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Glatfelter Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results

November 6, 2018 6:45 AM

~ Significant progress on strategic transformation ~

~ Launching plan to eliminate $14 million to $16 million of corporate costs ~

YORK, Pa., Nov. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glatfelter (NYSE: GLT) a leading global supplier of engineered materials, today reported its results for the third quarter of 2018. As part of the Company’s strategic transformation, Glatfelter completed the sale of its Specialty Papers business unit on October 31, 2018. Accordingly, Specialty Papers’ results are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented in this release including the recognition of a $97.5 million after-tax impairment charge in connection with the sale of the business unit. The Company’s third-quarter 2018 and 2017 results are summarized in the following table:

Three months ended September 30
2018 2017
In thousands, except per share Amount EPS Amount EPS
Net income (loss) $(95,831) $(2.19) $12,106 $0.27
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (95,126) 7,060
Income (loss) from continuing operations (705) 5,046
Adjusted earnings (loss) from continuing operations (195) $- 7,640 $0.17

On an adjusted basis, earnings from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2018 were a loss of $0.2 million, or $0.00 per share compared with adjusted earnings of $7.6 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the same period a year ago. Corporate shared services costs totaling $6.9 million and $7.2 million for the third quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively, previously included in Specialty Papers’ results are required to be included in income from continuing operations. Adjusted earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure for which a reconciliation to the nearest GAAP-based measure is provided within this release.

Consolidated net sales totaled $209.9 million and $210.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. On a constant currency basis, Composite Fibers’ net sales decreased by 0.8% and Advanced Airlaid Materials’ net sales increased by 4.8%.

“We made significant progress on our previously announced strategy to transform Glatfelter into a leading, global engineered materials company,” said Dante C. Parrini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We successfully completed two major transactions, both of which closed in October. The sale of the Specialty Papers business and the acquisition of a nonwovens business in Steinfurt, Germany, support our strategic focus and further solidify our platform for long-term growth. In addition, we are well positioned for growth to accelerate in our airlaid business driven by our new Fort Smith, Arkansas, facility and the Steinfurt acquisition.”

Mr. Parrini continued, “While we made progress on our transformation, we continue to face competitive market conditions and the impact of the rapid rise in raw material prices in our Composite Fibers business. We have maintained our focus on reducing costs and improving efficiency to address these challenges and we recently announced price increases for this business. We are also launching a plan to right-size our corporate cost structure now that the sale of the Specialty Papers business is complete and we expect to eliminate $14 million to $16 million of expenses by the end of 2019. The growth opportunities we see in front of us and these actions continue to give me confidence in the longer-term potential of our engineered materials businesses and the value they will deliver to our shareholders.”

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of results on a GAAP basis to an adjusted earnings basis, a non-GAAP measure:

Three months ended September 30
2018 2017
In thousands, except per share Amount EPS Amount EPS
Net income (loss) $(95,831) $(2.19) $12,105 $0.27
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax 95,126 2.17 (7,060) (0.16)
Income (loss) from continuing operations (705) (0.02) 5,045 0.11
Adjustments (pre-tax)
Strategic initiatives (1,342)
Airlaid capacity expansion costs 867 2,581
Cost optimization actions 250
Timberland sales and related costs (249) (114)
Total adjustments (pre-tax) (724) 2,717
Income taxes (1) 622 (123)
U.S. Tax Reform 612
Total after-tax adjustments 510 0.01 2,594 0.06
Adjusted earnings (loss) from continuing operations $(195) $0.00 $7,639 $0.17

(1) Tax effect on adjustments calculated based on the incremental effective tax rate of the jurisdiction in which each adjustment originated and the related impact of valuation allowances.

The sum of individual per share amounts set forth above may not agree to adjusted earnings per share due to rounding.

A description of each of the adjustments presented above is included later in this release.

Third Quarter Business Unit Results

Composite Fibers

Three months ended September 30
Dollars in thousands 2018 2017 Change
Metric tons sold 37,421 39,725 (2,304)(5.8)%
Net sales $139,176 $142,349 $(3,173)(2.2)%
Operating income 11,859 16,363 (4,504)(27.5)%
Operating margin 8.5% 11.5%

Composite Fibers’ net sales decreased $3.2 million, or 2.2%, primarily due to a 5.8% decline in shipping volumes. Higher average selling prices totaling $2.2 million offset a $2.0 million impact of unfavorable currency translation.

