Exhibit 99.1
GREIF, INC. REPORTS FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
DELAWARE, Ohio (March 1, 2004) – Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a global leader in industrial packaging with niche businesses in paper, corrugated packaging and timber, today announced results for the first quarter ended January 31, 2004.
Net income, before restructuring charges, timberland gains and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, was $4.5 million for the first quarter of 2004 compared with $0.9 million for the first quarter of last year. Earnings per share, before restructuring charges, timberland gains and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, were $0.16 versus $0.04 per Class A share and $0.23 versus $0.05 per Class B share for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively.
The Company reported a GAAP net loss of $3.4 million, or a loss of $0.12 per Class A share and $0.18 per Class B share, for the first quarter of 2004 versus net income of $4.9 million, or $0.18 per Class A share and $0.26 per Class B share, for the same quarter last year. The Company’s first quarter of 2004 results were negatively impacted by a higher level of restructuring charges in the first quarter of 2004 ($15.3 million) versus the first quarter of 2003 ($1.5 million). In addition, the Company’s first quarter of 2003 results were positively impacted by the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which resulted in a $4.8 million gain recorded as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.
Michael J. Gasser, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, “Market conditions reflected slightly better activity levels during the first quarter of 2004 as compared to the same period last year. Increased pressures due to rising raw material costs, especially for steel and old corrugated containers (“OCC”), are being addressed through productivity improvements and price increases. We remain focused on realizing further benefits from our performance improvement plan. Positive results from these efforts will contribute to Greif becoming a leaner, more market-focused company.”
A reconciliation of the differences between all non-GAAP financial measures disclosed in this release with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included in the financial schedules that are a part of this release.
Consolidated Results
Net sales rose 8% to $468.9 million for the first quarter of 2004 from $434.7 million during the same quarter last year. On a consolidated basis, net sales increased approximately 1% after excluding the impact of foreign currency translation.
Gross profit was $69.5 million, or 14.8% of net sales, for the first quarter of 2004 versus $75.7 million, or 17.4% of net sales, for the first quarter of 2003. The principal factors impacting the quarterly comparisons were higher costs for raw materials and lower absorption of fixed costs in the Industrial Packaging & Services segment; lower selling prices and higher raw material costs in the containerboard operations of the Paper, Packaging & Services segment; and lower planned timber sales.
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses declined to $51.0 million, or 10.9% of net sales, for the first quarter of 2004 from $59.5 million, or 13.7% of net sales, for the same period a year ago. The decline in SG&A expenses was primarily attributable to solid progress regarding the Company’s performance improvement plan. The dollar reduction in SG&A expenses was partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation (approximately $2 million).
Operating profit, before restructuring charges of $15.3 million and timberland gains of $3.9 million, increased 15% to $18.6 million for the first quarter of 2004 compared with operating profit, before restructuring charges of $1.5 million and timberland gains of $0.4 million, of $16.2 million for the same period last year. GAAP operating profit was $7.3 million for the first quarter of 2004 compared with $15.1 million a year ago.
During the first quarter of 2003, the Company included a 37% deduction of CorrChoice’s net income related to its minority shareholders. Effective September 30, 2003, the Company’s ownership increased to 100% due to CorrChoice’s redemption of its minority shareholders’ outstanding shares. Therefore, no such deduction was made in fiscal 2004.
Business Group Results
Industrial Packaging & Services
Net sales rose 11% to $337.4 million for the first quarter of 2004 from $303.1 million for the same period last year. On a consolidated basis, net sales increased 1% after excluding the impact of foreign currency translation.
Operating profit, before restructuring charges of $12.0 million, rose to $8.9 million for the first quarter of 2004 from operating profit, before restructuring charges of $1.2 million, of $3.5 million a year ago. Higher raw material costs and lower absorption of fixed costs reduced this segment’s gross profit margins. Cost reduction initiatives continue to be implemented to reduce costs and improve operating efficiencies. SG&A expenses for Industrial Packaging & Services reflect a portion of the savings resulting from these initiatives. GAAP operating loss was $3.2 million for the first quarter of 2004 compared with operating profit of $2.4 million for the first quarter of 2003 due to a higher level of restructuring charges.
