News Release

Management to Host Webcast on Monday, March 2nd at 5:00 p.m. (EST)

• Net income from continuing operations was $36.0 million, or $1.11 per share for the full year 2014 and net income from ongoing operations, which excludes special items, was $36.8 million, or $1.13 per share
• Net sales in 2014 were $923 million compared to $931 million in 2013 as strong growth at Bonnell Aluminum was offset by lower sales in Film Products
• Earnings before taxes from ongoing operations was $56.8 million for the full year 2014 compared to $54.4 million in 2013

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 2, 2015-- Tredegar Corporation (NYSE:TG, also the “Company” or “Tredegar”) today reported fourth-quarter financial results for the period ended December 31, 2014.

Fourth Quarter Financial Results Highlights

• Net income from continuing operations was $13.1 million, or 40 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $9.4 million, or 29 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of 2013
• Net income from ongoing operations, which excludes special items, was $7.4 million, or 23 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $8.8 million, or 27 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of 2013
• Operating profit from ongoing operations for Film Products of $13.2 million was $2.5 million lower than the fourth quarter of 2013
• Operating profit from ongoing operations for Bonnell Aluminum of $7.1 million was $1.2 million higher than the fourth quarter of 2013

Further details regarding the special items that reconcile net income from ongoing operations to net income from continuing operations are provided in Notes A and B of the Notes to the Financial Tables in this press release.

Nancy Taylor, Tredegar’s president and chief executive officer, said, “This was a year of mixed results for Tredegar, with strong performance from Bonnell Aluminum and a difficult year in Film Products. Bonnell enjoyed solid volume growth, in part due to strength in finished and fabricated products and our successful entry into the automotive market, demonstrating that we are executing on our market diversification efforts. We are also encouraged by continued improvement in nonresidential building and construction volume in the fourth quarter. Looking forward, we are optimistic about the expected growth trends for this market, as well as the positive trends for our automotive and value-added products.”

Ms. Taylor added, “Our film products division had a challenging year. The performance around flexible packaging films had the biggest impact on Film Products' results, which was hurt by tough market conditions, operational inefficiencies and the delay in the start-up of our new flexible packaging line. On a positive note, the ramp-up of our new flexible packaging line progressed well during the fourth quarter, and manufacturing performance at our facility in Brazil has improved as a result of the new leadership and initiatives we have put in place. Due to solid performance in other parts of the business, Film Products was able to mitigate most of the impact of the previously announced loss of the babycare elastic laminate volume in North America. Notably, in surface protection films and personal care materials, we made headway this year with many of our growth and productivity initiatives, performing well operationally and experiencing strong market acceptance of our Forcefield Pearl™ surface protection films and FlexAire™ personal care materials.”

Ms. Taylor continued, “Looking forward, although we expect to continue to face a difficult pricing environment for flexible packaging films, our new capacity in Brazil should bolster our market leadership position there. As we commercialize product from our new flexible packaging line, we expect to see improved market share in Latin America during the second half of the year, and we remain excited about the overall growth trends for flexible packaging. In addition, we are building on the momentum of new product platforms in surface protection and personal care materials. We continue to believe that 2015 is promising for Film Products as we capitalize on opportunities in our key markets.”

OPERATIONS REVIEW

Film Products

A summary of fourth-quarter operating results from ongoing operations for Film Products is provided below:

Fourth-Quarter Results Versus Prior Year Fourth Quarter

Net sales (sales less freight) in the fourth quarter of 2014 decreased in comparison to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to reduced volumes, lower average selling prices and the unfavorable impact of the change in the U.S. dollar value of currencies for operations outside the United States (“U.S.”). Lower volumes had an unfavorable effect of approximately $5.2 million on net sales, as the impact of the loss of certain babycare elastic laminate films sold in North America (approximately $10.6 million) and lower sales volumes for polyethylene overwrap films were partially offset by higher sales volumes in flexible packaging films, surface protection films and other personal care materials. The estimated change in average selling prices had an unfavorable impact of approximately $2.3 million as a result of lower average selling prices due to the impact of the contractual pass-through of certain costs, primarily a decrease in average resin prices, and competitive pricing pressures in flexible packaging films. The change in the U.S. dollar value of currencies for operations outside the U.S. negatively impacted net sales by approximately $3.5 million in the fourth quarter.

