and adhesives markets, and will expand its offerings to include asphalt and oilfield markets following the acquisition.
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11.06.2012
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., a global provider of knowledge and knowledge-based services in areas of scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly research; professional practice; and global education, today announced a partnership with The Sheridan Press, print and publication services provider to the STM and scholarly journal community. Through this partnership Wiley’s online only journal titles will be available as Print on Demand (POD) copies, delivered through Sheridan’s sophisticated production system. Starting in January 2013, a total of 145 online only titles will now be available in print via this solution.
Over the past several years, The Sheridan Press has built state-of-the-art digital capabilities that include a proprietary interactive customer portal that generates orders for high quality digital POD journals for a growing number of STM publishers.
The partnership provides Wiley customers with full order processing capability for print copies of journals. This new service reflects Wiley’s commitment to honor customer content delivery choices while providing a greater focus on digital publishing.
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11.06.2012
Some 85 percent of companies have more complex supply chains as a result of globalization, and adjusted climate forecasts mean businesses should expect climate change to have an even more destructive effect than previously assumed on supply chains, assets and infrastructure, according to two reports from PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The first PwC report, 10 Minutes – Risk ready: New approaches to environmental and social change, says many companies now view preparation for climate change as not only an indicator of resilience, but also as a competitive advantage.
The report, published as the northeast begins recovering from Hurricane Sandy, says the ability to anticipate — and plan for — potential weather disasters is vital. Companies should embed sustainability practices into their business models to mitigate the risks associated with these major weather events.
One way to build resilience is to increase buffers — the margins that provide short-term space needed to absorb shock after a disaster. PwC uses PG&E as an example of how to put these buffers in place.
Because California’s temperatures rise between May and October, which means higher electricity demand, the utility implemented a voluntary program for small commercial and residential customers who agree to shift their power use in exchange for discounts. PwC reports there are 25,000 PG&E customers participating, resulting in a 16 percent reduction on high-load days.
Natural disasters are costly, PwC says, and only 33 percent of $380 billion lost in 2011 to natural disasters was covered by insurance. Natural resources like water and energy continue to be strained, and working closely with suppliers can help pinpoint issues.
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11.06.2012
HarperCollins and R.R. Donnelley have signed a new agreement that will create one centralized warehouse that will serve as the distribution site for all HC U.S. titles, including those published by its Christian publishing division that houses Zondervan and Thomas Nelson. Harper said it expects the new facility to be opened next summer and that it will close its two warehouses in Scranton, Penn. and Nashville.
“We have taken a long-term, global view of our print distribution and are committed to offering the broadest possible reach for our
authors," said HC CEO Brian Murray."We are retooling the traditional distribution model to ensure we can competitively offer the entire HarperCollins catalog to customers regardless of location.”
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11.06.2012
National Geographic magazine has launched an iPhone edition with its November 2012 issue, providing daily updates and rich content, including stunning video of penguins leaping out of icy waters by BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Paul Nicklen as well as never-before-seen, high-definition, slow-motion footage of cheetahs.
The iPhone edition has daily feeds of news, Instagram photographs from magazine photographers on assignment and photos from the magazine’s online community of fan photographers, offering unique, fresh content each time a user opens the app. Additionally, users will get new, photo-based jigsaw puzzles daily, based on the popular puzzle page of the magazine’s website. Three of the feature articles in the app will be available as audio recordings.
“Designing the magazine for the iPhone required rethinking the entire user experience,” said Bill Marr, National Geographic’s creative director. “We’ve organized the content so that it is easy to navigate on the phone, with text, photos and video arranged in a way that allows users to quickly find what they want. We’ve also simplified our interactive graphics for the iPhone screen and added audio recordings, so users can listen on the go. Most of all, we’ve tried to make the app fun — with daily puzzles and photo feeds that people can enjoy any time they open it.”
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11.06.2012
Hearst Corporation today signed an agreement with Milliman, Inc., pursuant to which Hearst will acquire Milliman Care Guidelines LLC, a leading provider of evidence-based clinical healthcare databases. The announcement was made by Frank A. Bennack, Jr., CEO of Hearst Corporation, and Richard P. Malloch, president of Hearst Business Media.
Upon completion of the deal, Milliman Care Guidelines will be managed as part of Hearst’s healthcare group, which includes Zynx Health and First Databank. The healthcare group, along with information businesses serving the automotive and electronics industries and Hearst’s ownership in Fitch Ratings comprise Hearst Business Media. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 following receipt of necessary government approvals.
