Page 1
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FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of August, 2010
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, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-
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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 impact of the global economic downturn, the risk that the
European Acquisition ("Acquisition") will not be integrated successfully or such integration may be more difficult,
time-consuming or costly than expected, expected revenue synergies and cost savings from the Acquisition may
not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame, revenues following the Acquisition may be
lower than expected, any anticipated benefits from the consolidation of the European paper business may
not be achieved, 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, input costs including raw
material, energy and employee costs, and pricing), adverse changes in the markets for the group’s products,
consequences of substantial leverage, including as a result of adverse changes in credit markets that affect
our ability to raise capital when needed, changing regulatory requirements, possible early termination of
alternative fuel tax credits, unanticipated production disruptions (including as a result of planned or
unexpected power outages), 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. 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.
We have included in this announcement an estimate of total synergies from the Acquisition and the
integration of the acquired business into our existing business. The estimate of synergies is based on
assumptions which in the view of our management were prepared on a reasonable basis, reflect the best
currently available estimates and judgments, and present, to the best of our management’s knowledge and
belief, the expected course of action and the expected future financial impact on our performance due to the
Acquisition. However, the assumptions about these expected synergies are inherently uncertain and, though
considered reasonable by management as of the date of preparation, are subject to a wide variety of
significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those contained in this estimate of synergies. There can be no assurance that we will
be able to successfully implement the strategic or operational initiatives that are intended, or realize the
estimated synergies. This synergy estimate is not a profit forecast or a profit estimate and should not be
treated as such or relied on by shareholders or prospective investors to calculate the likely level of profits or
losses for Sappi for the fiscal 2010 or beyond.
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3rd Quarter
results for the period
ended June 2010
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sappi
* for the period ended June 2010
** as at June 2010
Coated fine paper
64%
Uncoated fine paper
7%
Coated specialities
7%
Commodity paper
7%
Pulp
13%
Other
2%
North America
21%
Europe
56%
Southern Africa
23%
Sales by product group*
Sales by source*
North America
21%
Europe
49%
Southern Africa
12%
Asia and other
18%
Fine paper
63%
37%
Forest and paper
products
Sales by destination*
Net operating assets**
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third quarter
third quarter results
1
EPS of 12 US cents (favourably impacted by 10 US cents special
items); Q3 2009: loss of 12 US cents per share (unfavourably
impacted by 2 US cents special items)
Operating profit excluding special items US$75 million; Q3 2009:
US$13 million loss
Demand continued to improve
Prices for coated woodfree paper increased
Prices of raw material inputs increased
Liquidity strong
Financial summary for the quarter
3rd Quarter results
Quarter ended
Nine months ended
Jun 2010
Mar 2010
Jun 2009
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
Key figures: (US$ million)
Sales
1,602
1,576                1,316
4,798
3,816
Operating profit (loss)
154
28                    (7)
183
56
Special items – (gains) losses
1
(79)
26                    (6)
27
(61)
Operating profit (loss) excluding
special items
2
75
54                 (13)
210
(5)
EBITDA excluding special items
3
176
156                    93
525
281
Basic earnings (loss) per share
(US cents)
12
(6)               (12)
(3)
(16)
Net debt
4
2,337
2,429              2,770
2,337
2,770
Key ratios: (%)
Operating profit (loss) to sales
9.6
1.8                (0.5)
3.8
1.5
Operating profit (loss) excluding
special items to sales
4.7
3.4                (1.0)
4.4
(0.1)
Operating profit (loss) excluding
special items to
Capital Employed (ROCE)
7.3
5.1              (1.1)
6.6
(0.2)
EBITDA excluding special
items to sales
11.0
9.9                7.1
10.9
7.4
Return on average equity (ROE)
5
15.0
(7.3)         (12.7)
(1.4)
(5.4)
Net debt to total capitalisation
5
57.6
59.1             57.5
57.6
57.5
1
Refer to page 16 for details on special items.
