Verso Reports Q1 Results

https://www.versopaper.com/Default.aspx

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

http://www.newpagecorp.com/wps/portal/corporate/home/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3ifAG8jD28TI3cLY0djA08zPx8T_5BQYwN3Q_1wkA6zeFd3Mz9fH1NDA_dQHzMDz2CDUNNA3zBDC2MTiLwBDuBooO_nkZ-bql-QnZ3m6KioCAAzqV6s/dl3/d3/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/

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,

http://www.domtar.com/

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

http://www.klabin.com.br/

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

http://www.myprintresource.com/press_release/10939606/george-martin-of-newpage-named-2013-pima-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

http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2013-05-09/article-3241926/Union-accepts-Kruger-deal-at-Corner-Brook-mill/1

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

http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130509-908962.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

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

http://www.pubexec.com/article/18th-edition-fipp-world-magazine-trends-now-available/1

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

http://www.retailonlineintegration.com/article/catalogers-voice-their-opposition-internet-sales-tax-law/1

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

http://www.retailonlineintegration.com/article/postmaster-general-garners-support-among-catalogers/1#

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

http://www.piworld.com/aggregatedcontent/donahoe-lays-out-the-future-of-the-usps

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.

Sappi Reports Q2 Results

Sappi profits fall 88%:
Summary for the quarter: 

European business impacted by lower prices and higher pulp costs   
Specialised Cellulose projects on track, major shuts completed   
Profit for the period US$7 million (Q2 2012 US$58 million)

EPS 1 US cent (Q2 2012 11 US cents)
Operating profit excluding special items US$40 million (Q2 2012 US$125 million)
Net finance costs US$40 million (Q2 2012 US$51 million)
Net debt US$2,152 million (Q2 2012 US$2,133 million)

Neenah Paper Reports Q1 Earnings

http://www.neenahpaper.com/

Neenah Paper, Inc. today reported adjusted earnings from continuing operations of $0.74 per diluted common share in the first quarter of 2013 compared to adjusted earnings of $0.77 per share in the first quarter of 2012. Without adjustments, reported earnings in the first quarter of 2013 were $0.73 per diluted share and compared to $0.54 per share in the prior year period. Adjusted earnings excluded costs of $0.01 per share in 2013 to integrate brands purchased from Southworth in January 2013 and excluded costs of $0.23 per share in 2012 for acquisition costs and a pension settlement charge.

Net sales of $213.2 million in the first quarter of 2013 increased eight percent compared with the first quarter of 2012. Revenues increased in both segments, with growth in Fine Paper aided by additional volumes from acquired brands.

Cenveo Reports Q1 Results

http://www.cenveo.com/

Cenveo, Inc. today announced results for the three months ended March 30, 2013.

The Company generated net sales of $432.3 million for the three months ended March 30, 2013, compared to $455.6 million for the same period last year. Operating income was $13.9 million for the three months ended March 30, 2013, compared to $14.2 million for the same period last year. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to lower sales, higher input costs in smaller raw material categories and inefficiencies related to a press fire in one of our packaging facilities, offset in part by lower restructuring, impairment and other charges.

F+W to Acquire ‘The Sewing Studio', LoveSewing.com

http://www.pubexec.com/article/f-w-signs-agreement-acquire-the-sewing-studio-lovesewingcom/1

F+W Media, Inc. announced the Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a sewing vertical with retail locations in New York City and Toronto and a thriving online education portal. The Sewing Studio and www.LoveSewing.com will join the F+W portfolio effective May 1st further solidifying the Company’s role as the leader in craft and sewing media and education. Terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
David Nussbaum, Chairman & CEO, spoke about the acquisition, “In our continued mission to serve our communities, we pay particular attention to how our enthusiasts get their information, get inspired, and learn..."

Hearst Magazines Names President Digital Media

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/09/business/media/hearst-magazines-hires-troy-young-as-digital-media-chief.html?hp&_r=0

Hearst Magazines, the publisher of such venerable titles as Esquire and Cosmopolitan, said on Wednesday that it was creating a new position, president of digital media.

The job will go to Troy Young, 45, who will be responsible for content, revenue production and development strategies for Hearst Magazines’ 26 online properties, which include Cosmopolitan.com, Elle.com and RealBeauty.com. The job’s purview extends only to magazines’ online brands, not to their print editions.

