{ "market" : {"NAME" : "U.S.", "ID" : "us_market", "TZ" : "ET", "TZOFFSET" : "-18000", "open" : "", "close" : "", "flags" : {"h" : "Thanksgiving Day"}} , "STREAMER_SERVER" : "http://streamerapi.finance.yahoo.com","arrowAsChangeSign" : false,"throttleInterval": "1000"}
prnewswire

Greif, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2009 Results

  • Press Release
  • Source: Greif, Inc.
  • On 4:17 pm EDT, Wednesday September 2, 2009

DELAWARE, Ohio, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

Related Quotes

SymbolPriceChange
GEF57.03+0.31
Chart for GREIF INC CL A
{"s" : "gef","k" : "c10,l10,p20,t10","o" : "","j" : ""}

  • Net sales decreased 31 percent (24 percent excluding the impact of foreign currency translation) to $717.6 million in the third quarter of 2009 from $1,034.1 million in the third quarter of 2008.

  • Net income before special items, as defined below, was $51.6 million ($0.88 per diluted Class A share) in the third quarter of 2009 compared to $69.5 million ($1.18 per diluted Class A share) in the third quarter of 2008. GAAP net income was $39.7 million ($0.68 per diluted Class A share) and $64.6 million ($1.10 per diluted Class A share) in the third quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF - News, GEF.B - News), a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, today announced results for its third fiscal quarter, which ended July 31, 2009.

Michael J. Gasser, chairman and chief executive officer, said, "Our third quarter 2009 results benefited from significant permanent cost reduction actions and gradually improving volumes, especially during the final month of the quarter. We expect to achieve savings of at least $150 million in fiscal 2009 due to Greif Business System (GBS) and accelerated GBS initiatives and specific contingency actions. We believe these factors will benefit our fourth quarter results and position us for a stronger performance in fiscal 2010."

Gasser continued, "We continue to execute our disciplined growth strategy. During the third quarter, we increased the Company's financial capacity and flexibility through the issuance of new 10-year Senior Notes. Two small tuck-in acquisitions were completed during the quarter and additional opportunities are being pursued to further strengthen Greif's product portfolio and global footprint."

Special Items and GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations

Special items are as follows: (i) for the third quarter of 2009, restructuring charges of $10.3 million ($10.7 million net of tax) and restructuring-related inventory charges of $0.8 million ($1.2 million net of tax); and (ii) for third quarter of 2008, restructuring charges of $6.6 million ($5.0 million net of tax) and gain on timberland disposals, net of $0.2 million ($0.1 million net of tax). Reconciliations of the differences between all non-GAAP financial measures used in this release with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the financial schedules that are a part of this release.

Consolidated Results

Net sales decreased 31 percent (24 percent excluding the impact of foreign currency translation) to $717.6 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared to a record $1,034.1 million in the third quarter of 2008. The $316.5 million decline was due to lower sales in Industrial Packaging ($258.2 million), Paper Packaging ($57.4 million) and Timber ($0.9 million). The 24 percent constant-currency decrease was due to lower sales volumes and lower selling prices due to the pass-through of lower raw material costs.

Operating profit before special items was $81.3 million for the third quarter of 2009 compared to $107.7 million for the third quarter of 2008. The lower operating results for Industrial Packaging ($23.6 million) and Paper Packaging ($5.1 million), as compared to the same period last year, were due to lower sales volumes and lower prices, significantly offset by cost reductions achieved under the previously announced incremental Greif Business System (GBS) and accelerated GBS initiatives and specific contingency actions. Timber operating profit improved by $2.3 million as a result of a single special use property sale in the third quarter of 2009. GAAP operating profit was $70.2 million and $101.3 million in the third quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Net income before special items was $51.6 million for the third quarter of 2009 compared to $69.5 million for the third quarter of 2008. Diluted earnings per share before special items were $0.88 compared to $1.18 per Class A share and $1.33 compared to $1.79 per Class B share for the third quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company had GAAP net income of $39.7 million, or $0.68 per diluted Class A share and $1.03 per diluted Class B share, in the third quarter of 2009 compared to GAAP net income of $64.6 million, or $1.10 per diluted Class A share and $1.67 per diluted Class B share, in the third quarter of 2008.