“The healthcare landscape is changing rapidly and Milliman Care Guidelines is positioned to benefit greatly from a shift to accountable care organizations and continued reliance on clinical decision support,” Bennack said. “Given all the factors, this is an area that we think is not only a good business for Hearst but one that will also significantly benefit the public as healthcare changes and advances are made.”
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11.06.2012
CROWN Beverage Packaging North America, a business unit of Crown Holdings, Inc., is debuting a new 10oz beverage can that offers specialty beverage brands a stylish alternative to traditional drink packaging. The sleek new can is the perfect choice for brands that are seeking to hit a different retail price point in certain markets as well as differentiate wellness and portion-controlled drinks such as low-calorie sodas by choosing a slimmer, eye-catching format.
The new can has been developed in part to meet the growing popularity among consumers for specialty beverages that are not typically packaged in traditional 12oz cans. The new addition marks the first time that a 10oz beverage can has been produced in the sleeker 58mm diameter line, providing increased flexibility for brands.
“While beers and carbonated soft drinks are typically packaged in 12oz cans, certain markets and consumers tend to enjoy their favorite brands and/or specialty beverages such as health drinks and iced coffee in smaller volumes. The new can meets that need while also enabling brands to stand out on store shelves with a fresh, original look,” said Neill Mitchell, Vice President Marketing and Strategic Development, CROWN Beverage Packaging North America. “Crown’s expansion of its product line reflects our commitment to help our customers respond to consumer demands.”
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11.06.2012
Oil rose for a second day in New York as equities advanced before presidential elections in the U.S., the world’s largest consumer of crude.
West Texas Intermediate crude advanced as much as 0.7 percent after trading 0.3 percent lower. The euro erased losses against the dollar, making dollar-denominated assets such as commodities more attractive to investors. Brent may gain in the next three months as stimulus measures by governments in the U.S., Europe and China boost global demand, Bank of America Corp. said yesterday.
“Movements in the dollar typically support crude,” said Andrey Kryuchenkov, a London-based analyst at VTB Capital who correctly predicted last month that Brent would slide. “Traders are obviously eyeing the presidential elections, and demand concerns are going to haunt crude prices for the time being.”
WTI for December delivery climbed as much as 62 cents to $86.27 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, and traded at $86.06 at 10:41 a.m. London time.
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11.06.2012
Bertelsmann’s leading trade book publishing group Random House will now own 100 percent of the shares in Random House Mondadori, its trade book publisher in Spain and Latin America. Random House Mondadori was formed as a 50/50 joint venture in 2001 by Random House and Mondadori. In a transaction signed today, Bertelsmann has agreed to purchase Mondadori’s equity stake in the Barcelona-based publisher on behalf of Random House. The agreement, which is subject to approval by Spanish Anti-Trust authorities, is expected to close before year-end. The corporate name of Random House Mondadori will be retained for the present, and will be changed in the near future to reflect its new ownership structure.
Thomas Rabe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bertelsmann, said, “Bertelsmann believes in the creative and commercial potential of the book business and, by maximizing its holding in Random House Mondadori, is embracing an opportunity to significantly improve both its position in the Spanish book market and its access to the growing Spanish-language markets of Latin America. We are very grateful to Mondadori for our longstanding and very successful partnership.”
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11.06.2012
Appleton’s third quarter 2012 net sales of $210.7 million decreased 2.9% compared to third quarter 2011. Adjusting for the Company’s decision to discontinue the sale of carbonless papers into certain non-strategic international markets, third quarter 2012 net sales were up 1.8%. The Company’s strong revenue growth from thermal papers of 9.3% helped to partially offset the sales decreases in carbonless papers and Encapsys.
Appleton reported a third quarter 2012 operating income of $11.9 million compared to operating income of $11.2 million during third quarter 2011. Excluding certain items, third quarter 2012 adjusted operating income was $22.1 million, $10.9 million higher than adjusted operating income reported for third quarter 2011.Operating income for third quarter 2012 was reduced by a $7.0 million settlement charge relating to the withdrawal from the multi-employer pension plan as negotiated by Appleton participants during recently-concluded labor contract negotiations. The Company also recorded $5.1 million of costs related to ceasing papermaking operations at the West Carrollton, Ohio mill and transitioning to base paper produced by Domtar. Also during the quarter, a $2.2 million environmental expense insurance recovery was recorded.
