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Glatfelter (NYSE:GLT) today reported significantly improved results for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared with the 2009 second quarter.
"Throughout 2009, we have demonstrated the ability to generate meaningful improvement in the financial strength of the company during a period of severe economic challenges," said George H. Glatfelter II, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our third quarter performance reflects continued progress towards this objective. The Specialty Papers business unit delivered excellent performance this quarter led by improving demand for its products and execution of our business strategy of aggressively managing production costs, developing new products and maximizing cash flow. Volumes shipped by Specialty Papers increased 17 percent compared with the second quarter of 2009, again outperforming the broader uncoated free sheet market. Although results from the Composite Fibers business unit continued to be adversely impacted by the economic environment, this unit significantly improved its performance compared with the second quarter due to increased stability in our core markets."
In the third quarter of 2009, net income was $46.0 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, compared with $21.7 million, or $0.47 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2008. Third-quarter 2009 results include a $32.9 million or $0.72 per share, after-tax benefit from alternative fuel mixture credits, while net income in the third quarter of 2008 benefited from $2.4 million in gains from timberland sales which were partially offset by $0.2 million in acquisition integration costs, each after taxes. Excluding these items from each period's results, third-quarter 2009 earnings on an adjusted basis, which constitute a non-GAAP financial measure, were $13.1 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, compared with adjusted earnings of $19.5 million or $0.43 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2008. In the second quarter of 2009, the Company reported an adjusted loss of $10.1 million or $0.22 per diluted share. For a reconciliation of adjusted earnings to GAAP earnings, please refer to the tabular presentation at the end of this release.
The Company generated $49.4 million of free cash flow (defined as cash from operations less capital expenditures and excluding alternative fuel mixture credits) during the third quarter of 2009 compared with $5.4 million in free cash flow during the same quarter of 2008.
Third-Quarter Business Unit Results
Specialty Papers
For the three months ended Sept. 30 Dollars in thousands 2009 2008 change Tons shipped 199,860 200,072 (212 ) (0.1 )% Net sales $211,635 $226,028 $(14,393 ) (6.4 ) Gross margin percent 16.9 % 16.3 % Operating income (loss) $20,854 $22,842 $(1,988 ) (8.7 )
Specialty Papers' net sales totaled $211.6 million for the third quarter of 2009, a decline of 6.4 percent compared to the 2008 third quarter. Compared to the second quarter of 2009, net sales increased 14.8 percent reflecting strengthening demand in each of this unit's markets and gaining market share.
The decline in net sales for the third quarter 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily due to changes in average selling prices, impacting sales by $7.5 million, and changes in product mix. Total volumes shipped were essentially unchanged in the quarter over quarter comparison.
Lower input costs benefited operating results by $6.1 million in the comparison.
Specialty Papers' operating income totaled $20.9 million and $22.8 million for the third quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The third quarter 2009 operating results for Specialty Papers were negatively impacted by lower energy sales and $1.4 million of accelerated depreciation related to the write-down of certain equipment no longer used by the operation.
Composite Fibers
For the three months ended Sept. 30 Dollars in thousands 2009 2008 change Tons shipped 20,181 21,530 (1,349 ) (6.3 )% Net sales $100,723 $113,794 $(13,071 ) (11.5 ) Gross margin percent 14.9 % 15.5 % Operating income $5,801 $8,351 $(2,550 ) (30.5 )
Net sales in the Composite Fibers business unit decreased $13.1 million or 11.5 percent to $100.7 million for the 2009 third quarter compared to the same quarter of 2008. Volumes shipped during the quarter declined 6.3 percent compared with 2008 as a result of the weak economic environment. Demand for tea and coffee filter papers, this unit's largest product line, declined by 11.2 percent primarily due to continued inventory destocking by customers. On a constant currency basis, higher average selling prices contributed approximately $0.4 million to net sales; however, the translation of foreign currencies unfavorably affected net sales by approximately $5.4 million.