Paper, Packaging & Services
Net sales rose nominally to $125.3 million for the first quarter of 2004 from $124.7 million for the same period last year. Improved volumes were offset by lower average sales prices in the containerboard operations of this segment.
Operating profit, before restructuring charges of $3.2 million, was $5.4 million for the first quarter of 2004 compared with operating profit, before restructuring charges of $0.4 million, of $7.9 million a year ago. This decrease was primarily due to a decline in gross profit margin resulting from reduced pricing levels and higher raw material costs in the containerboard operations. The decline in gross profit was partially offset by lower SG&A expenses in the first quarter of 2004 compared with the same quarter last year. GAAP operating profit was $2.2 million for the first quarter of 2004 compared with $7.5 million for the first quarter of 2003 due to a higher level of restructuring charges.
Timber
Timber sales were $6.2 million for the first quarter of 2004 compared with $6.9 million for the same period last year. These sales were consistent with budgeted levels for both periods. As a result of the lower sales volume, operating profit, before restructuring charges of $0.1 million and timberland gains of $3.9 million, was $4.4 million for the first quarter of 2004, compared to operating profit, before timberland gains of $0.4 million, of $4.8 million a year ago. GAAP operating profit was $8.3 million for the first quarter of 2004 compared with $5.2 million for the first quarter of 2003.
Performance Improvement Plan
As previously announced, the performance improvement plan is expected to enhance long-term organic sales growth and productivity and achieve permanent cost reductions. The Company’s focus during fiscal 2003 had been primarily SG&A optimization, which is expected to result in annual cost savings of $60 million realized in fiscal 2004. The focus during fiscal 2004 is to become an even leaner, more market-focused/performance-driven company. This next and final phase of the transformation is expected to deliver additional annualized benefits of approximately $50 million, with about $15 million of those savings to be realized in fiscal 2004. The opportunities identified include, but are not limited to, improved labor productivity, material yield and other manufacturing efficiencies, coupled with further network consolidation. The related one-time costs for this phase will be approximately $45 million to $50 million, all of which will be incurred in fiscal 2004. In addition, the Company is launching a strategic sourcing initiative to more effectively leverage its global spending and lay the foundation for a world-class sourcing and supply chain capability.
Financing Arrangements
Total debt outstanding was $661 million at January 31, 2004 and $662 million at October 31, 2003. Total debt to total capitalization was 53.8% and 53.6% at January 31, 2004 and October 31, 2003, respectively.
Interest expense declined to $12.2 million for the first quarter of 2004 from $13.6 million for the same period last year. This reduction was primarily due to lower average interest rates on the Company’s debt.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures were $7.1 million, excluding timberland purchases of $2.7 million, for the first quarter of 2004 compared with $9.8 million, excluding timberland purchases of $2.7 million, during the same period last year. For fiscal 2004, capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $75 million to $80 million, which would be approximately $20 million to $25 million below the Company’s anticipated depreciation expense.
Company Outlook
The operating environment for fiscal 2004 is expected to modestly improve compared to fiscal 2003. Gradual improvement in activity levels may be offset by higher raw material costs, especially steel and OCC. Savings from the Company’s performance improvement plan and positive contributions from the Company’s full ownership of CorrChoice are being realized as planned. Both of these factors are anticipated to represent a substantial portion of the improved fiscal 2004 results. Due to these factors, management’s guidance for fiscal 2004, before restructuring charges and timberland gains, continues to be $2.35 - $2.40 per Class A share.
Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter of 2004 results on Tuesday, March 2, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. ET at (800) 218-0530. For international callers, the number is (303) 262-2142.
The conference call will also be available through a live webcast, which can be accessed atwww.greif.com. A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company’s Web site approximately one hour following the call.
