Nordstrom And Anthropologie Announce Partnership

Nordstrom announced a partnership with Anthropologie to introduce more than 200 items from Anthropologie Home at select Nordstrom full-line stores and on Nordstrom.com, beginning March 19th. The Anthropologie Home collection will encompass categories including kitchen, dining and entertaining, bed and bath textiles, room décor, stationery and hardware. "We are thrilled to be launching the best of Anthropologie Home into 15 Nordstrom stores and on Nordstrom.com. Home is a category we continue to evolve and being Anthropologie's partner will allow us to introduce dynamic home product with a regular cadence," said Gemma Lionello, executive vice president and general merchandise manager, Nordstrom. "We look forward to providing our customers with another way to shop one of their favorite home brands." Click Read More below for additional information.
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Target Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Earnings

Target Corporation announced its fourth quarter and full-year 2017 results. The Company reported GAAP earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations of $2.02 in fourth quarter and $5.32 for full-year 2017, compared with $1.46 and $4.58 in 2016, respectively. Fourth quarter Adjusted EPS were $1.37, compared with $1.45 in 2016. Full-year Adjusted EPS were $4.71, compared with $5.01 in 2016. The attached tables provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures. All earnings per share figures refer to diluted EPS. "Our fourth quarter results demonstrate the power of the significant investments we've made in our team and our business throughout 2017. Our team's outstanding execution of Target's strategic initiatives during the year delivered strong fourth quarter traffic growth in our stores and digital channels, which drove healthy comparable sales in every one of our five core merchandise categories," said Brian Cornell, chairman and chief executive officer of Target Corporation. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Prinzhorn’s Hamburger Rieger to start construction of 500,000 tonne/yr containerboard machine (RISI)

In March 2018, Hamburger Rieger GmbH will start the scheduled construction of its second paper machine at its Spremberg location. The new plant’s commissioning is scheduled for summer 2020. The planned product range includes white and brown corrugated base papers (testliner) based on 100% recycled paper. With a width of 7.80 metres, the machine will produce 500,000 tonnes of paper per year. For the preparation of white base materials an environmentally friendly deinking section will be installed. It combines innovative resource-conserving raw material processing and the paper machine's patented mode of operation.
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Nekoosa Acquires Catalina Graphic Films

Nekoosa, comprised of Nekoosa Coated Products, RTape Corp, and CET Films, announced today the acquisition of Catalina Graphic Films, effective as of March 1, 2018. Catalina Graphic Films, headquartered in Calabasas, CA with manufacturing facilities in Chicago, IL and Las Vegas, NV, is a leading manufacturer of pressure sensitive products used primarily for printed retail point of purchase advertising and promotion. Nekoosa is making the acquisition to support expanded manufacturing capability, product portfolio expansion, and a national manufacturing footprint. “Nekoosa is proud to combine its 50 year legacy with the equal 50 year family legacy of Catalina Graphic Films, and create a truly special business that can service our customers with an incredibly broad portfolio of products, services, and capabilities,” said Paul Charapata, CEO of Nekoosa. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Retailers push to end special tax treatment for online brands

Conventional retailers are working with industry groups to overturn a tax break that benefits e-commerce brands. On Monday, the Retail Industry Leaders Association public policy organization called Retail Litigation Center, along with more than 20 retail and wholesale trade associations, filed a document to overturn a rule that the Supreme Court adopted in the pre-Internet era. Specifically, the group hopes to influence the court to reverse special tax breaks given to online retailers. The brief highlights the pending Supreme Court case, South Dakota v. Wayfair, Overstock, and Newegg, which seeks to repeal the law that keeps states from collecting sales tax from online purchases unless those retailers have a physical presence within their state. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Institutional Investor Shutters Print Edition

After 51 years in print, Institutional Investor will scrap its paper edition and go digital-only after its April issue, the financial magazine announced this week. The decision comes as the result of “sustained and substantial growth in online reader traffic,” and increased demand among advertisers for digital marketing solutions, according to a statement. “Asset managers and allocators have an increased desire to consume content and market digitally, given the ease of access, efficient targeting, and generational change in the industry,” said Institutional Investor CEO Diane Alfano in the statement. “It’s exciting to watch the evolution of our business and the shift from print to community.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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European Commission Upholds CEPI Trade Complaint against Turkey

