MYS Masisa SA (New) Ads

SANTIAGO, Chile, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MASISA S.A. (NYSE:MYS) ("Masisa" or "the Company"), a leading company in the Latin American forestry and wood products industries, announced its consolidated financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2006. HIGHLIGHTS 3Q06 -- Sales in the third quarter of 2006 increased 18.9% compared to the same period of 2005, reaching US$233.0 million, driven by higher prices and volumes in almost all product lines. Compared to the second quarter of 2006, sales increased by 6.8%, mainly due to the MDF and PB businesses resulting from the commercial efforts focused on achieving higher prices and volumes. -- The operating margin to sales ratio declined from 26.2% to 24.9% compared to the third quarter of 2005, due to rising costs. Compared to the second quarter of 2006, costs remained stable, which accompanied by price increases, allowed the Company to improve its operating margin from 22.1% to 24.9%. -- Administrative and selling expenses in the third quarter of 2006 declined to represent 12.9% of sales, an improvement compared to the third quarter of 2005 where they represented 14.8% of sales. When compared to the second quarter of 2006, administrative and selling expenses declined from 13.8% to the reported 12.9%. -- Operating income increased by 24.9% with respect to the same period of 2005 to US$ 28.0 million due improved sales margin (reflecting the successful commercial efforts), and greater selling and administration expense efficiency. Compared to the second quarter of 2006, the increase was 54.4%, mainly due to price increases, the stabilization of costs and the maintenance of selling and administrative expenses in absolute terms. -- Net income in the third quarter was US$ 13.8 million, representing a 125.4% improvement compared to the same quarter of 2005, and an increase of approximately 239.2% over the second quarter of 2006. -- The Company continues showing an adequate performance in operational terms, which is reflected in a working capital to sales ratio for the third quarter of 2006, maintaining the same level with respect to the third quarter of 2005 (25.0% and 24.6%, respectively). With respect to the second quarter of 2006, the Company improved its working capital to sales ratio, from 28.6% in the third quarter of 2006 to the reported 25.0% in the third quarter of 2006. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME SALES 3Q06 vs. 2Q06 The Company's sales during the third quarter of 2006 totaled US$ 233.0 million, representing a US$ 14.8 million (+6.8%) increase over the second quarter of 2006. The principal factors explaining the increase were: Boards -- Sales of MDF boards increased by US$ 13.2 million (+18.2%), mainly due to a 32.6% increase in volume in Brazil, where prices were maintained, and higher prices across all other markets led to a 7.3% increase in consolidated prices. -- Sales of particle boards (PB) grew by US$ 3.4 million (+7.6%), due to price increases in all markets (+6.6% consolidated), with volumes similar to those of the previous quarter (1.0% growth). -- Sales of OSB boards declined by US$ 2.0 million (-16.1%), explained by a decline in both prices and volumes in the U.S. market of 13.6% and 39.1%, respectively. These declines are explained by the slow-down in the U.S. construction sector (reduced levels of new home construction), which translates into a decrease in demand for this type of board. Solid Wood -- Sales of finger-joint mouldings rose by US$ 5.6 million (+23.9%), mainly due to an 8.7% price increase and 14.0% in higher volumes in the U.S. Sales of MDF mouldings declined by US$ 2.6 million (-13.9%), despite a price increase of 4.8%. This was a result of a 17.9% decline in volume attributable to reduced shipments from Chile. This decline in shipments from Chile is explained by a location change in the moulding production line, located at the Cabrero board plant to the moulding plant, also located at Cabrero. Through this change, the Company intends to centralize its moulding operation in order to improve the control and management of both its production and commercialization activities. During this period, and in order to maintain the quality of the delivery service provided to its U.S. clients, the Company outsourced part of its MDF moulding production. It should be noted that the positive behavior of the U.S. mouldings business, despite a slow-down in the construction industry, is best explained by a positive correlation with the house renovation business. This sector exhibits more stable performance over time when compared to the new home construction sector, as it is closely related to income levels rather than the macro-economic cycle. -- Increase in the sale of solid wooden doors of US$ 0.8 million (+8.5%), due to a 5.8% improvement in volume and a 2.6% price increase, as a result of the development of new models and the expansion of the customer base. -- Despite a 3.7% price increase, sales of sawn wood declined by US$ 0.8 million (-3.8%) due to a 7.2% decline in volume, best explained by reduced shipments of green wood to Mexico. Forestry -- Reduced sales of sawn logs of US$ 1.3 million (-11.6%) due to a 14.4% decline in volume partially offset by a 3.3% price increase. 