SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of February, 2004
Commission file number: 1-14872
SAPPI LIMITED
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
48 Ameshoff Street
Braamfontein
Johannesburg 2001
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
----
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K
in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K
in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information
contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the
information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes No X
-----
If "Yes" is marked, indicated below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):82-
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In order to utilize the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the United States Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"), Sappi Limited
(the "Company") is providing the following cautionary statement. Except for
historical information contained herein, statements contained in this Report
on Form 6-K may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
the Reform Act. The words "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "intend",
"estimate ", "plan", "assume", "positioned", "will", "may", "should", "risk"
and other similar expressions which are predictions of or indicate future
events and future trends which do not relate to historical matters identify
forward-looking statements. In addition, this Report on Form 6-K may include
forward-looking statements relating to the Company's potential exposure to
various types of market risks, such as interest rate risk, foreign exchange
rate risk and commodity price risk. Reliance should not be placed on
forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which are in some cases beyond the control of
the Company, together with its subsidiaries (the "Group"), and may cause the
actual results, performance or achievements of the Group to differ materially
from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements (and from past results, performance
or achievements). Certain factors that may cause such differences include but
are not limited to: the highly cyclical nature of the pulp and paper industry;
pulp and paper production, production capacity and pricing levels in North
America, Europe, Asia and southern Africa; any major disruption in production
at the Group's key facilities; changes in environmental, tax and other laws
and regulations; adverse changes in the markets for the Group's products; any
delays, unexpected costs or other problems experienced with any business
acquired or to be acquired; consequences of the Group's leverage; adverse
changes in the South African political situation and economy or the effect of
governmental efforts to address present or future economic or social problems;
and the impact of future investments, acquisitions and dispositions (including
the financing of investments and acquisitions) and any delays, unexpected
costs or other problems experienced in connection with dispositions. These and
other risks, uncertainties and factors are discussed in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 20-F and other filings with and submissions to the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including this Report on Form 6-K. Shareholders and
prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of
the date of the submission of this Report on Form 6-K and are not intended to
give any assurance as to future results. The Company undertakes no obligation
to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether
to reflect new information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.
2
[GRAPHICS OMITTED]
SAPPI
The word for fine paper
results for the quarter
ended December 2003
[GRAPHICS OMITTED]
3
[GRAPHICS OMITTED]
____________________________________________________________________________
Sappi is the world's leading
producter of coated fine paper
____________________________________________________________________________
Sales by product group *
Coated fine paper 64%
Uncoated fine paper 5%
[Pie Chart Omitted] Coated specialities 8%
Pulp 13%
Commodity paper 9%
Other 1%
Sales: where the product is sold*
Europe 42%
[Pie Chart Omitted] Southern Africa 15%
Asia and other 12%
North America 31%
Sales: where the product is manufactured*
Europe 46%
[Pie Chart Omitted] Southern Africa 26%
North America 28%
Geographic ownership**
Europe & ROW + 15%
[Pie Chart Omitted] Southern Africa 46%
North America 39%
* for the quarter ended December 2003
** as at 31 December 2003
+ Rest of the world
____________________________________________________________________________
4
Net loss after previously announced charges
Weak US market
Strong demand in Europe
SA businesses profitable despite stronger Rand
SUMMARY
Quarter Quarter Quarter
ended ended ended
Dec Sept ** Dec **
2003 2003 2002
Sales (US$ million) 1,120 1,123 1,019
Operating profit (US$ million) - 48 95
EBITDA (US$ million) * 114 115 189
Operating profit to sales (%) - 4.3 9.3
EBITDA to sales (%) * 10.2 10.2 18.5
Operating profit to average net assets (%) * - 4.3 10.0
Headline EPS (US cents) * (9) 11 22
EPS (US cents) (9) 4 22
Return on average equity (%) * (4.3) 1.9 12.3
Net debt (US$ million) * 1,694 1,491 1,525
Net debt to total capitalisation (%) * 34.7 30.9 35.9
* Refer to the Supplemental Information for the definition of the term.
