Kp Tissue, Inc.TSX: KPT

KP Tissue Releases its Financial Results and those of Kruger Products L.P. for the Fourth Quarter of 2013 and Full Year 2013 and Declares Quarterly Dividend

· Issued by Kp Tissue, Inc. via CNW

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 19, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - KP Tissue Inc. ("KPT") (TSX: KPT), which holds a limited partnership interest in Kruger Products L.P. ("KPLP"), releases the financial results for KPT and KPLP for the fourth quarter of 2013 and full year 2013. KPLP is Canada's leading manufacturer of quality tissue products for household and commercial use.

KP Tissue Inc. and Kruger Products L.P.
KPT was created to acquire, and its business is limited to holding, a limited partnership interest in KPLP. As of December 31, 2013, KPT held a 16.7% interest in KPLP, accounted for as an investment on the equity basis. The financial results presented for KPT represent its holding in KPLP during the fourth quarter of 2013 and during full year 2013. The following discussion and analysis, unless identified specifically as representing the financial results of only KPT, relates entirely to the financial results of KPLP. Accordingly, the results of KPLP apply to KPT only to the extent of its holding in KPLP.

On January 15, 2014, KPLP paid a distribution to its partners. Following the reinvestment by the partners of KPLP of a portion of such distribution pursuant to KPLP's distribution reinvestment plan, KPT held a 16.7% interest in KPLP.

KPLP Highlights

Q4 2013 Highlights

  • Continued to expand overall market share in Canada and maintained number one position
  • Revenue of $242.9 million in Q4 2013, the same as in Q4 2012
  • EBITDA of $28.3 million in Q4 2013 compared to $23.0 million in Q4 2012, an increase of 22.5 percent
  • TAD Project progressing well, EBITDA contribution of $4.1 million in Q4 2013

Full Year Highlights

  • Revenue of $955.3 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $922.9 million in fiscal 2012, an increase of 3.5 percent
  • EBITDA of $116.2 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $110.9 million in fiscal 2012, an increase of 4.8 percent
  • Net income of $48.9 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $41.4 million in fiscal 2012, an increase of 18.2 percent

"In 2013, we realized a number of achievements. First, we completed the extensive construction phase of our TAD Project in the U.S. on-time and on-budget, and then successfully began the ramp up of the manufacturing and sales of our TAD products. In addition, I'm pleased to report that we again strengthened our market share position and continued to be the leader in the Canadian tissue market. Finally, our EBITDA for the year reached $116.2 million, despite significantly higher commodity costs," said Mario Gosselin, CEO of KP Tissue and KPLP.

"Late in 2013, our business was impacted by extreme weather conditions. We also began to implement programs designed to offset the impact of higher pulp and energy costs, and considering the continued rise in pulp prices in year-to-date 2014, we will need to consider additional programs to offset the negative impact. In the current fiscal year, in addition to the TAD Project ramp-up, we will also turn our attention to other high return CAPEX projects.

"We are pleased to report that the TAD Project contributed positive EBITDA of $4.1 million in the fourth quarter. We continue to expect to achieve our TAD EBITDA target of $60 million by 2017, and in 2014 we anticipate TAD EBITDA in the $20 to $25 million range.

"We estimate that Q1 2014 EBITDA will be similar to slightly above Q1 2013 due to current market conditions, including higher input costs. Similar to 2013, we expect a sequential improvement in Q2 2014 results reflecting higher promotional activities during the second quarter," concluded Mr. Gosselin.

KPLP Q4 2013 Financial Results
Revenue in Q4 2013 was $242.9 million, the same as in Q4 2012, including the impact of 6 fewer days of sales in Q4 2013 compared to Q4 2012. An increase in Consumer segment revenue resulting from new business related to the TAD Project and the favourable impact of foreign exchange on U.S. based sales was offset by a decrease in AFH segment revenue.

Cost of sales in Q4 2013 were $173.1 million, compared to $172.4 million in Q4 2012. The impact of increases in commodity prices, particularly pulp fibre and natural gas, and the unfavourable impact of foreign exchange was partially offset by the impact of 6 fewer days of sales in Q4 2013 compared to Q4 2012. As a percentage of revenue, cost of sales increased to 71.2 percent in Q4 2013 from 71.0 percent in Q4 2012.

Operating expenses in Q4 2013 were $52.2 million, compared to $59.7 million in Q4 2012. Operating expenses decreased due to: the impact of 6 fewer days in Q4 2013 compared to Q4 2012; lower freight and selling expenses as a result of changes in sales mix; lower advertising and promotion expenses; a lower management fee in Q4 2013; and direct and incremental costs related to the TAD Project and reorganization expenses incurred in Q4 2012.