Consistent with the Company's inventory management strategies and its efforts to match production with demand trends, the business unit incurred machine downtime totaling 1,700 tons of paper, or 11 percent of the unit's total quarterly capacity, adversely impacting results by $1.3 million. However, the extent of downtime taken in the third-quarter 2009 was significantly less than the second-quarter 2009. The Composite Fibers business unit was favorably impacted by lower raw material and energy costs totaling approximately $1.0 million. Operating income declined to $5.8 million in the third-quarter 2009 from $8.4 million in the year-earlier quarter primarily due to lower volumes, market-driven downtime and operating inefficiencies.
Mr. Glatfelter said, "We are encouraged by the 62 percent improvement in operating profit delivered by Composite Fibers this quarter on a sequential basis. This increase was primarily due to less market related downtime. While Composite Fibers' markets remained challenging during the quarter, we believe markets are stabilizing and maintain our confidence in the expected growth opportunities that should materialize as the economic environment improves."
Other Financial Information
Pension expense totaled $1.9 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared with net pension income of $4.0 million in the same quarter a year ago. This decline negatively impacted earnings by $0.08 per share in the quarter-over-quarter comparison and is directly related to the decline in the value of the Company's pension assets during 2008. The Company expects pre-tax pension expense to total $7.3 million for 2009 compared with pension income of $16.1 million in 2008. Cash contributions to the Company's qualified defined benefit pension plans will not be required during 2009.
For the third quarter of 2009, selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses totaled $29.3 million, a $4.5 million increase compared with the 2008 third quarter. The increase was primarily due to recording pension expense in 2009 compared with pension income in 2008 together with higher legal and professional fees.
Results of operations for the third quarter of 2009 reflect an effective tax rate of 6.5 percent on pre-tax income of $49.2 million compared with 32.3 percent and $32.0 million, respectively, in the same period a year ago. The lower tax rate in 2009 was due primarily to $33.0 million of alternative fuel mixture credits included in pretax income that are not subject to income tax. On adjusted earnings, the effective tax rate was 19.7 percent for the third quarter of 2009 compared with 31.0 percent for the third quarter of 2008. The lower effective tax rate was due lower pre-tax income and additional tax credits applicable to income in the 2009 period.
Alternative Fuel Credits
The U.S. Internal Revenue Code provides a tax credit for companies that use alternative fuel mixtures to produce energy to operate their businesses. The credit, equal to $0.50 per gallon of alternative fuel contained in the mixture, is refundable to the taxpayer. On May 11, 2009, the Company was notified by the Internal Revenue Service that its application to be registered as an alternative fuel mixer was approved. The Company received a payment from the Internal Revenue Service on June 30, 2009 in the amount of $29.7 million for the alternative fuel mixture consumed at its Spring Grove, PA and Chillicothe, OH facilities during the period February 20, 2009 through May 17, 2009. For the third quarter of 2009, the Company earned $33.0 million of alternative fuel mixture credits for which no cash was received as the Company intends to claim a refundable income tax credit in connection with the filing of its 2009 federal corporate income tax return. Since the company began mixing and burning eligible alternative fuels, the Company has earned $75.6 million of alternative fuel mixture credits of which $29.7 million has been received in cash, $10.9 million was used to reduce estimated interim tax payments and $34.9 million will be claimed as future refundable income tax credits. The Company records all alternative fuel mixture credits as a reduction to cost of products sold.
2009 Year-to-Date Results
For the first nine months of 2009, net income totaled $77.4 million or $1.69 per diluted share, compared with $44.5 million or $0.97 per diluted share in the same period of 2008. The year-to-date results for 2009 include, on an after-tax basis, $63.3 million from alternative fuel mixture credits. Results for the first nine months of 2008 included, on an after-tax basis: (i) $11.0 million in gains from the sale of timberlands; (ii) a $0.5 million benefit from the reversal of a reserve associated with the 2006 shutdown of the Company's Neenah facility; and (iii) $0.8 million in acquisition integration costs. Excluding these items from each period's results, the Company's results for the first nine months of 2009 on an adjusted basis, which constitute a non-GAAP financial measure, were earnings of $0.31 per diluted share, compared with $0.74 per diluted share in the same period of 2008. For a reconciliation of adjusted earnings to GAAP earnings, refer to the tabular presentation at the end of this release.