** Restated for AC 137
COMMENT
The performance of our fine paper businesses was disappointing in the United
States, encouraging in Europe although prices remain weak, and satisfactory in
South Africa. The forest products business experienced strong demand and
performed well notwithstanding the strength of the Rand.
Market conditions in the quarter were very different in our two major fine
paper markets. In Europe apparent consumption of coated fine paper (defined as
shipments plus imports less exports) showed growth of 6% in the quarter
compared to a year earlier. However, prices remain weak. In the United States
the strength of GDP growth did not translate into a recovery in demand for
coated paper. Coated fine paper apparent consumption for the quarter was down
approximately 13% compared to a year earlier and 6% compared to the prior
quarter. Despite the weakening of the US Dollar against the Euro, imports into
the United States for October and November remained at a high level but were
down 2%
5
compared to a year earlier. Prices remained under pressure and in the case of
sheeted product this is reflected in a shift towards lower priced products,
including imports.
As anticipated in our last quarterly results announcement, we took charges in
this quarter in respect of the closure costs of paper machine 14 at the
Westbrook mill (US$15 million pre-tax); staff reduction (US$14 million
pre-tax) and increased costs in connection with major maintenance shuts at all
our North American mills (US$15 million pre-tax higher than last year). These
charges and additional shut costs amount to approximately US$44 million
pre-tax, US$33 million post-tax, and 15 US cents per share.
After these charges and costs we recorded a net loss and headline loss of
US$21 million.
Costs have generally been well controlled but North American wood and energy
costs were US$6 million higher than last year. Selling, General and
Administrative expenses for the quarter were US$125 million, US$48 million
higher than last year, partly as a result of the US$29 million charge for the
Westbrook closure and staff reduction and partly as a result of currency
translation to the weaker US Dollar (US$12 million).
Following the application of the new Agriculture Accounting Standard - AC137
(IFRS 41) in the quarter movements in the fair value of plantations now impact
operating profit. The change had a favourable impact of US$7 million after tax
in the quarter as a result of volume growth and operating efficiencies.
Net finance costs for the quarter were US$28 million compared to US$29 million
last year. They were US$7 million higher than the September quarter as a
result of changes in the fair value of financial instruments.
Tax for the quarter was at an effective rate of 25% which is higher than the
expected rate for the balance of the year, as a result of the charges and
losses in the United States.
6
CASH FLOW AND DEBT
Cash generated by operations remained positive at US$106 million for the
quarter despite weak trading conditions but was 29% lower than the previous
quarter and 40% lower than the same quarter last year.
Working capital increased by US$113 million in the quarter mainly as a result
of lower payables. This movement was significantly lower than the equivalent
quarter last year. Capital expenditure in the quarter was US$83 million, 83%
of depreciation.
We repurchased approximately 1 million of our shares in the quarter at a cost
of US$13 million.
Net debt increased by approximately US$203 million in the quarter. US$56
million of the increase was a result of translation to US Dollars from the
relatively stronger Euro and Rand.
OPERATING REVIEW FOR THE QUARTER
SAPPI FINE PAPER
Quarter ended Quarter ended
Dec 2003 Dec 2002 %
US$ million US$ million change
Sales 905 862 5.0
Operating (loss) profit (34) 57 -
Operating (loss) profit to sales (%) (3.7) 6.6 -
EBITDA 51 133 (61.7)
EBITDA to sales (%) 5.6 15.4 -
RONOA pa (%) (4.2) 7.5 -
Our fine paper business continued to be impacted by low prices and higher
costs in all regions. In the United States this was exacerbated by weak demand
and the high level of imports. Our South African business was faced with
increased competition from imports as a result of the relatively strong
currency. The average exchange rate was R6.86 per US Dollar in the quarter
compared to R9.73 a year earlier.
The highlight of the quarter was improving order levels and sales volumes in
Europe, primarily for the European market.
