EX-99.1 2 exhibit1.htm EX-99.1 EX-99.1
         
For Immediate Release
  Contacts:  
 
     
 
       
 
  Investors:   Media:
 
       
 
  John C. van Roden   William T. Yanavitch
 
       
 
  (717) 225-2790   (717) 225-2760

Glatfelter Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2005 Results

- Announces Timberland Strategy and EURO Program Benefits-

York, PA, February 14, 2006: Glatfelter (NYSE: GLT) today reported net income of $26.9 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to $19.3 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2004. The current year’s quarterly results include after tax gains totaling $22.8 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, from the sale of timberlands and insurance recoveries as well as after-tax restructuring charges totaling $1.0 million, or $0.02 per diluted share. The fourth quarter of 2004 results include gains from timberland sales aggregating $13.6 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, after tax, and a restructuring charge totaling $2.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, after tax. Excluding these items from each quarter’s results, adjusted earnings (which are reconciled to net income in the accompanying financial tables) were $5.2 million, or $0.12 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared with $7.7 million, or $0.17 per diluted share in the year-earlier quarter.

Operating income in the Specialty Papers business unit totaled $2.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2005 compared with $4.0 million in the same quarter a year ago. The benefits of stronger pricing conditions and demand across most markets were more than offset by higher input costs. Long Fiber & Overlay Papers’ operating income declined $2.3 million to $3.2 million in the quarter-to-quarter comparison primarily due to higher input costs and softer pricing in this business unit’s key markets.

“We experienced strong growth in our Specialty Papers business unit during the quarter,” said George H. Glatfelter II, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Volume in this business increased 8% led by a very strong 21% increase in Engineered Products. Our new product development capabilities resulted in the scale-up of several new business opportunities and we expect this progress to continue. While Specialty Papers’ fourth quarter results were lower than a year ago, we are becoming more optimistic about the first half of 2006.”

“In addition, despite a difficult business climate in certain of Long Fiber & Overlay Papers’ markets that resulted in substantial market-related downtime, we are beginning to see indications of improvement in this unit’s key markets,“ added Mr. Glatfelter.

Net sales totaled $143.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2005, an increase of 2.7% compared to the same quarter a year ago. In the Company’s Specialty Papers business unit, net sales increased $9.2 million, or 11.0%, consisting of an 8.2% increase in volume and $2.3 million attributable to higher product pricing. Net tons shipped in the quarter-to-quarter comparison were particularly strong in this unit’s engineered products and envelope & converting markets, which generated volume growth of approximately 21% and 7%, respectively. Long Fiber & Overlay Papers’ shipments increased approximately 4% and selling prices declined $1.5 million on a constant currency basis in the quarter-to-quarter comparison.

Costs of products sold increased $9.9 million, to $122.4 million, compared to the same quarter a year ago. The increase was primarily due to higher net tons shipped, $3.8 million attributable to higher costs of fiber, other raw materials and energy, as well as higher maintenance costs. Further, the Company experienced market-related downtime during the fourth quarter of 2005 approximating 8% of the production capacity of its Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business unit. Gross profit declined to $23.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2005 compared to $28.8 million in the year earlier quarter.

During the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company began to implement its European Restructuring and Optimization Program (“EURO Program”), a comprehensive series of actions designed to improve the operating performance of the Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business unit. Restructuring charges in the current quarter associated with this program totaled $1.6 million, pre tax, and were for severance and related benefits associated with the elimination of certain positions at the Gernsbach, Germany facility.

Sales of timberlands completed during the quarter consisted of 2,488 acres for $21.0 million in cash. In the year ago quarter, the Company completed the sale of 2,400 acres of timberlands for $23.5 million in cash. These transactions resulted in a pre-tax gain of $20.3 million and $23.0 million, respectively.

The Company also successfully resolved certain claims under insurance policies related to the Fox River environmental matter. Insurance recoveries included in the 2005 fourth quarter’s results totaled $18.0 million and have been fully received in cash.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2005 and 2004 was 36.9% and 36.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate on adjusted earnings for the fourth quarter of 2005 and 2004 was 14.3% and 24.8%, respectively.