3Q06 vs. 3Q05 The Company's sales during the third quarter 2006 totaled US$ 233.0 million, representing a US$ 37.1 million (+18.9%) increase over the third quarter 2005 The principal factors explaining this were: Boards -- Sales of MDF boards increased by US$ 22.3 million (+35.1%), mainly due to price increases in all markets, principally in the Chilean, Brazilian and Mexican markets (21.2% in consolidated terms). MDF volume also grew by 11.5%, highlighted by Brazil and Venezuela, where it increased 27.5% and 68.0%, respectively. -- Sales of particle boards (PB) increased by US$ 8.8 million (+22.1%), mainly due to a 13.3% increase in prices (price effect of US$ 5.3 million) effective in most markets, principally Chile with 18.2% growth. Volume rose by 7.8% (volume effect of US$ 3.5 million), highlighted by Mexico and Venezuela, where it increased 41.1% and 79.9%, respectively. -- Sales of OSB boards declined by US$ 8.2 million (-43.6%), mainly explained by reductions in both prices and volumes in the U.S. market, declines of 11.7% and 69.5%, respectively. This was due to the decline in the U.S. construction sector (lower levels of new home construction), which translates into reduced demand for this type of board. Solid Wood -- Sales of finger-joint mouldings rose by US$ 7.4 million (+34.2%) mainly due to a 26.8% price increase and a 5.7% improvement in volumes in the U.S. Sales of MDF mouldings increased by US$ 2.0 million (+14.5%) due to a 9.0% increase in volume and 5.0% in prices. -- Sales of solid wooden doors increased US$ 1.5 million (+17.3%), due to increases in volumes of 7.0% and prices of 9.7%. -- Sales of sawn wood rose by US$ 1.8 million (+10.2%), highlighted by increases of 5.1% and 4.9% in volumes and prices respectively. This is explained by a change in the customer base, serving more profitable markets such as Guatemala and Costa Rica from own production, rather than from Mexico, and supplying Mexican customers via trading of third party production. Forestry -- Sales of sawn logs increased US$ 3.1 million (+47.0%) due to a 144.4% increase in volume partially offset by a 39.8% price reduction. OPERATING INCOME 3Q06 vs. 2Q06 The Company's operating income during the third quarter of 2006 totaled US$ 28.0 million, an increase of US$ 9.8 million (+54.4%) over the second quarter. The consolidated gross margin was US$ 58.1 million in the third quarter, representing an improvement of US$ 9.9 million (+20.5%) compared to the previous quarter. The gross margin as a percentage of total sales posted a substantial improvement, from 22.1% in the second quarter to 24.9% in the third quarter. The principal factors behind this increase in operating income compared to the previous quarter were: Boards -- Increases in both prices (7.3% and 6.6%) and volumes (10.1% and 1.0%) in the MDF and PB businesses, respectively, were accompanied by a stabilization of board production costs at the group level in the third quarter 2006. This stabilization is reflected both in chemicals (approximately 34.1% of total board costs) and in wood (approximately 23.4% of the total). Solid Wood -- Increased margins in the mouldings business, especially for finger- joint mouldings, due to a favorable price environment (+8.7%) in the U.S. market, accompanied by growth in volumes (+14.0%). These price increases more than offset the increase in costs related to wood price increases (approximately 32.3% of total costs), and increased labor costs (approximately 24.7% of total costs). Administrative and selling expenses were US$ 30.1 million, practically the same as the previous quarter (US$ 30.1 million). The administrative and selling expenses ratio to sales improved from 13.8% in the second quarter to 12.9%. 3Q06 vs. 3Q05 The Company's operating income during the third quarter of 2006 was US$ 28.0 million, an increase of US$ 5.6 million (+24.9%) over the third quarter of 2005. The consolidated gross margin was US$ 58.1 million in the third quarter of 2006, representing an increase of US$ 6.7 million (+13.0%) over the same quarter of the previous year. The gross margin as a percentage of total sales declined from 26.2% in the third quarter of 2005 to 24.9% in the third quarter of 2006. The principal factors behind this increase in operating income, compared to the same quarter of 2005, were: Boards -- Increases in both prices (21.2% and 13.3%) as volumes (11.5% and 7.8%) in the MDF and PB businesses, respectively, which were partially offset by price declines (-11.4%) and volume reductions (-36.4%) in OSB and cost pressures, principally resins and wood, inputs representing approximately a combined 59.1% of the total