Glatfelter Reports Q4 Results

Glatfelter Corporation reported a loss from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2021 of $11.2 million, compared with net income of $9.1 million, in the same period a year ago. The 2021 results prospectively include the acquisitions of Georgia-Pacific’s U.S. nonwovens business (“Mount Holly”) and Jacob Holm (“Spunlace”) as of May 13, 2021 and October 29, 2021, respectively. Consolidated net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2021, totaled $334.5 million, compared with $235.3 million for the same period in 2020. On a constant currency basis, net sales for Composite Fibers and Airlaid Materials (including Mount Holly) increased by 1.3% and 47.5%, respectively. The Spunlace segment, formed in connection with the Jacob Holm transaction, had net sales of approximately $58 million prospectively from the October 29, 2021, acquisition date.

Airlaid Materials’ net sales increased $43.5 million in the year-over-year comparison, driven by sales from Mount Holly as well as higher selling prices from cost pass-through arrangements with customers. Shipments were 23.3% higher driven primarily by Mount Holly. Stronger shipments of legacy tabletop products were nearly offset by lower shipments of hygiene and wipes products. Currency translation was $2.8 million unfavorable.

Spunlace shipments for the fourth quarter under Glatfelter ownership (from date of acquisition of October 29, 2021 to December 31, 2021) were approximately 4% lower than our original expectations of 13,000 metric tons and the operating loss of $1.3 million was approximately $2.3 million below our expectations. Lower shipments were mainly in the wipes category as one of its larger wipes customers recalibrated orders for the quarter to manage year-end inventory, in addition to production delays that were impacted by raw material availability. These factors, combined with unfavorable mix, negatively impacted profitability by approximately $0.7 million. In addition, raw material inflation, particularly on synthetic fibers, coupled with higher than anticipated energy costs, lowered profits by approximately $1.5 million. Operations further negatively impacted results by $1.4 million from lower production, higher than anticipated waste rates and Covid-related labor challenges. The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in depreciation and amortization of approximately $1.7 million after including the acquisition step-up to fixed and intangible assets.