The EU has today released a report related to a Trade Barrier Regulation ("TBR") investigation launched following a complaint submitted by CEPI, the European association representing the paper industry. The report upheld the complaint finding that the measures imposed by Turkey on the imports of certain varieties of paper such as office paper, books, envelopes and paper used for direct mail marketing (otherwise known as uncoated wood free (“UWF”) paper) from the EU were inconsistent with both WTO and the EU-Turkey Customs Union rules. “CEPI takes pride in its strong commitment to free trade with its partners. The decision by the Turkish authorities to remove these unfair measures is applaudable; however this issue should never have been escalated in the first place. It is our expectation that the Turkish authorities stand by their obligations under the EU-Turkey Customs Union Agreement in the future” says Sylvain Lhôte, Director General at CEPI. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Orchids Paper Products Company Announces Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2017 Results

Fourth Quarter 2017 Relative to Third Quarter 2017: Net sales of $43.5 million in the fourth quarter decreased $1.7 million, or 3.7%, from the third quarter driven by seasonality factors. Converted product sales declined $1.5 million; a decline of $1.9 million due to volume, offset by higher average-selling prices having a positive impact of $0.4 million. Parent roll sales decreased $0.2 million, as the effect of lower sales volume outpaced an increase in the average selling price compared to third quarter 2017. Average selling prices were, to a degree, positively impacted in the fourth quarter by the inclusion of Orchids' new ultra-premium products manufactured at Barnwell. Cost of goods sold, net of depreciation, in the fourth quarter declined by $2.5 million to 84.6% of net sales, down from 87.0% in the third quarter, representing our second consecutive decline as a percentage of sales. Total cost of sales increased to 94.2% of revenue in the fourth quarter, up from 93.9% in the third quarter. Total depreciation increased to 9.6% of net sales in the fourth quarter from 6.9% of net sales in the third quarter as a result of the addition of the Barnwell facility. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Rejection of Unsolicited and Highly Opportunistic Approach

Smurfit Kappa announces that it has received an unsolicited proposal from International Paper Company, headquartered in Memphis, USA, whereby International Paper would acquire Smurfit Kappa and Smurfit Kappa shareholders would receive a combination of cash and a minority holding in the combined business. The Board of Smurfit Kappa has carefully considered the Proposal and believes it is in the best interests of the Group’s shareholders and other stakeholders to pursue its future as an independent company, operating as the European and Pan-American leader in paper-based packaging. Smurfit Kappa is a world leader in paper-based packaging with an established track record of consistently delivering strong and improving operating and financial performance. Click Read More below for additional information.
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WestRock Renews Commitment to The Recycling Partnership

WestRock has renewed its membership with The Recycling Partnership, a national nonprofit that leverages corporate funding to improve recycling efforts in communities across the U.S.. The company signed on as a funding partner for the fourth straight year. "WestRock is an industry leader that has consistently put sustainability at the forefront of its operations," says Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership. "Without the support of our funders, our goal to improve recycling across the country would be unachievable. By renewing their membership, WestRock is helping advance our mission of building stronger recycling systems, creating jobs, and protecting the environment." Click Read More below for additional information.
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Wiley Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. announced results for the third quarter ending January 31, 2018. • Third quarter revenue up 4% to $455.7 million, or down 1% at constant currency • Third quarter GAAP EPS up 45% to $1.19 primarily due to impact of the US Tax Act; Adjusted EPS down 14% at constant currency • Year-to-date revenue up 4% to $1,318.9 million, or up 1% at constant currency • Year-to-date GAAP EPS $2.39 compared to $1.15 in prior year; Adjusted EPS at constant currency up 1%. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Meredith vows to slash circulation over proposed postal rate hike

Meredith, now the nation’s largest magazine publisher, will slash magazine frequency and circulation levels and close print titles if a proposed 40 percent hike in postal rates over the next five years takes hold, its chief executive Thomas Harty said. The Postal Regulatory Commission is proposing price hikes from 34 to 41 percent for second-class mail, known as periodicals class. A vote is expected this spring. “The proposed increased for the periodical class will require Meredith to pursue magazine closures, circulation cuts, issue frequency reductions, conversions to digital-only formats and alternate delivery for some magazine subscription copies,” Harty said in testimony submitted to the PRC. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Amazon Celebrates More Than 10,000 Full-Time Employees in Illinois

