EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

 

Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc.

999 Third Avenue, Suite 4300

Seattle, Washington 98104

206 467 3600

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News Release

 

  

For immediate release

April 26, 2010

  

For more information contact:

Investors: John Hobbs 1-800-858-5347

Media: Kathy Budinick 1-888-467-3751

Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. Reports Results for First Quarter 2010

SEATTLE – Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. (NYSE: PCL) today announced first quarter earnings of $87 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, on revenues of $317 million. Results for the first quarter of 2010 include an $11 million ($0.07 per diluted share) after-tax gain on the sale of certain natural gas assets. As a result, income from continuing operations for the first quarter was $76 million, or $0.47 per diluted share. Earnings for the first quarter of 2009 were $157 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, on revenues of $470 million.

Results for the first quarter of 2009 include the effect of a $7 million after-tax ($12 million pre-tax) impairment charge related to the company’s lumber manufacturing business, which reduced net income by $0.04 per diluted share; and approximately $2 million after-tax ($3 million pre-tax) of severance costs, which reduced net income by $0.01 per share. The 2009 first quarter’s results benefited from the reversal of prior period tax expenses and a reduction in deferred tax liability. These changes resulted in a one-time tax benefit of approximately $8 million, or $0.05 per share.

Cash provided by operating activities for the first quarter totaled $129 million. The company ended the quarter with $304 million in cash and cash equivalents.

“Our first quarter results exceeded our expectations in each of our business lines,” said Rick Holley, president and chief executive officer. “Each segment reported improved performance relative to the same period of 2009 with the exception of our real estate segment. The first-quarter 2009 real estate results were particularly strong as the result of a $250 million conservation sale.

“We are encouraged by improving prices for lumber, structural panels, and pulp and paper products. This should lead to improving demand and prices for our timber as the economic recovery takes hold. Interest and activity in rural land markets have improved from the low levels we experienced in 2009; and the right-sizing of our manufacturing businesses has returned the segment to profitability. In addition, our debt reduction and cost management efforts have reduced interest costs and overhead expenses. We remain conservatively positioned as the pace and timing of the recovery remains uncertain; however, we expect each of our businesses to benefit as markets improve.”


Plum Creek Timber Company Reports Results

Page 2

 

Review of Operations

The Northern Resources segment reported operating profit of $4 million during the first quarter, a $2 million improvement compared to the first quarter of 2009. Lower costs and recovering sawlog markets improved profits compared to the year-ago period. Northern harvests were 1.15 million tons, similar to the harvest level of the first quarter of 2009. Northern sawlog prices continued to recover from the trough levels set during the first half of 2009. Average sawlog prices were $2 per ton, or about 4 percent, higher than the prices of the first quarter of 2009. Northern pulpwood prices have been stable at $38 per ton since the second quarter of 2009, but were down $5 per ton, or 11 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2009.

Operating profit in the Southern Resources segment was $30 million, compared to $20 million reported for the same period of 2009. Exceptionally strong pulpwood prices and higher sawlog harvest volumes helped to improve first quarter results. Pulpwood shortages were brought on by extremely wet winter weather in the region. As a result, southern pulpwood prices increased approximately $3 per ton, or 30 percent, to $13 per ton during the quarter and were $2 per ton higher than the first-quarter 2009 levels. The company responded to the strong demand for pulpwood, increasing its harvest above its initial plans. As a result, the pulpwood harvest was approximately 3 percent higher than the first quarter of 2009. Southern sawlog prices were influenced by the wet weather as well. Throughout the region, sawmills found it difficult to maintain adequate log inventories. Southern sawlog prices were up 10 percent from the fourth quarter of 2009, but were off slightly from first quarter 2009. As planned, the sawlog harvest increased 330,000 tons from its record-low 940,000 ton harvest during the first quarter of 2009.

The Real Estate segment reported revenue of $99 million and operating income of $62 million; below the results for the first quarter of 2009 when the company completed a $250 million sale of conservation lands in Montana. First quarter 2009 operating income was $170 million, of which $162 million was from the Montana sale.

