EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE OF PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY, INC. ISSUED OCTOBER 22, 2007 Press release of Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. issued October 22, 2007

Exhibit 99.1

 

Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc.

999 Third Avenue, Suite 4300

Seattle, Washington 98104

206 467 3600

   LOGO

News Release

 

For immediate release

Oct. 22, 2007

  

For more information contact:

Investors: John Hobbs 1-800-858-5347

Media: Robin Keegan 1-800-467-3751

Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. Reports Results for Third Quarter 2007

SEATTLE– Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc., (NYSE: PCL) today announced third quarter earnings of $59 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, on revenues of $407 million. Third quarter earnings included a $4 million non-cash expense, or $0.02 per diluted share, related to fire losses experienced in Montana during the quarter. Earnings for the third quarter of 2006 were $92 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, on revenues of $454 million.

Earnings for the first nine months of 2007 were $164 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, on revenues of $1.17 billion. Earnings for the first nine months of 2006 were $248 million, or $1.36 per diluted share, on revenues of $1.25 billion.

Results for the first nine months of 2007 include a $2 million after-tax gain on the sale of an industrial mineral asset while the results for the same period of 2006 include a $2 million after-tax cumulative benefit from accounting changes. As a result, income from continuing operations were $162 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2007 and $246 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, for the same period of 2006.

Cash provided by operating activities during the first nine months of the year totaled $304 million. The company ended the third quarter with $168 million in cash and cash equivalents.

“While the past quarter’s performance was below our initial expectations, much of the shortfall is the result of certain land sales moving from the third quarter to the fourth quarter. We continue to expect to report very good results for this segment in 2007,” said Rick Holley, president and CEO. “Timber markets remained stable over the past quarter in nearly every region while an unusually active fire season in western Montana curtailed our harvest there and damaged about three percent of our timberland in the state. The fire damage and lower harvest activity led to uncharacteristically low operating profit for our Northern Resources segment.”

Review of Operations

The Northern Resources segment reported an $8 million operating profit that includes the impact of the $4 million non-cash fire loss. During the quarter, approximately 41,000 acres

 

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Plum Creek Timber Company Reports Results

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of company lands in Montana were damaged by wildfires. Segment operating profit for the same period of 2006 was $25 million. The company halted timber harvests in Montana for approximately five weeks due to extreme fire danger. As a result, segment sawlog harvests were approximately 150,000 tons below initial plans and 14 percent below the third-quarter 2006 levels. This harvest deferral reduced operating profit by an estimated $4 million. Average sawlog prices of $76 per ton were approximately 4 percent lower than the third quarter of 2006. As expected, pulpwood prices were approximately 5 percent lower than the same period of 2006 as pulpwood demand in the Northeast softened over the past year. The company reduced its pulpwood harvest in the Northeast, which was the primary reason for the 14 percent decline in the segment’s pulpwood harvest compared to the same period of 2006.

Operating profit in the Southern Resources segment was $39 million for the third quarter of 2007, up slightly from third quarter performance of 2006. Sawlog prices were approximately 8 percent lower than the same period of 2006. Regional market differences were evident with average sawlog prices down approximately 13 percent in dry, eastern portions of the South, while markets in western regions of the South were down an average of 4 percent over the past year. The company took advantage of some attractive spot-market pricing opportunities for sawlogs in certain markets resulting in a 6 percent increase in the sawlog harvest compared to the same period of 2006. Pulp and paper mill demand for pulpwood remained good in most Southern regions and prices moved to over $9 per ton, gaining approximately 17 percent over the prior year’s level. The Southern pulpwood harvest was approximately 4 percent lower than the same period last year.

The Real Estate segment reported revenue of $94 million and operating income of $61 million compared to revenue of $129 million and operating income of $72 million for the third quarter of 2006. Third quarter 2006 results were particularly strong as the result of a single $43 million development property sale. Interest in small rural properties and per acre prices remained resilient during the third quarter of 2007. During the third quarter the company sold approximately 45,000 acres of land. These sales included nearly 31,000 acres of small, non-strategic lands at an average price of $1,400 per acre and over 10,000 acres of recreation property sold at an average price of $3,675 per acre. The sale of nearly 900 acres of development properties captured more than $8,400 per acre. The company also sold approximately 2,650 acres of conservation lands for approximately $2,150 per acre.