This year, Amazon will celebrate its third year fulfilling customer orders out of Illinois and surpassing the milestone of 10,000 full-time employees in the state with job opportunities for people with all types of experience, education and skill levels—from human resources, engineers and facilities technicians, to those seeking entry-level positions and on-the-job training. We couldn’t be prouder to be part of the Illinois family. Our team in the Land of Lincoln has been instrumental in providing outstanding customer experiences, raising the bar on our operational excellence, and continuing to innovate on behalf of the customer. We feel fortunate to have been able to create more than 10,000 jobs in just three years and gratified by the amazing support we’ve received from the community,” said Sanjay Shah, Amazon’s Vice President of North America Customer Fulfillment. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Oil Steadies as Libya Restarts Biggest Oil Field After Stoppage

Futures in New York rose 0.2 percent after a 3.6 percent decline last week. The Sharara field, Libya’s biggest, has started producing again after stopping on Sunday following a closure of the pipeline carrying oil to the Zawiya refinery, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The halt came shortly after protests disrupted output at another Libyan deposit in February. Libyan production had been surging in recent months, becoming a thorn for the market on concern that further growth could test the country’s pledge to curb production as part of OPEC’s plan to limit a global oversupply. The increase, together with warnings of rising U.S. output from organizations including the the International Energy Agency, has prevented prices from regaining the highs of January even as most OPEC members continue to cut supply. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Four Magazines Share Top Rank in Latest Readership Study

Four titles shared the rank of top print audience performers in November 2017, according to the latest GfK MRI’s issue Specific (IS) Readership Study. Forbes, Men’s Journal, New York Times Magazine and People received IS scores of 140. Forbes magazine’s Nov. 14 issue (IS audience: 9,115,000) featured an “exclusive interview” with Donald Trump, titled “Inside Trump’s Head.” Men’s Journal’s (3,645,000) Nov. 17 issue featured Thor star, Chris Hemsworth, and how he got “ripped” to play Marvel’s action hero while maintaining a “down-to-earth” persona. The Nov. 5 issue of New York Times Magazine (5,840,000) featured Barack Obama on their illusion cover that imitated a turning page and posed the simple headline question “Why Can’t Democrats Turn The Page?” Entertainment magazine People (53,061,000) featured their Sexiest Man Alive in the Nov. 27 issue, which announced Blake Shelton as the 2017 title holder. Click Read More below for additional information.
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HarperColllins Publishers Buys AMACOM Books

HarperCollins Publishers announced it has acquired the trade book assets of AMACOM from the American Management Association International (AMA). HarperCollins will take over all front list and backlist publication, sales, distribution, and licensing of the more than 600 books in AMACOM's catalog. AMACOM, which primarily focuses on personal and professional growth and business leadership, will be a sub-imprint of the recently launched HarperCollins Leadership (HCL) imprint, which is run out of the company's Nashville, TN offices. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. "Business, management and leadership are key growth areas for HarperCollins internationally," said Brian Murray, President and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers. "The purchase of AMACOM's trade publishing will allow us to broaden our catalog of books with potential in emerging markets, from Asia to South America. It is a natural fit for our expanding publishing programs." Click Read More below for additional information.
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GPO Report: Agency Bid Out $340M to Private Sector in Fiscal Year 2017

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) releases its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2017. In it, Acting Director Jim Bradley reports another year of positive financial results for the agency. GPO’s operations recorded positive net income of $38.3 million for the year. Total revenues for the year equaled $874.3 million. “From the materials used in the Presidential inauguration to the digitization of the entire Congressional Record and our vigorous digital programs, GPO upheld its commitment to serve as the Federal Government’s publisher in FY 2017,” said Acting Director Jim Bradley. “Our positive financial results will allow us to keep pushing our program of modernization forward. We look forward to repeating this record of achievement in FY 2018.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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UPM Raflatac brings its high quality wine labeling solutions to Eastern Winery Exposition