Business Group Results

Industrial Packaging net sales decreased 30 percent (22 percent excluding the impact of foreign currency translation) to $594.2 million in the third quarter of 2009 from $852.4 million in the third quarter of 2008 primarily due to lower sales volumes and lower selling prices. Operating profit before special items decreased to $69.3 million in the third quarter of 2009 from $92.9 million in the third quarter of 2008. The $23.6 million decrease was due to lower net sales, partially offset by lower raw material costs. Labor, transportation and energy costs were also lower as compared to the same quarter last year. This segment continues to benefit from GBS and specific contingency initiatives. GAAP operating profit was $58.5 million and $88.1 million in the third quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Paper Packaging net sales were $120.2 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared to $177.6 million in the third quarter of 2008. This decrease was primarily due to lower sales volumes and lower containerboard selling prices compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Operating profit before special items decreased to $7.7 million in the third quarter of 2009 from $12.8 million in the third quarter of 2008. The $5.1 million decrease was due to lower net sales, partially offset by lower raw material costs, especially for old corrugated containers. In addition, labor, transportation and energy costs were lower as compared to the same quarter of the previous year. This segment continues to benefit from GBS and specific contingency initiatives. GAAP operating profit was $7.4 million and $11.0 million in the third quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Timber net sales were $3.2 million and $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively. Operating profit before special items was $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared to $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2008. Included in these amounts were operating profits from the sale of special use properties (e.g., surplus, higher and better use, and development properties) of $3.9 million, including $3.5 million from a property sale, in the third quarter of 2009 and $0.9 million in the third quarter of 2008. GAAP operating profit was $4.3 million and $2.2 million in the third quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Senior Notes

In the third quarter of 2009, the Company issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 7-3/4 percent Senior Notes due 2019 in a Rule 144A and Regulation S offering. The net proceeds from the issuance of the new Senior Notes are to be used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of amounts outstanding under its revolving credit facility, without any permanent reduction to the commitments.

Other Financial Information

The Company's effective tax rate was 23.6 percent for the third quarter of 2009 compared to 23.3 percent for the same period last year. This was attributable to an increase in the proportion of earnings in the United States compared to earnings outside the United States, partially offset by alternative fuel credit benefits.

Capital expenditures were $27.9 million for the third quarter of 2009 compared with capital expenditures of $37.7 million, excluding timberland purchases of $0.2 million, for the third quarter of 2008. Fiscal 2009 capital expenditures, excluding timberland purchases, are expected to be in the range of $95 million to $100 million, which is below or in-line with anticipated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense for the year.

On Sept. 1, 2009, the Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.38 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.57 per share of Class B Common Stock. These dividends are payable on Oct. 1, 2009 to stockholders of record at close of business on Sept. 18, 2009.

Greif Business System (GBS) and Accelerated Initiatives

In December 2008, the Company announced specific plans to address the adverse impact to its businesses resulting from the sharp decline of the global economy, which began in the Company's fourth quarter of 2008. Management is aggressively implementing plans that include the following initiatives:

  • Operational Excellence and Global Sourcing initiatives, which are expected to produce savings of approximately $50 million during fiscal 2009.

  • Active portfolio management, further administrative excellence activities, a hiring and salary freeze, and curtailed discretionary spending. These actions are expected to result in an additional $100 million of savings during fiscal 2009.

The incremental GBS, accelerated GBS and contingency initiatives are ahead of their implementation schedule and are expected to capture at least $150 million in annual savings in fiscal 2009.

As a result of these initiatives, the Company expects to record restructuring charges of approximately $78 million during fiscal 2009. During the third quarter of 2009, the Company recorded $10.3 million of restructuring charges. The year-to-date restructuring and other cost reduction activities included the closure of 16 facilities and the elimination of more than 2,000 operating and administrative positions.

Company Outlook

The Company has implemented significant cost reduction plans during fiscal 2009 to mitigate the impact of lower volumes attributable to the global economic recession. Positive contributions have been achieved during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 and substantial cost savings are expected to be realized during the fourth quarter. Further cyclical improvements in sales volumes are also expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2009. Based on these factors, the Company's fiscal 2009 earnings guidance is in the range of $3.25 to $3.50 per Class A share.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call to discuss the third quarter of 2009 results on Sept. 3, 2009, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). To participate, domestic callers should call 877-485-3107 and ask for the Greif conference call. The number for international callers is +1 201-689-8427. Phone lines will open at 9:50 a.m. ET. The conference call will also be available through a live webcast, including slides, which can be accessed at www.greif.com. A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company's website in the investor center approximately one hour following the call.

