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Temple-Inland posts improved fourth quarter profits
fEB. 5, 2007 - Temple-Inland Inc. today reported fourth quarter 2006
net income of $104 million, or $0.97 per diluted share, compared with
fourth quarter 2005 net income of $24 million, or $0.21 per diluted
share, and third quarter 2006 net income of $96 million, or $0.87 per
diluted share.
Results for fourth quarter 2006 include a net after-tax gain of
$26 million, or $0.24 per share, principally related to payments
received pursuant to the Softwood Lumber Agreement between the U.S.
and Canada. As reflected in the table below, net income per diluted
share, excluding special items, for fourth quarter 2006 is $0.73 per
share, compared with $0.30 per share in fourth quarter 2005, and $0.93
per share in third quarter 2006.
For the year, net income was $468 million, or $4.22 per diluted share, compared with 2005 net income of $176 million, or $1.54 per diluted share. Net income per diluted share excluding special items was $3.32 in 2006 compared with $1.90 in 2005, an increase of 75%. At year end 2006, fully diluted outstanding shares were 106.7 million.
Corrugated Packaging operating income increased to $255 million in
2006 compared with $120 million in 2005.
Corrugated Packaging operating income improved fourth quarter 2006
compared with fourth quarter 2005, principally due to higher
corrugated container prices and lower energy costs. Operating income
was flat fourth quarter 2006 compared with third quarter 2006 as
higher corrugated container prices and lower recycled fiber costs were
offset by lower box shipments and higher energy and freight costs.
Shipments fourth quarter 2006 were down 6%, on a volume per
workday basis, compared with fourth quarter 2005 primarily due to the
previously announced sale of Performance Sheets (a sheet feeder plant
in City of Industry, California) August 2006. On a volume per workday
basis, shipments of corrugated containers were essentially flat fourth
quarter 2006 compared with third quarter 2006.
Average prices for corrugated containers fourth quarter 2006 were
up 13% compared with fourth quarter 2005 and up 2% compared with third
quarter 2006. The average cost of recycled fiber fourth quarter 2006
was up 10% compared with fourth quarter 2005, but down 16% compared
with third quarter 2006. Freight costs were up $2 million compared
with fourth quarter 2005 and third quarter 2006. Energy costs were
down $16 million fourth quarter 2006 compared with fourth quarter
2005, but up $3 million compared with third quarter 2006.
Forest Products
Forest Products reported operating income of $312 million in 2006,
a record level for the third consecutive year. Operating income declined fourth quarter 2006 compared with fourth
quarter 2005 primarily due to lower lumber pricing. Operating income
declined fourth quarter 2006 compared with third quarter 2006 due to
lower pricing and shipments. Fourth quarter and full year 2006
operating income reflect the benefit of the acquisition of our
partner's interest in Standard Gypsum January 2006. Average lumber prices fourth quarter 2006 were down 25% compared
with fourth quarter 2005 and down 6% compared with third quarter 2006.
Gypsum prices were up 13% compared with fourth quarter 2005, but down
9% compared with third quarter 2006. Particleboard prices were up 29%
compared with fourth quarter 2005, but down 2% compared with third
quarter 2006. Shipments of lumber, gypsum (adjusted for the acquisition of our
partner's interest in Standard Gypsum January 2006) and particleboard
were down fourth quarter 2006 compared with fourth quarter 2005 and
third quarter 2006.
Real Estate
Real estate reported operating income of $62 million in 2006. Real Estate operating income fourth quarter 2006 was $12 million.
Including joint-venture activity, 1,150 acres of high-value land were
sold at an average sales price of approximately $9,500 per acre fourth
quarter 2006, resulting in a gain of $10 million. Residential development activity for all wholly and partially
owned projects during fourth quarter 2006 included the sale of 715
lots at an average price of approximately $49,300 per lot. Commercial activity for all wholly and partially owned projects
during fourth quarter 2006 included the sale of 57 acres at an average
price of $123,400 per acre, resulting in a gain of $3 million.
Financial Services
Financial Services reported operating income of $222 million in
2006, a record level for the third consecutive year.
Financial Services operating income increased fourth quarter 2006
compared with fourth quarter 2005 due to stronger credit conditions
and lower costs. Operating income declined fourth quarter 2006
compared with third quarter 2006 principally due to lower noninterest
income.
Comments In announcing fourth quarter and full year results, Kenneth M.
Jastrow, II, chairman and chief executive officer of Temple-Inland
Inc. said, "For the year 2006, Temple-Inland achieved record earnings
of $3.32 per share, excluding special items, and return on investment
of 15.9%, reflecting the benefit of our strategic initiatives and
market conditions. In 2006 we returned approximately 10% of Temple-Inland's average
market capitalization to shareholders through share repurchases and
dividends. During fourth quarter 2006 we repurchased 2.2 million
shares, bringing the total for the year to 7.9 million shares. In
addition, on February 2, 2007 the Board of Directors approved an
additional 5 million share repurchase authorization, representing
approximately 5% of shares outstanding. Also, the Board increased the
dividend 12% to $1.12 in 2007, the fifth consecutive year we have
raised the dividend. We have paid a dividend every year since
Temple-Inland became a public company. "In 2006, our containerboard mill system achieved record
production, greater efficiency, and lower cost per ton. Despite the
closure of eleven box plants since third quarter 2003, Temple-Inland's
box shipments were up 6% in 2006 compared with 2003, resulting in
increased asset utilization and lower converting costs. Industry box
shipments were up 5% during this same period. Since 2003, we have
generated $225 million in business improvement, and we expect to
generate an additional $75 million in business improvement in the
future by focusing on manufacturing excellence within our box plant
system and further operational efficiency in our containerboard mills. "Forest Products achieved record operating income in 2006, a third
consecutive record year, reflecting the benefits from our focus on
fiber integration, improved market conditions for gypsum and
particleboard, and the acquisition of our partner's interest in
Standard Gypsum in January 2006. "Real Estate generated $62 million in operating income in 2006.
During fourth quarter 2006, zoning was approved on 2,001 acres of our
high-value land around Atlanta, GA, including 1,840 acres of
residential property, representing 3,257 lots, and 161 acres for
commercial use. During 2006, 4,890 acres of high-value land were
transferred from undeveloped into the 'in entitlement process'
category. "Financial Services had record operating income in 2006, a third
consecutive record year. Generating asset growth and remaining low
cost continue to be the focus in Financial Services. Our retail branch
network is located in Texas and California, the largest and
fastest-growing deposit markets in the country. In addition, multiple
loan products and a nationwide lending platform provide the
opportunity to grow earning assets. "For the year 2006, Temple-Inland achieved all-time record
earnings and strong return on investment, reflecting the benefit of
our strategic initiatives, improved market conditions and the
dedication of all Temple-Inland employees to be the best."
SOURCE:
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