SFK Pulp announces 2009 4th quarter and year-end results as well as its plan
to convert into a corporation
FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
-------------------------
- EBITDA(1) of $0.4 million (which includes a one-time $1.4 million
restructuring cost) compared to $6.2 million in the fourth quarter of
2008
- Planned maintenance outage in December at our Saint-Félicien Mill
extended for additional work on the recovery boiler
- Net loss of $15.7 million, or $0.18 per unit, versus net earnings of
$4 million, or $0.04 per unit for the fourth quarter of 2008
- SFK Pulp was allocated a $20.9 million credit from the Pulp and Paper
Green Transformation Program of the Canadian federal government
- SFK Pulp was selected pursuant to a call for tenders issued by
Hydro-Québec for the purchase of power co-generated by biomass
YEAR-END HIGHLIGHTS
-------------------
- EBITDA(1) of negative $11.9 million, down $58.9 million from 2008
- Cost reduction initiatives surpassed target by approximately 20%
- 148,000 tonnes of pulp market-related downtime in 2009
- Net loss amounted to $79.2 million in 2009, compared to net earnings of
$17.1 million in 2008TSX: SFK.UN
</pre>
<p/>
<p>LONGUEUIL, QC, <span class="xn-chron">Feb. 24</span> /CNW Telbec/ - SFK Pulp Fund (TSX: SFK.UN) today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended <span class="xn-chron">December 31, 2009</span>. Fourth quarter sales totalled <span class="xn-money">$115.7 million</span>, compared with <span class="xn-money">$125.1 million</span> for the fourth quarter of 2008, while earnings before amortization, financial charges and income taxes (EBITDA)(1) amounted to <span class="xn-money">$0.4 million</span> compared to <span class="xn-money">$6.2 million</span> for the corresponding quarter of 2008. The net loss for the quarter totalled <span class="xn-money">$15.7 million</span>, compared with net earnings of <span class="xn-money">$4.0 million</span> for the fourth quarter of 2008.</p>
<p>For the year ended <span class="xn-chron">December 31, 2009</span>, sales were <span class="xn-money">$389.3 million</span>, down from <span class="xn-money">$532.0 million</span> a year ago. EBITDA was negative <span class="xn-money">$11.9 million</span>, compared with <span class="xn-money">$47 million</span> positive in 2008. Net loss totalled <span class="xn-money">$79.2 million</span>, compared with net earnings of <span class="xn-money">$17.1 million</span> in 2008.</p>
<p/>
<pre>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of Canadian Three months ended Year ended
dollars except per Unit December 31 December 31
amounts) (unaudited) (audited)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ $ $ $
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales 115,729 125,132 389,299 532,033
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA(1) 359 6,192 (11,889) 47,001
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net (loss) earnings (15,744) 3,964 (79,169) 17,120
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net (loss) earnings per
Unit (basic) (0.18) 0.04 (0.88) 0.19
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
</pre>
<p/>
<p>Commenting on the fourth quarter results, <span class="xn-person">Pierre Gabriel</span> Côté, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "Despite the scheduled maintenance outage and the additional repairs required on the boiler at the Saint-Félicien Mill as well as the one-time restructuring cost, we completed the fourth quarter with a positive EBITDA. We wish to thank our employees for their contribution in this achievement. Pulp demand returned to normal production levels, therefore no market-related downtime was taken at any of our Mills during the fourth quarter. Economic and pulp market indicators have significantly shifted, leading us to believe that the bottom of the economic downturn is now behind us."</p>
<p/>
<pre>
OPERATING RESULTS
-----------------
</pre>
<p/>
<p>FOURTH QUARTER 2009</p>
<p/>
<p>Consolidated sales declined to <span class="xn-money">$115.7 million</span> in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with sales of <span class="xn-money">$125.1 million</span> in the fourth quarter of 2008. The <span class="xn-money">$9.4 million</span> reduction in sales is attributable to lower RBK pulp sales at the Fairmont and Menominee Mills for <span class="xn-money">$18.6 million</span>, which were partially offset by an increase of NBSK pulp sales at the Saint-Félicien Mill by <span class="xn-money">$9.2 million</span>. The decrease in RBK pulp sales is mainly due to lower sales prices, partly offset by a higher sales volume. The increase in NBSK pulp sales is mainly attributable to a higher sales volume, partly offset by lower sales prices.</p>