About Greif
Greif is a world leader in industrial packaging products and services. The Company provides extensive expertise in steel, plastic, fibre, corrugated and multiwall containers for a wide range of industries. Greif also produces containerboard and manages timber properties in North America. Greif is strategically positioned in more than 40 countries to serve multinational as well as regional customers. Additional information is on the Company’s Web site atwww.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” or “continue” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All forward-looking statements made in this news release are based on information presently 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 or business conditions, including a prolonged or substantial economic downturn; 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 and resin, and 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 frequency and volume of sales of the Company’s timber and 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 October 31, 2003. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | |
| | | Quarter ended January 31,
| |
| | | 2004
| | | 2003
| |
Net sales | | $ | 468,860 | | | $ | 434,678 | |
Cost of products sold | | | 399,410 | | | | 358,949 | |
| | |
|
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|
|
Gross profit | | | 69,450 | | | | 75,729 | |
| | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 51,025 | | | | 59,501 | |
| | |
Restructuring charges | | | 15,259 | | | | 1,539 | |
Gain on sale of assets | | | 4,109 | | | | 411 | |
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| |
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|
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Operating profit | | | 7,275 | | | | 15,100 | |
| | |
Interest expense, net | | | 12,247 | | | | 13,554 | |
Other income, net | | | 222 | | | | 224 | |
| | |
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Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) and equity in earnings of affiliates and minority interests | | | (4,750 | ) | | | 1,770 | |
| | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | | (1,463 | ) | | | 566 | |
| | |
Equity in earnings of affiliates and minority interests | | | (79 | ) | | | (1,095 | ) |
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Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | | | (3,366 | ) | | | 109 | |
| | |
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | | | — | | | | 4,822 | |
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Net income (loss) | | $ | (3,366 | ) | | $ | 4,931 | |
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Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: | | | | | | | | |
Class A Common Stock (before cumulative effect) | | $ | (0.12 | ) | | $ | 0.01 | |
Class A Common Stock (after cumulative effect) | | $ | (0.12 | ) | | $ | 0.18 | |
Class B Common Stock (before cumulative effect) | | $ | (0.18 | ) | | $ | — | |
Class B Common Stock (after cumulative effect) | | $ | (0.18 | ) | | $ | 0.26 | |
GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
SEGMENT DATA
UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands)
| | | | | | |
| | | Quarter ended January 31,
|
| | | 2004
| | 2003
|
Net Sales | | | | | | |
Industrial Packaging & Services | | $ | 337,391 | | $ | 303,148 |
Paper, Packaging & Services | | | 125,294 | | | 124,680 |
Timber | | | 6,175 | | | 6,850 |
| | |
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| |
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Total | | $ | 468,860 | | $ | 434,678 |
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| |
|
|
Operating Profit | | | | | | |
Operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains: | | | | | | |
Industrial Packaging & Services | | $ | 8,851 | | $ | 3,515 |
Paper, Packaging & Services | | | 5,353 | | | 7,891 |
Timber | | | 4,396 | | | 4,837 |
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|
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Operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains | | | 18,600 | | | 16,243 |
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Restructuring charges: | | | | | | |
Industrial Packaging & Services | | | 12,023 | | | 1,165 |
Paper, Packaging & Services | | | 3,169 | | | 374 |
Timber | | | 67 | | | — |
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|
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Total restructuring charges | | | 15,259 | | | 1,539 |
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Timberland gains: | | | | | | |
Timber | | | 3,934 | | | 396 |
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Total | | $ | 7,275 | | $ | 15,100 |
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Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Expense | | | | | | |
Industrial Packaging & Services | | $ | 17,058 | | $ | 14,854 |
Paper, Packaging & Services | | | 8,825 | | | 8,847 |
Timber | | | 827 | | | 400 |
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Total | | $ | 26,710 | | $ | 24,101 |
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GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands)
| | | | | | |
| | | Quarter ended January 31,
|
| | | 2004
| | 2003
|
Net Sales | | | | | | |
North America | | $ | 268,024 | | $ | 275,057 |
Europe | | | 132,946 | | | 107,321 |
Other | | | 67,890 | | | 52,300 |
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Total | | $ | 468,860 | | $ | 434,678 |
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Operating Profit | | | | | | |
Operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains: | | | | | | |
North America | | $ | 8,484 | | $ | 10,323 |