Williams-Sonoma Expands to Australia

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/05/01/williams-sonoma-inc-celebrates-multi-channel-launc/

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYS: WSM) , the North America-based retailer that specializes in high-quality products for the home, today celebrated the opening of four stores in the Bondi Junction suburb of Sydney, Australia. The Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm stores will open at 10 a.m. on May 2, preceded by a ribbon cutting hosted by The Honorable Barry O'Farrell MP, Premier of New South Wales.

PRIMIR: "eCommerce & Print Business Models"

http://whattheythink.com/news/63540-primir-publishes-new-study-ecommerce-print-business-models/

PRIMIR, the Print Industries Market Information and Research Organization, today announced that its latest study, "eCommerce & Print Business Models," has been published. The research, conducted by InfoTrends and provided exclusively to PRIMIR members, reveals insights into this service that growing numbers of printers are now offering, and also how manufacturers of equipment, software, consumables and supplies can provide them with support.

Nautilus: Science Connected Magazine Launched

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/07/science/a-glossy-science-magazine-or-living-fossil.html?src=rechp&_r=0

A new kid has arrived on the science journalism block, a monthly magazine named Nautilus: Science Connected. Its first issue, which appeared online on April 29, focuses on a single theme: what does or does not make the human race special. 
The magazine will not come out all at once, but in online “chapters” each Thursday. Physically, it is to appear quarterly; subscriptions are $49 a year; Mr. Steele hopes for an initial base of 5,000 subscribers. A few copies of an abridged version of the first issue have been produced: Its 44 thick, color pages have the luxurious production values of a corporate report.

Email Open Rates Average 19.7%

Email open rates average 19.7% last year: Email marketers experienced an average open rate of 19.7% last year, a report from email marketing services provider Silverpop found.

Appleton Coated Announces Price Increase

Appleton Coated has announced a price increase of $1.50/cwt, effective with shipments on or after July 1, on the following grades:
U2:XG web, Utopia Two web, Utopia Three web, Utopia Book web, Utopia Thin Book web, Utopia Film Coat web, and Utopia GW Book web.

Resolute Announces Early Solicitation Results

http://www.resolutefp.com/en/?langtype=4105

Resolute Forest Products Inc. today announced that holders of $496.5 million principal amount of its 10.25% senior secured notes due 2018 (CUSIP No. 003687AB6) (the "2018 notes"), or 99.1% of the outstanding principal amount, tendered their 2018 notes and delivered consents before 5:00 p.m., New York City time today, the "early tender deadline" under the Company's previously-announced cash tender offer and consent solicitation. Resolute intends to accept for payment on May 8, 2013 , all 2018 notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn before the early tender deadline. The holders of those notes will receive $1,166.94 per $1,000 principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the date of payment.

Truckers Refusing to Deliver to Port Hawkesbury

http://foresttalk.com/index.php/2013/05/08/truckers-refusing-to-deliver-wood-to-port-hawkesbury-paper/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+foresttalk%2FZdAe+%28ForestTalk%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Truckers are refusing to deliver wood to Port Hawkesbury Paper, in Nova Scotia.

The truckers claim the mill is refusing to negotiate with their Northeastern Pulp Truckers Association. Rates are down about 15% from the previous mill operator, NewPage Port Hawkesbury.
Only a 5 day supply of wood remains at the mill.
At 10am this morning the mill’s woodland manager entered into emergency negotiations with the trucking association.

Disney Q2 Profit Up 32%

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/disney-second-quarter-profit-rises-32-2013-05-07?siteid=bnbh

Walt Disney Co. DIS -1.82% said late Tuesday that its fiscal second-quarter earnings rose to $1.51 billion, or 83 cents a share, from $1.14 billion, or 63 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Excluding one-time items, the company would have reported 79 cents a share. Revenue grew to $10.55 billion from $9.63 billion last year. Analysts surveyed by FactSet expected fiscal second-quarter earnings of 77 cents a share on revenue of $10.49 billion. Disney shares rose 0.6% to $66.45 in after-hours trading on moderate volume.

