Glatfelter Reports First Quarter 2024 Results
Glatfelter reported first-quarter 2024 results, achieving significant milestones in sales and operational improvements. The company generated net sales of approximately $327 million, with a GAAP net loss, and achieved adjusted EBITDA of $23.8 million. The Spunlace segment saw improved performance, while Airlaid Materials faced challenges due to market softness. The proposed merger with Berry's HHNF business is progressing well, with completion expected in the second half of 2024.
Glatfelter achieved net sales of approximately $327 million in the first quarter of 2024.
The company improved its adjusted EBITDA to $23.8 million, showcasing operational progress.
The Spunlace segment delivered strong results with $6.1 million in EBITDA, recording gains in margin and volume.
The Composite Fibers segment reached its highest EBITDA level since the third quarter of 2021, with EBITDA margins averaging 10% over the last three quarters.
The proposed merger with Berry's HHNF business is on track, with the waiting period under the HSR Act expired and expected to close in the second half of 2024.
Airlaid Materials experienced challenges with a $9 million lower EBITDA primarily due to ongoing European market softness.
The company recorded a GAAP net loss from continuing operations of $26.2 million in the first quarter of 2024.
Lower EBITDA of $9.0 million in Airlaid Materials due to lower selling prices and energy surcharges impacted overall financial performance.
The Spunlace segment saw a decrease in net sales by $6.6 million in the first quarter of 2024, primarily driven by lower selling prices.
Operational challenges in the Airlaid Materials segment led to a decrease in EBITDA by $9.0 million, impacting financial performance.
~ Achieved significant merger milestone with expiration of HSR waiting period ~
2024 First Quarter Highlights:
- Generated net sales of ~
$327 million and a GAAP net loss from continuing operations of$26.2 million - Achieved Q1 Adjusted EBITDA of
$23.8 million with an improved EBITDA margin of7.3% - Delivered continued robust Spunlace performance with ~
$5 million improved EBITDA - Improved Composite Fibers EBITDA by ~
$2 million , consistent with expectations - Recorded ~
$9 million lower EBITDA in Airlaid Materials primarily due to ongoing European market softness
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glatfelter Corporation (NYSE: GLT), a leading global supplier of engineered materials, today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2024 and provided an update on progress of its proposed merger with the majority of Berry’s Global Health, Hygiene and Specialties segment to include its Global Nonwovens and Films (“HHNF”) business.
“We continued to execute against our strategy to optimize our portfolio and position the business for long-term profitable growth as we prepare to complete the proposed merger with Berry’s HHNF business to create a new, global specialty materials leader,” said Thomas Fahnemann, President and CEO of Glatfelter. "The team remains focused on delivering meaningful financial performance while ensuring our business segments are well positioned to become part of a larger enterprise that is expected to deliver substantial shareholder value."
Mr. Fahnemann added, “Our progress was most evident in Spunlace which delivered
Mr. Fahnemann concluded, “While overall results for the quarter were mixed, I am encouraged by how far we have come in the past twelve months to enhance the performance of our business, further offsetting many of the prevailing macroeconomic headwinds. The team continues to make excellent progress with preparing for the closing of the proposed merger with Berry's HHNF business, with the goal of value creation and long-term growth for our shareholders. The work that is underway will provide a strong foundation from which to build scale, capitalize on an expanded product portfolio and complementary technology, and ultimately lower Glatfelter’s current leverage. I look forward to providing additional updates on our progress as integration preparations continue and additional regulatory milestones are met."