The Manufacturing segment reported operating income of $2 million compared to $6 million for the third quarter of 2006. Earnings for the company’s Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and plywood businesses decreased somewhat due to higher raw material costs, particularly resins. Lumber demand remained weak and sales volume was 12 percent lower than the same period of 2006. Lumber prices remained low and were similar to the price levels experienced during the third quarter of 2006.

Timberland Acquisition and Share Repurchase

During the quarter the company acquired approximately 33,000 acres of Oregon timberlands for $80 million in a privately negotiated transaction. These well-managed timberlands complement the company’s ownership in the coastal Oregon markets.

 

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The company also repurchased $91 million, or approximately 2.3 million shares, of common stock at an average price of $38.94 per share during the third quarter. For the first nine months of 2007, the company has repurchased approximately 5.1 million shares, representing a 2.9 percent reduction in outstanding shares, at an average price of $39.40. As of Sept. 30, 2007, the company had 172.3 million shares of common stock outstanding and $20 million remaining in its current share repurchase authorization.

Outlook

The company expects to report income between $1.33 and $1.38 per share for the full year, including the impact of the $0.02 per share non-cash fire loss.

Log prices are expected to remain stable across the South during the fourth quarter with any price movements driven by temporary changes in local supply and demand dynamics. Sawlog markets in eastern portions of the South remain challenging, the result of a combination of dry weather conditions and weak lumber markets. With prices at unattractive levels in certain local markets, the company plans to reduce its Southern sawlog harvest by approximately 200,000 tons from third-quarter levels.

“We manage Plum Creek with the goal of maximizing the long-term value of our assets,” continued Holley. “Although our decision to reduce harvests in certain markets impacts our near-term results, it allows us to protect and create long-term value. Those assets continue to grow and appreciate, enhancing the value of the company.”

The Northern Resources segment harvest is expected to increase from the fire-restricted, third-quarter levels. Sawlog prices in the Pacific Northwest have softened and, as a result, the company expects average sawlog prices in the Northern segment to decline from third-quarter averages. Pulpwood prices in the segment are expected to remain stable.

The company expects Real Estate segment revenues for the year to be on the low end of the $330 to $350 million range. Of this amount, the sale of development properties is expected to be between $35 million and $45 million.

The Manufacturing segment is expected to break even during the fourth quarter.

“As always, our top priority remains disciplined and effective capital allocation,” Holley concluded. “Our ultimate goal is increasing the per share value of our shareholders’ investment and we’ll continue to evaluate all of our operating and investment options to achieve that goal.”

Earnings Conference Call and Supplemental Information

Plum Creek will hold a conference call today, Oct. 22, at 5 p.m. EDT (2 p.m. PDT). A live webcast of the conference call may be accessed through Plum Creek’s Web site at www.plumcreek.com by clicking on the “Investors” link.

 

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Investors without internet access should dial 1-800-572-9852 at least 10 minutes prior to the start time, referencing Plum Creek’s earnings. Those wishing to access the call from outside the United States/Canada should dial 1-706-645-9676, also referencing Plum Creek’s earnings. Replay of the call will be available for 48 hours after completion of the live call and can be accessed at 1-800-642-1687 or 1-706-645-9291 (international calls), using the code 7942594.

Supplemental financial information for Plum Creek operations, including statistical data, is available in the “Investors” information section of Plum Creek’s Web site at www.plumcreek.com.