Full Year Results

For the full year of 2005, net income totaled $38.6 million or $0.87 per diluted share, compared to $56.1 million and $1.27 per diluted share, respectively, in 2004. The reported results for the full year 2005 include after tax gains totaling $24.0 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, from insurance recoveries and the sale of timberlands, as well as restructuring charges totaling $1.0 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, after-tax. The results for 2004 benefited from after-tax gains totaling $55.5 million, or $1.26 per share, from sales of timberlands and the corporate aircraft and from insurance recoveries. Restructuring charges in 2004 totaled $12.7 million, after-tax, or $0.29 per diluted share. Excluding these items from each year’s results, adjusted earnings (which are reconciled to net income in the accompanying financial tables) were $15.6 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, in 2005 compared with $13.4 million, or $0.30 per diluted share a year ago.

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Commenting on the near term outlook, Mr. Glatfelter stated, “Heading into 2006, we are seeing strong demand for our Specialty Papers products and prices in many of these markets are strengthening. At the same time, high input costs, that in certain instances continue to rise, reflect an ongoing concern. We are keenly focused on addressing the challenges facing our Long Fiber & Overlay Papers business. We have begun to see indications of improving demand for this unit’s products, particularly in the Food & Beverage markets. However, sluggish economic conditions and an imbalance of supply and demand in our Composite Laminates markets will continue to adversely impact the overall performance of this business unit. As part of the EURO Program, we are implementing a significant workforce efficiency plan at each of our European facilities. Together with other aspects of the EURO Program, we expect to achieve step-change improvement in our cost structure from these efforts which will approximate $7 million to $9 million annually, by 2008.”

Timberland Strategy

The Company recently completed an extensive study to determine the optimum approach for managing its timberlands in a way that creates the greatest value for its shareholders. The study considered many factors including, among others, land valuations, external and internal wood costs and future fiber requirements. The Company concluded that the most advantageous approach is to sell all 40,000 acres of higher and better use (“HBU”) properties in an orderly fashion. In some cases, low cost, low risk opportunities may exist to add value to some of these acres through entitlements. It is estimated that the cost of fiber will increase by approximately $0.03 to $0.06 cents per share annually when the entire 40,000 acres are sold but that the benefit from the proceeds will far outweigh this increased cost. For the present, the Company intends to retain the pure timberland properties to mitigate the cost of replacing internally generated wood with outside sources. Execution of the Timberland Strategy is expected to take approximately three to five years to complete and is estimated to provide pre-tax cash proceeds of approximately $150 million to $200 million, assuming, among other factors, acceptable market conditions and a carefully executed plan of disposition.

Mr. Glatfelter stated, “We continue to approach our business in a fiscally disciplined manner and further monetization of our timberland assets will allow us to create additional benefit for our shareholders, maintain our strong balance sheet, and generate increased flexibility for value creation.”

Headquartered in York, Pennsylvania, Glatfelter is a global manufacturer of specialty papers and engineered products. U.S. operations include facilities in Spring Grove, PA and Neenah, WI. International operations include facilities in Germany, France and the Philippines and an office in China. Glatfelter’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GLT.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This document includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Although the Company makes such statements based on assumptions that it believes to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the Company’s expectations. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in, among others, industry conditions, demand for or pricing of its products, circumstances surrounding the Neenah facility and former Ecusta Division, and global political, economic, business, competitive, market, and tax legislation; continued successful execution of the North American Restructuring Program and the EURO Program, growth strategies and cost reduction initiatives; successful execution of the Timberland Strategy with acceptable market conditions; and other regulatory factors. More information about these factors is contained in Glatfelter’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

As previously announced, the Company will hold a conference call today at 11:00 AM (Eastern) to discuss its fourth quarter results. Interested persons who wish to hear the conference call webcast live should go to the Company’s Investor Relations web page at www.glatfelter.com/e/invesstock.asp and allow a sufficient amount of time before the start of the conference to register and download any necessary audio software. You may also participate by calling 877-692-2590 (conference ID 6920670) at 10:55 AM (Eastern) on February 14, 2006. A taped replay of the conference call will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and until February 21, 2006. To access the taped replay, call 877-519-4471 and enter conference PIN 6920670.

This press release, which includes financial information to be discussed by management during the conference call discussed above and disclosure and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, is available in the “Earnings Releases” subsection of the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s web site, www.glatfelter.com.