Europe | | | 4,311 | | | 3,376 |
Other | | | 5,805 | | | 2,544 |
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|
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|
|
Operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains | | | 18,600 | | | 16,243 |
Restructuring charges | | | 15,259 | | | 1,539 |
Timberland gains | | | 3,934 | | | 396 |
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Total | | $ | 7,275 | | $ | 15,100 |
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GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands)
| | | | | | |
| | | January 31, 2004
| | October 31,
2003
|
ASSETS | | | | | | |
| | |
CURRENT ASSETS | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 38,121 | | $ | 49,767 |
Trade accounts receivable | | | 270,613 | | | 294,957 |
Inventories | | | 170,295 | | | 167,157 |
Other current assets | | | 72,041 | | | 71,576 |
| | |
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| | | | 551,070 | | | 583,457 |
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LONG-TERM ASSETS | | | | | | |
Goodwill | | | 251,437 | | | 252,309 |
Intangible assets | | | 29,808 | | | 30,654 |
Other long-term assets | | | 57,590 | | | 52,416 |
| | |
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| | | | 338,835 | | | 335,379 |
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PROPERTIES, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT | | | 901,823 | | | 912,375 |
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| | | $ | 1,791,728 | | $ | 1,831,211 |
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | |
| | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 131,760 | | $ | 158,333 |
Short-term borrowings | | | 19,734 | | | 15,605 |
Current portion of long-term debt | | | 3,000 | | | 3,000 |
Other current liabilities | | | 132,842 | | | 135,380 |
| | |
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| | | | 287,336 | | | 312,318 |
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LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | | | | | | |
Long-term debt | | | 637,972 | | | 643,067 |
Other long-term liabilities | | | 296,529 | | | 301,376 |
| | |
|
| |
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| | | | 934,501 | | | 944,443 |
| | |
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MINORITY INTEREST | | | 1,633 | | | 1,886 |
| | |
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SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | 568,258 | | | 572,564 |
| | |
|
| |
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| | | $ | 1,791,728 | | $ | 1,831,211 |
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GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Quarter ended January 31, 2004
| | | Quarter ended January 31, 2003
| |
| | | | | | Per Share
Amounts*
| | | | | | Per Share
Amounts*
| |
| | | | | | Class A
| | | Class B
| | | | | | Class A
| | | Class B
| |
GAAP - operating profit | | $ | 7,275 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 15,100 | | | | | | | | | |
Restructuring charges | | | 15,259 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,539 | | | | | | | | | |
Timberland gains | | | (3,934 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | (396 | ) | | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
|
|
| | | | | | | | |
Non-GAAP - operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains | | $ | 18,600 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 16,243 | | | | | | | | | |
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|
| | | | | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | |
GAAP - net income | | $ | (3,366 | ) | | $ | (0.12 | ) | | $ | (0.18 | ) | | $ | 4,931 | | | $ | 0.18 | | | $ | 0.26 | |
Restructuring charges, net of tax | | | 10,559 | | | | 0.38 | | | | 0.56 | | | | 1,047 | | | | 0.04 | | | | 0.06 | |
Timberland gains, net of tax | | | (2,722 | ) | | | (0.10 | ) | | | (0.15 | ) | | | (269 | ) | | | (0.01 | ) | | | (0.01 | ) |
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (4,822 | ) | | | (0.17 | ) | | | (0.26 | ) |
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Non-GAAP - net income before restructuring charges, timberland gains and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | | $ | 4,471 | | | $ | 0.16 | | | $ | 0.23 | | | $ | 887 | | | $ | 0.04 | | | $ | 0.05 | |
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GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (CONTINUED)
UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands)
| | | | | | | | |
| | | Quarter ended
January 31,
| |
| | | 2004
| | | 2003
| |
Industrial Packaging & Services | | | | | | | | |
GAAP - operating profit | | $ | (3,172 | ) | | $ | 2,350 | |
Restructuring charges | | | 12,023 | | | | 1,165 | |
| | |
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Non-GAAP - operating profit before restructuring charges | | $ | 8,851 | | | $ | 3,515 | |
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Paper, Packaging & Services | | | | | | | | |
GAAP - operating profit | | $ | 2,184 | | | $ | 7,517 | |
Restructuring charges | | | 3,169 | | | | 374 | |
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Non-GAAP - operating profit before restructuring charges | | $ | 5,353 | | | $ | 7,891 | |
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Timber | | | | | | | | |
GAAP - operating profit | | $ | 8,263 | | | $ | 5,233 | |
Restructuring charges | | | 67 | | | | — | |
Timberland gains | | | (3,934 | ) | | | (396 | ) |
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Non-GAAP - operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains | | $ | 4,396 | | | $ | 4,837 | |
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