2
Refer to page 16, note 9 to the group results for the reconciliation of operating profit excluding special items to operating profit (loss).
3
Refer to page 16, note 9 to the group results for the reconciliation of EBITDA excluding special items to profit (loss) before taxation.
4
Refer to page 18, Supplemental Information for the reconciliation of net debt to interest-bearing borrowings.
5
Refer to page 17, Supplemental Information for the definition of the term.
The table above has not been audited or reviewed.
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2
Commentary on the quarter
Demand for our products continued to grow during the quarter and the financial performance of the
group improved significantly compared to a year ago and also improved compared to the previous
quarter. The North American business performed strongly during the quarter and there was a significant
improvement in the southern African results. Despite increasing prices for coated fine paper, the
performance of our European business has been constrained by an 18% increase in variable costs
compared to a year ago, largely due to pulp price increases.
Sales increased to US$1.6 billion, up 22% compared to a year earlier and up 2% compared to the March
quarter.
Average prices realised by the group were 4% higher than a year ago in US dollar terms. Coated woodfree
paper prices increased in Europe during the quarter. In addition, the southern African and North American
businesses were favourably impacted by higher pulp prices. As an example, the NBSK pulp price
increased to US$976 per ton at the end of June, an increase of US$87 per ton since March.
Variable costs for the group increased as a result of higher input prices, particularly pulp and wood costs
in both Europe and North America. Fixed costs, however, were 5% lower than the prior quarter.
The synergies achieved from the European Acquisition have reached our announced level of m120 million
of synergies per annum, ahead of the target date of 2011.
Special items for the quarter amounted to a gain of US$79 million, which mainly comprised a plantation
fair value gain of US$108 million and a charge of US$23 million in respect of the Black Economic
Empowerment transaction approved by shareholders in April. Although the plantation fair value adjustment
is large for the quarter, it is only US$2 million for the year to date. With effect from this quarter we have
applied a refined estimate of fair value which we expect to more accurately reflect the long-term value of
the plantations (see Note 3).
Operating profit excluding special items was US$75 million for the quarter, a substantial improvement
compared to the US$13 million loss a year ago and an improvement on the March quarter. Including
special items, operating profit was US$154 million, compared to a loss of US$7 million in the equivalent
quarter last year.
Net finance costs of US$57 million were US$5 million lower than in the prior quarter as a result of foreign
currency exchange movements and the repayment of US$235 million of long-term debt out of cash in the
last two quarters.
Earnings per share for the quarter were 12 US cents (including a gain of 10 US cents in respect of special
items), compared to a loss of 12 US cents (including a loss of 2 US cents in respect of special items) a
year ago.
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third quarter
third quarter results
3
Cash flow and debt
Cash generated from operations was US$188 million for the quarter, which was higher than the
US$77 million a year ago largely due to improved profitability. Net cash generated (after investing activities)
for the quarter was US$24 million, which was lower than the US$106 million a year ago, primarily as a result
of the working capital movements reflecting sales growth and finance costs paid, which had been much
lower in the equivalent period last year. Finance costs paid in the equivalent period last year were reduced
by the US$55 million benefit of unwinding fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps. Capital expenditure for the
quarter was US$41 million and year to date was US$130 million. This is in line with our aim to limit capital
expenditure for the full year to approximately US$200 million.

Net debt decreased to US$2.3 billion for the quarter as a result of cash generated and currency
movements. An early repayment of m80 million (US$99 million), comprising the December 2010 instalment
of the m400 million OekB loan was made during the quarter. Liquidity remains strong and cash and cash
equivalents were US$534 million at the end of the quarter. The m209 million (US$259 million) revolving
credit facility remains undrawn.