EBITDA in Q4 2013 was $28.3 million, compared to $23.0 million in Q4 2012 primarily due to the decrease in operating expenses. TAD Project EBITDA was $4.1 million in Q4 2013. EBITDA in Q4 2012 included $1.8 million of direct and incremental expenses without any corresponding revenue for the TAD Project.

Net income in Q4 2013 was $7.6 million, compared to $5.4 million in Q4 2012. Net income increased primarily due to higher EBITDA, partially offset by higher interest expense and a lower income tax credit in Q4 2013.

The cash balance as of December 31, 2013 was $87.7 million, compared to $87.8 million as of September 29, 2013. Cash from operating activities improved while additional cash was used in investing and financing activities.

KPLP Full Year Financial Results
Revenue was $955.3 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $922.9 million in fiscal 2012. The increase in revenue was primarily due to higher sales volumes in Canada and new business related to the TAD Project.

EBITDA was $116.2 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $110.9 million in fiscal 2012. The increase in EBITDA was primarily driven by the increase in revenue, offset somewhat by lower operating margins due to higher commodity costs and operating expenses.

Net income was $48.9 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $41.4 million in fiscal 2012. The increase in net income was primarily due to higher EBITDA, the income tax recovery and a net recovery related to restructuring activities, partially offset by increased interest and depreciation expenses.

KPT Highlights

Q4 2013 Highlights

  • Net loss of $0.8 million in Q4 2013
  • Loss per share of $0.08 in Q4 2013
  • Declared quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share, payable April 15, 2014

Full Year Highlights

  • Net loss of $0.3 million in Fiscal 2013
  • Loss per share of $0.03 in Fiscal 2013

KPT Q4 2013 Financial Results
Included in the net loss of $0.8 million in Q4 2013 was $1.3 million representing KPT's share of KPLP's profit. The profit was offset by depreciation expense of $1.7 million related to adjustments to carrying amounts on acquisition, and income tax expense of $0.4 million.

KPT Full Year Financial Results
Included in the net loss of $0.3 million in Fiscal 2013 was $8.2 million representing KPT's share of KPLP's profit. The profit was offset primarily by depreciation expense of $7.1 million related to adjustments to carrying amounts on acquisition, and income tax expense of $2.0 million.

KPLP Distribution
KPLP will pay a distribution of $0.18 per KPLP unit to its partners on or prior to April 15, 2014.

Dividends on Common Shares
The Board of Directors of KP Tissue Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share to be paid on April 15, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 31, 2014.

Conference Call Information
KPT will hold its fourth quarter conference call on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

Details of conference call:
Via telephone:  1-888-231-8191 or 647-427-7450
Via the internet at: www.kptissueinc.com

Presentation material referenced during the conference call will be available at www.kptissueinc.com.

Conference Call Rebroadcast
A rebroadcast of the conference call will be available until midnight, April 16, 2014 by dialing 1-855-859-2056 or 416-849-0833 and entering passcode 47011329.

The replay of the webcast will remain available on the web site until midnight, April 16, 2014.

About KP Tissue Inc.
KPT was created to acquire, and its business is limited to holding, a limited partnership interest in KPLP. For more information visit www.kptissueinc.com.

About Kruger Products L.P.
KPLP is Canada's leading manufacturer of quality tissue products for household, industrial and commercial use. KPLP serves the Canadian consumer market with such well-known brands as Cashmere®, Purex®, SpongeTowels®, Scotties®' and White Swan®. In the U.S., KPLP manufactures the White Cloud® brand, as well as many private label products. The Away-From-Home division manufactures and distributes high-quality, cost-effective product solutions to a wide range of commercial and public entities. KPLP has approximately 2,300 employees across North America and operates five FSC® CoC- certified mills (FSC® C104904), four of which are located in Canada and one in the US. For more information visit www.krugerproducts.ca.

Non-IFRS Measures
This press release uses certain non-IFRS financial measures and ratios which KPLP believes provide useful information to both management of KPLP and the readers of the financial information in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of KPLP. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. An example of such measures is EBITDA. EBITDA is not a measurement of operating performance computed in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as a substitute for operating income, net income or cash flows from operating activities computed in accordance with IFRS. "EBITDA" is calculated by KPLP as net income (loss) before (i) interest expense, (ii) income taxes, (iii) depreciation, (iv) amortization, (v) impairment of non-financial assets, (vi) loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, (vii) unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain), and (viii) one-time costs related to restructuring activities. A reconciliation of EBITDA to the relevant reported results can be found in the Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") of KPT and KPLP for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release about KPT's and KPLP's current and future plans, expectations and intentions, results, levels of activity, performance, goals or achievements or any other future events or developments constitute forward-looking statements. The words "may", "will", "would", "should", "could", "expects", "plans", "intends", "trends", "indications", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", "likely" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by KPT, including expectations and assumptions concerning the impact of the TAD Project on EBITDA. Although KPT believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information since no assurance can be given that such expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct.

