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Exhibit 99.1

 

  LOGO
 

Potlatch Corporation

601 W. First Ave., Suite 1600

Spokane, WA 99201

509.835.1500

www.potlatchcorp.com

News Release

For immediate release:

 

Contact:

  (Investors)   (Media)    
  Eric Cremers   Mark Benson    
  509.835.1521   509.835.1513    

Potlatch Reports First Quarter 2011 Results

SPOKANE, Wash — April 26, 2011 — Potlatch Corporation (NASDAQ:PCH) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011.

“The year is off to a good start in each of our business segments” said Michael Covey, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Potlatch Corporation. “Favorable logging conditions in Idaho allowed our Resource segment to roll forward some of our planned harvest for the year, in order to capture better than anticipated pricing. Our Wood Products segment benefitted from relatively strong lumber prices in January and February, though prices have recently softened. Our Real Estate segment had another solid quarter, completing the first of three phases of a non-strategic and rural real estate land sales transaction in Idaho along with a continued steady flow of other HBU and rural recreational land sales,” concluded Mr. Covey.

Q1 2011 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

 

 

Total consolidated revenues increased 16 percent from $105.4 million in Q1 2010 to $122.2 million in Q1 2011.

 

 

Net earnings for the quarter were $7.7 million, or $0.19 per diluted common share, compared to $1.2 million, or $0.03 per diluted common share for Q1 2010.

 

   

Q1 2010 earnings included a $3.0 million after-tax charge, or $0.07 per share, related to health care reform legislation passed in Q1 2010.

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $20.2 million for Q1 2011 compared to $11.9 million for Q1 2010.


Q1 2011 BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

Resource

Resource segment revenues increased 15 percent from $44.8 million in Q1 2010 to $51.6 million in Q1 2011. Operating income for the segment was $14.1 million, compared to $12.8 million in Q4 2010 and $9.9 million in Q1 2010. Q1 2010 results include Wisconsin operations which were sold in the second half of 2010.

Northern Region

 

 

Total fee harvest volume for Q1 2011 increased 10 percent over Q4 2010 and 6 percent over Q1 2010.

 

 

Sawlog volume increased 1 percent in Q1 2011 over Q4 2010, primarily as a result of favorable Q1 2011 logging conditions in Idaho that allowed the company to modestly accelerate harvest levels to capture stronger pricing opportunities for mixed sawlogs. Sawlog prices decreased 2 percent sequentially, primarily due to an unfavorable cedar product mix in Q1 2011.

 

 

Sawlog volume and pricing increased 12 percent and 16 percent, respectively, in Q1 2011 over Q1 2010. Volumes were higher due to improved customer demand as well as favorable logging conditions in Idaho in Q1 2011 versus Q1 2010, while prices were higher due to stronger customer demand, primarily in Idaho.

 

 

Pulpwood volume increased 36 percent in Q1 2011 over Q4 2010, while overall sales prices remained level. As is typical, the first quarter is Minnesota’s highest volume production quarter due to seasonal factors.

 

 

Pulpwood volume decreased 14 percent comparing Q1 2011 to Q1 2010, primarily due to the inclusion of Wisconsin harvests in the Q1 2010 results. Excluding the impact of the Wisconsin harvest in Q1 2010, pulpwood harvest volume increased 13 percent. Pulpwood prices increased 4 percent in Q1 2011 versus Q1 2010, primarily due to increased customer demand in both Minnesota and Idaho.

Southern Region

 

 

Total fee harvest volume decreased 9 percent in Q1 2011 from Q4 2010 and increased 4 percent over Q1 2010.


 

Sawlog volume and pricing decreased 9 percent and 2 percent, respectively, in Q1 2011 from Q4 2010, primarily due to weaker demand. Log inventories were relatively high due to the extremely dry weather in the South which resulted in favorable logging conditions.

 

 

Sawlog volume and pricing increased 4 percent and 1 percent, respectively, in Q1 2011 compared to Q1 2010, primarily due to a slight improvement in demand.

 

 

Pulpwood volume and pricing decreased 10 percent and 5 percent, respectively, in Q1 2011 from Q4 2010, primarily due to weaker demand as a result of full customer inventories.

 

 

Pulpwood volume increased 4 percent in Q1 2011 over Q1 2010, primarily due to the favorable logging conditions mentioned above, while sales prices decreased 10 percent due to extremely wet weather in the 2010 period that affected logging and resulted in relatively high prices in Q1 2010.

Real Estate

Real Estate segment revenues increased from $3.4 million in Q1 2010 to $13.0 million in Q1 2011. Operating income for the segment was $8.4 million in Q1 2011 compared to $13.6 million in Q4 2010 and $1.9 million in Q1 2010. The first phase of a non-strategic and rural real estate sale in Idaho occurred during Q1 2011. This phase of the sale was 5,907 acres resulting in revenue from the sale of $9.0 million. The Q4 2010 results include the sale of 47,702 acres of non-strategic land in Wisconsin and Arkansas. There continues to be steady demand for our real estate, as we closed a total of 30 rural recreational, HBU and non-strategic timberland transactions in Q1 2011.