<p>In the fourth quarter of 2009, SFK Pulp recorded EBITDA of <span class="xn-money">$0.4 million</span> and a net loss of <span class="xn-money">$15.7 million</span>, or <span class="xn-money">$0.18</span> per unit. This compares with EBITDA of <span class="xn-money">$6.2 million</span> and net earnings of <span class="xn-money">$4.0 million</span>, or <span class="xn-money">$0.04</span> per unit, in the fourth quarter of 2008.</p>
<p/>
<p>Distributions</p>
<p/>
<p>In <span class="xn-chron">January 2009</span>, the Board suspended distributions and does not expect to reinstate such distributions in the foreseeable future.</p>
<p/>
<p>2009 YEAR-END</p>
<p/>
<p>For the year ended <span class="xn-chron">December 31, 2009</span>, total sales reached <span class="xn-money">$389.3 million</span>, a decrease of <span class="xn-money">$142.7 million</span> when compared to sales of <span class="xn-money">$532.0 million</span> in 2008. This decrease is attributable to lower sales volume and prices in both RBK and NBSK segments, partially offset by a favourable exchange rate.</p>
<p>For the year 2009, market-related downtimes have resulted in approximately 71,000 tonnes of NBSK pulp and approximately 77,000 tonnes of RBK pulp removed from production. Management remained focused on proactively balancing inventory levels with the order book.</p>
<p>EBITDA amounted to negative <span class="xn-money">$11.9 million</span> in 2009, compared to <span class="xn-money">$47.0 million</span> in 2008. The <span class="xn-money">$58.9 million</span> decrease in EBITDA is mainly due to lower sales volume and prices in both RBK and NBSK segments, partially offset by a favourable exchange rate and lower input costs in the RBK segment, mainly wastepaper and energy.</p>
<p>The net loss was <span class="xn-money">$79.2 million</span>, or <span class="xn-money">$0.88</span> per unit (basic and diluted) compared with net earnings of <span class="xn-money">$17.1 million</span>, or <span class="xn-money">$0.19</span> per unit (basic and diluted), in 2008. This <span class="xn-money">$96.3 million</span> reduction is mainly attributable to lower EBITDA, higher financial charges, losses on derivative instruments and foreign currency translation in 2009 compared to gains in 2008, as well as a non-cash future income tax recovery of <span class="xn-money">$12.6 million</span> recorded in 2008 as a result of changes in the estimated temporary differences expected to reverse in or after 2011.</p>
<p>A special cost reduction program was successfully implemented throughout 2009. The program accounted for three phases with emphasis on margins, variable costs, sales, general and administrative costs (SG&A), liquidity optimization, fixed costs and labour costs. At the end of 2009, phases I and II of the cost reduction program surpassed targets to achieve results of 122% and 117%, respectively. The third phase was implemented in the early part of December and focused on reducing labour costs by 10%.</p>
<p>"2009 was a transition year. We have made several significant changes in 2009 and we strongly believe that we now have all fundamental ingredients necessary to maximize the effect of our strategy and therefore position SFK Pulp to favourably benefit from market opportunities," added the President and Chief Executive Officer, <span class="xn-person">Pierre Gabriel</span> Côté, on the year-end results.</p>
<p/>
<pre>
SEGMENT REVIEW
--------------
</pre>
<p/>
<p>NBSK Pulp</p>
<p/>
<p>Fourth quarter sales were <span class="xn-money">$59.4 million</span>, compared with <span class="xn-money">$50.2 million</span> for the same period of 2008, an increase of <span class="xn-money">$9.2 million</span>, or 18.3%. The NBSK pulp sales volume reached 82,397 tonnes, 17,502 tonnes higher than in the corresponding quarter of 2008 mainly due to customers' market-related downtime taken in 2008. EBITDA for NBSK pulp operations was <span class="xn-money">$0.9 million</span>, compared to negative <span class="xn-money">$3.5 million</span> in 2008.</p>
<p>NBSK market pulp prices (for pulp delivered in Northern <span class="xn-location">Europe</span>) increased by US$89 per tonne, or 13%, on average compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. However, the year-over-year increase in the value of the Canadian currency versus the US dollar combined with an unfavourable market mix resulted in an average sales price of <span class="xn-money">$721</span> in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with <span class="xn-money">$773</span> in the fourth quarter of 2008.</p>
<p>For the year ended <span class="xn-chron">December 31, 2009</span>, sales totalled <span class="xn-money">$206.1 million</span>, down <span class="xn-money">$45.3 million</span> or 18%, compared with <span class="xn-money">$251.4 million</span> for the corresponding period of 2008. The decrease in sales is mainly attributable to lower selling prices and an unfavourable market mix for <span class="xn-money">$50.6 million</span> as well as a lower sales volume for <span class="xn-money">$8.1 million</span>, partly offset by a favourable exchange rate for <span class="xn-money">$13.4 million</span>.</p>