Many factors could cause KPLP's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments (which could in turn affect the economic benefits derived from the Corporation's economic interest in KPLP) to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the following factors, which are discussed in greater detail in the "Risk Factors - Risks Related to KPLP's Business" section of the KPT Annual Information Form dated March 19, 2014 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com: Kruger Inc.'s influence over KPLP; KPLP's reliance on Kruger Inc.; consequences of an event of insolvency relating to Kruger Inc.; risks associated with the TAD Project; operational risks; Gatineau Plant land lease; significant increases in prices; reduction in supply of fibre; increased pricing pressure and intense competition; KPLP's inability to innovate effectively; adverse economic conditions; dependence on key retail trade customers; damage to the reputation of KPLP or KPLP's brands; KPLP's sales being less than anticipated; KPLP's failure to implement its business and operating strategies; KPLP's obligation to make regular capital expenditures; KPLP's entering into unsuccessful acquisitions; KPLP's dependence on key personnel; KPLP's inability to retain its existing customers or obtain new customers; KPLP's loss of key suppliers; KPLP's failure to adequately protect its intellectual property rights; KPLP's reliance on third party intellectual property licenses; adverse litigation and other claims affecting KPLP; material expenditures due to comprehensive environmental regulation affecting KPLP's cash flow; KPLP's pension obligations are significant and can be materially higher than predicted if KPLP Management's underlying assumptions are incorrect; labour disputes adversely affecting KPLP's cost structure and KPLP's ability to run its plants; exchange rate and U.S. competitors; KPLP's inability to service all of its indebtedness; exposure to potential consumer product liability, restrictive covenants; interest rate and refinancing risk; information technology and innovation; insurance; and internal controls.

Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements made herein. The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of press release and KPT undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws.

Kruger Products L.P.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(thousands of Canadian dollars)
       
  December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012
  $   $
Assets      
Current assets      
  Cash and cash equivalents 87,674   121,489
  Trade and other receivables 94,789   94,308
  Receivables from related parties 1,429   668
  Inventories 151,505   116,873
  Current portion of income tax recoverable 630   -
  Prepaid expenses 4,777   4,413
  340,804   337,751
Non-current assets      
  Property, plant & equipment 616,687   580,814
  Other long-term assets 10,268   6,236
  Income tax recoverable 14,132   3,443
  Goodwill 152,021   152,021
  Intangible assets 13,483   13,828
  Deferred income taxes 14,141   1,178
Total assets 1,161,536   1,095,271
       
Liabilities      
Current liabilities      
  Trade and other payables 188,470   186,309
  Payables to related parties 5,134   9,057
  Distributions payable 9,455   -
  Current portion of income tax payable -   571
  Current portion of provisions 999   3,719
  Current portion of long-term debt 8,276   3,802
  212,334   203,458
Non-current liabilities      
  Long-term debt 342,013   323,885
  Other long-term liabilities 323   544
  Provisions 6,615   5,506
  Pensions 80,380   148,989
  Post-retirement benefits 48,746   48,302
  Liabilities to non-unitholders 690,411   730,684
  Current portion of Partnership units liability 3,475   -
  Long-term portion of Partnership units liability 114,364   118,562
  Total Partnership units liability 117,839   118,562
Total liabilities 808,250   849,246
       
Equity      
  Partnership units 282,672   257,516
  Retained earnings (deficit) 50,945   (14,736)
  Accumulated other comprehensive income 19,669   3,245
Total equity 353,286   246,025
Total equity and liabilities 1,161,536   1,095,271
Kruger Products L.P.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(thousands of Canadian dollars)
                 
    Quarter ended   Year ended
    December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012
    $   $   $   $
                 
Revenue   242,944   242,903   955,346   922,874
                 
Expenses                
  Cost of sales   173,077   172,400   675,730   646,089
  Operating expenses   52,159   59,710   199,794   194,987
  Impairment (recovery) of non-financial assets   -   (1,292)   (1,789)   4,608
  Restructuring costs   1,372   791   1,372   9,391
                 