The first quarter 2010 results include the sale of 24,000 acres of large, non-strategic timberlands located in the South for $32 million, or approximately $1,300 per acre. In addition, the company completed the sale of 35,000 acres of conservation lands located in Wisconsin and Arkansas for $19 million, or approximately $550 per acre. Small, non-strategic timberland sales of nearly 30,000 acres captured values of approximately $900 per acre while sales of 9,000 acres of recreation lands captured average values of more than $2,100 per acre. The 730 acres of development properties sold for approximately $3,100 per acre. Consistent with the experience of recent quarters, the lands sold during the quarter were concentrated in the lower-value Lake States and Gulf South regions.

The Manufacturing segment reported operating income of $4 million, up significantly from the $22 million operating loss reported during the first quarter of 2009. The first quarter 2009 loss included a $12 million pre-tax impairment charge of certain lumber manufacturing operations and $2 million of severance costs related to staff reductions in the segment. Operating results in each product line improved from the low levels of the first quarter of 2009. Plywood and medium density fiberboard sales volumes increased 27 percent and 4 percent, respectively, while average sales prices were approximately 3 percent lower for both products compared to the first quarter of 2009. Lumber results improved significantly over the past year, as the company’s right-sizing efforts returned the business to profitability.


Plum Creek Timber Company Reports Results

Page 3

 

Outlook

During the second quarter, Northern harvests are typically at their lowest level of the year as thawing spring weather restricts harvesting activities. Both sawlog and pulpwood harvests in the Northern Resources segment will be lower than the first quarter’s level and slightly lower than those during the second quarter of 2009. As a result of the seasonally low harvest levels, the company expects to report a modest operating loss during the quarter in the Northern Resources segment.

The Southern harvest is expected to be similar to the first quarter’s level.

Second quarter Real Estate segment sales are expected to be between $35 million and $40 million. As in years past, the segment’s results are expected to exhibit a seasonal pattern of higher activity and sales levels in the second half of the year. The company expects full-year Real Estate segment sales to be between $350 million and $370 million, including the $89 million third-phase of the Montana conservation sale which will close in December.

Manufacturing results are expected to improve further as higher prices and higher seasonal demand results in improved profitability.

Reflecting the better-than-expected first quarter results and the outlook for the remainder of the year, the company now expects 2010 income from continuing operations to be between $1.30 and $1.50 per share. The company anticipates second quarter income from continuing operations to be between $0.10 and $0.15 per share.

“During the economic downturn, and through a recovery, we continue to focus on our most important job: disciplined, effective capital allocation,” continued Holley. “We believe this is the most important tool we have for long-term shareholder value creation. Active portfolio management has reduced financial risk, reduced our cash obligations, and improved the productivity and long-term financial returns from our asset base. We will continue to manage our portfolio of timberlands, and the capital they generate to produce the best possible long-term value outcome for our shareholders.”

Earnings Conference Call and Supplemental Information

Plum Creek will hold a conference call today, April 26, at 5 p.m. EDT (2 p.m. PDT). A live webcast of the conference call may be accessed through Plum Creek’s Internet site at www.plumcreek.com by clicking on the “Investors” link.

Investors without internet access should dial 1-800-572-9852 at least 10 minutes prior to the start, 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 54543003.


Plum Creek Timber Company Reports Results

Page 4

 

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 approximately 7 million acres of timberlands in major timber producing regions of the United States and wood products manufacturing facilities in the Northwest. For more information, visit www.plumcreek.com.

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.


PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 31,
2010
    March 31,
2009
 
     (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)  

Revenues:

    

Timber

   $ 151      $ 139   

Real Estate

     99        268   

Manufacturing

     60        58   

Other

     7        5   
                

Total Revenues

     317        470   
                

Costs and Expenses:

    

Cost of Goods Sold:

    

Timber

     109        108   

Real Estate

     35        95   

Manufacturing

     54        76   

Other

     —          —     
                

Total Cost of Goods Sold

     198        279   

Selling, General and Administrative

     29        32   
                

Total Costs and Expenses

     227        311   
                

Other Operating Income (Expense), net

     5        —     
                

Operating Income

     95        159   

Equity Earnings from Timberland Venture

     14        15   

Interest Expense, net:

