The decreases in net sales and operating profit in the third quarter and first nine months were mainly due to lower volume partially offset by higher selling prices. Appreciation of the Canadian Dollar also had an estimated adverse impact on profits of $600,000 in the third quarter of 2007 versus 2006 and $1.3 million in the first nine months of 2007 versus 2006. Shipments declined in most markets, especially extrusions used in hurricane protection products and residential construction. Overall backlog at the end of the quarter was 14.9 million pounds, down from 25.4 million pounds at September 30, 2006. Capital expenditures were $4.2 million in the first nine months of 2007 and are projected to be approximately $6 million for the year. Depreciation expense was $9.4 million in the first nine months of 2007 and is projected to be $13 million for the year. During the third quarter of 2007, as a result of deteriorating business conditions and financial results relating to aluminum extrusions operations in Canada, we recognized an asset impairment charge of $27.6 million ($22.7 million or 58 cents per share after taxes). See Note 2 on page 6 for more information. Other Items. Net pension income was $536,000 in the third quarter of 2007 and $1.7 million in the first nine months of 2007, a favorable change of $1.1 million (2 cents per share after taxes) and $3.6 million (6 cents per share after taxes) from amounts recognized in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, respectively. Most of the favorable changes relate to a pension plan that is reflected in “Corporate expenses, net” in the operating profit by segment table on page 15. The company contributed $1.1 million to its pension plans in 2006 and expects to contribute the same amount in 2007. Interest expense was $628,000 in the third quarter of 2007 and $2.0 million in first nine months of 2007, a decline of $703,000 (1 cent per share after taxes) and $2.2 million (4 cents per share after taxes) versus the third quarter and first nine months of last year, respectively, due to lower average debt outstanding. See Note 9 on page 12 regarding significant differences in our effective tax rate between periods. During the first quarter of 2007, we adopted new accounting standards for maintenance costs and uncertain income tax positions, neither of which had a material impact on Tredegar’s results of operations or financial condition. In addition, Tredegar adopted new accounting standards on fair value measurements and the fair value option for financial assets and liabilities, neither of which had an impact on historical results at the date of adoption. On April 2, 2007, we invested $10 million in Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. (“Harbinger”), a fund that seeks to achieve superior absolute returns by participating primarily in medium to long-term investments involving distressed/high yield debt securities, special situation equities and private loans and notes. The fund is a highly speculative investment subject to a two-year lock-up and additional limitations on withdrawal. There is no secondary market for interests in the fund. Our investment in Harbinger, which represents less than 2% of Harbinger’s total partnership capital, is accounted for under the cost method. At September 30, 2007, Harbinger reported our capital account value at $17.8 million reflecting $7.8 million of unrealized appreciation ($5.1 million or 13 cents per share after taxes) versus the carrying value in our balance sheet of $10 million (included in “Other assets and deferred charges”). On August 31, 2007, we invested $6.5 million in a privately held drug delivery company representing ownership on a fully diluted basis of approximately 23%. The company is developing and commercializing state of the art drug delivery systems designed to improve patient compliance and outcomes. See Note 6 on page 9 for more information. During the first nine months of 2007, we invested $5.7 million in real estate. At September 30, 2007, the carrying value in our balance sheet (“Other assets and deferred charges”) of our recent investments in this real estate and the drug delivery company equaled the respective amounts invested. |