consolidated cost of board manufactured. The cost pressure is reflected in the decline in the consolidated gross margin as a percentage of total consolidated sales. Solid Wood -- Increases in the prices and volumes of each of the products of this business unit. Especially notable was the 26.7% price increase in finger-joint mouldings due to favorable market conditions in the U.S.. These price increases have been partially offset by increases in related costs with the appreciation of the Chilean and Brazilian currencies, increased wood prices and higher logistical costs as a result of higher oil prices. The cost pressures are reflected in the decline in the consolidated gross margin as a percentage of total consolidated sales. Administrative and selling expenses were US$ 30.1 million, an increase of US$ 1.1 million (+3.7%) over the third quarter of 2005. The administrative and selling expenses ratio to sales improved substantially from 14.8% in the third quarter of 2005 to 12.9% in the third quarter of 2006. EBITDA 3Q06 vs. 2Q06 In-line with its improved operating income, the Company posted a significant recovery in its operating cash flow generation (EBITDA) during the third quarter compared to the previous quarter. EBITDA for the third quarter was US$ 44.9 million, representing an increase of US$ 9.7 million (+27.4%). The EBITDA to sales ratio recovered from 16.1% in the previous quarter to 19.3%. 3Q06 vs. 3Q05 In-line with the strong sales growth, partially offset by input cost pressures, the Company's EBITDA improved by US$ 3.6 million (+8.8%). The EBITDA to sales ratio declined from 21.0% in the third quarter of 2005 to 19.3%. NON-OPERATING RESULTS 3Q06 vs. 2Q06 The non-operating result remained negative at (US$ 10.7 million), although it compared positively with the result from the second quarter (US$ 13.1 million). This improvement is explained by (i) the reduction in net financial expenses, which declined by US$ 1.1 million, from (US$ 7.1 million) in the second quarter to (US$ 6.1 million). This is mainly explained by a US$ 12.7 million decline in the total amount of funded debt and (ii) reduced exchange differences, which totaled (US$ 3.2 million) in the third quarter compared to (US$ 5.5 million) in the second quarter. 3Q06 vs. 3Q05 The non-operating result remained negative at (US$ 10.7 million), practically the same figure as the third quarter of 2005 (US$ 11.0 million). This was due to net financial expenses, which reduced US$ 3.3 million from (US$ 9.3 million) in 2005 to (US$ 6.1 million) in the third quarter of 2006. This reduction in net financial expenses is explained by improved interest rate conditions obtained in both Rabobank's syndicated loan (Jan. 2006) and the local bond placement (Jan. 2006), that were partly utilized for refinancing purposes. This was offset by a larger loss from exchange differences, which increased by US$ 2.4 million to (US$ 3.2 million) in the 2006 quarter. NET INCOME 3Q06 vs. 2Q06 Net income totaled US$ 13.8 million, representing an increase of US$ 9.8 million (+239%), mainly due to the better operating results, and to a lesser extent, the improved non-operating results. 3Q06 vs. 3Q05 Net income totaled US$ 13.8 million, representing an increase of US$ 7.7 million (+125%), due to improved operating results. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET ASSETS (9 month period ended Sept. 30, 2006 vs. 9 month period ended Sept. 30, 2005) The Company's total assets at September 30, 2006 amounted to US$ 1,954.99 million, representing a 1.3% increase over the same period of 2005. Current Assets Totaled US$ 498.9 million, representing a decline of US$ 7.0 million (-1.4%) compared to September 30, 2005. This decrease is mainly explained by less Inventories (-US$ 21.7 million) and Recoverable taxes (-US$ 5.7 million), which slightly exceeded increases in Trade account receivables (+US$ 21.4 million). This increase in receivables is in-line with the Company's growing trading activities. Current assets mainly comprise cash and cash equivalents (time deposits and marketable securities) for US$ 62.2 million, trade account receivables of US$ 141.1 million, inventories of US$ 188.1 million and recoverable taxes of US$ 47.4 million. The results of the Company's efforts to improve its operating efficiency are reflected in (i) fewer days outstanding of receivables (56.4 days at September 30, 2005, versus 49.0 days at September 30, 2006) and (ii) faster inventory turnover (141.6 days at September 30, 2005, versus 99.6 days at September 30, 2006). Fixed Assets Totaled US$ 1,475.5 million, an increase of US$ 44.8 million (+3.1%) compared to September 30, 2005, best explained by the increase in Other fixed assets net of depreciation (+US$ 70.0 million), which exceeded the reduction in Machinery and equipment net of depreciation (-US$ 21.3 million). The fixed assets mainly correspond to Machinery and equipment net of depreciation of US$ 550.1 million and Plantations (classified