Appleton’s net sales for the first nine months of 2012 were $644.3 million, 1.1% lower than the first nine months 2011. Adjusting for the Company’s decision to discontinue the sale of carbonless papers into certain non-strategic international markets, sales for this period were up 1.6%. Appleton reported an operating loss of $70.3 million for the first nine months of 2012 compared to operating income of $32.2 million for the same period last year. Excluding certain items, current year adjusted operating income was $51.9 million, $16.6 million higher than adjusted operating income reported for the same period 2011. On a year-to-date basis, costs related to ceasing papermaking operations at West Carrollton and transitioning to Domtar base paper were $110.2 million. Current year results also included $7.2 million of business combination transaction costs, the $7.0 million multi-employer pension plan settlement charge and the $2.2 million environmental expense insurance recovery. First nine months 2011 operating income included a $3.1 million charge for a litigation settlement.
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11.06.2012
According to ABM’s BIN Report, total b-to-b print advertising for July 2012 fell 4.5 percent compared with advertising for July 2011. For the month, 11 of the 22 categories tracked, representing $320 million in revenue, saw revenues decline. The remaining 11 categories, representing $238 million in ad revenue, saw ad sales rise.
The biggest gainers were aviation, aerospace and military, up 103 percent; travel, business conventions and meetings, up 39 percent; and agriculture, up 19 percent. The categories that saw the steepest monthly declines were healthcare, down 24 percent; government, down 23 percent; and pharmaceuticals, down 22 percent.
For the first seven months of 2012, total b-to-b print ad spending has declined 4.1 percent year-over-year compared with the revised January-July period for 2011.
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11.06.2012
OfficeMax® Incorporated, a leader in office and facility supplies, technology and services, today announced the results for its fiscal third quarter ended September 29, 2012.
Total sales were $1,744.6 million in the third quarter of 2012, a decrease of 1.7% from the third quarter of 2011. For the third quarter of 2012, OfficeMax reported operating income of $33.5 million, compared to $41.3 million in the third quarter of 2011, and net income available to OfficeMax common shareholders of $433.0 million, or $4.92 per diluted share, compared to $21.5 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2011.
Excluding the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, the impact of stores closed and opened, and the shift in weeks resulting from our fiscal calendar, adjusted total sales in the third quarter of 2012 decreased 1.2% from the third quarter of 2011. A reconciliation to the company's GAAP sales results is included in this press release.
Results for the third quarter of 2012 included a non-cash gain of $670.8 million related to the extinguishment of non-recourse debt guaranteed by Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. which increased net income by $416.4 million, or $4.73 per diluted share. The third quarter of 2012 also included $11.4 million of expenses to impair fixed assets associated with certain stores and to record a change in the estimated lease obligation of a previously closed store in the U.S. which reduced net income by $7.0 million or $0.08 per diluted share. Excluding these items, adjusted operating income in the third quarter of 2012 was $44.9 million, or 2.6% of sales, an increase from $41.3 million, or 2.3% of sales, in the third quarter of 2011; and adjusted net income available to OfficeMax common shareholders was $23.6 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, an increase from $21.5 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2011.
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11.06.2012
Office Depot, Inc., a leading global provider of office supplies and services, today announced results for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2012.
Total Company sales for the third quarter of 2012 were approximately $2.7 billion, down 5% compared to the third quarter of 2011. On a constant currency basis, third quarter 2012 sales were down approximately 3% versus prior year.
The Company reported a net loss, after preferred stock dividends, of $70 million or $0.25 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2012, compared to net earnings, after preferred stock dividends, of $92 million or $0.28 per share in the third quarter of 2011.
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11.06.2012
CVS Caremark Corporation today announced operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2012.
Net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 13.3%, or $3.6 billion, to $30.2 billion, up from $26.7 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2011.
Revenues in the Pharmacy Services Segment increased 22.2% to $18.1 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2012. This increase was primarily driven by new client starts associated with our highly successful 2012 selling season, drug cost inflation, and the growth of our Medicare Part D program. Pharmacy network claims processed during the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased 10.0%, to 197.0 million, compared to 179.2 million in the prior year period. The increase in pharmacy network claims was primarily due to new client starts, as well as higher claims activity associated with our Medicare Part D program. Mail choice claims processed during the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased approximately 16.3% to 20.4 million compared to 17.5 million in the prior year period. The increase in the mail choice claim volume was primarily driven by new client starts and the continued adoption of our unique Maintenance Choice® program.