Operating Review for the Quarter
Sappi Fine Paper
Quarter
Quarter                                              Quarter
ended
ended                                               ended
June 2010
June 2009
%
March 2010
US$ million
US$ million
change
US$ million
Sales
1,220
1,020                   20
1,208
Operating profit
36
24                  50
50
Operating profit to sales (%)
3.0
2.4                  25
4.1
Special items – losses (gains)
1
(33)                 
(7)
Operating profit (loss) excluding
special items
37
(9)                 
43
Operating profit (loss) excluding
special items to sales (%)
3.0
(0.9)                 
3.6
EBITDA excluding special items
110
75                 47
120
EBITDA excluding special items
to sales (%)
9.0
7.4                23
9.9
RONOA pa (%)
4.8
(1.0)                
5.3
The Fine Paper business achieved an operating profit excluding special items of US$37 million for the
quarter compared to a loss of US$9 million a year ago, due to a continued good performance from
North America and a gradual improvement of the European business as a result of higher sales volumes
and prices, largely offset, however, by the increase in pulp and other input costs.
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4
Europe
Quarter
Quarter                                                                     Quarter
ended
ended                                      %
ended
June 2010
June 2009          change
change
March 2010
US$ million
US$ million
(US$)
(Euro)
US$ million
Sales
873
729                  20                  26
866
Operating profit
11
                    –                   
9
Operating profit to sales (%)
1.3
–                    –                   
1.0
Special items – losses (gains)
2
                   –                    
(5)
Operating profit excluding
special items
13
               225               241
4
Operating profit excluding
special items to sales (%)
1.5
0.5                 171
170
0.5
EBITDA excluding special items
68
62                  10
17
64
EBITDA excluding special items
to sales (%)
7.8
8.5                      –                 
7.4
RONOA pa (%)
2.5
0.7                  276              272
0.7
The European business’ coated paper shipments continued to grow during the quarter. European industry
coated woodfree paper shipments increased by 18%, comprising a 10% increase in shipments to Europe
and a 55% increase in exports from Europe compared to a year ago.
Our prices for coated woodfree paper were increased in April, and again in June, but to date these
increases have only partly offset the effect of the increase in pulp prices and other input cost increases on
our margins. Prices for coated mechanical paper did not increase during the quarter. Further selling price
increases are required in order to achieve reasonable margins.
Average prices realised in Euro for the quarter were flat compared to the equivalent quarter last year and
6% up compared to the prior quarter in Euro terms.
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third quarter
third quarter results
5
North America
Quarter
Quarter                                               Quarter
ended
ended                                                ended
June 2010
June 2009
%
March 2010
US$ million
US$ million
change
US$ million
Sales
347
291                   19
342
Operating profit
25
24                     4
41
Operating profit to sales (%)
7.2
8.2                   
12.0
Special items – (gains)
(1)
(37)                  
(2)
Operating profit (loss) excluding
special items
24
(13)                   
39
Operating profit (loss) excluding
special items to sales (%)
6.9
(4.5)                    
11.4
EBITDA excluding special items
42
13
223
56
EBITDA excluding special items
to sales (%)
12.1
4.5
171
16.4
RONOA pa (%)
10.0
(4.9)                    
16.0
The North American business continued to improve its performance as a result of strengthening demand,
good operating rates and improving pulp prices. Demand levels continued to improve and US industry
shipments of coated woodfree paper for the quarter increased by 31% compared to a year ago.
After more than a year of declining coated paper prices in the North American market, prices started to rise
during the quarter. Prices realised for coated paper were 7% below a year ago, and were flat compared to
the prior quarter. We announced price increases on coated woodfree paper reels and certain sheet grades
during the quarter. Pulp prices continued to increase during the quarter.
Well controlled cost levels, a strong performance in the speciality business and strong market pulp results
continued in the quarter. The decline in operating profit compared to the March quarter was driven by the
timing of major planned maintenance.