Operating income   16,336   11,294   80,239   67,799
                 
Interest expense   9,951   8,273   42,251   27,829
                 
Income before income taxes   6,385   3,021   37,988   39,970
                 
Income taxes   (1,287)   (2,380)   (10,940)   (1,428)
                 
Net income for the year   7,672   5,401   48,928   41,398
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)                
  Items that will not be reclassified to net income:                
  Remeasurement of pensions   13,341   13,170   55,619   (39,342)
  Remeasurement of post-retirement benefits   (910)   4,693   599   (102)
  Items that may be subsequently
reclassified to net income:
  -   -        
  Available-for-sale investment   (9)   -   69   -
  Cumulative translation adjustment   8,487   3,245   16,355   (3,969)
                 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) for the year   20,909   21,108   72,642   (43,413)
                 
Comprehensive income (loss) for the year   28,581   26,509   121,570   (2,015)
Kruger Products L.P.  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
(thousands of Canadian dollars)
               
  Quarter ended   Year ended
  December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012
  $   $   $   $
Cash flows from operating activities              
Net income for the year 7,672   5,401   48,928   41,398
Items not affecting cash              
  Depreciation 9,697   10,755   33,561   28,331
  Amortization 166   146   581   530
  Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets (1)   622   (5)   1,060
  Change in amortized cost of Partnership units liability (723)   -   (723)   -
  Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss 1,426   773   2,992   (777)
  Interest expense 9,951   8,273   42,251   27,829
  Pension and post retirement benefits 2,373   2,140   9,959   9,393
  Provisions 103   154   800   9,613
  Income taxes (1,287)   (2,380)   (10,940)   (1,428)
  Impairment (recovery) of non-financial assets -   (1,292)   (1,789)   4,608
  Total items not affecting cash 21,705   19,191   76,687   79,159
               
Net change in non-cash working capital 10,830   29,606   (34,271)   39,906
Contributions to pension and post-retirement benefit plans (8,401)   (7,569)   (30,369)   (29,707)
Provisions paid (832)   (2,336)   (2,841)   (7,245)
Income tax payments (556)   367   (2,675)   (360)
               
Net cash from operating activities 30,418   44,660   55,459   123,151
               
Cash flows used in investing activities              
Purchase of property, plant & equipment (8,711)   (6,157)   (20,265)   (17,652)
Purchases of through-air-dried (TAD) expansion (6,564)   (54,056)   (39,631)   (161,155)
Interest paid on credit facilities related to TAD -   (4,320)   -   (6,125)
Available-for-sale investment -   -   (836)   -
Government grants received -   -   1,078   -
Purchases of software (143)   (51)   (236)   (51)
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment 1   16   5   199
               
Net cash used in investing activities (15,417)   (64,568)   (59,885)   (184,784)
               
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities              
Proceeds from credit facilities -   51,830   10,813   145,957
Repayment of credit facilities (3,903)   (27,096)   (7,999)   (65,000)
Payment of deferred financing fees (29)   (26)   (641)   (26)
Transfer of assets to related parties -   2,000   -   (209)
Interest paid on credit facilities (6,495)   (3,290)   (27,676)   (17,720)
Settlement of interest rate swap -   -   -   (413)
Distributions paid (9,411)   (40,000)   (30,010)   (40,000)
Equity issuance costs -   (11,110)   (1,206)   (11,110)
Proceeds from issuing partnership units 4,082   140,000   26,362   140,000
               
Net cash from (used in) financing activities (15,756)   112,308   (30,357)   151,479
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
equivalents held in foreign currency
615   342   968   (154)
               
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents during the year
(140)   92,742   (33,815)   89,692
               
Cash and cash equivalents - Beginning of year 87,814   28,747   121,489   31,797
               
Cash and cash equivalents - End of year 87,674   121,489   87,674   121,489
Kruger Products L.P.
Segment and Geographic Results
(thousands of Canadian dollars)
               
               
  Quarter ended   Year ended
  December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012
  $   $   $   $
               
Segment Information              
               
Segment Revenue              
  Consumer 202,107   199,099   792,670   745,548
  AFH 38,698   41,708   154,304   156,632
  Other 2,139   2,096   8,372   20,694
               
Total segment revenue 242,944   242,903   955,346   922,874
               
Segment EBITDA              
  Consumer 27,226   24,664   110,342   113,716
  AFH 1,275   (1,757)   6,608   3,008
  Other (228)   182   (722)   (5,782)
               
Total segment EBITDA 28,273   23,089   116,228   110,942
               
Reconciliation to Net Income:              
               