Income from continuing operations attributable to CVS Caremark for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $143 million, to approximately $1.0 billion, compared with $868 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011 attributable to both our Retail Pharmacy and Pharmacy Services segments. Both segments benefited from the impact of increased generic drugs dispensed and the continued growth of our Maintenance Choice program. Our retail business benefited significantly from the contractual impasse between Walgreens and Express Scripts which ended effective September 15, 2012. Our pharmacy benefit management business benefited from the growth of our Medicare Part D business as well as 2012 new client starts. Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to CVS Caremark ("Adjusted EPS") for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were $0.85 and $0.70, respectively. Adjusted EPS excludes $121 million and $118 million of intangible asset amortization related to acquisition activity in the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. GAAP earnings per diluted share from continuing operations attributable to CVS Caremark for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were $0.79 and $0.65, respectively.
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11.05.2012
The Washington Post Company today reported net income attributable to common shares of $93.8 million ($12.64 per share) for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012, compared to a net loss attributable to common shares of $6.2 million ($0.82 loss per share) for the third quarter of last year. However, net income includes $49.1 million ($6.61 per share) in income from discontinued operations and $18.8 million ($2.41 per share) in losses from discontinued operations for the third quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively (refer to “Discontinued Operations” discussion below). Income from continuing operations attributable to common shares was $44.7 million ($6.03 per share) for the third quarter of 2012, compared to $12.6 million ($1.59 per share) for the third quarter of 2011.
Revenue for the third quarter of 2012 was $1,011.3 million, flat compared to $1,012.5 million in the third quarter of 2011. The Company reported operating income of $75.9 million in the third quarter of 2012, compared to operating income of $70.2 million in the third quarter of 2011. Revenues and operating income increased at the television broadcasting and cable television divisions, offset by declines at the education and newspaper publishing divisions.
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11.05.2012
Fortress Paper Ltd. reported 2012 third quarter EBITDA loss of $6.4 million. For the second quarter of 2012, EBITDA was $2.3 million and for the third quarter of 2011, EBITDA loss was $0.8 million.
Excluding corporate costs, the three business segments’ combined EBITDA loss was $5.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012. The Specialty Papers Segment contributed $8.3 million EBITDA, while the Dissolving Pulp Segment and the Security Paper Products Segment generated EBITDA losses of $5.6 million and $8.0 million, respectively. Corporate costs contributed to EBITDA loss in the amount of $1.1 million.
Net loss for the third quarter of 2012 was $18.9 million or basic and diluted net loss of $1.31 per share. In the prior quarter, net income was $12.5 million or diluted net income per share of $0.83. In the prior year comparative period, net loss was $7.2 million or basic and diluted net loss per share of $0.51. The current period result was significantly lower compared to the previous quarter due in part to the gain realized in the prior quarter on the sale of certain noncore assets in the Security Paper Products Segment and the scheduled annual extended shutdown for maintenance as well as an unplanned shutdown due to a recovery boiler issue in the Dissolving Pulp Segment in the third quarter of 2012.
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11.05.2012
Oil traded near the lowest level in almost four months in New York amid concern that Greece will struggle to secure another bailout and uncertainty over who will win tomorrow’s U.S. presidential elections.
West Texas Intermediate futures were little changed after falling 2.6 percent on Nov. 2 to cap a third weekly decline. Brent crude fell below $105 a barrel in London for the first time since Aug. 2. Voters decide tomorrow between giving President Barack Obama another four years in office or changing course with Republican challenger Mitt Romney.
“Some clarity for the medium-term would be good for the markets,” said Eugen Weinberg, head of commodities research at Commerzbank AG in Frankfurt, who predicts Brent crude will rebound toward $110 a barrel this month. “Obama is considered by the oil markets as being more favourable.”
Crude for December delivery was at $85.02 a barrel, up 16 cents, in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:59 a.m. London time.
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11.05.2012
Arctic Paper S.A., one of the leading producers of bulky-book paper and high-quality graphic paper in Europe, generated sales revenue through the first 3 quarters of 2012 of PLN 1,986 m (7.1% higher than during the same period of the previous year), with EBITDA of more than PLN 133.6m (48.4% growth) and an operating profit of over PLN 41.5m (as against a loss the year before). The net profit of Arctic Paper during this period was almost PLN 16.2m, compared to a loss during the same period a year ago.