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

                                 
    Three Months Ended December   Year Ended December 31
    31        
In thousands, except per share   2005   2004   2005   2004
Net sales
  $ 143,162   $ 139,343   $ 579,121   $ 543,524
Energy sales – net
  2,405   2,029   10,078   9,953
 
                               
Total revenues
  145,567   141,372   589,199   553,477
Costs of products sold
  122,434   112,541   492,023   461,063
 
                               
Gross profit
  23,133   28,831   97,176   92,414
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  15,208   14,763   67,633   59,939
Restructuring charges
  1,564   3,000   1,564   20,375
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net
  (20,645 )   (22,615 )   (22,053 )   (58,509 )
Gains from insurance recoveries
  (17,951 )     (20,151 )   (32,785 )
 
                               
Operating income
  44,957   33,683   70,183   103,394
Nonoperating income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
  (3,202 )   (3,396 )   (13,083 )   (13,385 )
Interest income
  480   672   2,012   2,012
Other – net
  499   (743 )   1,028   (1,258 )
 
                               
Total other income (expense)
  (2,223 )   (3,467 )   (10,043 )   (12,631 )
 
                               
Income before income taxes
  42,734   30,216   60,140   90,763
Income tax provision
  15,787   10,942   21,531   34,661
 
                               
Net income
  $ 26,947   $ 19,274   $ 38,609   $ 56,102
 
                               
Earnings Per Share
                               
Basic
  $ 0.61   $ 0.44   $ 0.87   $ 1.28
Diluted
  0.61   0.44   0.87   1.27
 
                               

Business Unit Financial Information
(unaudited)

                                                                 
Three months ended December 31                
In thousands, except net tons sold   Specialty Papers   Long Fiber & Overlay   Other and Unallocated   Total
    2005   2004   2005   2004   2005   2004   2005   2004
Net sales
  $ 93,196     $ 83,952     $ 49,954     $ 55,345     $ 12     $ 46     $ 143,162     $ 139,343  
Energy sales, net
    2,405       2,029                               2,405       2,029  
 
                                                               
Total revenue
    95,601       85,981       49,954       55,345       12       46       145,567       141,372  
Cost of products sold
    83,468       73,114       42,638       43,374       30       26       126,136       116,514  
 
                                                               
Gross profit (loss)
    12,133       12,867       7,316       11,971       (18 )     20       19,431       24,858  
SG&A
    10,091       8,833       4,086       6,486       1,448       (209 )     15,625       15,110  
Pension income
                            (4,119 )     (4,320 )     (4,119 )     (4,320 )
Restructuring charges
                            1,564       3,000       1,564       3,000  
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net
                            (20,645 )     (22,615 )     (20,645 )     (22,615 )
Gain on insurance recoveries
                            (17,951 )           (17,951 )      
 
                                                               
Total operating income (loss)
    2,042       4,034       3,230       5,485       39,685       24,164       44,957       33,683  
Non-operating income (expense)
                            (2,223 )     (3,467 )     (2,223 )     (3,467 )
 
                                                               
Income before income taxes
  $ 2,042     $ 4,034     $ 3,230     $ 5,485     $ 37,462     $ 20,697     $ 42,734     $ 30,216  
 
                                                               
Supplementary Data
                                                               
Net tons sold
    109,701       101,371       12,488       12,016       8       20       122,197       113,407  
Depreciation expense
  $ 8,949     $ 8,599     $ 3,512     $ 3,430                 $ 12,461     $ 12,029  
 
                                                               

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Year ended December 31                
In thousands, except net tons sold   Specialty Papers   Long Fiber & Overlay   Other and Unallocated   Total
    2005   2004   2005   2004   2005   2004   2005   2004
Net sales
  $ 380,923     $ 337,436     $ 198,137     $ 205,232     $ 61     $ 856     $ 579,121     $ 543,524  
Energy sales, net
    10,078       9,953                               10,078       9,953  
 
                                                               
Total revenue
    391,001       347,389       198,137       205,232       61       856       589,199       553,477  
Cost of products sold
    340,629       312,136       166,153       163,843       84       1,021       506,866       477,000  
 