Every winery has a story to tell as unique as the wines it bottles. But, with more wineries in the Eastern U.S. and Canada than ever before, standing tall among the competition has never been more difficult. And the label material a winery uses is key in catching the consumer's eye. UPM Raflatac, one of the global leaders in the production of wine label materials, is pleased to announce it will be bringing its wine experts to the Eastern Winery Exposition in Lancaster, Pennsylvania from March 6-8. Winemakers and wine industry professionals are invited to stop by UPM Raflatac's set-up at booth 173 in the Lancaster County Convention Center to learn more about what the company's wine label materials can do to distinguish wine brands. Samples of wine label materials will be available as well. Click Read More below for additional information.
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HP Indigo Digital Press Achieves New Idealliance Master Elite Level ISO/PAS 15339 Certification

Idealliance, the global communications non-profit organization, with 11 offices around the world, has certified the HP Indigo 1x000, 7x00, 5x00 Press Series and the HP Indigo Label & Packaging Web Press Series with its Master Elite Level ISO/PAS 15339 Certification designations. Idealliance ISO/PAS 15339 Certification is an extended compliance program of the Digital Press Certification for digital printing press manufacturers, allowing OEMs to certify demonstration of press aptitude as it relates to hitting specified color spaces and the ability to hold color tolerance. By achieving both the Idealliance Digital Press and the Master Elite Level of Idealliance ISO/PAS 15339 Certification, the HP Indigo presses demonstrated clearly not only their capability to print to the largest color gamut, Universal Extra Large CRPC 7 within CIEDE2000 tolerances as specified in CGATS TR 016-2014, but also their capability to hold color consistently. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Quad/Graphics Delivers In-Magazine Product Sample for Marc Jacobs

Quad/Graphics announced that it has released Marc Jacobs’ newest mascara brand in Quad’s PromoPage™ sampling carrier affixed to a major fashion publication. The publication targeted 50,000 subscribers to receive the full-sized mascara product sample with their home-delivered issue. To see a video of the revolutionary solution, visit http://go.qg.com/publishing-innovation. Product sampling is an important marketing strategy in the United States, accounting for $34 billion in marketing spend in 20161. In addition: • 81% of consumers agreed that experiencing a product increases their comfort level when purchasing2. • 94% of households stated that sampling is a good determining factor of product effectiveness3. • 92% of consumers surveyed reported they bought a product after trying a sample4. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Gap Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2017 Results

The company’s fourth quarter fiscal year 2017 comparable sales were up 5 percent compared with an increase of 2 percent last year. Comparable sales by global brand for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017 were as follows: • Old Navy Global: positive 9 percent versus positive 5 percent last year • Gap Global: flat versus flat last year • Banana Republic Global: positive 1 percent versus negative 3 percent last year. For fiscal year 2017, the company’s comparable sales were up 3 percent compared with a decline of 2 percent last year. Comparable sales by global brand for fiscal year 2017 were as follows: • Old Navy Global: positive 6 percent versus positive 1 percent last year • Gap Global: negative 1 percent versus negative 3 percent last year • Banana Republic Global: negative 2 percent versus negative 7 percent last year. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Nordstrom Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2017 Earnings

Nordstrom, Inc. reported fourth quarter earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter ended February 3, 2018 of $0.89, which included impacts associated with corporate tax reform consisting of a $0.25 charge primarily related to its income tax provision and a one-time pretax investment in its employees of $16 million or $0.06. Net sales for the fourth quarter increased 8.4 percent, inclusive of approximately $220 million related to the 53rd week, and comparable sales increased 2.6 percent. For fiscal 2017, earnings per diluted share was $2.59, including corporate tax reform-related reductions of $0.31. Earnings were in-line with the Company's prior outlook of $2.90 to $2.95, which did not incorporate the impacts related to corporate tax reform. Net sales increased 4.4 percent and comparable sales increased 0.8 percent, slightly exceeding the Company's prior outlook for sales growth of approximately 4.2 percent and comparable sales increase of approximately 0.5 percent. Click Read More below for additional information.
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JCPenney Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2017 Earnings Exceeded Expectations