Update on Merger with Berry's HHNF Business
As previously announced on February 7, 2024, we entered into certain definitive agreements with Berry Global Group, Inc. (“Berry”) for Berry to spin-off and merge the HHNF business with Glatfelter to create a global leader in specialty materials. Upon the completion of the transaction, Glatfelter shareholders are expected to own approximately ten percent of the newly combined company. In April, the Company achieved a regulatory milestone with the expiration of the required waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino ("HSR") Antitrust Improvements Act. The transaction is subject to further certain customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals that are currently underway including, but not limited to, approval by Glatfelter shareholders. The merger transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2024.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
Dollars in thousands | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Net sales | $ | 327,256 | $ | 378,208 | ||||
Net loss from continuing operations | (26,150 | ) | (13,182 | ) | ||||
Adjusted loss from continuing operations(1) | (14,939 | ) | (5,866 | ) | ||||
EPS from continuing operations | (0.58 | ) | (0.29 | ) | ||||
Adjusted EPS(1) | (0.33 | ) | (0.13 | ) | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 23,820 | 24,785 |
(1) | Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted loss from continuing operations and adjusted EPS are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Reconciliation of GAAP Financial information to Non-GAAP Financial information” later in this earnings release for further information. | |
First Quarter Results
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of results on a GAAP basis to an adjusted earnings basis, a non-GAAP measure:
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
In thousands, except per share | Amount | EPS | Amount | EPS | ||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (26,347 | ) | $ | (0.58 | ) | $ | (13,584 | ) | $ | (0.30 | ) | ||||
Exclude: Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | 197 | — | 402 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||
Loss from continuing operations | (26,150 | ) | (0.58 | ) | (13,182 | ) | (0.29 | ) | ||||||||
Adjustments(pre-tax): | ||||||||||||||||
Strategic initiatives(1) | 10,910 | 730 | ||||||||||||||
Turnaround strategy costs(2) | 57 | 4,483 | ||||||||||||||
Debt refinancing(3) | — | 1,883 | ||||||||||||||
CEO transition costs(4) | — | 633 | ||||||||||||||
Timberland sales and related costs | — | (617 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total adjustments(pre-tax) | 10,967 | 7,112 | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes(5) | (11 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other tax adjustments(6) | 255 | 207 | ||||||||||||||
Total after-tax adjustments | 11,211 | 0.25 | 7,316 | 0.16 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted loss from continuing operations | $ | (14,939 | ) | $ | (0.33 | ) | $ | (5,866 | ) | $ | (0.13 | ) |
(1) | For 2024, reflects primarily professional services fees related to the Berry HHNF merger (including transaction advisory, legal and other consultant costs) of | |
(2) | For 2024, primarily reflects employee separation costs. For 2023, reflects employee separation costs of | |
(3) | In 2023, reflects | |
(4) | In 2023, reflects pension settlement charge related to former CEO separation. | |
(5) | Tax effect on adjustments calculated based on the incremental effective tax rate of the jurisdiction in which each adjustment originated. For items originating in the U.S., no tax effect is recognized due to the previously established valuation allowance on the net deferred tax assets. | |
(6) | Tax effect of applying certain provisions of the CARES Act of 2020. | |
A description of each of the adjustments presented above is included later in this release.
Airlaid Materials
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||
Dollars in thousands | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||
Tons shipped (metric) | 38,341 | 39,827 | (1,486 | ) | (3.7 | )% | |||||||||
Net sales | $ | 131,529 | $ | 159,441 | $ | (27,912 | ) | (17.5 | )% | ||||||
Operating income | 4,958 | 13,914 | (8,956 | ) | (64.4 | )% | |||||||||
EBITDA | 12,622 | 21,600 | (8,978 | ) | (41.6 | )% | |||||||||
EBITDA % | 9.6 | % | 13.5 | % | |||||||||||
Airlaid Materials’ first quarter net sales decreased
Airlaid Materials’ first quarter EBITDA of
Composite Fibers
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||
Dollars in thousands | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||
Tons shipped (metric) | 25,002 | 24,818 | 184 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 116,150 | $ | 132,591 | $ | (16,441 | ) | (12.4 | )% | ||||||
Operating income | 8,259 | 6,127 | 2,132 | 34.8 | % | ||||||||||
EBITDA | 12,023 | 10,092 | 1,931 | 19.1 | % | ||||||||||
EBITDA % | 10.4 | % | 7.6 | % | |||||||||||
Composite Fibers’ net sales were
Composite Fibers had EBITDA for the first quarter of
Spunlace
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||
Dollars in thousands | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||
Tons shipped(metric) | 16,091 | 16,420 | (329 | ) | (2.0 | )% | |||||||||
Net sales | $ | 80,130 | $ | 86,723 | $ | (6,593 | ) | (7.6 | )% | ||||||
Operating income (loss) | 2,764 | (2,023 | ) | 4,787 | 236.6 | % | |||||||||
EBITDA | 6,137 | 1,069 | 5,068 | 474.1 | % | ||||||||||
EBITDA % | 7.7 | % | 1.2 | % | |||||||||||
Spunlace's net sales were
Spunlace EBITDA was higher by
Other Financial Information
The amount of operating expense not allocated to a reporting segment in the Segment Financial Information totaled
In the first quarter of 2024, our U.S. GAAP pre-tax loss from continuing operations totaled
Balance Sheet and Other Information
Cash and cash equivalents totaled
Capital expenditures during the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled
Conference Call
As previously announced, the Company will hold a conference call today at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern) to discuss its first quarter results. The Company will make available on its Investor Relations website this quarter’s earnings release and an accompanying financial presentation that includes additional financial information to be discussed on the conference call including the Company’s outlook pertaining to financial performance. Information related to the conference call is as follows:
What: | Q1 2024 Glatfelter Earnings Conference Call |
When: | Thursday, May 9, 2024, 11:00 a.m. (ET) |
Participant Dial-in Number: | (323) 794-2423 |
(800) 289-0438 | |
Conference ID: | 7358307 |
Webcast registry: | Q1 2024 Glatfelter Earnings Webcast |
OR access via our website: | Glatfelter Webcasts and Presentations |
Replay will be available, via the webcast link, approximately 2 hours after the conclusion of our earnings call. | |
Interested persons who wish to hear the live webcast should go to the website prior to the starting time to register and ensure any necessary audio software is installed.