                                                               
Gross profit (loss)
    50,372       35,253       31,984       41,389       (23 )     (165 )     82,333       76,477  
SG&A
    39,876       36,617       21,282       23,067       8,149       1,660       69,307       61,344  
Pension income
                            (16,517 )     (17,342 )     (16,517 )     (17,342 )
Restructuring charges
                            1,564       20,375       1,564       20,375  
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net
                            (22,053 )     (58,509 )     (22,053 )     (58,509 )
Gain on insurance recoveries
                            (20,151 )     (32,785 )     (20,151 )     (32,785 )
 
                                                               
Total operating income (loss)
    10,496       (1,364 )     10,702       18,322       48,985       86,436       70,183       103,394  
Non-operating income (expense)
                            (10,043 )     (12,631 )     (10,043 )     (12,631 )
 
                                                               
Income before income taxes
  $ 10,496       ($1,364 )   $ 10,702     $ 18,322     $ 38,942     $ 73,805     $ 60,140     $ 90,763  
 
                                                               
Supplementary Data
                                                               
Net tons sold
    450,900       421,504       47,669       48,528       24       390       498,593       470,422  
Depreciation expense
  $ 35,781     $ 37,186     $ 14,866     $ 14,412                 $ 50,647     $ 51,598  
 
                                                               

Results of individual business units are presented based on our management accounting practices and management structure. There is no comprehensive, authoritative body of guidance for management accounting equivalent to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; therefore, the financial results of individual business units are not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other company. The management accounting process uses assumptions and allocations to measure performance of the business units. Methodologies are refined from time to time as management accounting practices are enhanced and businesses change. The costs incurred by support areas not directly aligned with the business unit are allocated primarily based on an estimated utilization of support area services or included in “Other and Unallocated” in the table above. Certain prior period information has been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Management evaluates results of operations before non-cash pension income, restructuring related charges, unusual items, effects of asset dispositions and insurance recoveries because it believes this is a more meaningful representation of the operating performance of its core papermaking businesses, the profitability of business units and the extent of cash flow generated from core operations. This presentation is closely aligned with the management and operating structure of our company. It is also on this basis that the Company’s performance is evaluated internally and by the Company’s Board of Directors.

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Selected Financial Information
(unaudited)

                 
    Year Ended December 31
In thousands   2005   2004
Cash Flow Data
               
Cash provided (used) by:
               
Operating activities
  $ 41,765   $ 39,584
Investing activities
  (6,954 )   42,109
Financing activities
  (15,130 )   (59,753 )
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
  50,647   51,598
Capital expenditures
  29,949   18,587
   December 31
  December 31
 
  2005   2004
 
               
Balance Sheet Data
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 57,442   $ 39,951
Total assets
  1,044,977   1,052,270
Total debt
  207,073   211,226
Shareholders’ equity
  432,312   420,370

This press release includes a discussion of earnings before the effects of certain specifically identified items. Management believes that such adjusted earnings are useful to investors as the impact on reported results of certain transactions are identified including, if applicable, strategic asset sales, insurance recoveries and unusual or nonrecurring charges that are specifically identified with strategic initiatives or other unique facts and circumstances. In addition, adjusted earnings represent one measurement used by management and by the Company’s Board of Directors to measure operating performance. The following tables set forth a reconciliation of results determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to adjusted earnings discussed herein.

                                 
    Three Months Ended December 31
    2005   2004
In thousands, except per share amounts
  After tax income   EPS   After tax income
  EPS
 
                               
Net income
  $ 26,947   $ 0.61   $ 19,274   $ 0.44
Timberland sales
  (11,517 )   (0.26 )   (13,558 )   (0.31 )
Insurance recoveries
  (11,289 )   (0.25 )    
Restructuring charges
  1,017   0.02   1,950   0.04
Adjusted earnings
  $ 5,158   $ 0.12   $ 7,666   $ 0.17
 
                               
                                 
    Year Ended December 31
    2005   2004
In thousands, except per share amounts
  After tax income   EPS   After tax income
  EPS
 
                               
Net income
  $ 38,609   $ 0.87   $ 56,102   $ 1.27
Timberland and aircraft sales
  (11,258 )   (0.26 )   (34,151 )   (0.78 )
Insurance recoveries
  (12,719 )   (0.29 )   (21,310 )   (0.48 )
Restructuring charges
  1,017   0.02   12,723   0.29
Adjusted earnings
  $ 15,649   $ 0.35   $ 13,364   $ 0.30
 
                               

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

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