Operating profit from ongoing operations in the fourth quarter of 2014 decreased by $2.5 million in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2013. The loss of certain babycare elastic laminate films sold in North America, had an unfavorable impact on operating profit from ongoing operations of approximately $1.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Higher sales volumes in other products increased operating profit from ongoing operations by approximately $4.4 million. Competitive pricing pressures, primarily in flexible packaging films, had a negative impact of approximately $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Operating profit from ongoing operations in Film Products was further reduced by approximately $4.4 million as higher production costs in flexible packaging films were partially offset by improved operating performance in personal care materials and surface protection films. The increase in manufacturing expenses in flexible packaging films was primarily associated with higher production costs related to the addition of new capacity and spending to improve operational performance on the existing production lines in Brazil. With the improved operating performance in flexible packaging films, the spending associated with improving operational inefficiencies in Brazil is not expected to continue in 2015.

Fourth-quarter 2014 operating results included a pair of inventory valuation adjustments. As part of its evaluation of operational performance, Film Products assessed the raw materials required to optimize the operational effectiveness of its production lines in flexible packaging films, which resulted in an inventory valuation adjustment of approximately $1.3 million. There was an additional inventory valuation adjustment of approximately $0.8 million associated with inventory supplies not expected to be utilized as a result of expected product mix changes in personal care materials.

The change in the dollar value of currencies for operations outside the U.S. had a favorable impact on operating profit from ongoing operations of approximately $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in the prior year. The estimated impact on operating profit from ongoing operations of the quarterly lag in the pass-through of average resin costs was a positive of approximately $0.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 and a negative of approximately $0.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2013.

2014 Versus 2013

Net sales in 2014 decreased in comparison to the prior year due to lower volumes and the unfavorable impact of the change in the U.S. dollar value of currencies for operations outside the U.S. Lower volumes had an unfavorable impact of approximately $39.6 million on net sales, as lost business related to certain babycare elastic laminate films sold in North America accounted for approximately $33.9 million of this change. Net sales in Film Products were also impacted by reduced sales volumes for polyethylene overwrap and surface protection films, partially offset by higher volumes for other personal care materials. Lower volumes in surface protection films were primarily related to customer inventory corrections in 2014 and a minor loss of market share in a lower-tier film due to competitive pricing pressures. Average selling prices were favorably impacted by the contractual pass-through of certain costs, primarily an increase in average resin prices, in 2014. The impact of contractual pass-throughs was offset by competitive pricing pressures in flexible packaging films and personal care materials. The change in the U.S. dollar value of currencies for operations outside the U.S. had an unfavorable impact on net sales in 2014 of approximately $2.6 million.

Operating profit from ongoing operations in 2014 decreased by $12.9 million in comparison to 2013. The previously noted loss of babycare elastic laminate film volumes had an estimated unfavorable impact on operating profit from ongoing operations of approximately $7.0 million in 2014 compared to 2013. The loss of this business is expected to negatively impact operating profit from ongoing operations by approximately $2 million in 2015. Lower volumes noted above and changes in product mix had an unfavorable effect on operating profit from ongoing operations of approximately $1.7 million. Competitive pricing pressure in flexible packaging films, which were partially offset by favorable pricing in other products, lowered operating profit from ongoing operations by approximately $3.4 million in 2014. Higher manufacturing expenses in flexible packaging films, partially offset by improved operational performance in personal care materials and surface protection films, decreased operating profit from ongoing operations by approximately $5.9 million. Operating results in 2014 also included the previously discussed fourth-quarter inventory valuation adjustments, which had an unfavorable impact of approximately $2.1 million. Lower selling, general and administrative expenses and reduced research and development project costs within Film Products had a favorable impact on operating profit from ongoing operations of approximately $0.8 million.

The change in the dollar value of currencies for operations outside the U.S. had a favorable impact on operating profit from ongoing operations of approximately $4.5 million in 2014 compared to the prior year. The estimated impact on operating profit from ongoing operations of the quarterly lag in the pass-through of average resin costs was a negative of approximately $0.1 million in 2014 and a negative of approximately $2.1 million in 2013.