Wood Products

Wood Products segment revenues increased 1 percent from $67.8 million in Q1 2010 to $68.5 million in Q1 2011. The segment reported operating income of $2.9 million in Q1 2011 compared to an operating loss of $3.4 million in Q4 2010 and operating income of $5.2 million in Q1 2010. Higher sales prices in Q1 2011 and a negative mark to market adjustment related to lumber hedges in Q4 2010 were the primary factors of the improved operating results between Q1 2011 and Q4 2010. Higher log costs in Idaho and the Lake States in Q1 2011 were the primary reason for the decrease in operating income from Q1 2010.

 

 

Lumber sales prices in Q1 2011 increased 9 percent and 1 percent over Q4 2010 and Q1 2010, respectively.

 

 

Lumber shipments in Q1 2011 decreased 1 percent and 2 percent from Q4 2010 and Q1 2010, respectively.


 

In Q1 2011, the segment recorded a $0.6 million benefit from a lumber hedge entered into in October 2010, compared to a $2.9 million charge in Q4 2010.

Corporate

Corporate expenses, including interest expense, were $16.6 million in Q1 2011 compared to $17.7 million in Q4 2010 and $13.1 million in Q1 2010. Included in the Q1 2011 corporate expense is a non-cash charge of $2.3 million for a mark to market adjustment for company stock in our deferred compensation plans, and a $1.2 million non-cash charge for deferred costs related to the reduction in our revolving credit facility. The Q4 2010 expenses include a $4.1 million charge for environmental remediation at Avery Landing.

Dividend Distribution

During the first quarter, Potlatch paid a regular quarterly cash distribution on the company’s common stock of $0.51 per share.

OUTLOOK

“With housing starts expected to show only modest improvement during the year, business conditions for both our Resource and Wood Products segments are likely to continue to be somewhat challenging. However, U.S. log exports to China continue to grow and domestic repair and remodel activities are expected to increase, which will act as a counterbalance to continued lower housing starts. At this time, we still expect our 2011 harvest to be approximately 4.2 million tons. In our Wood Products business, we expect lumber prices to remain soft for the remainder of the year, but we expect the segment to remain cash flow positive each quarter. Regarding our Real Estate segment, we expect another good year as demand and interest in non-strategic timberlands and rural recreational real estate continues to be relatively stable. We have two additional phases of the Idaho land sale that will occur this year which will positively affect results for the segment. Our balance sheet remains strong with $80.8 million in cash and short-term investments, and we have no debt maturities for the rest of the year,” concluded Mr. Covey.

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

A live conference call and webcast will be held today, April 26, 2010, at 9 a.m. Pacific Time (noon Eastern Time). Those interested may access the webcast at ir.potlatchcorp.com


and conference call by dialing 1-866-393-8403 for U.S./Canada and 1-706-679-7929 for international callers. Participants will be asked to provide conference I.D. number 56347130. Supplemental materials that will be discussed during the call are available on the website.

For those unable to participate in the call, an archived recording will be available through the Potlatch Corporation website at ir.potlatchcorp.com for approximately one year following the conference call. A telephone replay of the conference call will be available until May 3, 2011, by calling 1-800-642-1687 for U.S./Canada or 1-706-645-9291 for international callers. Callers must enter conference I.D. number 56347130 to access the replay.

ABOUT POTLATCH

Potlatch is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) with approximately 1.5 million acres of timberland in Arkansas, Idaho and Minnesota. Potlatch, a verified forest practices leader, is committed to providing superior returns to stockholders through long-term stewardship of its forest resources. The company also conducts a land sales and development business and operates wood products manufacturing facilities through its taxable REIT subsidiary.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as amended, including without limitation, statements about our expectations regarding future company performance, direction of markets, housing starts, business conditions in our Resource and Wood Products segments, log exports to China, domestic repair and remodel activities, our 2011 harvest levels, lumber pricing, performance of Wood Products segment, the demand and interest in non-strategic timberlands and rural recreational real estate and HBU lands and closing of two more phases of Idaho land sale. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections that are subject to change, and actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, changes in timberland values; changes in timber harvest levels on the company’s lands; changes in timber prices; changes in policy regarding governmental timber sales; changes in the United States and international economies; changes in the level of construction activity; changes in China demand; changes in tariffs, quotas and trade agreements involving wood products; changes in demand for our products; changes in production and production capacity in the forest products industry; competitive pricing pressures for our products; unanticipated manufacturing disruptions; changes in general and industry-specific environmental laws and regulations; unforeseen environmental liabilities or expenditures; weather conditions; changes in raw material and other costs; the ability to satisfy complex rules in order to remain qualified as a REIT; changes in tax laws that could reduce the


benefits associated with REIT status; performance of agreements to purchase Idaho land; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in the company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.

