Tembec reports financial results for its third quarter ended June 29, 2013

MONTREAL, Aug. 1, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Consolidated sales for the three-month period ended June 29, 2013, were $399 million, as compared to $415 million in the same quarter a year ago. The Company generated a net loss of $4 million or $0.04 per share in the June 2013 quarter compared to a net loss of $5 million or $0.05 per share in the June 2012 quarter. Operating earnings before depreciation, amortization and other items (adjusted EBITDA) was $30 million for the three-month period ended June 29, 2013, as compared to adjusted EBITDA of $27 million a year ago and adjusted EBITDA of $24 million in the prior quarter.

Business Segment Results

The Specialty Cellulose Pulp segment generated adjusted EBITDA of $19 million on sales of $120 million for the quarter ended June 29, 2013, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $14 million on sales of $120 million in the prior quarter. Demand for specialty grades was flat while US and euro prices were relatively unchanged quarter-over-quarter. However, with the Canadian dollar weakening by 1.4% versus the US dollar, Canadian dollar equivalent pricing increased by $9 per tonne. While viscose grade pricing improved, this market remains oversupplied and prices remain relatively low. Overall, pricing was favourable, improving adjusted EBITDA by $1 million. Mill manufacturing costs were unchanged quarter-over-quarter. The current quarter cost of sales was reduced by $1 million due to a favourable net realizable value increase on the carrying values of viscose grade finished goods inventories. This is the opposite of the prior quarter when cost of sales had absorbed a charge of $1 million related to the net realizable value of viscose grade inventories. Higher profitability in Chemicals increased adjusted EBITDA by $1 million.

The Forest Products segment generated adjusted EBITDA of $7 million on sales of $110 million for the quarter ended June 29, 2013, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $7 million on sales of $104 million in the prior quarter. Sales increased by $6 million due to higher lumber shipments. Market conditions were strong at the beginning of the quarter, but declined in May and June. US $ reference prices for random lumber decreased by US $48 per mbf while stud lumber increased by US $12 per mbf. This is a seasonally stronger period for stud lumber as the impact of the housing construction season is more pronounced on this grade of lumber. Currency was favourable as the Canadian dollar weakened versus the US dollar. The net effect decreased sales and adjusted EBITDA by $1 million or $4 per mbf. Lumber shipments were equal to 83% of capacity versus 76% in the prior quarter. Sawmill costs decreased by $2 million. The summer months are seasonally higher productivity and lower cost periods.

The Paper Pulp segment generated adjusted EBITDA of $3 million on sales of $106 million for the quarter ended June 2013, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $4 million on sales of $122 million in the prior quarter. The $16 million decrease in sales was due to lower shipments of Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) pulp, partially offset by higher shipments of high-yield pulp. In May 2013, the Company completed the sale of its remaining NBSK mill located in Skookumchuck, BC. During the most recent quarter, the mill generated sales of $23 million and adjusted EBITDA of $3 million. In the prior quarter, the mill had generated sales of $50 million and adjusted EBITDA of $6 million. Market conditions for paper pulp remained relatively weak although demand was stable. The benchmark price (delivered China) for NBSK increased by US $22 per tonne while reference prices for bleached eucalyptus kraft (BEK) increased by US $28 per tonne. Currency was also positive as the Canadian dollar weakened versus the US dollar. Overall, average paper pulp prices increased by $29 per tonne, improving adjusted EBITDA by $5 million. Paper pulp shipments were equal to 98% of capacity, unchanged from the prior quarter. Manufacturing costs increased by $3 million, primarily for energy at the NBSK mill and chemicals at the two high-yield pulp mills. Adjusted EBITDA was also negatively impacted by $4 million due to a volume variance associated with lower shipments of NBSK pulp.

The Paper segment generated adjusted EBITDA of $6 million on sales of $86 million for the quarter ended June 2013, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $5 million on sales of $87 million in the prior quarter. Lower newsprint shipments led to the $1 million decrease in sales. In terms of markets, coated bleached board improved slightly. The newsprint market weakened due to continued lower North American demand combined with the restart of previously idled capacity. The US $ reference prices for coated bleached board increased by US $33 per short ton while the US $ reference price for newsprint declined by US $8 per tonne. The weaker Canadian dollar was a positive. The net effect was a small increase in average coated bleached board price, increasing adjusted EBITDA by $1 million. Coated bleached board shipments were equal to 102% of capacity as compared to 97% in the prior quarter. The shipment to capacity percentage for newsprint was 91%, compared to 99% in the prior quarter. Manufacturing costs were relatively unchanged quarter-over-quarter with lower energy costs offset by higher fiber and freight costs.