Capital expenditures in Film Products were $38.8 million in 2014 compared to $64.9 million in 2013. Capital expenditures in 2014 and 2013 include approximately $17 million and $41 million, respectively, for the project to expand capacity at the Company’s manufacturing facility in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Brazil. The additional capacity from this project became available for commercial production at the end of the third quarter of 2014, and production volumes started to ramp-up in the fourth quarter of 2014. Film Products currently estimates that total capital expenditures in 2015 will be approximately $31 million, including approximately $15 million for routine capital expenditures required to support operations. Depreciation expense was $27.0 million in 2014 and $30.4 million in 2013. Depreciation expense is projected to be approximately $27 million in 2015. Amortization expense was $3.8 million in 2014 and $4.9 million in 2013, and is projected to be approximately $4 million in 2015.

Aluminum Extrusions

A summary of fourth-quarter results from ongoing operations for Aluminum Extrusions, which is also referred to as Bonnell Aluminum, is provided below:

Fourth-Quarter Results Versus Prior Year Fourth Quarter

Net sales in the fourth quarter of 2014 increased in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2013 primarily due to higher sales volumes and an increase in average selling prices. Higher sales volumes had a favorable impact of approximately $8.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The increase in average selling prices, which had a positive impact on net sales of approximately $9.3 million, can be attributed to various factors, including inflationary price increases, higher average aluminum costs and favorable changes in product mix due to a higher percentage of painted and anodized finished products as well as an increase in the sales of fabricated components.

Operating profit from ongoing operations increased by $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to the fourth quarter of 2013 primarily as a result of higher sales volumes. Higher sales volumes increased operating profit from ongoing operations by approximately $2.6 million. The impact of higher sales volumes was partially offset by higher manufacturing expenses. Production costs increased as a result of manufacturing inefficiencies resulting from efforts to meet the increased demand for anodized products and changes in product mix, inflationary cost pressures and higher maintenance charges.

2014 Versus 2013

Net sales in 2014 increased in comparison to 2013 primarily due to higher sales volumes and an increase in average selling prices. Higher sales volumes had a favorable impact of approximately $18.5 million in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase in average selling prices, which had a positive impact on net sales of approximately $16.4 million, can be attributed to the factors noted above for the quarter.

Operating profit from ongoing operations increased by $7.4 million in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily as a result of an improved product mix, higher volumes, the favorable impact of manufacturing efficiencies and reduced selling, general and administrative expenses. Higher sales volumes and improved product mix had a favorable impact of approximately $5.3 million in comparison to the prior year. Despite unanticipated utility, distribution and manufacturing costs as a result of adverse weather conditions in the first quarter of 2014, improved margins from manufacturing efficiencies and reduced selling, general and administrative expenses increased operating profit from ongoing operations by approximately $1.4 million. In addition, operating profit from ongoing operations in the prior year includes one-time, construction-related expense of approximately $0.6 million associated with the automotive press project at the Company’s manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia. The remaining portion of the change in operating profit from ongoing operations for 2014 compared to 2013 is primarily related to favorable pricing from value-added services.

Capital expenditures for Bonnell Aluminum were $6.1 million in 2014 compared to $14.7 million in 2013. Capital expenditures are projected to total approximately $10 million in 2015, which includes approximately $5 million for routine capital expenditures required to support operations. Depreciation expense was $8.3 million in 2014 compared to $7.4 million in 2013, and is projected to be approximately $9 million in 2015. Amortization expense was $1.6 million in 2014 and $1.8 million in 2013, and is projected to be approximately $1 million in 2015.

Corporate Expenses, Interest and Taxes

Pension expense was $6.7 million in 2014, a favorable change of $7.0 million from 2013. Most of the impact on earnings from lower pension expense is reflected in “Corporate expenses, net” in the Net Sales and Operating Profit by Segment table. Pension expense is projected to be $12.3 million in 2015. Corporate expenses, net decreased in 2014 versus 2013 primarily due to the reduction in pension expense noted above, lower stock-based employee benefit costs and a reduction in performance incentive accruals, partially offset by the timing of certain non-recurring corporate expenditures. In 2014, corporate expenses, net included costs of $0.9 million related to responding to a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC by certain shareholders.