###


Potlatch Corporation

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations

Unaudited (Dollars in thousands - except per-share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011     2010  

Revenues

   $ 122,233      $ 105,418   
                

Costs and expenses:

    

Cost of goods sold

     93,148        85,494   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     11,927        8,445   
                
     105,075        93,939   
                

Earnings from continuing operations before interest and taxes

     17,158        11,479   

Interest expense, net

     (7,879     (7,088
                

Earnings from continuing operations before taxes

     9,279        4,391   

Income tax provision

     (1,583     (3,007
                

Earnings from continuing operations

   $ 7,696      $ 1,384   
                

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          (189
                

Net earnings

   $ 7,696      $ 1,195   
                

Earnings per common share from continuing operations

    

Basic

   $ 0.19      $ 0.03   

Diluted

     0.19        0.03   

Loss per common share from discontinued operations

    

Basic

   $ —        $ —     

Diluted

     —          —     

Net earnings per common share:

    

Basic

   $ 0.19      $ 0.03   

Diluted

     0.19        0.03   

Average shares outstanding (in thousands):

    

Basic

     40,078        39,887   

Diluted

     40,293        40,100   
                


Potlatch Corporation

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

Unaudited (Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)

 

     March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash

   $ 6,589       $ 5,593   

Short-term investments

     74,185         85,249   

Receivables, net

     20,507         21,278   

Inventories

     21,841         24,375   

Other assets

     21,737         25,299   
                 

Total current assets

     144,859         161,794   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     65,640         67,174   

Timber and timberlands, net

     473,068         475,578   

Deferred tax assets

     46,828         49,054   

Other assets

     27,019         28,111   
                 
   $ 757,414       $ 781,711   
                 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Current installments on long-term debt

   $ 16,511       $ 5,011   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     62,484         61,021   
                 

Total current liabilities

     78,995         66,032   

Long-term debt

     346,627         363,485   

Liability for pensions and other postretirement employee benefits

     118,281         129,124   

Other long-term obligations

     21,316         18,631   

Stockholders’ equity

     192,195         204,439   
                 
   $ 757,414       $ 781,711   
                 

Stockholders’ equity per common share

   $ 4.79       $ 5.11   

Working capital

   $ 65,864       $ 95,762   

Current ratio

     1.8:1         2.5:1   
                 


Potlatch Corporation

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

Unaudited (Dollars in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011     2010  

Cash Flows From Continuing Operations

    

Net earnings

   $ 7,696      $ 1,195   

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net operating cash flows from continuing operations:

    

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     8,666        7,138   

Basis of real estate sold

     3,615        568   

Change in deferred taxes

     1,589        3,621   

Gain on disposition of property, plant and equipment

     (34     (686

Employee benefit plans

     2,608        (1,553

Loss from discontinued operations

     —          189   

Other, net

     950        886   

Funding of qualified pension plans

     (9,400     —     

Working capital changes

     4,531        587   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations

     20,221        11,945   
                

Cash Flows From Investing

    

Decrease in short-term investments

     11,064        13,161   

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (1,000     (1,038

Additions to timber and timberlands

     (2,131     (1,516

Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment

     112        1,700   

Other, net

     38        (629
                

Net cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations

     8,083        11,678   
                

Cash Flows From Financing

    

Change in book overdrafts

     (19     (818

Issuance of common stock

     185        838   

Change in long-term debt

     (5,000     73   

Distributions to common stockholders

     (20,468     (20,366

Deferred financing costs

     (325     —     

Employee tax withholdings on equity-based compensation

     (1,605     (1,967

Other, net

     (76     (77
                

Net cash used for financing activities from continuing operations

     (27,308     (22,317
                

Cash flows provided by continuing operations

     996        1,306   

Cash flows used for discontinued operations:

     —          (461
                

Increase in cash

     996        845   

Cash at beginning of period

     5,593        1,532   
                

Cash at end of period

   $ 6,589      $ 2,377   
                


Potlatch Corporation

Highlights

Unaudited (Dollars in thousands - except per-share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011      2010  

Cash distributions per common share

   $ 0.51       $ 0.51   
                 

Segment Information

Unaudited (Dollars in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011     2010  

Revenues

    

Resource

   $ 51,552      $ 44,813   

Real Estate

     12,981        3,447   

Wood Products

     68,472        67,769   
                
     133,005        116,029   

Intersegment revenues

     (10,772     (10,611
                

Total consolidated revenues

   $ 122,233      $ 105,418   
                

Operating income

    

Resource

   $ 14,061      $ 9,921   

Real Estate

     8,366        1,898   

Wood Products

     2,894        5,228   

Eliminations and adjustments

     545        437   
                
     25,866        17,484   

Corporate

     (16,587     (13,093
                

Earnings from continuing operations before taxes

   $ 9,279      $ 4,391