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6
Southern Africa – Forest and Paper Products
Quarter
Quarter                                                                     Quarter
ended
ended                                    %
ended
June 2010
June 2009          change
change
March 2010
US$ million
US$ million
(US$)
(Rand)
US$ million
Sales
382
296
29
14
368
Operating profit (loss)
118
(31)                
(4)
Operating profit (loss)
to sales (%)
30.9
(10.5)               
(1.1)
Special items – (gains) losses
(83)
20                  –                       
16
Operating profit (loss) excluding
special items
35
(11)                
12
Operating profit (loss) excluding
special items to sales (%)
9.2
(3.7)               
3.3
EBITDA excluding special items
62
11
464
396
37
EBITDA excluding special items
to sales (%)
16.2
3.7
337
337
10.1
RONOA pa (%)
7.9
(2.4)               
2.7
The performance of the southern African business improved significantly in the quarter compared to the
equivalent quarter last year and the prior quarter driven partly by improved pulp prices. Average NBSK pulp
prices in the quarter were 60% higher than the equivalent quarter last year and 12% higher than the prior
quarter. An eighteen day harbours and railways strike during the quarter resulted in delayed shipments,
unfavourably impacting sales volumes by 15,000 tons.
The chemical cellulose business achieved higher output from the Saiccor Mill and benefited from
increased product prices. In the domestic market demand for packaging paper was strong, as it was in
the international markets where prices were also increasing. However, although demand for coated paper
improved, demand for other fine paper and newsprint was weak.
Directorate
Mr Valli Moosa, a Director of Sappi’s Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Partner, Lereko
Limited, has been appointed a non-executive director of Sappi Limited with effect from 1 August 2010.
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third quarter
third quarter results
7
Outlook
Although demand in most of our markets has continued growing, our outlook remains cautious in light of
ongoing uncertainty in global economies and demand levels.
In Europe, prices for coated woodfree paper have risen twice since April 2010 and we have announced
further increases of at least 7% from September 2010, which we believe are necessary to start restoring
margins. Prices for coated mechanical paper started to rise in July 2010 but remain low. North American
prices for coated paper are also increasing gradually.
The rate of increase of pulp prices started flattening in the latter part of the quarter and we expect a period
of softer pulp prices over the next few months.
Demand for our products in Europe is expected to further accelerate in the fourth financial quarter, and our
European order books are firm. Order books in our other businesses have lengthened.
The costs of our non-pulp raw material inputs have started increasing and we are actively managing our
processes to minimise the impact of such increases. We expect that pulp input costs will continue to affect
the performance of our European business.
Under current market conditions, we expect operating profit (excluding special items) as well as net cash
generation to continue to improve in our fourth financial quarter.
On behalf of the board
R J Boëttger
M R Thompson
Director
Director
2 August 2010
sappi limited
(Registration number 1936/008963/06)
Issuer Code: SAVVI
JSE Code: SAP
ISIN: ZAE000006284
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8
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. 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. 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 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 impact of the global economic downturn,
the risk that the European Acquisition (“Acquisition”) will not be integrated successfully or such integration
may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected, expected revenue synergies and cost
savings from the Acquisition may not be fully realised or realised within the expected time-frame, revenues
following the Acquisition may be lower than expected, any anticipated benefits from the consolidation
of the European paper business may not be achieved, 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, input costs including raw material, energy and employee costs, and pricing), adverse changes
in the markets for the group’s products, consequences of substantial leverage, including as a result of
adverse changes in credit markets that affect our ability to raise capital when needed, changing regulatory
requirements, possible early termination of alternative fuel tax credits, unanticipated production disruptions
(including as a result of planned or unexpected power outages), 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. We undertake 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.
We have included in this announcement an estimate of total synergies from the Acquisition and the
integration of the acquired business into our existing business. The estimate of synergies is based on
assumptions which in the view of our management were prepared on a reasonable basis, reflect the best
currently available estimates and judgements, and present, to the best of our management’s knowledge
and belief, the expected course of action and the expected future financial impact on our performance
due to the Acquisition. However, the assumptions about these expected synergies are inherently uncertain
and, though considered reasonable by management as of the date of preparation, are subject to a wide
variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those contained in this estimate of synergies. There can be no assurance
that we will be able to successfully implement the strategic or operational initiatives that are intended, or
realise the estimated synergies. This synergy estimate is not a profit forecast or a profit estimate and should
not be treated as such or relied on by shareholders or prospective investors to calculate the likely level of
profits or losses for Sappi.