Outlook

Overall, the June 2013 quarterly results were in line with expectations. The sharp decline in lumber prices was offset by a weaker than forecast Canadian dollar. While the Company had anticipated a price correction in lumber, the US $100 per thousand board feet decline between April and June was larger than expected. The very high prices in March and April led to increased supply at a time when none was required. Pricing has recently stabilized and some modest improvement is expected in the coming quarters, supported by a continued gradual recovery in United States new home construction. Specialty Cellulose Pulp segment results continue to be negatively impacted by a relatively high percentage of viscose grade shipments. While pricing for specialty grades remained stable, demand has been softer than anticipated. We continue to assess the market with our customers and are adjusting our production plans accordingly. We anticipate that it will be one or two quarters before we see an increase in demand for specialty grades. Market conditions for viscose grade pulp remained weak. The latter market is currently under pressure as new capacity is exceeding demand growth. The Company will continue to maintain a relatively modest exposure of 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes per year to the viscose market. The Paper Pulp segment had positive results, but the market remains relatively soft with no clear direction. While we have seen the implementation of small increment price increases, we expect new capacity will cause this market to remain challenging. Paper segment results were unchanged despite declining newsprint prices. Recently restarted newsprint capacity combined with continued declining North American demand have had a predictable effect on prices. The Company continues with its capital expenditure program, with a strong emphasis on its two specialty cellulose mills. The cornerstone of the program is the high-pressure boiler and turbine currently under construction at the Temiscaming, Quebec, site. The project will materially improve the mill's cost structure and margins. A total of $113 million has been spent on the Temiscaming specialty cellulose project to the end of the June 2013 quarter. During the quarter, the Company closed the sale of the Skookumchuck, BC, NBSK pulp mill for cash proceeds of $97 million. This represents a milestone in the ongoing transformation plan as the Company no longer owns or operates a chemical grade paper pulp facility.

Tembec is a manufacturer of forest products - lumber, pulp, paper and specialty cellulose - and a global leader in sustainable forest management practices. Principal operations are in Canada and France. With annual sales of approximately $2 billion, Tembec has 3,700 employees and is listed on the TSX (TMB). The full quarterly report, including the interim Management Discussion and Analysis, the interim financial statements and the accompanying notes for the quarter ended June 29, 2013, can be obtained on Tembec's website at www.tembec.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of securities laws.  Such statements relate, without limitation, to the Company's or management's objectives, projections, estimates, expectations or predictions of the future and can be identified by words such as "may", "will", "could", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect" and "project", the negative or variations thereof, and expressions of similar nature.  Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience, information available to it and its perception of future developments. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in foreign exchange rates, product selling prices, raw material and operating costs and other factors identified in the Company's periodic filings with securities regulatory authorities. Many of these risks are beyond the control of the Company and, therefore, may cause actual actions or results to materially differ from those expressed or implied herein. The forward-looking statements contained herein reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities legislation.

TEMBEC INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited) (in millions of Canadian dollars)
		June 29, 2013	Sept. 29, 2012
ASSETS
Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$ 94	$ 87
	Restricted cash	-	5
	Trade and other receivables	153	200
	Inventories (note 3)	238	255
	Prepaid expenses	8	7
		493	554
Property, plant and equipment (note 4)		462	485
Biological assets		4	4
Other long-term receivables		11	12
Deferred tax assets		2	4
		$ 972	$ 1,059
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
	Operating bank loans (note 5)	$ 57	$ 68
	Trade, other payables and accrued charges	185	230
	Interest payable	2	10
	Income tax payable	5	3
	Provisions (note 7)	6	3
	Current portion of long-term debt (note 6)	16	16
		271	330
Long-term debt (note 6)		365	323
Provisions (note 7)		12	17
Employee future benefits		152	285
Other long-term liabilities		2	2
		802	957
Shareholders' equity:
	Share capital (note 8)	567	564
	Deficit	(400)	(453)
	Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss)	3	(9)
		170	102
		$ 972	$ 1,059

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

 