About Greif

Greif is a world leader in industrial packaging products and services. The Company produces steel, plastic, fibre, corrugated and multiwall containers, packaging accessories and containerboard, and provides blending and packaging services for a wide range of industries. Greif also manages timber properties in North America. The Company is strategically positioned in more than 45 countries to serve global as well as regional customers. Additional information is on the Company's website at www.greif.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this news release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs, goals and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "believe," "continue," "on track" or "target" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All forward-looking statements made in this news release are based on information currently available to management. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements have a reasonable basis, the Company can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Such risks and uncertainties that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to: general economic and business conditions, including a prolonged or substantial economic downturn; the availability of the credit markets to our customers and suppliers, as well as the Company; changing trends and demands in the industries in which the Company competes, including industry over-capacity; industry competition; the continuing consolidation of the Company's customer base for its industrial packaging, containerboard and corrugated products; political instability in those foreign countries where the Company manufactures and sells its products; foreign currency fluctuations and devaluations; availability and costs of raw materials for the manufacture of the Company's products, particularly steel, resin and old corrugated containers; price fluctuations in energy costs; costs associated with litigation or claims against the Company pertaining to environmental, safety and health, product liability and other matters; work stoppages and other labor relations matters; property loss resulting from wars, acts of terrorism or natural disasters; the Company's ability to integrate its newly acquired operations effectively with its existing business; the Company's ability to achieve improved operating efficiencies and capabilities; the Company's ability to effectively embed and realize improvements from the Greif Business System; the frequency and volume of sales of the Company's timber, timberland and special use timberland; and the deviation of actual results from the estimates and/or assumptions used by the Company in the application of its significant accounting policies. These and other risks and uncertainties that could materially affect the Company's consolidated financial results are further discussed in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K for the year ended Oct. 31, 2008. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.


                          GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                     UNAUDITED
             (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)

                                      Three months ended Nine months ended
                                            July 31,           July 31,
                                      ------------------ -----------------
                                        2009      2008      2009      2008
                                        ----      ----      ----      ----

    Net sales                         $717.6  $1,034.1  $2,031.7  $2,798.4
    Cost of products sold              575.0     841.2   1,674.5   2,298.0
                                       -----     -----   -------   -------
      Gross profit                     142.6     192.9     357.2     500.4

    Selling, general and
     administrative expenses            67.4      88.1     191.5     252.0
    Restructuring charges               10.3       6.6      57.7      24.4
    Asset disposals, net                 5.3       3.1       9.8      53.0
                                         ---       ---       ---      ----
      Operating profit                  70.2     101.3     117.8     277.0

    Interest expense, net               12.1      13.1      37.7      38.2
    Debt extinguishment charges           --        --       0.8        --
    Other income (expense), net         (4.3)     (2.1)     (4.1)     (9.2)
                                         ---       ---       ---       ---
      Income before income tax expense
       and equity earnings and minority
       interests                        53.8      86.1      75.2     229.6

    Income tax expense                  12.7      20.1      19.7      53.5
    Equity earnings and minority
     interests                          (1.4)     (1.4)     (2.4)     (2.2)
                                         ---       ---       ---       ---

      Net income                       $39.7     $64.6     $53.1    $173.9
                                        ====      ====      ====     =====

    Basic earnings per share:
    Class A Common Stock               $0.68     $1.11     $0.92     $2.99
    Class B Common Stock               $1.03     $1.67     $1.37     $4.48

    Diluted earnings per share:
    Class A Common Stock               $0.68     $1.10     $0.92     $2.95
    Class B Common Stock               $1.03     $1.67     $1.37     $4.48

    Earnings per share were calculated
     using the following number of shares:

    Basic earnings per share:
    Class A Common Stock                24.4      24.0      24.3      23.9
    Class B Common Stock                22.5      22.7      22.5      22.9

    Diluted earnings per share:
    Class A Common Stock                24.7      24.5      24.6      24.4
    Class B Common Stock                22.5      22.7      22.5      22.9



                             GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
                               GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
                              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                         UNAUDITED
                      (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

                           Three months ended         Three months ended
                              July 31, 2009              July 31, 2008

                                     Diluted per               Diluted per
                                    share amounts             share amounts
                                  Class A  Class B          Class A  Class B

    GAAP - operating
     profit              $70.2                      $101.3
      Restructuring
       charges            10.3                         6.6
      Restructuring-
       related
       inventory
       charges             0.8                          --
      Timberland
       disposals, net       --                        (0.2)
                           ---                         ---
    Non-GAAP - operating
     profit before
     restructuring
     charges,
     restructuring-related
     inventory charges
     and timberland
     disposals, net      $81.3                      $107.7
                          ====                       =====