Depreciation and amortization 9,863   10,901   34,142   28,861
Interest expense 9,951   8,273   42,251   27,829
Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets (1)   622   (5)   1,060
Change in amortized cost of Partnership units liability (723)   -   (723)   -
Restructuring costs 1,372   791   1,372   9,391
Impairment (recovery) of non-financial assets -   (1,292)   (1,789)   4,608
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) 1,426   773   2,992   (777)
               
Income before income taxes 6,385   3,021   37,988   39,970
               
Income taxes (1,287)   (2,380)   (10,940)   (1,428)
               
Net income for the period 7,672   5,401   48,928   41,398
               
               
Geographic Revenue              
               
Canada 172,234   176,903   688,173   662,952
U.S. 63,590   58,135   239,225   231,532
Mexico 7,120   7,865   27,948   28,390
               
Total Revenue 242,944   242,903   955,346   922,874
KP Tissue Inc.    
Statements of Financial Position    
(thousands of Canadian dollars)    
       
       
  December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012
  $   $
Assets      
       
Current assets      
  Distributions receivable 1,583   -
       
Non-current assets      
  Deferred income taxes -   105
  Investment in associate 161,584   139,499
       
Total Assets 163,167   139,604
       
Liabilities      
       
Current liabilities      
  Dividend payable 1,583   -
  Income taxes payable 580   -
  2,163   -
Non-current liabilities      
  Deferred income taxes 3,033   -
       
Total liabilities 5,196   -
       
Equity      
       
  Common shares 9,068   140,000
  Contributed surplus 144,819   -
  Retained earnings (deficit) 709   (583)
  Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,375   187
       
Total equity 157,971   139,604
       
Total liabilities and equity 163,167   139,604
KP Tissue Inc.
Statements of Comprenhensive Income (Loss)
(thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts)
               
               
  Quarter ended   Year ended
  December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012
  $   $   $   $
               
Equity income (384)   (989)   1,113   (989)
               
Gain on remeasurement of over allotment option -   -   375   -
Dilution gain 59   -   240   -
               
Income (loss) before income taxes (325)   (989)   1,728   (989)
               
Income taxes              
  Current (312)   -   580   -
  Deferred 696   (148)   1,433   (148)
               
  384   (148)   2,013   (148)
               
Net loss for the period (709)   (841)   (285)   (841)
               
Other comprehensive income              
  Items that will not be reclassified to net income:              
  Remeasurements of pensions 1,944   258   8,130   258
  Remeasurements of post-retirement benefits (133)   -   88   -
  Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net income: -            
  Available-for-sale investment 10   -   10   -
  Cumulative translation adjustment 2,028   187   3,178   187
               
Total other comprehensive income for the period 3,849   445   11,406   445
               
Comprehensive income (loss) for the period 3,140   (396)   11,121   (396)
               
Basic loss per share (0.08)   (0.11)   (0.03)   (0.11)
               
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 8,791,225   8,000,001   8,752,830   8,000,001
KP Tissue Inc.
Statements of Cash Flows
(thousands of Canadian dollars)
               
               
  Quarter ended   Year ended
  December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012
  $   $   $   $
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities              
Net loss for the period (709)   (841)   (285)   (841)
Items not affecting cash              
  Equity income 384   989   (1,113)   989
  Gain on remeasurement of over-allotment option -   -   (375)   -
  Dilution gain (59)   -   (240)   -
  Current income taxes (312)   -   580   -
  Deferred income taxes 696   (148)   1,433   (148)
               
Net cash from (used in) operating activities -   -   -   -
               
Cash flows used in investing activites              
Investment in associate (168)   (140,000)   (13,887)   (140,000)
Distribution received 1,581   -   5,058   -
               
Net cash used in investing activities 1,413   (140,000)   (8,829)   (140,000)
               
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities              
Issuance of common shares 168   140,000   13,887   140,000
Dividend paid (1,581)   -   (5,058)   -
               
Net cash from (used in) financing activities (1,413)   140,000   8,829   140,000
               
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the period -   -   -   -
               
Cash and cash equivalents - Beginning of period -   -   -   -
               
Cash and cash equivalents - End of period -   -   -   -

SOURCE Maison Brison - English

Wendy Kelley
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
KP Tissue Inc.
Tel.: 905.812.6936
wendy.kelley@krugerproducts.ca

INVESTORS: 
Mike Baldesarra
Director of Investor Relations
KP Tissue Inc.
Tel.: 905.812.6962
IR@KPTissueinc.com

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