Full Year 2017 Results: Total net sales decreased (0.3) % to $12.51 billion compared to $12.55 billion last year. Comparable sales increased 0.1 % for full year 2017. The slight decline in total net sales was primarily due to store closures in 2017, most of which closed in the first half of the year, and was partially offset by incremental sales for the 53rd week. Net loss was ($116) million, or ($0.37) per share, compared to net income of $1 million, or $0.00 per share last year. This reduction was driven primarily by restructuring charges associated with the fiscal 2017 store closures and voluntary early retirement program. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Kimberly-Clark Recognized for Energy and Climate Leadership

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced it has won a 2018 Climate Leadership Award for Excellence in the Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Setting) category, the company's second Climate Leadership Award in two years. The Climate Leadership Award is presented by the Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions and The Climate Registry, and celebrates organizations that set and achieve aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals. In a separate event earlier this week, Kimberly-Clark also was honored with a Smart Energy Decisions Innovation Award for its programs focused on creating a culture of energy conservation at its manufacturing sites. The Smart Energy Decisions Innovation Award recognizes the use of innovative technologies and progressive practices among large electric power users. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Kotkamills Group Oyj to conduct pre-feasibility study for paper machine investment

In order to prepare Kotkamills Absorbex Oy, a subsidiary of Kotkamills Oy and the leading global supplier of Laminating Papers, to meet the increasing demand, as well as to replace the discontinuing production volume of Paper Machine 7 in Tainionkoski, Imatra (Stock Exchange release on the 3rd of July 2017), Kotkamills Oy has started the pre-feasibility study of a new Paper Machine 3 (PM 3) in Kotka. The final decision of this possible investment will be done by the end of year 2018. The capacity, cost estimation and start-up timing of the the PM 3 will be published later on subject to the positive investment decision. After the possible start-up of the PM 3, Kotkamills Oy is maximizing the integration advantages of the Kotka site. In addition to the efficient investment cost of PM 3 to the already available infrastructure, the energy and fixed costs per produced volumes of the whole integrated site would be lower than today. The possible investment would have a positive impact on the profitability of Kotkamills Group. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Advertising Falls To Lowest Share Of Time Spent With Media Ever

Even as consumer time spent with media continues to expand -- inching up 0.3% last year -- the percentage of time consumers spend with ad-supported media continues to decline, according to the 2018 edition of an annual report tracking and forecasting consumer media usage. The study, which was previewed by Research Intelligencer, comes as a major industry futurist -- Publicis’ Rishad Tobaccowala -- predicts that ad-supported media exposure is about to experience a cliff effect, declining as much as 30% over the next five years as consumers shift their attention to non-ad-supported media. The good news is that the total amount of time Americans spent consuming media rose to 70.7 hours per week last year. The bad news for Madison Avenue is that the share of time spent with ad-supported media fell to 44.4%, its lowest point ever. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Goss, manroland web systems to Combine; Contiweb to Separate

Goss International’s printing press business and manroland web systems, both manufacturers and service providers of web offset printing systems for newspapers, commercial products and packaging, are planning to combine their complementary businesses. The combined company will benefit from the companies’ complementary geographic footprints, create extensive synergies, ensure long-term viability, and provide value-oriented solutions, especially in the area of aftermarket services. In the future, the new entity will be a strong business partner to all international web printers. Subject to regulatory approval, the merger is expected to be completed by the middle of 2018. The Contiweb business of Goss International is not included in this transaction (see below for additional details on Contiweb). Click Read More below for additional information.
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Transcontinental Inc. announces its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, which ended January 28, 2018.

"I am satisfied with our first quarter financial results, which show that our profitability has increased while we continue the transformation of our organization,” said François Olivier, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Transcontinental. "In the printing division, the demand for our retailer-related service offering remained relatively stable. Furthermore, we implemented initiatives aimed at continuously optimizing our printing platform, namely the consolidation of our Québec newspaper printing plants. In addition, we will transfer to Hearst the operations of our California facility as of April 2018. Consequently, we will repatriate state-of-the art equipment to some of our Canadian plants, which will generate synergies mainly starting in 2019. "In the packaging division, this year's first quarter results were mainly affected by timing differences in purchases at one of our plants, but we anticipate that organic sales growth in 2018 will be similar to 2017. In addition, we pursued in a very active manner a number of promising acquisition opportunities. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Oil futures set for weekly drop as stock markets and US crude inventories weigh on prices