    

Interest Expense (Debt Obligations to Unrelated Parties)

     20        24   

Interest Expense (Note Payable to Timberland Venture)

     14        14   
                

Total Interest Expense, net

     34        38   

Gain on Extinguishment of Debt

     —          1   

Income before Income Taxes

     75        137   

Benefit for Income Taxes

     (1     (20
                

Income from Continuing Operations

     76        157   

Gain on Sale of Properties, net of tax

     11        —     
                

Net Income

   $ 87      $ 157   
                

Per Share Amounts:

    

Income from Continuing Operations - Basic

   $ 0.47      $ 0.95   

Income from Continuing Operations - Diluted

   $ 0.47      $ 0.95   

Net Income per Share - Basic

   $ 0.54      $ 0.95   

Net Income per Share - Diluted

   $ 0.54      $ 0.95   

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding

    

- Basic

     162.9        164.7   

- Diluted

     163.1        164.8   


PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

        March 31,    
2010
    December 31,
2009
 
    (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)  
ASSETS    

Current Assets:

   

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $ 304      $ 299   

Accounts Receivable

    32        24   

Taxes Receivable

    15        15   

Inventories

    49        46   

Deferred Tax Asset

    7        6   

Assets Held for Sale

    87        115   

Other Current Assets

    22        14   
               
    516        519   

Timber and Timberlands, net

    3,477        3,487   

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

    153        156   

Equity Investment in Timberland Venture

    187        201   

Deferred Tax Asset

    12        14   

Investment in Grantor Trusts (at Fair Value)

    33        33   

Other Assets

    36        38   
               

Total Assets

  $ 4,414      $ 4,448   
               
LIABILITIES    

Current Liabilities:

   

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

  $ 51      $ 55   

Accounts Payable

    35        32   

Interest Payable

    34        25   

Wages Payable

    9        20   

Taxes Payable

    13        14   

Deferred Revenue

    15        16   

Other Current Liabilities

    12        21   
               
    169        183   

Long-Term Debt

    1,577        1,625   

Line of Credit

    320        320   

Note Payable to Timberland Venture

    783        783   

Other Liabilities

    79        71   
               

Total Liabilities

    2,928        2,982   
               

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) - 162.9 at March 31, 2010, and 162.8 at December 31, 2009

    2        2   

Additional Paid-In Capital

    2,236        2,233   

Retained Earnings

    129        110   

Treasury Stock, at cost, Common Shares - 24.8 at March 31, 2010, and 24.8 at December 31, 2009

    (861     (860

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

    (20     (19
               

Total Stockholders’ Equity

    1,486        1,466   
               

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

  $ 4,414      $ 4,448   
               


PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 31,
2010
    March 31,
2009
 
     (In Millions)  

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

    

Net Income

   $ 87      $ 157   

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

    

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (includes $10 Lumber Impairment Loss in 2009)

     24        33   

Basis of Real Estate Sold

     32        89   

Equity Earnings from Timberland Venture

     (14     (15

Distributions from Timberland Venture

     28        25   

Deferred Income Taxes

     1        (17

Gain on Sales of Properties

     (11     —     

Deferred Revenue from Long-Term Gas Leases (Net of Amortization)

     8        (2

Working Capital Changes Impacting Cash Flow:

    

Like-Kind Exchange Funds

     —          45   

Other Working Capital Changes

     (32     (31

Other

     6        —     
                

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities

     129        284   
                

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

    

Capital Expenditures (Excluding Timberland Acquisitions)

     (13     (17

Proceeds from Sales of Properties

     11        —     
                

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

     (2     (17
                

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

    

Dividends

     (68     (69

Borrowings on Line of Credit

     568        225   

Repayments on Line of Credit

     (568     (245

Principal Payments and Retirement of Long-Term Debt

     (53     (105

Acquisition of Treasury Stock

     (1     (87
                

Net Cash Used In Financing Activities

     (122     (281
                

Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents

     5        (14

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

    

Beginning of Period

     299        369   
                

End of Period

   $ 304      $ 355