We are focusing management attention on improving the performance of our North
American business.
7
Europe
Quarter ended Quarter ended
Dec 2003 Dec 2002 % change % change
US$ million US$ million (US$) (Euros)
Sales 518 434 19.4 0.4
Operating profit 15 39 (61.5) (67.8)
Operating profit to sales
(%) 2.9 9.0 - -
EBITDA 63 82 (23.2) (35.4)
EBITDA to sales (%) 12.2 18.9 - -
RONOA pa (%) 3.5 10.7 - -
Our sales volumes, including exports, increased 12% compared to a year
earlier, reflecting the stronger apparent consumption in Europe.
Price pressure continued in the quarter and average prices realised in Euros
were about 10% below a year earlier. This includes the effect of the
relatively weaker US Dollar on the realised value of exports to the United
States and elsewhere.
North America
Quarter ended Quarter ended
Dec 2003 Dec 2002 %
US$ million US$ million change
Sales 316 369 (14.4)
Operating (loss) profit (54) 9 -
Operating (loss) profit to sales (%) (17.1) 2.4 -
EBITDA (20) 40 -
EBITDA to sales (%) (6.3) 10.8 -
RONOA pa (%) (15.3) 2.4 -
There has been no sign of a recovery in our sector in the United States
despite strong economic growth figures. In the past there has generally been a
good but lagging correlation between corporate profits and coated paper
consumption, which we still expect will result in improved consumption of
coated fine paper once market inventories return to normal levels.
8
The underlying performance of our North American business was unsatisfactory
and the results were further impacted by the charges for the paper machine
closure, staff reduction and increased major shut costs. The closure of the
Westbrook paper machine and transfer of its output proceeded smoothly and we
expect to see the benefits in subsequent quarters.
Sales volume of coated fine paper was 11% lower than last year reflecting
industry conditions. This reduction is emphasised by the strong seasonal
demand in the comparative quarter last year.
Average prices realised for paper were 6% lower than last year and 3% lower
compared to the prior quarter, which includes the effect of a mix-shift to
lower priced products. We have continued to enhance our product offerings and
are in a strong position to meet our customers' requirements and to benefit
from the stronger economy.
Operating costs were influenced by the higher wood and energy costs and this
trend has continued into our second quarter.
Fine Paper South Africa
Quarter ended Quarter ended
Dec 2003 Dec 2002 % change % change
US$ million US$ million (US$) (Rands)
Sales 71 59 20.3 (15.2)
Operating profit 5 9 (44.4) (60.8)
Operating profit to
sales (%) 7.0 15.3 - -
EBITDA 8 11 (27.3) (48.7)
EBITDA to sales (%) 11.3 18.6 - -
RONOA pa (%) 13.7 36.0 - -
Demand in the South African market was firm in the quarter; however, the
strength of the Rand has resulted in increased competition from imports and
downward pressure on prices. This has resulted in a continued squeeze on our
margins.
9
Forest Products
Quarter ended Quarter ended
Dec 2003 Dec 2002 % change % change
US$ million US$ million (US$) (Rands)
Sales 215 157 36.9 (3.5)
Operating profit 35 37 (5.4) (33.3)
Operating profit to sales
(%) 16.3 23.6 - -
EBITDA 64 55 16.4 (18.0)
EBITDA to sales (%) 29.8 35.0 - -
RONOA pa (%) 12.4 18.6 - -
Demand in the local market was firm in the quarter. Our dissolving pulp
business continued to perform well with good demand from the viscose and
acetate markets.
Our total volume of pulp and paper sold increased 14% compared to a year
earlier. Average prices realised were 12% lower in Rands but as a result of
currency translation, significantly higher in US Dollars than a year earlier.
OUTLOOK
World economic conditions appear to be improving on a wide front. We are
seeing improved demand in Europe, which we expect to continue.
Our biggest turnaround opportunity remains in the United States where the
paper sector has not yet benefited from the strength of GDP growth.