<p>In 2009, 21% of our sales of NBSK pulp were realized in <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>, 49% in the <span class="xn-location">United States</span>, 26% in <span class="xn-location">Europe</span> and 4% in other regions. Over the same period last year, these percentages were 21%, 56%, 19% and 4%, respectively.</p>
<p>On a per tonne basis, cost of sales increased by 0.5% when compared to 2008. The increase results mainly from a restructuring charge taken in December of 2009, higher fibre costs and lower production, partly offset by lower chemical and energy costs.</p>
<p/>
<p>RBK Pulp</p>
<p/>
<p>For the fourth quarter, the RBK pulp segment recorded sales of <span class="xn-money">$56.3 million</span>, compared with <span class="xn-money">$74.9 million</span> for the corresponding quarter of 2008. The RBK sales volume reached 90,589 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2009, an increase of 5.2% compared to a sales volume of 86,073 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2008. The increase in the RBK pulp sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2009 is mainly due to a major equipment failure that occurred at the Fairmont Mill in <span class="xn-chron">October 2008</span>.</p>
<p>For the year ended <span class="xn-chron">December 31, 2009</span>, sales totalled <span class="xn-money">$183.2 million</span>, compared with <span class="xn-money">$280.7 million</span> for 2008. This <span class="xn-money">$97.5 million</span> reduction in sales is attributable to lower sales prices and an unfavourable market mix for <span class="xn-money">$58.1 million</span> as well as a lower sales volume for <span class="xn-money">$51.3 million</span>, partly offset by a favourable exchange rate for <span class="xn-money">$11.9 million</span>.</p>
<p>In 2009, 80% of our sales of RBK pulp were realized in the <span class="xn-location">United States</span>, 12% in <span class="xn-location">Europe</span> and 8% in other regions. Over the same period last year, these percentages were 90%, 7% and 3%, respectively.</p>
<p>On a per tonne basis, cost of sales decreased by 20% when compared to 2008. The reduction is mainly due to lower wastepaper and energy costs in 2009 when compared with 2008.</p>
<p/>
<pre>
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
-------------------
</pre>
<p/>
<p>Power Supply Agreement</p>
<p/>
<p>On <span class="xn-chron">February 12, 2010</span>, SFK Pulp concluded a 15-year electrical power supply agreement with Hydro-Québec pursuant to which SFK Pulp will sell to Hydro-Québec Distribution, starting on or about <span class="xn-chron">December 1, 2012</span>, 9.5 MW of electrical power co-generated by biomass. With this project, which is subject to obtaining all required approvals, the Saint-Félicien Mill will be increasing its green energy production capacity from 33 to 42.5 megawatts, or nearly 30%. In order to fulfill its obligations under this contract, the Saint-Félicien Mill will be adding a third turbo generator group to its existing co-generation plant.</p>
<p/>
<p>Green Transformation Program</p>
<p/>
<p>On <span class="xn-chron">October 9, 2009</span>, the Canadian federal government announced the allocation of credits from the Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program (the "Program", which was originally announced on <span class="xn-chron">June 17</span>, 2009). The Program is designed as a reimbursement of funds to be spent on qualifying energy and environmental capital projects. Credits may be used until the Program end date of <span class="xn-chron">March 31, 2012</span>. SFK Pulp was allocated a <span class="xn-money">$20.9 million</span> credit from this Program, and will be submitting the turbo generator project of its Saint-Félicien Mill for Program approval.</p>
<p/>
<p>Conversion to a corporate structure</p>
<p/>
<p>SFK Pulp has initiated and intends to complete its conversion to a corporation before the end of the second quarter of 2010, subject to approval of SFK Pulp's Unitholders at the next annual and special meeting of SFK Pulp to be held on <span class="xn-chron">May 19, 2010</span>. It is contemplated that the conversion will be undertaken pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement under the <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> Business Corporations Act (the "Conversion"). Pursuant to the Conversion, Unitholders will receive one common share of the new corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SFK Pulp, on a one-for-one basis. All members of the Board of Directors and senior officers of SFK Pulp are expected to continue serving as the directors and officers of the new corporation.</p>