In 3Q 2012 demand for high-quality paper in Europe was 5.6% lower than in 2Q 2012 and 3.8% lower than in 3Q 2011. Despite this, the company recorded the largest sales volume in its history during the period, up 6.5% from 3Q 2011. Sales volume was 7.8% higher than in 2Q 2012. The level of orders in the 3rd quarter remained stable.
Utilisation of the company’s production capacity in 3Q 2012 was high, at 97%, up 1.9 pp from 3Q 2011. The average utilization of production capacity over the past 12 months was about 95%.
In the 3rd quarter the group continued projects begun in prior periods. The company conducted optimization of its product line, which will have a positive impact on the results achieved by the plants in Kostrzyn and Mochenwangen in upcoming quarters.
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11.05.2012
R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company today announced that it has been awarded a multi-year agreement that renews and expands its relationship with AARP, the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole.
Under the terms of the agreement RR Donnelley will provide a comprehensive range of magazine and direct response printing, premedia and logistics services. RR Donnelley will produce 100% of AARP's periodicals, including AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, the two largest circulation print publications in the world.
"Sustained relationships with valued customers such as AARP are perhaps the best demonstration of our ability to provide enduring value to customers, even as the technological environment changes," said John Paloian, RR Donnelley's Chief Operating Officer. "All of us at RR Donnelley are proud and grateful for the continuing opportunity to serve AARP. We will continue to be the source for innovative solutions that they and other customers need in order to help their content connect with their audiences."
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11.05.2012
Walgreen Co. is getting into the magazine business with a healthy living guide available Nov. 4.
The Deerfield-based drugstore chain's Happy And Healthy, Your Guide To Living Well With Walgreens will be a glossy, bi-annual magazine in English and Spanish. There will also be a similar version for Duane Reade customers.
Walgreens expects circulation to be about 65 million. The magazine will be online at walgreens.com, in stores as well as inserted in Sunday newspapers across the country.
The magazine will feature health and wellness; food and beverage; and beauty tips and offers for Balance Reward loyalty card members.
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11.02.2012
Kohl’s Corporation reported today that for the four-week month ended October 27, 2012 total sales increased 4.6 percent and comparable store sales increased 3.3 percent over the four-week month ended October 29, 2011. For the third quarter, total sales increased 2.6 percent and comparable store sales increased 1.1 percent. Year to date, total sales increased 1.2 percent and comparable store sales decreased 0.5 percent.
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11.02.2012
Nordstrom, Inc. today reported a 9.8 percent increase in same-store sales for the four-week period ended October 27, 2012 compared with the four-week period ended October 29, 2011. Preliminary total retail sales of $835 million for October 2012 increased 11.5 percent compared with total retail sales of $749 million for the same period in fiscal 2011.
Third quarter same-store sales, which reflected a shift in the timing of the Anniversary Sale event, increased 10.7 percent compared with the same period in fiscal 2011. Preliminary third quarter total retail sales of $2.71 billion increased 13.8 percent compared with total retail sales of $2.38 billion for the same period in fiscal 2011.
Year-to-date same-store sales increased 7.7 percent compared with the same period in fiscal 2011. Preliminary year-to-date total retail sales of $8.17 billion increased 11.4 percent compared with total retail sales of $7.33 billion for the same period in fiscal 2011.
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11.02.2012
Gap Inc. today reported that net sales for the third quarter of fiscal year 2012 increased 8 percent compared with last year, and October 2012 net sales increased 6 percent compared with last year.
Net sales for the third quarter, which ended October 27, 2012, increased 8 percent to $3.86 billion compared with $3.59 billion for the third quarter last year. The company’s third quarter comparable sales were up 6 percent compared with a 5 percent decrease in the third quarter last year.
In addition, net sales for the four-week period ended October 27, 2012 were $1.22 billion compared with net sales of $1.14 billion for the four-week period ended October 29, 2011. The company’s comparable sales for October 2012 were up 4 percent compared with a 6 percent decrease in October 2011.
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11.02.2012
Rite Aid Corporation today announced sales results for October.
For the four weeks ended Oct. 27, 2012, same store sales decreased 1.1 percent over the prior-year period. October front-end same store sales increased 1.5 percent. Pharmacy same store sales, which included an approximate 971 basis points negative impact from new generic introductions, decreased 2.3 percent. Prescription count at comparable stores increased 4.7 percent over the prior-year period.