TEMBEC INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS (LOSS)
Quarters and nine months ended June 29, 2013 and June 23, 2012 (unaudited) (in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted)
		Quarters		Nine months
		2013	2012	2013	2012
Sales		$ 399	$ 415	$ 1,182	$ 1,223
Freight and other deductions		54	59	158	169
Lumber export taxes		1	1	2	6
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)		296	311	892	953
Selling, general and administrative		18	18	56	54
Share-based compensation (note 8)		-	(1)	1	-
Depreciation and amortization		9	11	29	33
Other items (note 9)		4	2	28	(1)
Operating earnings		17	14	16	9
Interest, foreign exchange and other		6	7	19	27
Exchange loss on long-term debt		11	8	21	-
Net finance costs (note 10)		17	15	40	27
Loss before income taxes		-	(1)	(24)	(18)
Income tax expense (note 11)		4	4	16	17
Net loss		$ (4)	$ (5)	$ (40)	$ (35)
Basic and diluted net loss in dollars per share (note 8)		$ (0.04)	$ (0.05)	$ (0.40)	$ (0.35)
TEMBEC INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS)
Quarters and nine months ended June 29, 2013 and June 23, 2012 (unaudited) (in millions of Canadian dollars)
		Quarters		Nine months
		2013	2012	2013	2012
Net loss		$ (4)	$ (5)	$ (40)	$ (35)
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of income taxes:
	Defined benefit pension plans and other benefit plans (note 12)	30	-	93	-
	Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations	8	(5)	12	(10)
Total comprehensive earnings (loss)		$ 34	$ (10)	$ 65	$ (45)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

TEMBEC INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Quarters ended June 29, 2013 and June 23, 2012 (unaudited) (in millions of Canadian dollars)
			Quarter ended June 29, 2013
		Share capital	Translation of foreign operations	Deficit	Shareholders' equity
Balance - beginning of period, March 30, 2013		$ 567	$ (5)	$ (426)	$ 136
Net loss for the period		-	-	(4)	(4)
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of income taxes:
	Defined benefit pension plans and other benefit plans (note 12)	-	-	30	30
	Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations	-	8	-	8
Issue of warrants (note 8)		-	-	-	-
Balance - end of period, June 29, 2013		$ 567	$ 3	$ (400)	$ 170
			Quarter ended June 23, 2012
		Share capital	Translation of foreign operations	Deficit	Shareholders' equity
Balance - beginning of period, March 24, 2012		$ 564	$ (3)	$ (363)	$ 198
Net loss for the period		-	-	(5)	(5)
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of income taxes:
	Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations	-	(5)	-	(5)
Balance - end of period, June 23, 2012		$ 564	$ (8)	$ (368)	$ 188
Nine months ended June 29, 2013 and June 23, 2012 (unaudited) (in millions of Canadian dollars)
			Nine months ended June 29, 2013
		Share capital	Translation of foreign operations	Deficit	Shareholders' equity
Balance - beginning of year, September 29, 2012		$ 564	$ (9)	$ (453)	$ 102
Net loss for the period		-	-	(40)	(40)
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of income taxes:
	Defined benefit pension plans and other benefit plans (note 12)	-	-	93	93
	Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations	-	12	-	12
Issue of warrants (note 8)		3	-	-	3
Balance - end of period, June 29, 2013		$ 567	$ 3	$ (400)	$ 170
			Nine months ended June 23, 2012
		Share capital	Translation of foreign operations	Deficit	Shareholders' equity
Balance - beginning of year, September 24, 2011		$ 564	$ 2	$ (333)	$ 233
Net loss for the period		-	-	(35)	(35)
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of income taxes:
	Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations	-	(10)	-	(10)
Balance - end of period, June 23, 2012		$ 564	$ (8)	$ (368)	$ 188