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third quarter
third quarter results
9
Group income statement
Reviewed
Reviewed
Quarter
Quarter
Nine months
Nine months
ended
ended
ended
ended
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
Note
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
Sales
1,602
1,316
4,798
3,816
Cost of sales
1,314
1,272
4,288
3,510
Gross profit
288
44
510
306
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
108
90
329
273
Other operating expense (income)
29
(31)
9
(17)
Share of profit from
associates and joint ventures
(3)
(8)
(11)
(6)
Operating profit (loss)
3
154
(7)
183
56
Net finance costs
57
70
192
131
Net interest
68
44
226
116
Net foreign exchange gains
(7)
(1)
(16)
(12)
Net fair value (gain) loss on
financial instruments
(4)
27
(18)
27
Profit (loss) before taxation
97
(77)
(9)
(75)
Taxation
33
(15)
9
(1)
Current
(2)
3
1
7
Deferred
35
(18)
8
(8)
Profit (loss) for the period
64
(62)
(18)
(74)
Basic earnings (loss) per share
(US cents)
12
(12)
(3)
(16)
Weighted average number of
shares in issue (millions)
516.0
515.8
515.7
471.5
Diluted basic earnings (loss)
per share (US cents)
12
(12)
(3)
(16)
Weighted average number
of shares on fully
diluted basis (millions)
529.4
515.8
515.7
471.5
Group statement of comprehensive income
Reviewed
Reviewed
Quarter
Quarter
Nine months
Nine months
ended
ended
ended
ended
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
Profit (loss) for the period
64
(62)
(18)
(74)
Other comprehensive (loss) income,
net of tax
(54)
244
(78)
(43)
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations
(43)
243
(69)
(44)
Movements in hedging reserves
(11)
(9)
Movement on available for
sale financial assets
1
1
Deferred tax effects on above
Total comprehensive income (loss)
for the period
10
182
(96)
(117)
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10
Group balance sheet
Reviewed
Jun 2010
Sept 2009
US$ million
US$ million
ASSETS
Non-current assets
4,310
4,867
Property, plant and equipment
3,424
3,934
Plantations
550
611
Deferred taxation
49
56
Other non-current assets
287
266
Current assets
2,250
2,430
Inventories
795
792
Trade and other receivables
846
868
Cash and cash equivalents
534
770
Assets held for sale
75
Total assets
6,560
7,297
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders’ equity
Ordinary shareholders’ interest
1,719
1,794
Non-current liabilities
3,099
3,662
Interest-bearing borrowings
2,253
2,726
Deferred taxation
348
355
Other non-current liabilities
498
581
Current liabilities
1,742
1,841
Interest-bearing borrowings
597
601
Bank overdraft
21
19
Other current liabilities
1,062
1,165
Taxation payable
43
56
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale
19
Total equity and liabilities
6,560
7,297
Number of shares in issue at balance sheet date (millions)
519.5
515.7
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third quarter
third quarter results
11
Group cash flow statement
Reviewed
Reviewed
Quarter
Quarter
Nine months
Nine months
ended
ended
ended
ended
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
Profit (loss) for the period
64
(62)
(18)
(74)
Adjustment for:
Depreciation, fellings and amortisation
116
125
365
336
Taxation
33
(15)
9
(1)
Net finance costs
57
70
192
131
Post-employment benefits
(15)
(13)
(48)
(32)
Plantation fair value adjustment
(108)
25
(2)
(44)
Other non-cash items
41
(53)
57
(45)
Cash generated from operations
188
77
555
271
Movement in working capital
(84)
93
(186)
25
Net finance costs
(35)
(128)
(54)
Taxation paid
(4)
(3)
(8)
(5)
Dividends paid
(37)
Cash retained from operating activities
65
167
233
200
Cash utilised in investing activities
(41)
(61)
(130)
(726)
Capital expenditure and other
non-current assets
(41)
(59)
(130)
(138)
Acquisition
(2)
(588)
Net cash generated (utilised)
24
106
103
(526)
Cash effects of financing activities
(179)
(57)
(244)
979
Net movement in cash and cash
equivalents
(155)
49
(141)
453
Group statement of changes in equity
Reviewed
Nine months
Nine months
ended
ended
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