as Other fixed assets) of US$ 560.5 million. The investment in fixed assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, amounted to US$ 84.1 million, 137% of the depreciation for the period. Other Assets Totaled (US$ 19.4 million), signifying an increase in the negative balance of (US$ 13.4 million). This increased negative balance mainly reflects an increase in negative goodwill of (US$ 17.0 million). LIABILITIES (9 month period ended Sept. 30, 2006 vs. 9 month period ended Sept. 30, 2005) Total liabilities amounted to US$ 808.0 million, representing a decrease of US$ 20.8 million (-2.5%) compared to September 30, 2005. Bank Borrowings The borrowings of Masisa S.A from financial entities amounted to US$ 304.7 million, a reduction of US$ 21.8 million (-6.7%) compared to September 30, 2005, due to reduced lines of credit of US$ 38.8 million. The funds were used to repay short-term debts mainly from the proceeds of the syndicated loan, with Rabobank, obtained in January 2006 (see below). In January 2006 the Company obtained a syndicated loan for US$ 110 million to restructure its short-term debt, finance part of its new investment projects and take advantage of favorable interest rates. The loan's terms are: 6 years tenor, with a 3 year grace period and semi-annual interest payments. Bonds The bonds of Masisa S.A. total US$ 317.6 million, a reduction of US$ 19.4 million (-5.8%) compared to September 30, 2005. This is explained by the commencement of principal repayments on the Series A of UF 250,000 (approximately US$ 8.6 million) and payment in May 2006 of US$ 9.0 million corresponding to a Private Placement. In January 2006, the Company refinanced domestic market bonds for UF 4.75 million in order to improve the maturity profile and take advantage of the favorable interest rate environment. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (9 month period ended Sept. 30, 2006 vs. 9 month period ended Sept. 30, 2005) The equity of Masisa S.A at September 30, 2006, amounted to US$ 1,129.7 million, representing an increase of US$ 130.4 million (+13.1%) compared to September 30, 2005. Paid Capital The paid capital totaled US$ 812.9 million, an increase of US$ 116.4 million (+16.7%) compared to September 30, 2005. Masisa S.A made a capital increase in December 2005 in which 622.5 million shares were subscribed and paid the equivalent of US$ 117.4 million. Other Reserves Totaled US$ 173.2 million, representing an increase of US$ 9.7 million (+5.9%). These mainly correspond to the forestry reserve of US$ 162.1 million. The increase is due to a greater difference between the appraised value of the forest plantations and their respective cost (US$ 162.1 million at September 30, 2006, versus US$ 148.1 million at September 30, 2005). Retained Earnings Totaled US$ 143.6 million, an increase of US$ 4.4 million (3.1%), explained by higher accumulated earnings, which increased by US$ 13.0 million (+21.5%). This increase was partly reduced by lower net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, amounting to US$ 19.1 million, compared to US$ 27.7 million to September 30, 2005, a reduction of US$ 8.6 million (-31.0%). For a full version of the release, please visit Masisa's web page at http://www.masisa.com/. Projections and Estimates This communication may contain projections that constitute declarations other than historic facts or present conditions, and include without limitation the present management views and estimates of future circumstances, industry conditions and the performance of the Company. Such projections may be identified with the use of the terms "could," "should," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "plan," "intend," "project" and similar expressions. Examples of projections are declarations made with respect to future market shares, future projected competitive strengths, the implementation of relevant operational and financial strategies, the direction of future operations, and the factors or trends affecting financial conditions, liquidity or operating results. Such declarations reflect the management's present views and are subject to different risks and events. There is no assurance that the expected events, trends or results will effectively occur. These declarations are made on the basis of numerous assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions and operating factors. Any change to these assumptions or factors could cause the present results of Masisa and the Company's planned actions to differ substantially from present expectations. For further information: Investor Relations (56-2) 350-6038 Internet: http://www.masisa.com/ Peter Majeski i-advize Corporate Communications, Inc. (212) 406-3690 DATASOURCE: Masisa S.A. CONTACT: Investor Relations, Masisa, +011-56-2-350-6038, or , or Peter Majeski, i-advize Corporate Communications, Inc., +1-212-406-3690, or , for Masisa Web site: http://www.masisa.com/

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