Total drugstore sales for the four-week period decreased 1.8 percent to $1.918 billion compared to $1.954 billion for the same period last year. Prescription sales accounted for 68.2 percent of drugstore sales, and third party prescription sales represented 96.5 percent of pharmacy sales.
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11.02.2012
Stein Mart, Inc. today reported comparable store sales increased 1.7 percent for the four-week period ended October 27, 2012. Total sales for the period were $87.2 million, an increase of 1.7 percent from the same period in 2011. For the third quarter, comparable store sales increased 3.1 percent and total sales increased 4.0 percent to $268.9 million. For the year to date, comparable store sales increased 1.3 percent and total sales increased 2.0 percent to $848.7 million.
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11.02.2012
The McGraw-Hill Companies today reported third quarter revenue of $1,953 million, an increase of 2% compared to the same period last year. McGraw-Hill Financial reported a 15% increase and McGraw-Hill Education reported an 11% decline. Net income from continuing operations decreased 14% to $314 million and diluted earnings per share decreased 9% to $1.10.
Excluding the impact of one-time costs related to the Growth and Value Plan and associated restructuring, which totaled $99 million, adjusted net income from continuing operations increased 3% to $379 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 10% to $1.33. This increase was primarily the result of strong growth at McGraw-Hill Financial.
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11.02.2012
Transcontinental Inc. is announcing the closing, on or about December 20, 2012, of its printing plant at 7743 Bourdeau St. in LaSalle, Quebec, leading to the loss of some 150 jobs. All employees affected by the termination of printing operations at this plant have been informed of the decision and will receive severance pay as well as out-placement services to help them find new jobs.
“The printing industry is undergoing a major transformation that is altering supply and demand. Given the capacity and potential of our network, we have concluded that we have excess production capacity in relation to market demand. In order for Transcontinental inc. to remain competitive in this industry under pressure and get the most out of its most efficient equipment, we have had to make the difficult decision to terminate our printing operations at LaSalle,” said Marian Kerr, Senior Vice President, Retail and Newspapers - Eastern.
This decision is not based in any way on the quality of the work or performance of the team at Transcontinental LaSalle. Transcontinental inc. sincerely thanks all the employees at the plant for their dedication and professionalism.
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11.02.2012
Sealed Air Corporation today announced financial results for the third quarter of 2012. The Company noted that following the announced sale of its Diversey Japan business, it has classified Diversey Japan as a discontinued operation as of September 30, 2012. Prior year reported and pro forma financial results have been revised to reflect this discontinued operation.
Sales for the third quarter 2012 totaled $2.0 billion including $1.9 billion from continuing operations and $79 million of sales from discontinued operations. Sales from continuing operations increased 52% over 2011, including a 56% increase from the Diversey acquisition, a 2% increase in organic sales, and 5% unfavorable currency translation.
Pro forma sales from continuing operations increased 2% on a constant dollar basis from 1% in both higher volumes and price/mix. Sales from continuing operations decreased 5% on a reported basis, including 7% from unfavorable foreign exchange translation. While we achieved positive volume growth in most regions, our Europe business continued to feel the effects of the European economic slowdown. Our growth was attributable to the successful execution of our growth programs, expansion in developing regions, the steady adoption of new solutions, and a net gain in new customer relationships.
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11.02.2012
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company today reported third-quarter 2012 net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $71.4 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, on net sales of $2.5 billion compared to net earnings of $158.0 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, on net sales of $2.7 billion in the third quarter of 2011. Third-quarter 2012 net earnings attributable to common shareholders included pre-tax charges for restructuring ($12.3 million) and impairment ($1.6 million, non-cash), acquisition-related expenses ($1.3 million) and a tax provision related to certain foreign earnings no longer considered to be permanently reinvested ($11.0 million). Third-quarter 2011 net earnings attributable to common shareholders included pre-tax charges for restructuring ($23.6 million) and impairment ($10.6 million, non-cash), a loss on debt extinguishment ($1.3 million) and acquisition-related expenses ($0.7 million), partially offset by the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits ($77.4 million, non-cash).
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11.02.2012
Schawk Inc. reported 2012 third-quarter results. Net loss in the third quarter of 2012 was $2.2 million, vs. net income of $8.1 million in the third quarter of 2011. Included in the 2012 third-quarter net loss is $4.3 million of non-cash expense related to the impairment of long-lived assets. In addition, business and system integration expenses for the company’s ongoing information technology and business process improvement initiative increased by approximately $1.0 million for the quarter compared to the prior-year period, which also contributed in part to the decline in net income.