Composite Fibers’ third quarter of 2018 operating income totaled $11.9 million, a decrease of $4.5 million compared to the year-ago period. Operating results were adversely impacted by $4.7 million of higher input costs, primarily due to significantly higher woodpulp prices. Currency translation unfavorably impacted results by $1.8 million.

Advanced Airlaid Materials

Three months ended September 30
Dollars in thousands 2018 2017 Change
Metric tons sold 24,032 23,805 227 1.0%
Net sales $70,680 $67,770 $2,910 4.3%
Operating income 5,524 8,237 (2,713)(32.9)%
Operating margin 7.8% 12.2%

Advanced Airlaid Materials’ net sales increased $2.9 million primarily due to $2.0 million from higher selling prices and a 1.0% increase in shipping volumes.

Operating income for the third quarter of 2018 decreased $2.7 million compared to the year-ago period primarily due to higher raw material prices of $1.6 million, a $1.2 million increase in depreciation expense related to the investment in the Fort Smith facility and the impact of higher fixed costs from the new facility with limited shipping volume growth. Currency translation unfavorably impacted operating income by $0.8 million.

Other Financial Information

In the third quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a tax provision of $3.5 million on pre-tax income from continuing operations of $2.8 million. On adjusted pre-tax income of $2.0 million, income tax expense was $2.2 million including a $0.9 million impact to deferred taxes from a state tax law change.

2018 Year-to-Date

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of results determined on a GAAP basis to adjusted earnings:

Nine months ended September 30
2018 2017
In thousands, except per share Amount EPS Amount EPS
Net income (loss) $(97,512) $(2.23) $17,994 $0.41
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax 100,353 2.29 (8,907) (0.20)
Income from continuing operations 2,841 0.06 9,087 0.21
Adjustments (pre-tax)
Strategic initiatives 853
Airlaid capacity expansion costs 5,572 7,034
Cost optimization actions 3,038
Timberland sales and related costs (1,929) (188)
Total adjustments (pre-tax) 4,496 9,884
Income taxes (1) (191) (1,122)
U.S. Tax Reform 604
Total after-tax adjustments 4,909 0.11 8,762 0.20
Adjusted earnings from continuing operations $7,750 $0.18 $17,849 $0.40

(1) Tax effect on adjustments calculated based on the incremental effective tax rate of the jurisdiction in which each adjustment originated and the related impact of valuation allowances.

The sum of individual per share amounts set forth above may not agree to adjusted earnings per share due to rounding.

A description of each of the adjustments presented above is included later in this release.

Balance Sheet and Other Information

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $234.1 million as of September 30, 2018, and net debt was $412.2 million compared with $365.2 million at the end of 2017. (Refer to the calculation of this measure provided in the tables at the end of this release.)

Capital expenditures during 2018 and 2017 are summarized below:

Capital Expenditures Three months endedSeptember 30 Nine months endedSeptember 30
In thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017
Airlaid capacity expansion $124 $11,426 $12,743 $32,847
Normal capital expenditures 6,094 9,536 19,412 25,131
Total capital expenditures $6,218 $20,962 $32,155 $57,978

Adjusted free cash flow for the nine months of 2018 was $(35.6) million compared with $(4.6) million in 2017. (Refer to the calculation of this measure provided in the tables at the end of this release.)

Discontinued Operations

On October 31, 2018, we completed the previously announced sale of our Specialty Papers business unit on a cash free and debt free basis to Pixelle Specialty Solutions LLC, an affiliate of Lindsay Goldberg (the “Purchaser”) for $360 million. Cash proceeds from the sale were approximately $323 million reflecting estimated purchase price adjustments as of the closing date and the assumption by the Purchaser of approximately $38 million of retiree healthcare liabilities. In addition, the Purchaser assumed approximately $220 million of pension liabilities relating to Specialty Papers’ employees and will receive approximately $270 million of related assets from the Company’s existing pension plan

The results of operations for our Specialty Papers business unit have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statements of income. The related assets and liabilities of this business unit have been classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented.

