Friday, May 10, 2013

Verso Reports Q1 Results

Operating loss of $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2013, compared to operating loss of $12.3 million in the first quarter of 2012.
Net loss of $38.4 million in the first quarter of 2013, or $0.72 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $73.9 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2012.
EBITDA of $22.3 million in the first quarter of 2013, compared to ($10.5) million in the first quarter of 2012, and Adjusted EBITDA before pro forma effects of profitability program of $20.1 million in the first quarter of 2013, compared to $25.3 million in the first quarter of 2012 (Note: Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined and reconciled to net income later in this release).

NewPage Reports Q1 Results

NewPage reported first quarter 2013 net sales were off 0.5% to $756 million from a year ago as higher sales volume and improved product mix were more than offset by lower average paper prices.
The company narrowed its net loss to $11 million in the quarter from a $123 million loss in 1Q 2012.
Paper sales volume increased to 826,000 tons in 1Q 2013 compared to 821,000 tons in 2012. Average paper prices were $887/ton in the quarter compared to $906/ton a year ago.

Domtar to Invest $20 million in Hawesville, KY,

Governor Steve Beshear today announced Domtar Paper Company LLC plans to upgrade and add equipment at its Hawesville facility, retaining 452 jobs and investing up to $20 million in capital improvements.
"Domtar Paper is making a solid commitment to growing its success here in the Commonwealth," said Gov. Beshear. "This partnership will lead to the retention of 452 jobs and an investment of $20 million near Hawesville, two extremely good reasons to mark this as a time for celebration."

Klabin to Build 1.5 Million/mtpy Pulp Mill

Brazilian packaging paper producer Klabin yesterday signed a letter of intent with Paraná state's authorities for the Puma project, which involves the construction of a new 1.5 million tonnes/yr pulp mill in Ortigueira city. The new mill will produce hardwood and softwood pulp, as well as fluff, under Real 6.8 billion ($3.4 billion) investment. Production should begin in 2015.

PIMA: NewPage CEO Executive of the Year

George F. Martin, president and chief executive officer, New Page, has been named winner of the 2013 PIMA Executive of the Year Award. The award is PIMA's highest honor and is bestowed on senior-level executives in the pulp, paper or converting industries for excellence in management and outstanding contributions to the industry as a whole.

Kruger Union Deal Clears Way for Loan

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper and the last union without a deal representing workers inside the mill have reached a collective agreement.

PwC's Annual Forect Product CEO Survey

After several challenging years, the world's forest products sector is beginning to show signs of recovery, according to the forestry feature in PwC's recent 16(th) Annual CEO Survey .
"We are seeing optimism that demand and prices will continue to strengthen in the solid wood sector, but recovery in the pulp and paper sector will likely lag," said Mike Vermette, partner in PwC's Deals practice.

Condé Nast Closes Easy Living Print Edition

Condé Nast closes Easy Living print edition:
Launched eight years ago and re-launched just last year, Easy Living, which is printed by Wyndeham Roche, is the latest publication to move to an online only model with the July edition set to be its last in print.

Print Brings 78% of Consumer Mag Revenue

PPA PUBLISHING+: Print Still Brings in 78% of Consumer Mag Revenue: Consumer magazine publishers still generate a massive 78 percent of their total revenues from their print products, according the fourth annual Publishing Futures report.
The survey of senior magazine executives predicts the figure will fall to 71 percent over the next two years, while income from the publishers' digital brands will rise from 8 percent to represent 15 percent of total revenue during the same period.

FIPP World Magazine Trends Report Available

The 18th edition of FIPP World Magazine Trends 2012-13 is now available in print, digital and Excel editions.  
According to Trends data from ZenithOptimedia, global ad expenditure is on the upswing, forecast to grow 4.3% in 2012, reaching almost US$502 billion by year’s end. In 2011, adspend was up by 3.8%, and 2013 and 2014 are expected to see even larger growth, at 5.3% and 6.1%, respectively, the data shows. 
Key findings: 
Advertising expenditure by medium is shifting, as print mediums see downturns while digital technologies are emerging as an important player in the media landscape
Longer term optimism: gradual but sustained improvement in ad expenditure in North America, Western Europe and the Middle East and North Africa in 2013 and 2014
Asia Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America should all achieve 7% to 10% annual growth over the next two years
60% of growth is coming from developing markets

Catalogers Voice Opposition to Tax Bill

At the American Catalog Mailers Association's (ACMA) National Catalog Forum in Washington, D.C. yesterday, assorted catalog mailers and suppliers voiced their concerns regarding the Main Street Fairness Act (aka the internet tax law) and discussed their options to help see that the bill isn't passed. Having already been passed by the Senate this past Monday, the next hurdle to the bill becoming law is its passage in the House. The ACMA and its members are fighting to make sure that doesn't happen.

Postmaster General Has Support of Cataloguers

At the helm of this sinking ship is Postmaster General Pat Donahoe, who took the time this week to address the attendees of the American Catalog Mailers Association's National Catalog Forum. His message was clear: The USPS and catalogers should view themselves as partners. If catalogers are profiting from putting their books in the mail, they're going to increase circulation which, of course, benefits the USPS. 
While there's been plenty of debate on Capitol Hill about postal reform and how it should be handled, there's one thing everyone seemed to agree on at the National Catalog Forum, whether it was catalogers, printers, paper suppliers, other speakers, Postal Regulatory Commissioner Mark Acton, etc.: the catalog industry has an advocate in Postmaster General Pat Donahoe. That won't solve all its problems, but it's a good start.

Postal Loss May Lead to Extreme Action

Postal Loss May Lead to Extreme Action, Postmaster Says: The U.S. Postal Service added to its losses in the second quarter and is closer to needing “extreme action” to keep it afloat, Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said.
http://www.dmnews.com/lack-of-legislative-reform-costs-usps-31-billion-so-far-this-year/article/292908/ 
Lack of Legislative Reform Costs USPS $3.1 Billion So Far This Year
In April, the USPS delayed its implementation of five-day delivery schedule until legislation is passed that provides the USPS with the authority to implement a financially appropriate and responsible delivery schedule. According to Post Master General and CEO Patrick Donahoe, if legislation doesn’t pass, the postal service will have to do something to get revenue in the organization.

Newspaper Ads Move 4/5 to Act

Four Out of 5 Take Action Thanks to Newspaper Ads: Four out of five U.S. adults say they took action as a result of print newspaper ad in the past month, and 53% made a purchase, according to a recent NAA study.