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Plum Creek is the largest and most geographically diverse private landowner in the nation with 8.2 million acres of timberlands in major timber producing regions of the United States and 10 wood products manufacturing facilities in the Northwest.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as amended. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seek,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” or “anticipates,” or the negative of those words or other comparable terminology. The accuracy of such statements is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, but not limited to, the cyclical nature of the forest products industry, our ability to harvest our timber, our ability to execute our acquisition strategy, the market for and our ability to sell or exchange non-strategic timberlands and timberland properties that have higher and better uses, and various regulatory constraints. These and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions are detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. It is likely that if one or more of the risks materializes, or if one or more assumptions prove to be incorrect, the current expectations of Plum Creek and its management will not be realized. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance, and speak only as of the date made, and neither Plum Creek nor its management undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

 

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PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Nine Months Ended
    

September 30,

2007

   

September 30,

2006

     (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Revenues:

    

Timber

   $ 589     $ 603

Real Estate

     204       242

Manufacturing

     363       388

Other

     15       15
              

Total Revenues

     1,171       1,248
              

Costs and Expenses:

    

Cost of Goods Sold:

 

 

Timber

     391       361

Real Estate

     72       96

Manufacturing

     349       353

Other

     2       2
              

Total Cost of Goods Sold

     814       812

Selling, General and Administrative

     88       78
              

Total Costs and Expenses

     902       890
              

Other Operating Income (Expense), net

     —         2
              

Operating Income

     269       360

Interest Expense, net

     109       98
              

Income before Income Taxes

     160       262

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

     (2 )     16
              

Income From Continuing Operations

     162       246

Gain on Sale of Properties, net of tax

     2       —  
              

Income Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

     164       246

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change, net of tax

     —         2
              

Net Income

   $ 164     $ 248
              

Per Share Amounts:

    

Income From Continuing Operations per Share

    

- Basic

   $ 0.93     $ 1.35

- Diluted

   $ 0.92     $ 1.35

Net Income per Share

    

- Basic

   $ 0.94     $ 1.36

- Diluted

   $ 0.93     $ 1.36

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding

    

- Basic

     175.3       181.7

- Diluted

     175.7       182.1


PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Quarter Ended
     September 30,
2007
    September 30,
2006
     (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Revenues:

    

Timber

   $ 190     $ 196

Real Estate

     94       129

Manufacturing

     119       124

Other

     4       5
              

Total Revenues

     407       454
              

Costs and Expenses:

    

Cost of Goods Sold:

 

 

Timber

     133       127

Real Estate

     32       55

Manufacturing

     113       113

Other

     1       1
              

Total Cost of Goods Sold

     279       296

Selling, General and Administrative

     29       24
              

Total Costs and Expenses

     308       320
              

Other Operating Income (Expense), net

     (1 )     —  
              

Operating Income

     98       134

Interest Expense, net

     38       33
              

Income before Income Taxes

     60       101

Provision for Income Taxes

     1       9
              

Net Income

   $ 59     $ 92
              

Per Share Amounts:

    

Net Income per Share

    

- Basic

   $ 0.34     $ 0.51

- Diluted

   $ 0.34     $ 0.51

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding

    

- Basic

     173.2       178.5

- Diluted

     173.6       178.9


PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     September 30,
2007
    December 31,
2006
 
     (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)  
ASSETS    

Current Assets:

    

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 168     $ 273  

Restricted Advance from Customer

     —         4  

Accounts Receivable

     49       40  

Like-Kind Exchange Funds Held in Escrow

     13       —    

Inventories

     73       83  

Deferred Tax Asset

     7       7  

Real Estate Development Properties

     5       3  

Assets Held for Sale

     70       82  

Other Current Assets

     22       21  
                
     407       513  

Timber and Timberlands - Net

     3,918       3,876  

Property, Plant and Equipment - Net

     202       216  

Investment in Grantor Trusts

     26       28  

Other Assets

     30       28  
                

Total Assets

   $ 4,583     $ 4,661  
                
    
LIABILITIES    

Current Liabilities:

    