On a non-GAAP basis, adjusting for financial impacts relating to the non-cash impairment expenses, business and system integration expense and other items, adjusted net income was $3.1 million, compared to $5.6 million during the prior-year period.
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11.02.2012
Mercer International Inc. today reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012. Operating EBITDA* in the third quarter of 2012 was €22.3 million ($27.9 million), compared to €49.2 million ($69.5 million) in the third quarter of 2011 and €32.9 million ($42.2 million) in the second quarter of 2012.
For the third quarter of 2012, we had a net loss of €9.7 million ($12.1 million), or €0.17 ($0.21) per basic share, compared to net income of €8.4 million ($11.9 million), or €0.15 ($0.21) per basic share, in the third quarter of 2011 and net income of €1.5 million ($1.9 million), or €0.03 ($0.04) per basic share, for the second quarter of 2012.
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11.02.2012
INTERNATIONAL FOREST PRODUCTS LIMITED reported net earnings of $1.1 million or $0.02 per share in the third quarter of 2012.
Excluding restructuring costs and other one-time items, the Company’s net earnings in the third quarter were $0.6 million or $0.01 per share compared with net earnings of $0.9 million or $0.02 per share in the second quarter of 2012 and net earnings of $2.4 million or $0.04 per share in the third quarter of 2011.
Included in the Company’s results in the current quarter was a share-based compensation expense of $2.3 million or $0.04 per share compared to an expense of $0.2 million or $0.00 per share in the second quarter and a recovery of $0.9 million or $0.02 per share in the third quarter of 2011.
EBITDA for the quarter (adjusted to exclude one-time items and other income but including provisions for share-based compensation) was $14.9 million compared with $16.5 million in the second quarter and $17.2 million in the third quarter last year.
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11.02.2012
Just ahead of its third-quarter earnings call, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia today is announcing it is scaling back its print operation by cutting 1.1 million-circulation Everyday Food from a standalone 10x frequency to a 5x supplement to flagship magazine Martha Stewart Living.
In the meantime, the 760,000-circulation Whole Living, also on a 10x frequency, has been put on the block—the company says it's already in discussions on a possible sale—and if a buyer doesn't materialize then the brand's content will be folded into Martha Stewart Living.
The pullback on print will come with a staff reduction, which The New York Times reports to be about 70 people, and MSLO says the new cost efficiencies of the moves could realize up to $35 million in annualized savings.
According to min box score numbers, Everyday Food is down about 3 percent in ad pages for the first three quarters compared to last year, and Whole Living has declined about 8 percent during the same period.
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11.02.2012
Resolute Forest Products today reported net income of $31 million for the third quarter, or $0.32 per diluted share, on sales of $1.2 billion. This compares with a net loss of $44 million, or $(0.46) per share, on sales of $1.2 billion in the third quarter of 2011.
Excluding $24 million of special items described below, net income for the quarter was $7 million, or $0.07 per diluted share. Net income excluding special items for the third quarter of 2011 was $50 million, or $0.50 per diluted share.
Operating income for the third quarter was $26 million, compared to $72 million in the third quarter of 2011. The most significant components of the $46 million variance include: a volume decline for $51 million as a result of the Company reducing its exposure to newsprint export markets pressured by the strong U.S. dollar, its ongoing asset optimization efforts and a temporary but unexpected drop in September lumber shipments. The lower average Canadian dollar this quarter provided a $7 million cost advantage. The Company's asset optimization and restructuring initiatives, as well as more favorable pricing for recovered paper, power and natural gas, led to savings of $13 million in overall input costs, despite $6 million of costs associated with the annual outage at our Fort Frances pulp mill, last taken in the second quarter of 2011. In addition, there was a $10 million unfavorable impact for the annual maintenance and necessary work to improve the operational and environmental performance of the recently acquired St. Felicien mill. While the stronger pricing in wood products offset weak conditions in the market pulp segment, price eroded $9 million of operating income in paper grades, mostly in the coated papers segment.
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11.02.2012
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. today announced its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012. The Company reported total revenues for the third quarter of $43.5 million.
Total revenues were $43.5 million in the third quarter of 2012, compared to $52.2 million in the third quarter of 2011, due to lower revenues in the publishing and broadcasting segments, partially off-set by higher merchandising revenues.