    GAAP - net income    $39.7      $0.68   $1.03    $64.6    $1.10    $1.67
    Restructuring
     charges, net of tax  10.7       0.18    0.27      5.0     0.08     0.12
    Restructuring-related
     inventory charges,
     net of tax            1.2       0.02    0.03       --       --       --
    Timberland disposals,
     net of tax             --         --      --     (0.1)      --       --
                           ---        ---     ---      ---      ---      ---
    Non-GAAP - net income
     before restructuring
     charges,
     restructuring-related
     inventory charges and
     timberland disposals,
     net                 $51.6      $0.88   $1.33    $69.5    $1.18    $1.79
                          ====       ====    ====     ====     ====     ====


                             Nine months ended           Nine months ended
                               July 31, 2009                July 31, 2008

                                    Diluted per                  Diluted per
                                   share amounts                share amounts
                                  Class A  Class B           Class A  Class B

    GAAP - operating
     profit             $117.8                      $277.0
      Restructuring
       charges            57.7                        24.4
      Restructuring-
       related inventory
       charges            10.1                          --
      Timberland
       disposals, net       --                        (0.3)
                           ---                         ---
    Non-GAAP - operating
     profit before
     restructuring charges,
     restructuring-related
     inventory charges and
     timberland disposals,
     net                $185.6                      $301.1
                         =====                       =====

    GAAP - net income    $53.1      $0.92   $1.37   $173.9    $2.95    $4.48
    Restructuring charges,
     net of tax           42.7       0.73    1.11     18.7     0.31     0.49
    Restructuring-related
     inventory charges,
     net of tax            7.5       0.13    0.19       --       --       --
    Debt extinguishment
     charges, net of tax   0.6       0.01    0.01       --       --       --
    Timberland disposals,
     net of tax             --         --      --     (0.3)      --    (0.01)
                           ---        ---     ---      ---      ---     ----
    Non-GAAP - net income
     before restructuring
     charges, restructuring-
     related inventory
     charges, debt
     extinguishment
     charges and
     timberland
     disposals, net     $103.9      $1.79   $2.68   $192.3    $3.26    $4.96
                         =====       ====    ====    =====     ====     ====



                                  GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
                                              SEGMENT DATA
                                               UNAUDITED
                                          (Dollars in millions)

                            Three months ended            Nine months ended
                                 July 31,                      July 31,
                                 --------                      --------
                            2009           2008           2009          2008
                            ----           ----           ----          ----

    Net sales
    Industrial Packaging  $594.2         $852.4       $1,650.8      $2,271.7
    Paper Packaging        120.2          177.6          368.6         509.8
    Timber                   3.2            4.1           12.3          16.9
                             ---            ---           ----          ----
         Total            $717.6       $1,034.1       $2,031.7      $2,798.4
                          ======       ========       ========      ========

    Operating profit
    Operating profit
     before restructuring
     charges,
     restructuring-related
     inventory charges and
     timberland disposals,
     net:
      Industrial Packaging $69.3          $92.9         $132.3        $235.3
      Paper Packaging        7.7           12.8           43.4          47.3
      Timber                 4.3            2.0            9.9          18.5
                             ---            ---            ---          ----
       Operating
        profit before
        restructuring
        charges,
        restructuring-
        related inventory
        charges and
        timberland
        disposals, net      81.3          107.7          185.6         301.1
                            ----          -----          -----         -----
    Restructuring charges:
      Industrial Packaging  10.0            4.8           54.8          21.0
      Paper Packaging        0.3            1.8            2.8           3.3
      Timber                  --             --            0.1           0.1
                             ---            ---            ---           ---
       Restructuring
        charges             10.3            6.6           57.7          24.4
                            ----            ---           ----          ----
    Restructuring-related
     inventory charges:
       Industrial Packaging  0.8             --           10.1            --
    Timberland disposals, net:
      Timber                  --            0.2             --           0.3
                             ---            ---            ---           ---
         Total             $70.2         $101.3         $117.8        $277.0
                           =====         ======         ======        ======

    Depreciation,
     depletion and
     amortization
     expense
    Industrial Packaging   $18.0          $18.4          $53.1         $54.5
    Paper Packaging          6.2            7.1           19.6          20.2
    Timber                   0.8            0.8            1.9           4.3
                             ---            ---            ---           ---
         Total             $25.0          $26.3          $74.6         $79.0
                           =====          =====          =====         =====



                            GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
                                       GEOGRAPHIC DATA
                                         UNAUDITED
                                    (Dollars in millions)

                             Three months ended           Nine months ended
                                  July 31,                     July 31,
                                  --------                     --------
                            2009           2008           2009           2008
                            ----           ----           ----           ----