We expect strong demand to continue for our South African businesses but the
volatility of the Rand continues to play a major role in their profitability.
With no recovery yet discernible in our fine paper business in the United
States, and assuming no marked changes in our other major markets, the next
quarter's earnings are likely to be at a similar level to the last quarter
excluding charges and additional costs. Given the delay in the turnaround it
is now less likely that we will achieve an improvement in earnings for the
full fiscal year compared to 2003, before the paper machine closure and staff
reduction charges.
On behalf of the Board
J C A Leslie D G Wilson
Director Director 2 February 2004
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this release that are neither reported financial results
nor other historical information, are forward-looking statements, including but
not limited to statements that are predictions of or indicate future earnings,
savings, synergies, events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should
not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to
known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors,
that could cause actual results and company plans
10
and objectives to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the
forward-looking statements (or from past results). Such risks, uncertainties
and factors include, but are not limited to the highly cyclical nature of the
pulp and paper industry (and the factors that contribute to such cyclicality,
such as levels of demand, production capacity, production and pricing),
adverse changes in the markets for the group's products, consequences of
substantial leverage, changing regulatory requirements, unanticipated
production disruptions, economic and political conditions in international
markets, the impact of investments, acquisitions and dispositions (including
related financing), any delays, unexpected costs or other problems experienced
with integrating acquisitions and achieving expected savings and synergies and
currency fluctuations. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update
or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new
information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.
11
Financial results for the first quarter ended December 2003
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROUP INCOME STATEMENT
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVIEWED Reviewed
QUARTER Quarter
ENDED ended
DEC 2003 Dec 2002
US$ MILLION US$ million % change
SALES 1,120 1,019 9.9
Cost of sales 995 847
---------------------------------------------
Gross profit 125 172 (27.3)
Selling, general & administrative expenses 125 77
---------------------------------------------
OPERATING PROFIT - 95 (100.0)
Net finance costs 28 29
_____ _____
Net paid |26 | |25 |
Capitalised |(1)| |(1)|
Net foreign exchange (gains) losses |(2)| | 5 |
Change in fair value of financial instruments | 5 | | - |
_____ _____
---------------------------------------------
(LOSS) PROFIT BEFORE TAX (28) 66 -
Taxation - current 8 14
- deferred (15) 1
---------------------------------------------
NET (LOSS) PROFIT (21) 51 -
---------------------------------------------
(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE (US CENTS) (9) 22
HEADLINE (LOSS) EARNINGS
PER SHARE (US CENTS) * (9) 22
Weighted average number of shares
in issue (millions) 226.5 230.1
Diluted (loss) earnings per share (US cents) (9) 22
Diluted headline (loss) earnings
per share (US cents) * (9) 22
Weighted average number of shares on
fully diluted basis (millions) 228.4 233.1
* Headline (loss) earnings disclosure is required by the JSE Securities
Exchange South Africa. The reconciling differences between Net (loss) profit
and Headline (loss) earnings are immaterial.