Balance Sheet Information
During the third quarter of 2009, capital expenditures declined to $5.2 million compared with $15.4 million in the third quarter of 2008, reflecting the decision to significantly reduce discretionary spending due to the current economic environment. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $25 million for 2009 compared with $52.5 million for full-year 2008.
Net debt, excluding cash collateralized borrowings, was $110.8 million at September 30, 2009, a decrease of $99.6 million compared with December 31, 2008 and a decrease of $49.9 million compared with June 30, 2009.
At the end of the 2009 third quarter, the Company had $116.2 million in cash and $188 million available under its revolving credit agreement, which matures in April 2011.
Outlook
Mr. Glatfelter continued, "I am very pleased with our performance throughout 2009 in the face of unprecedented economic challenges. By improving the Company's financial strength, we continue to be well positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities to broaden our product mix and geographic sales footprint and to deliver value for our shareholders as the global business environment improves."
For Specialty Papers, the Company noted that it expects shipping volumes in the fourth quarter of 2009 to be approximately 10 percent less than the third quarter reflecting normal seasonality. Selling prices and input costs for most products are expected to be relatively in line with the third quarter.
In the Composite Fibers business unit, the Company anticipates shipping volumes in the fourth quarter of 2009 to be relatively consistent with the third quarter. Selling prices, input costs and capacity utilization are expected to be in line with the third quarter.
Conference Call
As previously announced, the Company will hold a conference call at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern) today to discuss its third-quarter results. The Company's earnings release and an accompanying financial supplement, which includes significant financial information to be discussed on the conference call, will be available on Glatfelter's Investor Relations website at http://www.glatfelter.com/about_us/investor_relations/default.aspx. Information related to the conference call is as follows:
What: Glatfelter's 3rd Quarter 2009 Earnings Release
Conference Call
When: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Number: US dial 888.335.5539
International dial 973.582.2857
Conference ID: 32611616
Webcast: http://www.glatfelter.com/about_us/investor_relations/default.aspx
Rebroadcast Dates: November 3, 2009 12:00 through November 17, 2009 23:59
Rebroadcast Number: Within US dial 800.642.1687
International dial 706.645.9291
Conference ID: 32611616
Interested persons who wish to hear the live webcast should go to the website prior to the starting time to register, download and install any necessary audio software.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements included in this press release which pertain to future financial and business performance, conditions and strategies and other financial and business matters, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable or uncontrollable factors which may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from the Company's expectations. Various risks and factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: changes in industry, business, market, political and economic conditions in the U.S. and in other countries in which Glatfelter currently does business, demand for or pricing of its products; changes in tax legislation, governmental laws, regulations and policies and actions of regulatory bodies; orderly execution of regularly scheduled maintenance outages; technological changes and innovations and other factors. In light of these risks, uncertainties and other factors, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release may not occur and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Glatfelter undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release. More information about these factors is contained in Glatfelter's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at www.glatfelter.com.
About Glatfelter
Headquartered in York, PA, Glatfelter is a global manufacturer of specialty papers and engineered products, offering over a century of experience, technical expertise and world-class service. U.S. operations include facilities in Spring Grove, PA and Chillicothe and Fremont, OH. International operations include facilities in Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines and a representative office in China. Glatfelter's sales exceed $1 billion annually and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GLT. Additional information is available at www.glatfelter.com.