    Net sales
    North America         $374.7         $530.3       $1,130.0       $1,456.1
    Europe, Middle
     East and Africa       233.5          365.2          608.2          972.3
    Other                  109.4          138.6          293.5          370.0
                           -----          -----          -----          -----
        Total             $717.6       $1,034.1       $2,031.7       $2,798.4
                          ======       ========       ========       ========

    Operating profit
    Operating profit
     before restructuring
     charges,
     restructuring-related
     inventory charges and
     timberland disposals,
     net:
    North America          $35.8          $47.4         $133.4         $128.2
    Europe, Middle
     East and Africa        35.6           46.1           49.0          102.4
    Other                    9.9           14.2            3.2           70.5
                             ---           ----            ---           ----
      Operating profit
       before restructuring
       charges and          81.3          107.7          185.6          301.1
       timberland
       disposals, net
    Restructuring
     charges                10.3            6.6           57.7           24.4
    Restructuring-related
     inventory charges       0.8             --           10.1             --
    Timberland disposals,
     net                      --            0.2             --            0.3
                             ---            ---            ---            ---
        Total              $70.2         $101.3         $117.8         $277.0
                           =====         ======         ======         ======



                                 GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
                                   GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
                                             SEGMENT DATA
                                              UNAUDITED
                                         (Dollars in millions)

                                 Three months ended     Nine months ended
                                      July 31,               July 31,
                                      --------               --------
                                  2009       2008       2009         2008
                                  ----       ----       ----         ----

    Industrial Packaging
    GAAP - operating profit      $58.5      $88.1      $67.4       $214.3
      Restructuring charges       10.0        4.8       54.8         21.0
      Restructuring-related
       inventory charges           0.8         --       10.1           --
                                   ---        ---       ----          ---
    Non-GAAP - operating profit
     before restructuring
     charges and
     restructuring-related
     inventory charges           $69.3      $92.9     $132.3       $235.3
                                 =====      =====     ======       ======

    Paper Packaging
    GAAP - operating profit       $7.4      $11.0      $40.6        $44.0
      Restructuring charges        0.3        1.8        2.8          3.3
                                   ---        ---        ---          ---
    Non-GAAP - operating profit
     before restructuring
     charges                      $7.7      $12.8      $43.4        $47.3
                                  ====      =====      =====        =====

    Timber
    GAAP - operating profit       $4.3       $2.2       $9.8        $18.7
      Restructuring charges         --         --        0.1          0.1
      Timberland disposals, net     --       (0.2)        --         (0.3)
                                   ---        ---        ---          ---
    Non-GAAP - operating profit
     before restructuring
     charges and timberland
     disposals, net               $4.3       $2.0       $9.9        $18.5
                                  ====       ====       ====        =====



                          GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
                          CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                        UNAUDITED
                                  (Dollars in millions)

                                            July 31, 2009   October 31, 2008
                                            -------------   ----------------

    ASSETS

    CURRENT ASSETS
    Cash and cash equivalents                   $85.7               $77.6
    Trade accounts receivable                   326.2               392.5
    Inventories                                 220.7               304.0
    Other current assets                        156.0               148.5
                                                -----               -----
                                                788.6               922.6
                                                -----               -----

    LONG-TERM ASSETS
    Goodwill                                    545.2               513.0
    Intangible assets                           104.5               104.4
    Assets held by special purpose entities      50.9                50.9
    Other long-term assets                      105.6                88.6
                                                -----                ----
                                                806.2               756.9
                                                -----               -----

    PROPERTIES, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT          1,075.4             1,066.4
                                              -------             -------

                                             $2,670.2            $2,745.9
                                             ========            ========

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

    CURRENT LIABILITIES
    Accounts payable                           $243.9              $384.6
    Short-term borrowings                        48.0                44.3
    Other current liabilities                   193.8               242.9
                                                -----               -----
                                                485.7               671.8
                                                -----               -----

    LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    Long-term debt                              784.1               673.2
    Liabilities held by special purpose
     entities                                    43.2                43.3
    Other long-term liabilities                 328.4               298.1
                                                -----               -----
                                              1,155.7             1,014.6
                                              -------             -------

    MINORITY INTEREST                             6.1                 3.7
                                                  ---                 ---

    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                      1,022.7             1,055.8
                                              -------             -------

                                             $2,670.2            $2,745.9
                                             ========            ========

Sponsored Links

Copyright © 2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PRNewswire content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of PRNewswire. PRNewswire shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.