Quad/Graphics Reports Q1 Results

Quad/Graphics Reports $14 Million Net Loss in Q1: SUSSEX, Wis. - Quad/Graphics, Inc. today reported results for its first quarter ending March 31, 2013. The reported results include Vertis from the day of acquisition on January 16, 2013. With the exception of certain debt ratios, prior year financial results do not include the acquisition ofVertis.
“Our first quarter results were in line with our expectations and we reaffirm our previously released 2013 annual guidance,” said Joel Quadracci, Quad/Graphics Chairman, President & CEO.

Hearst, Time Warner Cable, HBO and Verizon Fund Initiative

http://adage.com/article/media/time-warner-cable-hearst-hbo-verizon-fund-nyc-media-lab/241291/

Time Warner Cable, Hearst, HBO and Verizon are helping to fund the fledgling NYC Media Lab as part of a media-industry effort to encourage and benefit from research in the same way that tech companies  already do.

manroland web systems in North America

manroland web systems Reports Success, Change in Leadership: In March 2012, the North American branch of manroland web systems began business in the United States and Canada. Specific and challenging goals were put forward for the company’s first year. These goals included (but were not limited to) strengthening the parts and service support to existing customers, relocating the substantial North American parts inventory to a new warehouse in Elk Grove Village, IL, expansion of the printcom pressroom consumables product portfolio for U.S. and Canadian customers, relocating North American Headquarters to a new office in Lisle, IL, and completing the year with a financial profit. Each of these goals, and more, were completed by the strong, seasoned team at manroland web systems, under the leadership of CEO Roland Ortbach.

Catalyst Paper Reports Q1 Results

Catalyst Paper Cuts Loss Despite Weak Markets: Catalyst Paper posted a net loss of $9.8 million ($0.89 per common share) in the first quarter of 2013. The loss was $11.6 million before specific items. Improvement over the final quarter of 2012—when the company recorded a loss of $35.2 million ($1.55 per common share) and $15.7 million before specific items—was driven by increased prices for pulp, and lower maintenance costs. Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in the first quarter were $11.2 million, up from $7.2 million in the final quarter of 2012. Adjusted EBITDA was not impacted by restructuring costs in either quarter.

Appleton Reports Q1 Results

Appleton Papers posts 1Q profit; to become Appvion on May 13:
Appleton Papers Inc. on Monday reported a first-quarter profit, turning around a year-ago loss, as the maker of coated transaction paper continued its restructuring and prepared to change its corporate name to reflect its recent changes.
In the January-March quarter, Appleton reported net income of $2.14 million, compared to a loss of $64.9 million a year earlier.
Appleton's sales fell 4.0% to $210.8 from $219.6 million. The decline stemmed from the company's longtime core product of carbonless transaction paper, which fell 21%.

Hearst Food Network & HGTV Magazines Rate Base Jump

Rate Bases Jump Again for Food Network & HGTV Magazines:  Hearst's TV-tied brands are seeing their rate bases jump again.The company announced Tuesday that Food Network Magazine will see its 11th consecutive rate base increase since officially launching in 2009, with sister title HGTV Magazine increasing its rate base for the third time since launching its first official issue in June 2012.

Internet Sales Tax Bill Heads for the House

http://www.dmnews.com/opposition-goes-into-high-gear-as-senate-passes-marketplace-fairness-act/article/292340/

Catalogers take on the hill.

Instead of mourning over what they consider a rush job by the Senate to pass a flawed bill, 22 key members of the American Catalog Mailers Association (ACMA) will walk Capitol Hill today and ask House members for a more realistic Marketplace Fairness Act than the one passed in a 69-27 vote yesterday.
“Obviously, we're disappointed, but it's not unexpected,” said ACMA President and Executive Director Hamilton Davison, as he prepared to rally the group of CEOs and senior executives for visits to members of the House Judiciary and Oversight & Government Reform Committees. “This really is a job killer for medium and small catalogers and Internet marketers. 

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/internet-sales-tax-bill-heads-house-149230

Tax-free online shopping may soon become a thing of the past. A bill allowing states to collect sales taxes on the Internet passed the Senate Monday evening 67 to 27. President Obama has supported the measure, but first it has to get through the House, where it faces an uncertain future.

Print is Making a Big Comeback

http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/broadway_17th/2013/05/tired-of-emails-print-is-making-a-big.html

Mark Twain once said, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” This quote also seems to apply to incessant reports about the demise of print as a communications tool.