<p>SFK Pulp's distributions have been suspended since <span class="xn-chron">January 2009</span>. Following conversion into a corporation, the Board of Directors does not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future as it will want to maintain flexibility for investment and improve its balance sheet.</p>
<p/>
<pre>
OUTLOOK
-------
</pre>
<p/>
<p>"Continuously improving economic and pulp market conditions in NBSK, supported by a strong demand from <span class="xn-location">China</span> and declining world pulp inventories, created a firm demand and, therefore, have allowed for significant price increases since the beginning of the third quarter of 2009 and continuing into the first quarter of 2010. Current pricing is equivalent to the pre-crisis levels of the third quarter of 2008.</p>
<p>Unlike NBSK pulp, the RBK pulp price increases are currently being offset by increasing wastepaper costs.</p>
<p>We have successfully implemented a cost reduction program in 2009 which significantly surpassed expected targets. Although part of these savings was a result of lower prices for raw materials, an important portion is due to reduced consumption as well as improved efficiency and productivity that will continue to benefit future results. Management plans to pursue and maintain a strong focus on reducing costs and improving margins and efficiencies. In addition, the wood chip market in Québec appears to be showing signs of downward pressure on prices.</p>
<p>SFK Pulp's Revolving Facility is maturing in <span class="xn-chron">October 2010</span>, therefore refinancing activities are currently underway. Management believes the refinancing will provide an opportunity to implement a credit facility that will appropriately respond to the needs of its business.</p>
<p>The outlook for 2010 includes significant projects such as the conversion to a corporation, the refinancing and the beginning of the construction of a third cogeneration facility at the Saint-Félicien Mill, all of which will better position our company for long-term growth," concluded <span class="xn-person">Pierre Gabriel</span> Côté, President and Chief Executive Officer.</p>
<p/>
<p>CONFERENCE CALL</p>
<p/>
<p>SFK Pulp will hold a conference call on <span class="xn-chron">Thursday, February 25th, 2010</span> at <span class="xn-chron">10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time</span>), to discuss its results. President and Chief Executive Officer, <span class="xn-person">Pierre Gabriel</span> Côté, and Patsie Ducharme, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will host the conference call followed by a question-and-answer session to discuss earnings. To participate in the conference call, investment professionals and business media may dial 647-427-7450 (for all <span class="xn-location">Toronto</span> and overseas participants) or 1-888-231-8191, access code 57523220# (for all other North American calls). Participants not able to listen to the live call can access a replay of the archived call by calling 1-800-642-1687, access code 57523220#. The replay will be available until <span class="xn-chron">11:59 PM</span> on <span class="xn-chron">Thursday, March 4, 2010</span>.</p>
<p/>
<p>ABOUT SFK PULP</p>
<p/>
<p>SFK Pulp (TSX: SFK.UN), a leader in the production and distribution of high-quality virgin and recycled kraft pulp, operates three mills located in Saint-Félicien, Québec, Fairmont, West Virginia, and in Menominee, Michigan. The SFK Pulp workforce totals a little over 500 employees. The company's annual production capacity reaches 745,000 metric tons. The Saint-Félicien mill provides northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (product known as NBSK pulp) to various sectors of the paper industry in <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>, the <span class="xn-location">United States</span> and <span class="xn-location">Europe</span>, for use in the production of specialized products. The Fairmont and Menominee mills manufacture air-dried recycled bleached kraft pulp (product known as RBK pulp) and primarily supply manufacturers of fine uncoated paper, household paper for commercial and industrial uses, and coated paper in the <span class="xn-location">United States</span>.</p>
<p/>
<p>FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS</p>
<p/>