Oil prices were set on Friday to post their first weekly decline in three weeks following a sell-off in global stock markets after news of planned U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium raised fears of a trade war. U.S. crude is on track for a 4.5 percent drop this week, its first weekly decline in three, having given up much of the gains in recent weeks when sentiment was boosted by a fall in inventories at the Cushing delivery point for WTI. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Oil Extends Drop as U.S. Stockpiles Climb and Dollar Strengthens

Futures in New York fell as much as 1.1 percent, after losing 3.6 percent in the previous two sessions. U.S. crude stockpiles last week rose to the highest level since December, while gasoline reserves expanded at four times the predicted rate. Meanwhile, data for November showed the shale boom drove U.S. output to a record. U.S. stockpiles of oil stored in tanks and terminals rose by 3.02 million barrels to about 423 million, the fourth increase in five weeks, according to the Energy Information Administration. That compares with a median estimate for a 3 million-barrel gain in a Bloomberg survey. Gasoline inventories expanded by 2.48 million barrels, more than the 600,000-barrel average estimate. Click Read More below for additional information.
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L Brands Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Earnings

Earnings per share for the 14-week fourth quarter ended Feb. 3, 2018, were $2.33 compared to $2.18 for the 13-week quarter ended Jan. 28, 2017. The extra week in 2017 represented approximately $0.10 per share. Fourth quarter operating income was $986.6 million compared to $987.6 million last year, and net income was $664.1 million compared to $631.7 million last year. Net sales were $4.823 billion for the 14-week fourth quarter ended Feb. 3, 2018, compared to $4.489 billion for the 13 weeks ended Jan. 28, 2017. Comparable sales for the 14-week fourth quarter ended Feb. 3, 2018, increased 2 percent compared to the 14 weeks ended Feb. 4, 2017. The extra week in 2017 represented approximately $160 million in sales. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Cascades Announces Strong Annual Net Earnings for 2017, and Releases Results for the Fourth Quarter of 2017

Q4 2017 Highlights: • Sales of $1,082 million (compared to $1,103 million in Q3 2017 (-2%) and $979 million in Q4 2016 (+11%)) • As reported (including specific items) • Operating income of $45 million (compared to $51 million in Q3 2017 (-12%) and $33 million in Q4 2016 (+36%)) 2017 Annual Highlights: • Sales of $4,321 million (compared to $4,001 million in 2016 (+11%)) • As reported (including specific items) • Operating income of $175 million (compared to $221 million in 2016 (-21%)) Click Read More below for additional information.
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Best Buy Reports Better-than-Expected Fourth Quarter Results

Best Buy Co., Inc. announced results for the 14-week fourth quarter (“Q4 FY18”) and 53-week year ended February 3, 2018 (“FY18”), as compared to the 13-week fourth quarter (“Q4 FY17”) and 52-week year ended January 28, 2017 (“FY17”). The company reported Q4 FY18 GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.23, which included the negative impact from items related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“tax reform”) of approximately $1.17 in diluted earnings per share. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for Q4 FY18 were $2.42, an increase of 25% from $1.93 in Q4 FY17. “We are excited to report strong results for the fourth quarter and the year,” said Hubert Joly, Best Buy chairman and CEO. “We are especially proud of our 9.0% comparable sales growth in the quarter, which brings our annual comparable sales growth to 5.6% for the year. Customers are responding very positively to our Best Buy 2020 strategy, and I want to enthusiastically thank all our associates for their great work in delivering these results. The level of energy and dedication to serving customers that I see across the company is truly inspiring.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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KBA-Iberica Optima 106 K Die Cutter Provides “Staggering Improvements” To Productivity at Ellis Paper Box

•63% increase in throughput; 32% increase in run speed •Push button automation, 8,000 sph run speeds •Improved uptime and quality has resulted in improved bottom line •KBA North America along with KBA-Iberica team improves long term commitment to Ellis. In today’s competitive folding carton industry, manufacturers are continually challenged by demanding customers who request unique value-added features. That’s become even truer when those customers are leading international pharmaceutical firms. Canadian packaging specialist Ellis Paper Box, a member of the Ellis Group, the country’s largest privately-held manufacturer of folding cartons, has made it its mandate---and ultimately its successful reputation as one of the most valued manufacturers in the industry---to understand and respect the demanding standards required by the pharmaceutical industry. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sappi Releases “True or False” Guide about Coated and Uncoated Paper