12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROUP BALANCE SHEET
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVIEWED Audited
DEC 2003 Sept 2003
US$ MILLION US$ million
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS 4,454 4,242
_________ __________
Property, plant and equipment | 3,697 | | 3,554 |
Plantations | 461 | | 432 |
Deferred taxation | 44 | | 41 |
Other non-current assets | 252 | | 215 |
|_________| |__________|
CURRENT ASSETS 1,422 1,575
________ _________
Cash and cash equivalents | 398 | | 584 |
Trade and other receivables | 280 | | 290 |
Inventories | 744 | | 701 |
|________| |_________|
----------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS 5,876 5,817
----------------------------------
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Ordinary shareholders' interest 1,937 1,945
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,661 2,541
________ _________
Interest-bearing borrowings | 1,814 | | 1,742 |
Deferred taxation | 527 | | 517 |
Other non-current liabilities | 320 | | 282 |
|________| |_________|
CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,278 1,331
Interest-bearing borrowings and ________ _________
bank overdraft | 278 | | 333 |
Taxation payable | 79 | | 82 |
Other current liabilities | 856 | | 916 |
Shareholders for dividend | 65 | | - |
|________| |_________|
-------------------------------
Total equity and liabilities 5,876 5,817
-------------------------------
Number of shares in issue at
balance sheet date (millions) 226.1 226.9
13
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVIEWED Reviewed
QUARTER Quarter
ENDED ended
DEC 2003 Dec 2002
US$ MILLION US$ million
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH GENERATED BY OPERATIONS 106 178
Movement in working capital (113) (142)
Net finance costs (26) (30)
Taxation paid (15) (5)
-----------------------------
CASH (UTILISED) RETAINED FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (48) 1
Cash effects of investing activities (89) (34)
-----------------------------
(137) (33)
Cash effects of financing activities (74) 39
-----------------------------
NET MOVEMENT IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (211) 6
-----------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVIEWED Reviewed
QUARTER Quarter
ENDED ended
DEC 2003 Dec 2002
US$ MILLION US$ million
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - beginning of year 1,958 1,601
Change in accounting policy (13) (4)
-----------------------------
Balance - beginning of year restated 1,945 1,597
Net (loss) profit (21) 51
Foreign currency translation reserve 88 154
Revaluation of derivative instruments 2 (11)
Dividends declared - US$0.29 (2003: US$0.28) per share (66) (65)
Share buybacks net of transfers
to participants of the share purchase trust (11) (5)
-----------------------------
Balance - end of period 1,937 1,721
14
NOTES TO THE GROUP RESULTS
1. Basis of preparation
The financial statements are prepared in conformity with South African
Statements of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice
(SA GAAP). The preliminary results have been prepared in compliance with AC
127 (Interim financial reporting) and are based on accounting policies which
are consistent with those used in the annual financial statements. The same
accounting policies have been followed as in the annual financial statements
for September 2003, except for the new agriculture accounting standard -
Agriculture - AC 137 (IAS 41) which became effective during the period.
The effect on equity for the above change is reflected in the Group statement
of changes in shareholders' equity. The effect on net profit for the current
period is an increase of US$7 million (September 2003 quarter: decrease of
US$1 million; December 2002 quarter: decrease of US$1 million). Where
appropriate, comparative figures have been restated.
The preliminary results for the quarter have been reviewed by the group's
auditors, Deloitte & Touche. Their unqualified review report is available for
inspection at the company's registered offices.
2. Comparative figures
Comparative figures have been restated to take into account the effects of the
new agriculture accounting standard which became effective during the period.
The effect on operating profit is the inclusion of the market value changes in
the value of plantations and the expensing of the costs incurred to establish
and maintain plantations (siliviculture costs) and the amortisation of
interest which had been previously capitalised. Net finance costs have
increased. In terms of the new accounting standard, interest is no longer
capitalised to the carrying value of plantations.
The effect on the cash flow statement is a reclassification of investments in
plantations from cash utilised in investing activities to cash generated by
operations. Net cash flows remain the same.
In September 2003, cash and overdraft were restated to gross up amounts
previously set-off. The December 2002 cash flow statement has been restated to
take the effects of this into account.