Glatfelter Corporation and subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
In thousands, except per share | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
Net sales | $ | 327,256 | $ | 378,208 | |||
Costs of products sold | 292,746 | 341,994 | |||||
Gross profit | 34,510 | 36,214 | |||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 36,057 | 30,745 | |||||
Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net | (2 | ) | (644 | ) | |||
Operating income (loss) | (1,545 | ) | 6,113 | ||||
Non-operating income (expense) | |||||||
Interest expense | (17,685 | ) | (12,594 | ) | |||
Interest income | 261 | 271 | |||||
Other, net | (2,027 | ) | (3,278 | ) | |||
Total non-operating expense | (19,451 | ) | (15,601 | ) | |||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | (20,996 | ) | (9,488 | ) | |||
Income tax provision | 5,154 | 3,694 | |||||
Loss from continuing operations | (26,150 | ) | (13,182 | ) | |||
Discontinued operations: | |||||||
Loss before income taxes | (197 | ) | (402 | ) | |||
Income tax provision | — | — | |||||
Loss from discontinued operations | (197 | ) | (402 | ) | |||
Net loss | $ | (26,347 | ) | $ | (13,584 | ) | |
Basic earnings per share | |||||||
Loss from continuing operations | $ | (0.58 | ) | $ | (0.29 | ) | |
Loss from discontinued operations | — | (0.01 | ) | ||||
Basic loss per share | $ | (0.58 | ) | $ | (0.30 | ) | |
Diluted earnings per share | |||||||
Loss from continuing operations | $ | (0.58 | ) | $ | (0.29 | ) | |
Loss from discontinued operations | — | (0.01 | ) | ||||
Diluted loss per share | $ | (0.58 | ) | $ | (0.30 | ) | |
Weighted average shares outstanding | |||||||
Basic | 45,184 | 44,957 | |||||
Diluted | 45,184 | 44,957 | |||||
Segment Financial Information (unaudited) | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
In thousands, except per share | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
Net Sales | |||||||
Airlaid Material | $ | 131,529 | $ | 159,441 | |||
Composite Fibers | 116,150 | 132,591 | |||||
Spunlace | 80,130 | 86,723 | |||||
Inter-segment sales elimination | (553 | ) | (547 | ) | |||
Total | $ | 327,256 | $ | 378,208 | |||
Operating income (loss) | |||||||
Airlaid Material | $ | 4,958 | $ | 13,914 | |||
Composite Fibers | 8,259 | 6,127 | |||||
Spunlace | 2,764 | (2,023 | ) | ||||
Other and unallocated | (17,526 | ) | (11,905 | ) | |||
Total | $ | (1,545 | ) | $ | 6,113 | ||
Depreciation and amortization | |||||||
Airlaid Material | $ | 7,664 | $ | 7,686 | |||
Composite Fibers | 3,764 | 3,965 | |||||
Spunlace | 3,373 | 3,092 | |||||
Other and unallocated | 953 | 988 | |||||
Total | $ | 15,754 | $ | 15,731 | |||
Capital expenditures | |||||||
Airlaid Material | $ | 2,091 | $ | 2,082 | |||
Composite Fibers | 3,664 | 3,663 | |||||
Spunlace | 1,378 | 2,701 | |||||
Other and unallocated | 349 | 1,054 | |||||
Total | $ | 7,482 | $ | 9,500 | |||
Tons shipped (metric) | |||||||
Airlaid Material | 38,341 | 39,827 | |||||
Composite Fibers | 25,002 | 24,818 | |||||
Spunlace | 16,091 | 16,420 | |||||
Inter-segment sales elimination | (337 | ) | — | ||||
Total | 79,097 | 81,065 | |||||
Selected Financial Information (unaudited) | ||||||||
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
In thousands | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Cash Flow Data | ||||||||
Cash from continuing operations provided (used) by: | ||||||||
Operating activities | $ | (33,485 | ) | $ | (30,632 | ) | ||
Investing activities | (7,480 | ) | (8,787 | ) | ||||
Financing activities | 20,839 | 15,179 | ||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 15,754 | 15,731 | ||||||
Capital expenditures | (7,482 | ) | (9,500 | ) |
March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
Balance Sheet Data | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 30,181 | $ | 50,265 | |||
Total assets | 1,517,231 | 1,563,796 | |||||
Total debt | 875,654 | 860,318 | |||||
Shareholders’ equity | 223,322 | 256,854 | |||||
Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Information to Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release includes measures of earnings before the effects of certain specifically identified items, which are referred to as adjusted earnings and Adjusted EBITDA, both non-GAAP measures. The Company uses non-GAAP adjusted earnings and Adjusted EBITDA to supplement the understanding of its consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP adjusted earnings is meant to present the financial performance of the Company’s core operations, which consist of the production and sale of engineered materials. EBITDA is a measure used by management to assess our operating performance and is calculated using income (loss) from continuing operations and excludes interest expense, interest income, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated using EBITDA and further excludes certain items management considers to be unrelated to the Company’s core operations. Management and the Company’s Board of Directors use non-GAAP adjusted earnings and Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the performance of the Company’s fundamental business in relation to prior periods and established business plans. For purposes of determining adjusted earnings and Adjusted EBITDA, the following items are excluded:
- Strategic initiatives. These adjustments primarily reflect professional and legal fees and other costs incurred which are directly related to evaluating and executing certain strategic initiatives including costs associated with the Berry HHNF merger.
- Turnaround Strategy costs. This adjustment reflects costs incurred in connection with the Company's Turnaround Strategy initiated in 2022 under its new chief executive officer to drive operational and financial improvement. These costs are primarily related to professional services fees and employee separation costs.
- Debt refinancing costs. Represents charges to write-off unamortized debt issuance costs in connection with the extinguishment of the Company’s
€220.0 million Term Loan and IKB loans, as well as the amendment to the Company's credit facility. These costs also include an early repayment penalty related to the extinguishment of the IKB loans. - CEO transition costs. This adjustment reflects a non-cash pension settlement charge associated with the separation of our former CEO related to a lump-sum distribution made in Q1 2023 under the terms of his non-qualified pension plan agreement.
- Timberland sales and related costs. These adjustments exclude gains from the sales of timberlands as these items are not considered to be part of our core business, ongoing results of operations or cash flows. These adjustments are irregular in timing and amount and may benefit our operating results.
Unlike net income determined in accordance with GAAP, non-GAAP adjusted earnings and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect all charges and gains recorded by the Company for the applicable period and, therefore, does not present a complete picture of the Company’s results of operations for the respective period. However, non-GAAP adjusted earnings and Adjusted EBITDA provide a measure of how the Company’s core operations are performing, which management believes is useful to investors because it allows comparison of such operations from period to period. Non-GAAP adjusted earnings and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted EBITDA % is the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.
Although the Company provides guidance for Adjusted EBITDA, it is not able to provide guidance for net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Certain elements of the composition of net income, including income tax expense, are not predictable, making it impractical for us to provide guidance on net income or to reconcile our Adjusted EBITDA guidance to net income without unreasonable efforts. For the same reasons, the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information regarding net income, which could be material to future results.