During the quarter we recognized an after-tax loss from discontinued operations of $95.1 million including an after-tax impairment charge of $97.5 million in connection with the sale of the Specialty Papers business unit.

Conference Call

As previously announced, the Company will hold a conference call today at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern) to discuss its third quarter results. The Company will make available on its Investor Relations website this quarters’ earnings release and an accompanying financial presentation which includes significant financial information to be discussed on the conference call including the Company’s outlook pertaining to financial performance. Information related to the conference call is as follows:

What:Glatfelter’s 3rd Quarter 2018 Earnings Release Conference Call
When:Tuesday, November 6, 2018, 11:00 a.m. (ET)
Number:US dial 888.335.5539
International dial 973.582.2857
Conference ID:9465538
Webcast:http://www.glatfelter.com/about_us/investor_relations/default.aspx
Rebroadcast Dates:November 6, 2018, 2:00 p.m. through November 20, 2018, 11:59 p.m.
Rebroadcast Number:Within US dial 855.859.2056
International dial 404.537.3406
Conference ID:9465538

Interested persons who wish to hear the live webcast should go to the website prior to the starting time to register and ensure any necessary audio software is installed.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements included in this press release which pertain to future 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. The Company uses words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “future”, “intends”, “plans”, “targets”, and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Any such statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable or uncontrollable factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to changes in industry, business, market, and economic conditions, demand for or pricing of its products, market growth rates and currency exchange rates. In light of these risks, uncertainties and other factors, the forward-looking matters 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

Glatfelter (NYSE: GLT) is a leading global supplier of engineered materials. The Company’s high-quality, innovative and customizable solutions are found in tea and single-serve coffee filtration, personal hygiene and packaging products as well as home improvement and industrial applications. Headquartered in York, PA, the Company’s net sales approximate $950 million with customers in over 100 countries and approximately 2,300 employees worldwide. Operations include eleven manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. Additional information about Glatfelter may be found at www.glatfelter.com.

P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Income(unaudited)

Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30
In thousands, except per share 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net sales $ 209,855 $ 210,120 $ 636,806 $ 591,035
Costs of products sold 179,983 172,745 537,073 485,783
Gross profit 29,872 37,375 99,733 105,252
Selling, general and administrative expenses 25,799 27,083 81,915 81,530
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net (249) (93) (1,939) (168)
Operating income 4,322 10,385 19,757 23,890
Non-operating income (expense)
Interest expense (3,965) (3,324) (11,237) (10,025)
Interest income 147 51 227 209
Other, net 2,253 (387) 1,131 (558)
Total non-operating expense (1,565) (3,660) (9,879) (10,374)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 2,757 6,725 9,878 13,516
Income tax provision 3,462 1,680 7,037 4,429
Income (loss) from continuing operations (705) 5,045 2,841 9,087
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) before income taxes (114,656) 9,661 (128,714) 14,422
Income tax provision (benefit) (19,530) 2,601 (28,361) 5,515
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (95,126) 7,060 (100,353) 8,907
Net income (loss) $ (95,831) $ 12,105 $ (97,512) $ 17,994
Basic earnings (loss) per share
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (0.02) $ 0.12 $ 0.06 $ 0.21
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (2.17) 0.16 (2.29) 0.20
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ (2.19) $ 0.28 $ (2.23) $ 0.41
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (0.02) $ 0.11 $ 0.06 $ 0.21
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (2.17) 0.16 (2.29) 0.20
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (2.19) $ 0.27 $ (2.23) $ 0.41
Cash dividend declared per common share $ 0.13 $ 0.13 $ 0.39 $ 0.39
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic 43,792 43,617 43,754 43,601
Diluted 43,792 44,182 43,754 44,410

Business Unit Financial Information(unaudited)

