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.