15
REVIEWED Reviewed
QUARTER Quarter
ENDED ended
DEC 2003 Dec 2002
US$ MILLION US$ million
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. OPERATING PROFIT
Included in operating profit are the
following non-cash items:
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 100 85
Fellings 14 8
Other amortisation - 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
114 94
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value adjustment on plantations
(included in cost of sales)
Changes in volume (15) (10)
Changes in fair value (7) 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(22) (9)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
Property, plant and equipment 83 38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVIEWED Audited
DEC 2003 Sept 2003
US$ MILLION US$ million
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
Contracted but not provided 98 86
Approved but not contracted 200 193
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
298 279
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Guarantees and suretyships 47 47
Other contingent liabilities 24 24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16
Supplemental Information
DEFINITIONS
Average - averages are calculated as the sum of the opening and closing
balances for the relevant period divided by two
*EBITDA - earnings before interest (net finance costs), tax, depreciation and
amortisation
*EBITDA to sales - EBITDA divided by sales
Fellings - the amount charged against the income statement representing the
standing value of the plantations harvested
Headline earnings - as defined in circular 7/2002 issued by the South African
Institute of Chartered Accountants, separates from earnings all items of a
capital nature. It is not necessarily a measure of sustainable earnings. It is
a listing requirement of the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa to disclose
headline earnings per share
*Net assets - total assets less current liabilities
*Net asset value - shareholders' equity plus net deferred tax
*Net asset value per share - net asset value divided by the number of shares
in issue at balance sheet date
*Net debt - current and non-current interest-bearing borrowings, and bank
overdrafts (net of cash, cash equivalents and short-term deposits)
*Net debt to total capitalisation - net debt divided by shareholders' equity
plus minority interest, non-current liabilities, current interest-bearing
borrowings and overdraft
*ROE - return on average equity. Net profit divided by average shareholders'
equity
*RONA - operating profit divided by average net assets
*RONOA - operating profit divided by average net operating assets. Net
operating assets are total assets (excluding deferred taxation and cash) less
current liabilities (excluding interest-bearing borrowings and bank overdraft)
* The above financial measures, other than headline earnings per share, are
presented to assist our shareholders and the investment community in
interpreting our financial results. These financial measures are regularly
used and compared between companies in our industry.
17
Supplemental Information
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Reviewed Reviewed
Quarter Quarter
ended ended
Dec 2003 Dec 2002
US$ million US$ million
NET (LOSS) PROFIT TO EBITDA * RECONCILIATION
Net (loss) profit (21) 51
Net finance costs 28 29
Taxation - current 8 14
- deferred (15) 1
Depreciation 100 85
Amortisation (including fellings) 14 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA * 114 189
================================================================================
Reviewed Audited
Dec 2003 Sept 2003
US$ million US$ million
Net debt (US$ million)** 1,694 1,491
Net debt to total capitalisation (%)** 34.7 30.9
Net asset value per share (US$)** 10.70 10.67
* In connection with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules
relating to "Conditions for Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures", we have
reconciled EBITDA to net profit rather than operating profit and recalculated
EBITDA to exclude interest (net finance costs), taxes, depreciation and
amortisation (including fellings). As a result our definition has been amended
to retain non-trading profit/loss as part of EBITDA. The comparative
information has been restated to take this into account. There was no effect
on EBITDA in the current and prior year quarter for the amended definition. We
use EBITDA as an internal measure of performance and believe it is a useful
and commonly used measure of financial performance in addition to operating
profit and other profitability measures under SA GAAP. EBITDA is not a measure
of performance under SA GAAP. EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative
to operating profit as an indicator of the company's operations in accordance
with SA GAAP. EBITDA is also presented to assist our shareholders and the
investment community in interpreting our financial results. This financial
measure is regularly used as a means of comparison of companies in our
industry by removing certain differences between companies such as
depreciation methods, financing structures and taxation regimes. Different
companies and
18
analysts may calculate EBITDA differently, so making comparisons among
companies on this basis should be done very carefully.