Three months ended September 30
Dollars in millions Composite Fibers Advanced Airlaid Materials Other and Unallocated Total
2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net sales $ 139.2 $ 142.3 $ 70.7 $ 67.8 $ $ $ 209.9 $ 210.1
Costs of products sold 116.8 115.0 62.3 57.2 0.9 0.5 180.0 172.7
Gross profit (loss) 22.4 27.3 8.4 10.6 (0.9) (0.5) 29.9 37.4
SG&A 10.5 10.9 2.9 2.4 12.4 13.8 25.8 27.1
(Gains) losses on dispositions of plant, equipment
and timberlands, net (0.2) (0.1) (0.2) (0.1)
Total operating income (loss) 11.9 16.4 5.5 8.2 (13.1) (14.2) 4.3 10.4
Non operating expense (1.6) (3.7) (1.6) (3.7)
Income (loss) before income taxes $ 11.9 $ 16.4 $ 5.5 $ 8.2 $ (14.7) $ (17.9) $ 2.8 $ 6.7
Supplementary Data
Metric tons sold (thousands) 37.4 39.7 24.0 23.8 61.5 63.5
Depreciation, depletion and amortization $ 7.1 $ 7.1 $ 3.4 $ 2.5 $ 1.0 $ 0.6 $ 11.5 $ 10.2
Capital expenditures 3.0 3.8 1.9 12.6 1.3 4.6 6.2 21.0
Nine months ended September 30
Dollars in millions Composite Fibers Advanced Airlaid Materials Other and Unallocated Total
2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net sales $ 423.7 $ 400.6 $ 213.1 $ 190.4 $ $ $ 636.8 $ 591.0
Costs of products sold 349.5 322.2 184.7 160.7 2.9 2.9 537.1 485.8
Gross profit (loss) 74.2 78.4 28.4 29.7 (2.9) (2.9) 99.7 105.3
SG&A 34.0 32.9 8.1 6.9 39.8 41.7 81.9 81.5
(Gains) losses on dispositions of plant, equipment
and timberlands, net (1.9) (0.2) (1.9) (0.2)
Total operating income (loss) 40.2 45.5 20.3 22.8 (40.8) (44.4) 19.8 23.9
Non operating expense (9.9) (10.4) (9.9) (10.4)
Income (loss) before income taxes $ 40.2 $ 45.5 $ 20.3 $ 22.8 $ (50.7) $ (54.8) $ 9.9 $ 13.5
Supplementary Data
Metric tons sold (thousands) 110.4 112.9 72.4 69.5 182.8 182.4
Depreciation, depletion and amortization $ 21.7 $ 20.9 $ 9.7 $ 7.1 $ 3.3 $ 2.3 $ 34.7 $ 30.3
Capital expenditures 10.9 10.6 17.6 36.1 3.7 11.3 32.2 58.0

The sum of individual amounts set forth above may not agree to the consolidated financial statements included herein due to rounding.

Selected Financial Information(unaudited)

Nine months ended September 30
In thousands 2018 2017
Cash Flow Data
Cash from continuing operations provided (used) by:
Operating activities $(16,212) $20,501
Investing activities (30,150) (57,869)
Financing activities 148,316 72,654
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 34,731 30,276
Capital expenditures 32,155 57,978

September 30 December 31
2018 2017
Balance Sheet Data
Cash and cash equivalents $234,070 $116,219
Total assets 1,750,775 1,730,795
Total debt 646,310 481,396
Shareholders’ equity 606,946 708,928

Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Information to Non-GAAP Financial Information

This press release includes a measure 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 operations, which consist of the production and sale of composite fibers papers and airlaid non-woven materials. 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. For purposes of determining adjusted earnings, the following items are excluded:

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 provide a measure of how the Company’s core operations are performing, which management believes is useful to investors because it allows comparison of such 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.

Calculation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow Three months endedSeptember 30 Nine months endedSeptember 30
In thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017
Cash from operations $7,661 $14,792 $(16,212)$20,501
Less: Capital expenditures (6,218) (20,962) (32,155) (57,978)
Add back: Airlaid capacity expansion 124 11,426 12,743 32,847
Adjusted free cash flow $1,567 $5,256 $(35,624)$(4,630)

Net Debt September 30 December 31
In thousands 2018 2017
Current portion of long-term debt $10,904 $11,298
Long term debt 635,406 470,098
Total 646,310 481,396
Less: Cash (234,070) (116,219)
Net Debt $412,240 $365,177

Contacts:
Investors:Media:
John P. JacunskiEileen L. Beck
(717) 225-2794(717) 225-2793

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Source: Glatfelter

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