Filled with entertaining urban legends and popular misconceptions, Sappi's new "True or False" booklet challenges frequently heard myths such as, "humans only use 10% of their brains" and "lightning never strikes the same place twice." It also refutes the widespread belief that uncoated printing papers cost less than coated. In addition to comparing costs, performance capabilities, and environmental benefits between coated and uncoated sheets, "True or False" presents an actual side-by-side demonstration of the same image printed with the same press settings on Sappi McCoy Matte and Silk and two comparable uncoated grades, so readers can see the tactile and visual differences for themselves. "Some myths about coated and uncoated paper have been around so long that people accept them as fact, but not everything that people believe to be true is true," says Patti Groh, Director of Marketing Communications, Sappi North America. "A premium smooth uncoated sheet may cost as much as 170% more than a comparable coated sheet such as Sappi's McCoy. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sappi successfully concludes its acquisition of the speciality paper business of Cham Paper Group Holding AG (CPG)

The transaction includes the acquisition of CPG’s Carmignano and Condino Mills in Italy, its digital imaging business located in Cham, Switzerland as well as all brands and know-how. The main benefits of the acquisition include: Supports Sappi’s diversification strategy and 2020vision to grow in higher margin growth segments; Strengthens Sappi Europe’s specialities and packaging papers footprint and skills; adds 160,000 tons of speciality paper to our capacity; Increases Sappi’s relevance in specialities and packaging papers, opening up new customers and markets to Sappi’s existing products and generating economies of scale and synergies; Gaining greater share-of-wallet with valued brand owners; accelerating innovation and new product development; Improved near-term profitability and serve as platform for organic growth and further acquisitions. Will add €183 million of sales and approximately €20 million of EBITDA before taking into account synergies; Builds on the investments currently underway to increase specialities and packaging papers capacity at our Somerset, Maastricht and Alfeld Mills; Unlocks the growth potential of the CPG speciality paper business. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Book Publisher Revenues up 27.6% in October 2017

Publishers saw increased revenues in October, up $251 million (+27.6%) for October 2017 vs October 2016. The strong month brings revenues for Jan. – Oct. 2017 to $12.44 billion, up +1.7% for the year-to-date. Every category saw an increase in revenues for Oct. 2017, which include sales to bookstores, wholesalers, direct to consumer, online retailers, etc.) Trade books are up +16.5% for Oct. 2017 vs Oct. 2016 and 1.6% year-to-date. The greatest growth in the trade category was adult books, which saw $123.5 million (+25.8%) revenue growth. Publishers report that the significant increase is due to several factors including the book debuts from well-known authors. Click Read More below for additional information.
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UPM Raflatac’s new digital printer recommendation tool helps you identify the best label stock products for your printer

UPM Raflatac offers the highest-quality digital papers and films in the pressure sensitive label industry and one of the broadest film face stock portfolios in the digital market. But with such a diverse selection available, it can be daunting to find precisely the right materials for your digital printers. Help is here with UPM Raflatac's newly launched digital printer recommendation tool, which promises to deliver a comprehensive database of paper and film materials suitable for a variety of digital printing technologies. This innovative new tool provides up-to-date and accurate product information about UPM Raflatac's digital label stock materials as well as ratings for how they will perform on various digital printers, ranging from small desktop models to industrial-scale digital presses. Whether looking for paper or matte, gloss, white or clear film face stock materials, this new tool has you covered. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Barnes & Noble Reports Fiscal 2018 Third Quarter Financial Results

Total sales for the third quarter were $1.2 billion, declining 5.3% as compared to the prior year. Comparable store sales decreased 5.8% for the quarter, primarily due to lower traffic. Comparable store sales trends did improve in January, declining 3.5%. The consolidated third quarter net loss was $63.5 million, or $0.87 per share, as compared to prior year net earnings of $70.3 million, or $0.96 per share. Third quarter results include a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $133.6 million, and a severance charge of $10.7 million associated with the Company's transition to a new labor model. Click Read More below for additional information.
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