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

   $ 47     $ 125  

Accounts Payable

     48       42  

Interest Payable

     40       30  

Wages Payable

     19       27  

Taxes Payable

     28       24  

Deferred Revenue

     19       17  

Other Current Liabilities

     17       16  
                
     218       281  

Long-Term Debt

     1,919       1,617  

Line of Credit

     514       581  

Deferred Tax Liability

     18       25  

Other Liabilities

     74       68  
                

Total Liabilities

     2,743       2,572  
                

Commitments and Contingencies

    
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    

Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, authorized shares - 75.0, outstanding - none

     —         —    

Common Stock, $0.01 par value, authorized shares - 300.6, outstanding (net of Treasury Stock) - 172.3 at September 30, 2007, and 177.1 at December 31, 2006

     2       2  

Additional Paid-In Capital

     2,201       2,190  

Retained Earnings

     156       214  

Treasury Stock, at cost, Common Shares - 14.6 at September 30, 2007, and 9.5 at December 31, 2006

     (509 )     (307 )

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     (10 )     (10 )
                

Total Stockholders' Equity

     1,840       2,089  
                

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

   $ 4,583     $ 4,661  
                


PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2007
    September 30,
2006
 
     (In Millions)  

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

    

Net Income

   $ 164     $ 248  

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to

    

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities:

    

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Includes $4 Loss Related to Forest Fires in 2007)

     102       94  

Basis of Real Estate Sold

     45       66  

Deferred Income Taxes

     (7 )     8  

Gain on Sales of Properties and Other Assets

     (2 )     —    

Working Capital Changes Impacting Cash Flow:

 

 

Like-Kind Exchange Funds

     (13 )     (10 )

Other Working Capital Changes

     18       18  

Expenditures for Real Estate Development

     (13 )     (5 )

Other

     10       1  
                

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities

     304       420  
                

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

    

Capital Expenditures (Excluding Timberland Acquisitions)

     (59 )     (60 )

Timberlands Acquired

     (96 )     (22 )

Proceeds from Sales of Properties and Other Assets

     3       1  

Other

     2       (4 )
                

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

     (150 )     (85 )
                

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

    

Dividends

     (222 )     (219 )

Borrowings on Line of Credit

     2,179       2,167  

Repayments on Line of Credit

     (2,246 )     (2,144 )

Repayment of Short-Term Debt

     —         (50 )

Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt

     350       216  

Principal Payments and Retirement of Long-Term Debt

     (125 )     (29 )

Proceeds from Stock Option Exercises

     7       6  

Acquisition of Treasury Stock

     (202 )     (262 )
                

Net Cash Used In Financing Activities

     (259 )     (315 )
                

Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (105 )     20  

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

 

 

Beginning of Period

     273       369  
                

End of Period

   $ 168     $ 389  
                


PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Quarter Ended  
     September 30,
2007
    September 30,
2006
 
     (In Millions)  

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

    

Net Income

   $ 59     $ 92  

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to

    

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities:

    

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Includes $4 Loss Related to Forest Fires in 2007)

     37       34  

Basis of Real Estate Sold

     22       43  

Deferred Income Taxes

     (2 )     8  

Working Capital Changes Impacting Cash Flow:

    

Like-Kind Exchange Funds

     45       (30 )

Other Working Capital Changes

     32       24  

Expenditures for Real Estate Development

     (7 )     (3 )

Other

     7       —    
                

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities

     193       168  
                

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

    

Capital Expenditures (Excluding Timberland Acquisitions)

     (26 )     (24 )

Timberlands Acquired

     (87 )     (5 )

Proceeds from Sales of Properties and Other Assets

     1       —    

Other

     —         (1 )
                

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

     (112 )     (30 )
                

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

    

Dividends

     (73 )     (72 )

Borrowings on Line of Credit

     583       693  

Repayments on Line of Credit

     (414 )     (691 )

Principal Payments and Retirement of Long-Term Debt

     (26 )     —    

Proceeds from Stock Option Exercises

     1       3  

Acquisition of Treasury Stock

     (91 )     (78 )
                

Net Cash Used In Financing Activities

     (20 )     (145 )
                

Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents

     61       (7 )

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

    

Beginning of Period

     107       396  
                

End of Period

   $ 168     $ 389