Total operating loss for the third quarter of 2012 was $(50.7) million, which included a $(44.3) million non-cash impairment charge reflecting the write-down of goodwill related to the Company's publishing segment. The write-down is the result of continued softness in the print publishing industry overall and, specifically, a decrease in the Company's advertising revenues. Total operating loss in the third quarter of 2011 was $(9.3) million, which included a $(3.8) million restructuring charge related to changes in executive management and professional fees.
Adjusted EBITDA loss for the third quarter of 2012 was $(4.0) million, compared to $(2.3) million in the prior-year period.
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11.02.2012
Boise Inc. today reported net income of $3.6 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for third quarter 2012, compared with net income of $28.4 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the same period in 2011. Excluding special items, net income was $22.8 million, or $0.23 per diluted share for third quarter 2012. EBITDA, excluding special items, was $90.5 million for third quarter 2012, compared with $98.5 million for third quarter 2011.
"We operated well and achieved good results, including generating $62 million of free cash flow," said Alexander Toeldte, president and chief executive officer.
"Our third quarter results include the costs associated with our recently announced decision to cease paper production on the company's one remaining paper machine (H2) at our St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill. This decision will reduce our annual uncoated freesheet capacity by almost 60,000 tons and allow us to focus our efforts and resources on products and machines elsewhere in our system that drive the financial performance and cash flow of our paper operations. We thank the employees, customers, suppliers, and community who supported the St. Helens operation over so many years," said Mr. Toeldte.
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11.02.2012
AAA’s Fuel Gage Report as of 11/02/12
National Unleaded Regular:
Current Average - $3.496/gallon
Month Ago Average - $3.782/gallon
Year Ago Average - $3.432/gallon
Highest Recorded Average - $4.114/gallon on 7/17/08
Diesel:
Current Average - $4.044/gallon
Month Ago Average - $4.083/gallon
Year Ago Average - $3.889/gallon
Highest Recorded Average - $4.845/gallon on 7/17/08
Current Exchange Rates as of 11/02/12
American Dollar to Canadian Dollar = 1.002631
American Dollar to Chinese Yuan = 0.160178
American Dollar to Euro = 1.287741
American Dollar to Japanese Yen = 0.012463
American Dollar to Mexican Peso = 0.076795
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11.02.2012
Crude fell for the first time in four days in New York, erasing this week’s gain, as two refineries on the U.S. East Coast remained shut after Hurricane Sandy and the nation’s unemployment rate was forecast to rise.
Futures declined as much as 1 percent after rising the most in three weeks yesterday. Phillips 66 and Hess Corp.’s New Jersey refineries were still not operating four days after the Atlantic superstorm struck. The U.S. jobless rate probably gained for the first time in three months, according to a Bloomberg survey before government data today. Euro-area manufacturing output contracted in October, adding to signs a recession in the currency bloc may extend into next year.
“With refinery shutdowns there’s less crude demand, and so there’s a negative impact,” said Gareth Lewis-Davies, an analyst at BNP Paribas SA in London.
Crude for December delivery fell as much as 91 cents to $86.18 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $86.25 at 9:26 a.m. London time.
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11.02.2012
Spurred by better job growth, the Consumer Confidence Index rose last month to its highest level in almost five years.
The October reading, 72.2, was the highest since February 2008, and was up from 68.4 in September.
According to the Conference Board, which issues the index, those stating jobs are “plentiful” increased to 10.3% in October from 8.1% in September, while those claiming jobs are “hard to get” declined to 39.4%, from 40.7%. Also, consumers claiming business conditions are “good” rose to 16.5% from 15.3% the month before, while those saying business conditions are “bad” edged down to 33.1%, from 33.8%.
“Consumers were considerably more positive in their assessment of current conditions, with improvements in the job market as the major driver,” Lynn Franco, director-economic indicators at the Conference Board, said in a statement. “Consumers were modestly more upbeat about their financial situation and the short-term economic outlook, and appear to be in better spirits approaching the holiday season.”
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11.02.2012
AptarGroup, Inc. today reported third quarter results and announced a plan to optimize certain European operations.
Third Quarter 2012 Summary
•Reported sales declined 2% (core sales increased 2% excluding currency effects and acquisition)
•Certain markets in Europe continued to be soft; Latin America and Asia remained strong
•Aptar Stelmi added $25 million in reported sales
•Changes in currency exchange rates negatively impacted sales by approximately 8% and earnings by approximately 7%
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