US$ million
US$ million
Balance – beginning of period
1,794
1,605
Total comprehensive loss for the period
(96)
(117)
Dividends paid
(37)
Rights offer
575
Costs directly attributable to the rights offer
(5)
(31)
Issue of new shares
19
45
Transfers (to) from the share purchase trust
(6)
2
Share-based payment reserve
13
7
Balance – end of period
1,719
2,049
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12
Notes to the group results
1.      Basis of preparation
The condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting
Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting and the AC 500 standards as issued by the Accounting Practices
Board in South Africa. Apart from the adoption of IFRS 8 “Operating Segments”, the accounting policies and
methods of computation used in the preparation of the results are consistent, in all material respects, with
those used in the annual financial statements for September 2009 which are compliant with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
The results are unaudited.
2.     Adoption of IFRS 8 “Operating Segments”
The adoption of IFRS 8 “Operating Segments” did not have an impact on the group’s reported results or
financial position.
IFRS 8 requires an entity to report financial and descriptive information about its reportable segments.
Reportable segments are components of an entity for which separate financial information is available that
is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and
assessing performance. Prior year segment disclosure has been restated as reflected in note 9.
Reviewed
Reviewed
Quarter
Quarter
Nine months
Nine months
ended
ended
ended
ended
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
3.     Operating profit
Included in operating profit are
the following non-cash items:
Depreciation and amortisation
101
106
315
286
Fair value adjustment on plantations
(included in cost of sales)
Changes in volume
Fellings
15
19
50
50
Growth
(15)
(20)
(48)
(52)
(1)
2
(2)
Plantation price fair value
adjustment
(1)
(108)
25
(2)
(44)
(108)
24
(46)
Included in other operating expense (income)
are the following:
Asset impairments (impairment reversals)
1
1
(12)
6
Loss (profit) on disposal of property,
plant and equipment
1
(1)
Profit on disposal of investment
(1)
Restructuring provisions raised
5
2
46
10
Integration costs
3
3
BEE charge
23
23
Fuel tax credit
(37)
(51)
(37)
(1)
In the third quarter of fiscal 2010 the group changed the estimates used to derive the prices of timber that are used to calculate the
fair value of its plantations. The change impacts the estimate of the expected future cash flows that are used in calculating the present
value of mature and immature timber except for the timber that is expected to be felled in the next 12 months from balance sheet
date. Before the change, Sappi used period end spot prices to estimate the fair value of the above timber; the group now uses a
12 quarter rolling average price, as this reflects the fair value of the plantations more accurately. This change has increased the value
of plantations by US$28 million.
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third quarter
third quarter results
13
Reviewed
Reviewed
Quarter
Quarter
Nine months
Nine months
ended
ended
ended
ended
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
4. Headline earnings (loss) per share *
Headline earnings (loss) per share
(US cents)
13
(12)
(6)
(15)
Weighted average number of shares
in issue (millions)
516.0
515.8
515.7
471.5
Diluted headline earnings (loss) per share
(US cents)
12
(12)
(6)
(15)
Weighted average number of shares
on fully diluted basis (millions)
529.4
515.8
515.7
471.5
Calculation of headline earnings (loss) *
Profit (loss) for the period
64
(62)
(18)
(74)
Asset impairments (impairment reversals)
1
1
(12)
6
Loss (profit) on disposal of property,
plant and equipment
1
(1)
Profit on disposal of investment
(1)
Tax effect of above items
Headline earnings (loss)
65
(61)
(30)
(69)
*Headline earnings disclosure is required by the JSE Limited.