** Refer to the Supplemental Information for the definition of the term.
Supplemental Information
REGIONAL INFORMATION
REVIEWED Reviewed
QUARTER Quarter
ENDED ended
DEC 2003 Dec 2002
METRIC TONS Metric tons
(000'S) (000's) % change
SALES
Fine Paper - North America 337 368 (8.4)
Europe 588 525 12.0
Southern Africa 72 74 (2.7)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 997 967 3.1
Forest Products - Pulp and paper operations 384 337 13.9
Forestry operations 317 298 6.4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 1,698 1,602 6.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19
Reviewed Reviewed
Quarter Quarter
ended ended
Dec 2003 Dec 2002
US$ million US$ million % change
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES
Fine Paper - North America 316 369 (14.4)
Europe 518 434 19.4
Southern Africa 71 59 20.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 905 862 5.0
Forest Products - Pulp and paper operations 201 145 38.6
Forestry operations 14 12 16.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 1,120 1,019 9.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING PROFIT
Fine Paper - North America (54) 9 -
Europe 15 39 (61.5)
Southern Africa 5 9 (44.4)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total (34) 57 -
Forest Products 35 37 (5.4)
Corporate (1) 1 -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total - 95 (100.0)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAX, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION CHARGES
Fine Paper - North America (20) 40 -
Europe 63 82 (23.2)
Southern Africa 8 11 (27.3)
Total 51 133 (61.7)
Forest Products 64 55 16.4
Corporate (1) 1 -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 114 189 (39.7)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET OPERATING ASSETS
Fine Paper - North America 1,377 1,496 (8.0)
Europe 1,784 1,507 18.4
Southern Africa 160 110 45.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 3,321 3,113 6.7
20
Forest Products 1,217 885 37.4
Corporate (104) (46) 126.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 4,434 3,952 12.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Information
SUMMARY RAND CONVENIENCE TRANSLATION
Reviewed Reviewed
Quarter Quarter
ended ended
Dec 2003 Dec 2002 % change
Sales (ZAR million) 7,680 9,911 (22.5)
Operating profit (ZAR million) - 924 (100.0)
Net (loss) profit (ZAR million) (114) 496 -
EBITDA* (ZAR million) 782 1,838 (57.5)
Operating profit to sales (%) - 9.3
EBITDA * to sales (%) 10.2 18.5
Operating profit to average net assets (%) - 10.1
EPS (SA cents) (62) 214 -
Headline EPS (SA cents) * (62) 214 -
Net debt (ZAR million) * 11,511 13,298 (13.4)
Net debt to total capitalisation (%) * 34.7 35.9
Cash generated by operations (ZAR million) 727 1,731 (58.0)
Cash retained from operating activities (ZAR million) (329) 10 -
Net movement in cash and cash equivalents (ZAR million) (1,447) 58 -
* Refer to the Supplemental Information for the definition of the term.
21
Supplemental Information
EXCHANGE RATES
Dec Sept June March Dec
2003 2003 2003 2003 2002
Exchange rates:
Period end rate: US$1 =
ZAR 6.7951 7.1288 7.4300 7.9550 8.7200
Average rate for the
Quarter:US$1 = ZAR 6.8569 7.3866 7.6305 8.3550 9.7265
Average rate for the
YTD:US$1 = ZAR 6.8569 8.3300 8.6173 9.0866 9.7265
Period end rate: EUR1 =
US$ 1.2410 1.1475 1.1417 1.0729 1.0387
Average rate for the
Quarter:EUR1 = US$ 1.1887 1.1328 1.1236 1.0686 0.9995
Average rate for the YTD:
EUR1 = US$ 1.1887 1.0804 1.0655 1.0334 0.9995
The financial results of entities with reporting currencies other than the US
Dollar are translated into US Dollars as follows:
- Assets and liabilities at rates of exchange ruling at period end; and
- Income, expenditure and cash flow items at average exchange rates.
This report is available on the Sappi website - www.sappi.com
Other interested parties can obtain printed copies of this report from:
South Africa:
Computershare Limited
70 Marshall Street
Johannesburg 2001
PO Box 61051
Marshalltown 2107
Tel +27 (0)11 370-5000
United States ADR Depository:
22
The Bank of New York, Investor Relations, PO Box 11258, Church Street Station,
New York, NY 10286-1258, Tel +1 610 382 7836
United Kingdom:
Capita Registrars, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham,
Kent BR3 4TU, DX 91750 Beckenham West Tel +44 (0)208 639-2157
23
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SAPPI LIMITED
by /s/ D.G. Wilson
------------------------------------
Name: D.G. Wilson
Title: Executive Director: Finance
Date: February 4, 2004