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

TEMBEC INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Quarters and nine months ended June 29, 2013 and June 23, 2012 (unaudited) (in millions of Canadian dollars)
			Quarters		Nine months
			2013	2012	2013	2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net loss		$ (4)	$ (5)	$ (40)	$ (35)
	Adjustments for:
		Depreciation and amortization	9	11	29	33
		Net finance costs (note 10)	17	15	40	27
		Income tax expense (note 11)	4	4	16	17
		Income tax paid	(5)	(3)	(13)	(13)
		Excess cash contributions over employee future benefits expense	(8)	(6)	(25)	(23)
		Provisions	-	-	-	9
		Impairment loss (note 9)	-	-	22	17
		Loss (gain) on sale of assets (note 9)	2	-	-	(28)
		Other	1	-	(3)	(2)
			16	16	26	2
Changes in non-cash working capital:
	Trade and other receivables		19	(1)	23	(21)
	Inventories		34	20	3	(49)
	Prepaid expenses		4	(1)	(1)	(4)
	Trade, other payables and accrued charges		(36)	(15)	(34)	(17)
			21	3	(9)	(91)
			37	19	17	(89)
Cash flows from investing activities:
	Disbursements for property, plant and equipment		(31)	(24)	(93)	(75)
	Proceeds from sale of net assets (note 9)		97	1	99	84
	Other		1	3	2	6
			67	(20)	8	15
Cash flows from financing activities:
	Change in operating bank loans		(29)	(1)	(11)	62
	Change in restricted cash		1	6	5	4
	Increase in long-term debt		4	-	28	55
	Repayments of long-term debt		(3)	(6)	(5)	(9)
	Interest paid		(19)	(18)	(38)	(33)
	Other		-	1	-	-
			(46)	(18)	(21)	79
			58	(19)	4	5
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currencies			2	(1)	3	(4)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			60	(20)	7	1
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			34	120	87	99
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period			$ 94	$ 100	$ 94	$ 100

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

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TEMBEC INC.
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

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Quarters and nine months ended June 29, 2013 and June 23, 2012
(unaudited) (in millions of Canadian dollars)

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The Company operates an integrated forest products business, which is managed in four segments. During the December 2012 quarter, the Company reorganized its internal reporting structure. The High-Yield Pulp segment was renamed the Paper Pulp segment and now includes the chemical pulp mill that was previously part of the Specialty Cellulose and Chemical Pulp segment. The latter was then renamed the Specialty Cellulose Pulp segment. The Forest Products and the Paper segments were unaffected by the organizational changes. The segments are:

• The Forest Products segment consists primarily of forest and sawmills operations, which produce lumber and building materials.
• The Specialty Cellulose Pulp segment consists primarily of manufacturing and marketing activities of specialty cellulose including the transformation and sale of resins and pulp by-products. A significant portion of chemical products sales are related to by-products generated by the two specialty cellulose pulp mills.
• The Paper Pulp segment includes the manufacturing and marketing activities of high-yield pulps and chemical pulps.
• The Paper segment consists primarily of production and sales of coated bleached board and newsprint.

Intersegment transfers of wood chips, pulp and other services are recorded at transfer prices agreed to by the parties, which are intended to approximate fair market value. The basis of presentation and the accounting policies used in these business segments are the same as those described in note 2 and 3 of the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 29, 2012. Comparative prior period segment information has been restated to conform with the new segment presentation.

The performance of each segment is evaluated by management of the Company against short-term and long-term financial objectives as well as environmental, safety and other key criteria. The financial performance is measured based on earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other specific or non-recurring items (adjusted EBITDA). This measure is included in the internal reports that are reviewed by senior management. Segment adjusted EBITDA is used to measure performance as management believes that such information is the most relevant in evaluating financial results relative to other entities that operate within similar businesses. Net finance costs and income tax are not allocated to operating segments.