<p>Certain statements in this press release and in SFK Pulp's Management's Discussion and Analysis including, but not limited to, expected wood fibre costs, expected collection of receivables, expected capital expenditures, estimated sufficiency of fibre deliveries, expected sufficiency of cash flows to fund operating needs and capital expenditures and to meet contractual obligations, recoverability of capital assets and other statements that are not historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" which reflect the intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs of SFK Pulp's management ("Management") regarding SFK Pulp's future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. In certain instances, these statements require Management to make assumptions and there is significant risk that these assumptions may not be correct. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, as they relate to SFK Pulp or Management, often identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect Management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to Management. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors outside Management's control. A number of factors could cause actual results of SFK Pulp to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: risks associated with pulp prices and sales volume, exchange rate fluctuations, wood fibre or wastepaper supply and costs at the mills, cost and supply of raw materials (including chemicals), competition, dependence upon key customers, increased production capacity in the market, equipment failure, disruptions of production, capital requirements, absence of guarantee of cash distributions and other factors referenced in SFK Pulp's MD&A for the year ended <span class="xn-chron">December 31, 2009</span> and in SFK Pulp's continuous disclosure filings. Although the forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon what Management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Management cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Certain assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein and in SFK Pulp's MD&A for the year ended <span class="xn-chron">December 31, 2009</span> include assumptions to the effect that future cash flows will be sufficient to cover capital expenditures, no extraordinary event will require increased capital expenditures, wood fibre, bark and wastepaper deliveries to SFK Pulp will be sufficient to fulfill the mills' requirements, wood fibre, bark and wastepaper costs will not increase materially, pulp prices, pulp demand and exchange rates will not significantly deteriorate, future cash flows will be sufficient to cover operating needs contemplated and contractual obligations, SFK Pulp will generate positive distributable cash, operation costs will not increase materially, and interest expenses and production outputs will remain stable. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by applicable securities laws, Management assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. These statements do not reflect the potential impact of any special items or of any business combination or other transaction that may be announced or that may occur after the date hereof. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.</p>
<p/>
<p>Note to readers: Complete audited consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion & Analysis are available on SFK Pulp's website at <a href="http://www.sfk.ca">www.sfk.ca</a></p>
<p/>
<p>Attached: Summary of Results</p>
<p/>
<p/>
<p>SFK Pulp - Financial Highlights - Fourth quarter and year ended <span class="xn-chron">December 31, 2009</span></p>
<p/>
<pre>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of Canadian Three months ended Year ended
dollars, except per Unit December 31 December 31
amounts) (unaudited) (audited)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ $ $ $
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales 115,729 125,132 389,299 532,033
Cost of sales 99,590 104,309 346,019 429,404
Delivery costs 11,426 9,855 35,910 38,759
Selling and administrative
expenses 4,354 4,776 19,259 16,869
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EBITDA(1) 359 6,192 (11,889) 47,001
Amortization 10,089 10,300 40,695 39,585
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Operating (loss) profit (9,730) (4,108) (52,584) 7,416
Financial charges 4,767 4,243 17,804 15,114
(Loss) gain on derivative
instruments (168) 149 (1,190) 1,351
(Loss) gain on disposal of
capital assets (105) 14 (313) (4)
(Loss) gain on foreign
currency translation (985) 8,537 (8,279) 12,026
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Recovery of income taxes(2) (11) (3,615) (1,001) (11,445)
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Net (loss) earnings (15,744) 3,964 (79,169) 17,120
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net (loss) earnings per Unit
Basic (0.18) 0.04 (0.88) 0.19
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of Canadian Three months ended Year ended
dollars, except per Unit December 31 December 31
amounts) (unaudited) (unaudited)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ $ $ $
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from (used in)
operating activities 3,453 225 (2,205) 14,166
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less:
Capital expenditures -
cash 817 4,322 5,433 17,497
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standardized distributable
cash 2,636 (4,097) (7,638) (3,331)
Less adjustments to
standardized distributable
cash:
Changes in non-cash
working capital items 7,965 (9,036) 28,211 (30,281)
Capital expenditures