P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited)
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30 September 30
In thousands, except per share 2009 2008 2009 2008
Net sales $312,358 $339,822 $882,889 $965,545
Energy sales - net 2,132 2,885 6,194 7,612
Total revenues 314,490 342,707 889,083 973,157
Costs of products sold 232,025 285,535 704,303 839,329
Gross profit 82,465 57,172 184,780 133,828
Selling, general and administrative expenses 29,303 24,802 80,364 74,314
Shutdown and restructuring charges a^' a^' a^' (856 )
(Gains) losses on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, (9 ) (3,975 ) (681 ) (18,477 )
net
Operating income 53,171 36,345 105,097 78,847
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest expense (4,528 ) (5,654 ) (14,798 ) (17,626 )
Interest income 318 1,170 1,583 4,131
Other - net 204 146 86 317
Total other income (expense) (4,006 ) (4,338 ) (13,129 ) (13,178 )
Income before income taxes 49,165 32,007 91,968 65,669
Income tax provision 3,171 10,345 14,566 21,176
Net income $45,994 $21,662 $77,402 $44,493
Earnings Per Share
Basic $1.01 $0.48 $1.70 $0.98
Diluted 1.00 0.47 1.69 0.97
Cash dividends declared per common share $0.09 $0.09 $0.27 $0.27
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic 45,699 45,279 45,649 45,221
Diluted 45,865 45,650 45,712 45,669
Business Unit Financial Information
(unaudited)
For the three months ended September 30,
Dollars in thousands Specialty Papers Composite Fibers Other and Unallocated Total
2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008
Net sales $211,635 $226,028 $100,723 $113,794 $a^' $a^' $312,358 $339,822
Energy sales, net 2,131 2,885 a^' a^' 1 a^' 2,132 2,885
Total revenue 213,766 228,913 100,723 113,794 1 a^' 314,490 342,707
Cost of products sold 178,060 192,110 85,746 96,114 (31,781 ) (2,689 ) 232,025 285,535
Gross profit 35,706 36,803 14,977 17,680 31,782 2,689 82,465 57,172
SG&A 14,852 13,961 9,176 9,329 5,275 1,512 29,303 24,802
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands a^' a^' a^' a^' (9 ) (3,975 ) (9 ) (3,975 )
Total operating income (loss) 20,854 22,842 5,801 8,351 26,516 5,152 53,171 36,345
Non-operating income (expense) a^' a^' a^' a^' (4,006 ) (4,338 ) (4,006 ) (4,338 )
Income before income taxes $20,854 $22,842 $5,801 $8,351 $22,510 $814 $49,165 $32,007
Supplementary Data
Net tons sold 199,860 200,072 20,181 21,530 a^' a^' 220,041 221,602
Depreciation, depletion and amortization $10,623 $9,007 $6,150 $6,700 $a^' $- $16,773 $15,707
Capital expenditures 2,077 4,156 3,152 11,275 a^' - 5,229 15,431
For the nine months ended September 30,
Dollars in thousands Specialty Papers Composite Fibers Other and Unallocated Total
2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008
Net sales $595,606 $634,270 $287,283 $331,274 $- $1 $882,889 $965,545
Energy sales, net 6,193 7,612 a^' a^' 1 a^' 6,194 7,612
Total revenue 601,799 641,882 287,283 331,274 1 1 889,083 973,157
Cost of products sold 528,207 566,334 246,122 280,972 (70,026 ) (7,977 ) 704,303 839,329
Gross profit 73,592 75,548 41,161 50,302 70,027 7,978 184,780 133,828
SG&A 40,777 41,940 26,298 29,038 13,289 3,336 80,364 74,314
Shutdown and restructuring charges a^' a^' a^' a^' a^' (856 ) a^' (856 )
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands a^' a^' a^' a^' (681 ) (18,477 ) (681 ) (18,477 )
Total operating income 32,815 33,608 14,863 21,264 57,419 23,975 105,097 78,847
Nonoperating income (expense) a^' - a^' - (13,129 ) (13,178 ) (13,129 ) (13,178 )
Income (loss) before income taxes $32,815 $33,608 $14,863 $21,264 $44,290 $10,797 $91,968 $65,669
Supplementary Data
Net tons sold 556,214 564,983 59,445 65,225 a^' - 615,659 630,208
Depreciation expense $28,372 $26,619 $17,451 $19,755 $a^' $- $45,823 $46,374
Capital expenditures 9,095 14,586 7,509 26,253 100 - 16,704 40,839
Selected Financial Information
(unaudited)
Nine months ended September 30
In thousands 2009 2008
Cash Flow Data
Cash provided (used) by:
Operating activities $119,514 $17,759
Investing activities 21,874 (21,559)
Financing activities (62,696) (9,344)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 45,823 46,374
Capital expenditures 16,704 40,839
Sept. 30, December 31,
2009 2008
Balance Sheet Data
Cash and cash equivalents $116,240 $32,234
Total assets 1,094,237 1,057,309
Total debt 263,737 313,285
Shareholders' equity 434,372 342,707
Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Information to Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release includes a discussion of earnings before the effects of certain specifically identified items, which is referred to as adjusted earnings, a non-GAAP measure. The Company uses non-GAAP adjusted earnings to supplement the understanding of its consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP adjusted earnings is meant to present the financial performance of the Company's core papermaking operation, which consists of the production and sale of specialty papers and composite fibers papers. Management and the Company's Board of Directors use non-GAAP adjusted earnings to evaluate the performance of the Company's fundamental business in relation to prior periods. The performance of the Company's papermaking operations is evaluated based upon numerous items such as tons sold, average selling prices, gross margins and overhead, among others. Gains on the sale of timberlands, alternative fuel mixture credits, charges for environmental reserves and shutdown and restructuring charges are excluded from the Company's calculation of non-GAAP adjusted earnings because management believes each of these items is unique and not part of the Company's core papermaking business, and will only impact the Company's financial results for a limited period of time. Gains from timberland sales are distinct from revenues generated from paper product sales. Alternative fuel mixture credits represent a government provided tax credit with a short statutory life span. Unlike items such as cost of raw materials and overhead costs, shutdown and restructuring costs are unique items that do not represent direct costs incurred in the manufacture and sale of the Company's products.
Unlike net income determined in accordance with GAAP, non-GAAP adjusted earnings does not reflect all charges and gains recorded by the Company for the applicable period and, therefore, does not present a complete picture of the Company's results of operations for the respective period. However, non-GAAP adjusted earnings provides a measure of how the Company's core papermaking operations are performing, which management believes is useful to investors because it allows comparison of such papermaking operations from period to period.
Non-GAAP adjusted earnings should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following tables set forth a reconciliation of results determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to non-GAAP adjusted earnings discussed herein.
Three months Three months ended September 30
ended June 30
2009 2009 2008
In thousands, except per share After tax income Diluted EPS After tax income Diluted EPS After tax income Diluted EPS
Net income $19,870 $0.43 $45,994 $1.00 $21,662 $0.47
Alternative fuel mixture credits (30,418 ) (0.67 ) (32,890 ) (0.72 ) a^' a^'
Timberland sales and related transaction costs 441 0.01 5 a^' (2,371 ) (0.05 )
Acquisition integration a^' a^' a^' a^' 240 0.01
Adjusted earnings (loss) $(10,107 ) $(0.22 ) $13,109 $0.29 $19,531 $0.43
Nine months ended September 30
2009 2008
In thousands, except per share After tax income Diluted EPS After tax income Diluted EPS
Net income $77,402 $1.69 $44,493 $0.97
Alternative fuel mixture credits (63,308 ) (1.38 ) a^' a^'
Timberland sales and related transaction costs 68 a^' (11,027 ) (0.24 )
(Reversal of) shutdown and restructuring charges a^' a^' (527 ) (0.01 )
Acquisition integration a^' a^' 828 0.02
Adjusted earnings $14,162 $0.31 $33,767 $0.74
The sum of individual per share amounts set forth above may not agree to adjusted income per share due to rounding.
Free Cash Flows Three months ended September 30 In thousands 2009 2008 Cash from operations $54,647 $20,806 Less: Capital expenditures (5,229 ) (15,432 ) Free cash flows $49,418 $5,374
Calculation of Net Debt Sept 30, Dec. 31 In thousands 2009 2008 Short term debt $3,150 $5,866 Long term debt 260,587 307,419 Total 263,737 313,285 Less: Cash (116,240 ) (32,234 ) Total debt less cash 147,497 281,051 Less: Collateralized debt (36,695 ) (70,695 ) Net Debt $110,802 $210,356
SOURCE: Glatfelter
Glatfelter Investors: John P. Jacunski (717) 225-2794 john.jacunski@glatfelter.com or Media: William T. Yanavitch (717) 225-2747 william.yanavitch@glatfelter.com
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