Calculation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow | Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
In thousands | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Cash used by operations | $ | (33,485 | ) | $ | (30,632 | ) | ||
Capital expenditures | (7,482 | ) | (9,500 | ) | ||||
Free cash flow | (40,967 | ) | (40,132 | ) | ||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||
Turnaround strategy costs | 1,305 | 5,271 | ||||||
Strategic initiatives | 620 | 152 | ||||||
Cost optimization actions | — | 36 | ||||||
CEO transition costs | 543 | 7,101 | ||||||
Fox River environmental matter | 1,636 | 160 | ||||||
Tax payments (refunds) on adjustments to adjusted earnings | 7 | (805 | ) | |||||
Adjusted free cash flow | $ | (36,856 | ) | $ | (28,217 | ) | ||
Net Debt In thousands | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
Short-term debt | $ | 7,452 | $ | 6,150 | ||||
Current portion of long-term debt | — | 1,005 | ||||||
Long-term debt, net of current portion | 868,202 | 853,163 | ||||||
Total | 875,654 | 860,318 | ||||||
Less: Cash | (30,181 | ) | (50,265 | ) | ||||
Net Debt | $ | 845,473 | $ | 810,053 | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA | Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
In thousands | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Net loss | $ | (26,347 | ) | $ | (13,584 | ) | ||
Exclude: Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | 197 | 402 | ||||||
Add back: Taxes on continuing operations | 5,154 | 3,694 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 15,754 | 15,731 | ||||||
Interest expense, net | 17,424 | 12,323 | ||||||
EBITDA | 12,182 | 18,566 | ||||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||
Strategic initiatives | 10,910 | 730 | ||||||
Turnaround strategy costs | 57 | 4,483 | ||||||
Debt refinancing | — | 59 | ||||||
CEO transition costs | — | 633 | ||||||
Share-based compensation | 671 | 931 | ||||||
Timberland sales and related costs | — | (617 | ) | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 23,820 | $ | 24,785 | ||||
Reconciliation of Operating Profit to EBITDA by Segment(1) | Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
In thousands | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Airlaid Materials | ||||||||
Operating profit | $ | 4,958 | $ | 13,914 | ||||
Add back: Depreciation & amortization | 7,664 | 7,686 | ||||||
EBITDA | $ | 12,622 | $ | 21,600 | ||||
Composite Fibers | ||||||||
Operating profit | $ | 8,259 | $ | 6,127 | ||||
Add back: Depreciation & amortization | 3,764 | 3,965 | ||||||
EBITDA | $ | 12,023 | $ | 10,092 | ||||
Spunlace | ||||||||
Operating profit (loss) | $ | 2,764 | $ | (2,023 | ) | |||
Add back: Depreciation & amortization | 3,373 | 3,092 | ||||||
EBITDA | $ | 6,137 | $ | 1,069 |
(1) | For our segment results, segment EBITDA is reconciled to segment operating profit, which is the most comprehensive financial measure for our segments. | |
Adjusted Corporate Unallocated Expenses | Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
In thousands | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Other and unallocated operating loss | $ | (17,526 | ) | $ | (11,905 | ) | ||
Adjustments: | ||||||||
Strategic initiatives | 10,910 | 730 | ||||||
Turnaround strategy costs | 57 | 4,483 | ||||||
Timberland sales and related costs | — | (617 | ) | |||||
Adjusted corporate unallocated expenses | $ | (6,559 | ) | $ | (7,309 | ) | ||
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements included in this press release that pertain to future financial and business matters are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company uses words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “future”, “intends”, “plans”, “targets”, and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Any such statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable or uncontrollable factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable or uncontrollable factors are described in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in the Risk Factors section and under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In light of these risks, uncertainties and other factors, the forward-looking matters discussed in this press release may not occur and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
About Glatfelter
Glatfelter is a leading global supplier of engineered materials with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. The Company’s high quality, technology-driven, innovative, and customizable nonwovens solutions can be found in products that are Enhancing Everyday Life®. These include personal care and hygiene products, food and beverage filtration, critical cleaning products, medical and personal protection, packaging products, as well as home improvement and industrial applications. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, the Company’s 2023 net sales were
Contacts: | |
Investors: | Media: |
Ramesh Shettigar | Eileen L. Beck |
(717) 225-2746 | (717) 225-2793 |
ramesh.shettigar@glatfelter.com | eileen.beck@glatfelter.com |
FAQ
What were Glatfelter's net sales in the first quarter of 2024?
What was Glatfelter's adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of 2024?
When is the proposed merger with Berry's HHNF business expected to close?
How did the Spunlace segment perform in the first quarter of 2024?