Interest expense was $2.7 million in 2014 in comparison to $2.9 million in 2013.

The effective tax rate used to compute income taxes for income from continuing operations was 20.7% in 2014 compared to 32.1% in 2013. Income taxes from continuing operations in 2014 include the partial reversal of a valuation allowance of $4.9 million. The valuation allowance related to expected limitations on the utilization of assumed capital losses on certain investments that was recognized in previous years. Income taxes from continuing operations in 2014 were also impacted by the reversal of $2.2 million in deferred tax liabilities recorded on unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Income taxes from continuing operations in 2013 primarily reflect the benefit of foreign tax incentives, partially offset by the impact of adjustments for tax contingency matters. An explanation of significant differences between the estimated effective tax rate for income from continuing operations and the U.S. federal statutory rate for 2014 and 2013 will be provided in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE

Net debt (debt in excess of cash and cash equivalents) was $87.2 million at December 31, 2014, compared with $86.4 million at December 31, 2013. Net debt is a financial measure that is not calculated or presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). See the Notes to the Financial Tables for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

INVESTOR WEBCAST

In connection with today’s earnings announcement, the Company will host a webcast on Monday, March 2nd at 5:00 p.m. (EST). To listen to the webcast and view the slide presentation, go to our website, www.tredegar.com, and select the “2014 Annual Financial Results Webcast” link in the Investors section of the Company’s website.

FORWARD-LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

Some of the information contained in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When we use the words “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “project,” “likely,” “may” and similar expressions, we do so to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on our then current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. It is possible that our actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations include, without limitation: acquired businesses, including Terphane Holdings LLC (“Terphane”) and AACOA, Inc. (“AACOA”), may not achieve expected levels of revenue, profit, productivity, or otherwise perform as expected; acquisitions, including the acquisitions of Terphane and AACOA, involve special risks, including without limitation, diversion of management’s time and attention from our existing businesses, the potential assumption of unanticipated liabilities and contingencies and potential difficulties in integrating acquired businesses and achieving anticipated operational improvements; Film Products is highly dependent on sales associated with one customer — The Procter & Gamble Company; growth of Film Products depends on its ability to develop and deliver new products at competitive prices; failure to extend duties on imported products or prevent competitors from circumventing such duties could adversely impact Film Products and Aluminum Extrusions; sales volume and profitability of Aluminum Extrusions are cyclical and highly dependent on economic conditions of end-use markets in the U.S., particularly in the construction sector, and can also be subject to seasonal slowdowns; Aluminum Extrusions’ efforts to expand product offerings and broaden its customer base may not be successful; substantial international operations subject Film Products to risks of doing business in countries outside the U.S., which could adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations; future performance is influenced by costs incurred by our operating companies, including, for example, the cost of energy and raw materials; and the other factors discussed in the reports Tredegar files with or furnishes to the SEC from time to time, including the risks and important factors set forth in additional detail in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of Tredegar’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “2014 Form 10-K”) to be filed with the SEC. Readers are urged to review and consider carefully the disclosures Tredegar makes in its filings with the SEC, which include the 2014 Form 10-K when it is filed.

Tredegar does not undertake, and expressly disclaims any duty, to update any forward-looking statement made in this press release to reflect any change in management’s expectations or any change in conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which such statements are based.

To the extent that the financial information portion of this press release contains non-GAAP financial measures, it also presents both the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP and a quantitative reconciliation of the difference between any such non-GAAP measures and such comparable GAAP financial measures. Accompanying the reconciliation is management’s statement concerning the reasons why management believes that presentation of non-GAAP measures provides useful information to investors concerning Tredegar’s financial condition and results of operations. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the Notes to the Financial Tables included with this press release and can also be found within “Presentations” in the “Investors” section of our website, www.tredegar.com. Tredegar uses its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial information and other material information regarding Tredegar is posted on and assembled in the “Investors” section of our website.