Quarters ended June 29, 2013 and June 23, 2012 (unaudited) (in millions of Canadian dollars)
				Quarter ended June 29, 2013
		Forest Products	Specialty Cellulose Pulp	Paper Pulp	Paper	Corporate	Consolidation adjustments	Consolidated
Sales:
	External	$ 95	$ 120	$ 98	$ 86	$  -	$  -	$ 399
	Internal	15	-	8	-	2	(25)	-
		110	120	106	86	2	(25)	399
Freight and other deductions		10	11	20	13	-	-	54
Lumber export taxes		1	-	-	-	-	-	1
Cost of sales		89	85	81	65	1	(25)	296
Selling, general and administrative		3	5	2	2	6	-	18
Share-based compensation		-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Earnings (loss) before the following (adjusted EBITDA):		7	19	3	6	(5)	-	30
	Depreciation and amortization	2	4	3	-	-	-	9
	Other items (note 9)	-	-	2	-	2	-	4
Operating earnings (loss)		$ 5	$ 15	$ (2)	$ 6	$ (7)	$  -	$ 17
Additions to property, plant and equipment		$ 1	$ 24	$ 2	$ 3	$  -	$  -	$ 30
Total assets		$ 159	$ 468	$ 148	$ 119	$ 78	$  -	$ 972
Total liabilities		$ 57	$ 210	$ 41	$ 123	$ 371	$  -	$ 802
				Quarter ended June 23, 2012
		Forest Products	Specialty Cellulose Pulp	Paper Pulp	Paper	Corporate	Consolidation adjustments	Consolidated
Sales:
	External	$ 72	$ 124	$ 133	$ 86	$  -	$  -	$ 415
	Internal	14	-	11	-	4	(29)	-
		86	124	144	86	4	(29)	415
Freight and other deductions		8	11	29	11	-	-	59
Lumber export taxes		1	-	-	-	-	-	1
Cost of sales		76	91	106	63	4	(29)	311
Selling, general and administrative		3	5	3	3	4	-	18
Share-based compensation		-	-	-	-	(1)	-	(1)
Earnings (loss) before the following (adjusted EBITDA):		(2)	17	6	9	(3)	-	27
	Depreciation and amortization	2	3	6	-	-	-	11
	Other items (note 9)	-	-	-	-	2	-	2
Operating earnings (loss)		$ (4)	$ 14	$  -	$ 9	$ (5)	$  -	$ 14
Additions to property, plant and equipment		$  -	$ 22	$  -	$ 1	$ 1	$  -	$ 24
Total assets		$ 209	$ 369	$ 359	$ 120	$ 32	$  -	$ 1,089
Total liabilities		$ 61	$ 172	$ 69	$ 128	$ 471	$  -	$ 901
Nine months ended June 29, 2013 and June 23, 2012 (unaudited) (in millions of Canadian dollars)
				Nine months ended June 29, 2013
		Forest Products	Specialty Cellulose Pulp	Paper Pulp	Paper	Corporate	Consolidation adjustments	Consolidated
Sales:
	External	$ 266	$ 343	$ 322	$ 251	$ -	$ -	$ 1,182
	Internal	49	-	23	-	8	(80)	-
		315	343	345	251	8	(80)	1,182
Freight and other deductions		29	27	67	35	-	-	158
Lumber export taxes		2	-	-	-	-	-	2
Cost of sales		259	250	265	191	7	(80)	892
Selling, general and administrative		9	15	6	8	18	-	56
Share-based compensation		-	-	-	-	1	-	1
Earnings (loss) before the following (adjusted EBITDA):		16	51	7	17	(18)	-	73
	Depreciation and amortization	6	10	11	2	-	-	29
	Other items (note 9)	-	-	24	-	4	-	28
Operating earnings (loss)		$ 10	$ 41	$ (28)	$ 15	$ (22)	$ -	$ 16
Additions to property, plant and equipment		$ 3	$ 72	$ 8	$ 6	$ 1	$ -	$ 90
Total assets		$ 159	$ 468	$ 148	$ 119	$ 78	$ -	$ 972
Total liabilities		$ 57	$ 210	$ 41	$ 123	$ 371	$ -	$ 802
				Nine months ended June 23, 2012
		Forest Products	Specialty Cellulose Pulp	Paper Pulp	Paper	Corporate	Consolidation adjustments	Consolidated
Sales:
	External	$ 258	$ 380	$ 335	$ 250	$ -	$  -	$ 1,223
	Internal	66	-	32	-	8	(106)	-
		324	380	367	250	8	(106)	1,223
Freight and other deductions		32	30	74	33	-	-	169
Lumber export taxes		6	-	-	-	-	-	6
Cost of sales		299	266	301	185	8	(106)	953
Selling, general and administrative		11	14	6	9	14	-	54
Share-based compensation		-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Earnings (loss) before the following (adjusted EBITDA):		(24)	70	(14)	23	(14)	-	41
	Depreciation and amortization	8	7	17	1	-	-	33
	Other items (note 9)	(22)	-	-	-	21	-	(1)
Operating earnings (loss)		$ (10)	$ 63	$ (31)	$ 22	$ (35)	$ -	$ 9
Additions to property, plant and equipment		$ 8	$ 53	$ 8	$ 5	$ 1	$ -	$ 75
Total assets		$ 209	$ 369	$ 359	$ 120	$ 32	$ -	$ 1,089
Total liabilities		$ 61	$ 172	$ 69	$ 128	$ 471	$ -	$ 901

 

 

SOURCE: Tembec

Investor Contact:  
Michel J. Dumas
Executive Vice President, Finance and CFO
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

Media Contact: 
Linda Coates
Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs
Tel.: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]