accruals 189 (399) (1,079) (809)
Amortization of deferred
financing fees 287 287 1,550 1,058
Deferred financing fees - - 1,909 -
Employee future benefits (326) 58 535 142
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted distributable
cash(3) (5,479) 5,263 (38,764) 26,559
Distributions declared - 2,714 - 10,857
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Shortfall) excess over
adjusted distributable cash (5,479) 2,549 (38,764) 15,702
Reserve for distributions at
the beginning of the
period(4) (3,636) 27,100 29,649 13,947
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reserve for distributions at
the end of the period(4) (9,115) 29,649 (9,115) 29,649
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Unit amount
- Standardized distributable
cash 0.03 (0.05) (0.08) (0.04)
- Adjusted distributable
cash (0.06) 0.06 (0.43) 0.29
- Distributions declared - 0.03 - 0.12
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of Canadian Three months ended Year ended
dollars except per Unit December 31, 2009 December 31, 2009
amounts) (unaudited) (audited)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Per Unit Total Per Unit
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions declared - - - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of Canadian Three months ended Year ended
dollars except per Unit December 31, 2008 December 31, 2008
amounts) (unaudited) (audited)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Per Unit Total Per Unit
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions declared $2,714 $0.03 $10,857 $0.12
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(1) Earnings before amortization, financial charges and income taxes, and
effective with this release, also before other non-operating income
and expense such as gain or loss on derivative instruments, disposal
of capital assets and foreign currency translation ("EBITDA") is not
a recognized measure under Canadian GAAP and is unaudited. Management
believes that this measure is useful supplemental information as it
provides investors with an indication of cash available for
distribution prior to debt service, capital expenditures and income
taxes. Investors should be cautioned however that this information
should not be confused with or used as an alternative for net
earnings determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of SFK
Pulp's performance or cash flows from operating, investing and
financing activities as a measure of liquidity and cash flows. SFK
Pulp's method for calculating this information may differ from that
used by other issuers and, accordingly, this information may not be
comparable to measures used by other issuers. EBITDA shown herein
represents earnings before amortization, financial charges, other
non-operating income and expense as well as income taxes in the
Financial Statements.
(2) In 2007, a non-cash income tax expense of $12.6 million (or $0.14 per
Unit) was recorded following the adoption of the federal legislation
to implement a tax on distributions paid by publicly traded income
trusts in Canada. In 2008, this non-cash income tax expense of
$12.6 million (or $0.09 per diluted Unit) was reversed as a result of
changes in the estimated temporary differences expected to reverse in
or after 2011.
(3) "Adjusted distributable cash" is standardized distributable cash
adjusted by Management for changes in non-cash working capital items,
capital expenditures accruals, amortization of deferred financing
fees and employee future benefits. Adjusted distributable cash is a
non-GAAP measure generally used by Canadian open-ended trusts as an
indicator of the issuer's ability to generate cash that could be used
for distributions to Unitholders and it should not be seen as a
measure of cash flows or a substitute for comparable metrics prepared
in accordance with GAAP. SFK Pulp's adjusted distributable cash may
differ from similar calculations as reported by other similar
entities and accordingly may not be comparable to adjusted
distributable cash as reported by such entities. Management believes
that SFK Pulp's adjusted distributable cash calculated from cash
flows from operations is the most appropriate measure to help readers
evaluate the ability of SFK Pulp to generate cash that could be used
for distributions.
(4) SFK Pulp's reserve is a financial indicator comprised of working
capital and cash, established to protect SFK Pulp's long standing
commitment to capital investment, including its major maintenance
program, provide for scheduled debt reimbursement and reduce the
impact of negative fluctuations in future cash flows.
For further information: Investors and Analysts: Patsie Ducharme, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, SFK Pulp, (450) 442-8884; Media and others: Dany Paradis, Vice President, Change Management and Public Affairs, SFK Pulp, (450) 442-8882
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