There are various reasons for its resurgence. A primary one is that print no longer is the primary communications medium, so it’s new and fresh again because it stands out from the crowd.
Evidence of this can be seen in the newfound popularity of direct mail. Because digital messaging now is the norm, print mailings have declined. While many people are weary and wary of email pitches, enewsletters and other digital marketing, they’ll pay attention to well-done print pieces (just the opposite of what occurred when direct mail glutted everyone’s mailbox years ago).

Time & Sprint in Mobile Ad Deal

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/time-inc-and-sprint-team-conquer-mobile-ads-149155

Mobile advertising has lagged consumer behavior, but now Time Inc. and Sprint have struck a wide-ranging deal to crack the burgeoning market.
The deal lets the No. 1 U.S. magazine publisher tap into the carrier's 56-million user base through Sprint’s personalized ad-targeting service, Pinsight Media+. Advertisers will have access to Sprint’s mobile portal, ad networks like Jumptap and third-party publishers like AccuWeather. Likewise, Sprint will be able to run clients’ ads on the mobile sites of Time Inc.’s brands like Time, People and Sports Illustrated, which reach 20 million monthly unique visitors.

Fortune 500 Reports Record Ad Pages

http://www.adweek.com/news/press/fortune-500-issue-boasts-record-ad-paging-149180

The economy may still be in recovery, but the indicators are good for Fortune magazine: this year's Fortune 500 has the most ad pages of any Fortune issue since 2004. With 193 ads (and a total 356 pages), the magazine's biggest franchise is up 36 year-over-year in ad pages, including 75 advertisers who didn't appear in last year’s issue. 

Jed Hartman, group publisher for news and business at Time Inc., said some of the issue's biggest ad growth came from the automotive, travel, and fashion categories (auto was up 79 year-over-year, while fashion rose 21 percent).

Heidelberger Reports Higher Sales

http://www.piworld.com/article/heidelberg-achieves-key-milestone-with-positive-operating-result/1

According to preliminary figures, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) recorded higher sales in financial year 2012/2013 (April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013) than in the previous year thanks to the expected strong fourth quarter. In line with the company's own forecasts, the operating result excluding special items improved significantly. 
Preliminary Group sales after 12 months were up 5 percent on the previous year's figure (EUR 2.596 billion) at EUR 2.735 billion. Despite a number of countervailing effects, the growth in volume combined with the savings made by the Focus 2012 efficiency program improved the preliminary result of operating activities (EBIT) excluding special items to EUR 28 million (previous year: EUR 3 million).  

Book Sales, Printed & Digital, Up

Books, Like the Phoenix, Are Rising from the Ashes:
Written by Howard Fenton
Senior Technology Consultant, NAPL
There has been a lot of gloom and doom predictions about the future of books, but the latest data suggests that books, like the phoenix, may be rising from the ashes and reborn.
Some critics have said that book sales and book readership are dying. Others have said that the future of books is not printed books, but electronic books. The most recent evidence suggests that neither is true. Books are not dying and electronic versions of books are not displacing printed versions of books. According to the Association of American publisher’s report on the 2012 sales, book sales are up 7.4%, which amounts to $451 million in additional revenue for total sales of $6.5 billion.

2013 Ad Spending Forecast Up 0.4%

Magna: U.S. ad spending to increase 0.4% this year: U.S. ad spending will increase 0.4% this year, according to a new forecast from Magna Global. Excluding ad spending on the Olympics and political advertising last year, ad spending will increase 2.4% this year.

UPM Completes Stracel Sale

http://www.paperage.com/2013news/05_06_2013upm_stracel_blue_paper.html

UPM has completed the sale of assets and part of the land of the UPM Stracel paper mill site to Blue Paper SAS, the joint venture company of VPK Packaging Group NV and Klingele Papierwerke.

Blue Paper SAS will convert the mill to produce recycled fibre-based fluting and test-liner. The production is expected to start after completing investments in autumn 2013.

The sale of Stracel was part of UPM's plan to adjust its magazine paper and newsprint paper capacity to match the needs of its global customer base originally announced in August 2011. UPM stopped the production of coated magazine paper on the mill on 4th January 2013.