Tredegar Corporation is a manufacturer of plastic films and aluminum extrusions. A global company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Tredegar had 2014 sales of $952 million. With approximately 2,700 employees, the company operates manufacturing facilities in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

• Pretax charges of $0.7 million related to expected future environmental costs at the Company’s aluminum extrusions manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia (included in “Cost of goods sold” in the consolidated statements of income);
• Pretax charges of $0.5 million associated with severance and other employee-related costs associated with restructurings in Film Products;
• Pretax gain of $0.1 million related to the sale of a previously shutdown film products manufacturing facility in LaGrange, Georgia (included in “Other income (expense), net” in the condensed consolidated statements of income);
• Pretax adjustment of $0.1 million to income to reverse previously accrued severance and other employee-related costs associated with the shutdown of the film products manufacturing facility in Red Springs, North Carolina; and
• Pretax charges of $11,000 associated with the shutdown of the aluminum extrusions manufacturing facility in Kentland, Indiana.

Plant shutdowns, asset impairments, restructurings and other charges in 2014 include:

• Pretax charge of $10.0 million (included in “Other income (expense), net” in the condensed consolidated statements of income) associated with a one-time, lump sum license payment to 3M after the Company settled all litigation issues associated with a patent infringement complaint;
• Pretax charges of $2.3 million associated with severance and other employee-related costs associated with restructurings in Film Products ($2.3 million) and Aluminum Extrusions ($31,000);
• Pretax charges of $0.9 million related to expected future environmental costs at the Company’s aluminum extrusions manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia (included in “Cost of goods sold” in the condensed consolidated statements of income);
• Pretax charges of $0.7 million associated with the shutdown of the film products manufacturing facility in Red Springs, North Carolina, which includes severance and other employee-related costs of $0.4 million and asset impairment and other shutdown-related charges of $0.3 million;
• Pretax gain of $0.1 million related to the sale of a previously shutdown film products manufacturing facility in LaGrange, Georgia (included in “Other income (expense), net” in the condensed consolidated statements of income); and
• Pretax charges of $54,000 associated with the shutdown of the aluminum extrusions manufacturing facility in Kentland, Indiana.

Plant shutdowns, asset impairments, restructurings and other charges in the fourth quarter of 2013 include:

• Pretax charge of $1.5 million related to expected future environmental costs at the Company’s aluminum extrusions manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia (included in “Cost of goods sold” in the condensed consolidated statements of income);
• Pretax charges of $0.3 million associated with the shutdown of the film products manufacturing facility in Red Springs, North Carolina, which includes severance and other employee-related costs of $0.2 million and asset impairment and other shutdown-related charges of $0.1 million; and
• Pretax charges of $0.3 million for severance and other employee-related costs in connection with restructurings in Aluminum Extrusions.

Plant shutdowns, asset impairments, restructurings and other items in 2013 include:

• Pretax charge of $1.7 million related to expected future environmental costs at the Company’s aluminum extrusions manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia (included in “Cost of goods sold” in the condensed consolidated statements of income);
• Net pretax charge of $0.6 million associated with the shutdown of the aluminum extrusions manufacturing facility in Kentland, Indiana;
• Pretax charges of $0.5 million associated with the shutdown of the film products manufacturing facility in Red Springs, North Carolina, which includes severance and other employee-related costs of $0.3 million and asset impairment and other shutdown-related charges of $0.2 million;
• Pretax charges of $0.4 million associated with severance and other employee-related costs associated with restructurings in Aluminum Extrusions ($0.3 million) and Film Products ($0.1 million);
• Pretax charges of $0.2 million for integration-related expenses and other non-recurring transactions (included in “Selling, R&D and general expenses” in the condensed consolidated statements of income) associated with the acquisition of AACOA by Aluminum Extrusions; and
• Pretax loss of $0.1 million related to the sale of previously impaired machinery and equipment at the Company’s film products manufacturing facility in Shanghai, China (included in “Other income (expense), net” in the condensed consolidated statements of income).

Net debt is not intended to represent total debt as defined by GAAP. Net debt is utilized by management in evaluating the Company’s financial leverage and equity valuation, and management believes that investors also may find net debt to be helpful for the same purposes.

Source: Tredegar Corporation

Tredegar Corporation
Neill Bellamy, 804-330-1211
Fax: 804-330-1777
neill.bellamy@tredegar.com