5.     Capital expenditure
Property, plant and equipment
42
54
120
147
Jun 2010
Sept 2009
US$ million
US$ million
6.     Capital commitments
Contracted
62
62
Approved but not contracted
135
126
197
188
7.     Contingent liabilities
Guarantees and suretyships
43
44
Other contingent liabilities
8
8
51
52
With the cessation of production at the Usutu Pulp Mill, Sappi is undertaking an environmental assessment
to determine whether there are any potential environmental obligations at the site. The nature and amount of
any such obligations cannot be measured reliably until the assessments have been completed.
8.     Material balance sheet movements year on year
Transfers to assets held for sale and liabilities associated with assets held for sale
With the cessation of production at the Usutu Pulp Mill, the assets and the liabilities forming part of this
disposal group, consisting mainly of plantations, have been classified as held for sale.
Early repayment of interest-bearing borrowings
An early repayment of the first instalment on a syndicated loan with Österreichische Kontrollbank of m80 million
(US$99 million), due in December 2010, was made in June 2010.
An amount of US$29 million of our 7.5% Guaranteed Notes due 2032 was repurchased in the open market
during the quarter for US$24 million.
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14
9.     Segment information
Restatement of prior year disclosures
Sappi Fine Paper South Africa is now reported as part of the Forest and Paper Products segment in
accordance with the geographical management of our business. The table below shows the effect of this
change for the quarter and nine months ended June 2009:
Restated
Quarter ended
Jun 2009
US$ million
As previously
reported            Adjustment      Restated
Fine Paper
Sales 1,098
(78)
1,020
Operating profit
19
5
24
Net operating assets
3,715
(205)
3,510
Forest and Paper Products – Pulp and paper operations
Sales 204
78
282
Operating profit
(26)
(5)
(31)
Net operating assets
1,790
205
1,995
Restated
Nine months ended
Jun 2009
US$ million
As previously
reported            Adjustment      Restated
Fine Paper
Sales 3,208
(226)
2,982
Operating profit
(16)
1
(15)
Net operating assets
3,715
(205)
3,510
Forest and Paper Products – Pulp and paper operations
Sales 567
226
793
Operating profit
71
(1)
70
Net operating assets
1,790
205
1,995
The information below is presented in the way that it is reviewed by the chief operating decision-maker as
required by IFRS 8 “Operating Segments”.
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third quarter
third quarter results
15
Restated
Restated
Reviewed
Reviewed
Quarter
Quarter
Nine months
Nine months
ended
ended
ended
ended
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
Metric tons
Metric tons
Metric tons
Metric tons
(000’s)
(000’s)
(000’s)
(000’s)
Sales volume
Fine Paper –
North America
335
300
1,002
919
Europe
939
746
2,802
2,061
Total
1,274
1,046
3,804
2,980
Forest and Paper Products –       Pulp and paper
operations
416
425
1,291
1,190
Forestry operations
292
218
704
649
Total
1,982
1,689
5,799
4,819
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
Sales
Fine Paper –
North America
347
291
1,009
955
Europe
873
729
2,675
2,027
Total
1,220
1,020
3,684
2,982
Forest and Paper Products –       Pulp and paper
operations
361
282
1,062
793
Forestry operations
21
14
52
41
Total
1,602
1,316
4,798
3,816
Operating profit (loss) excluding special items
Fine Paper –
North America
24
(13)
82
(36)
Europe
13
4
42
(4)
Total
37
(9)
124
(40)
Forest and Paper Products
35
(11)
76
27
Corporate and other
3
7
10
8
Total
75
(13)
210
(5)
Special items – (gains) losses
Fine Paper –
North America
(1)
(37)
(51)
(29)
Europe
2
4
10
4
Total
1
(33)
(41)
(25)
Forest and Paper Products
(83)
20
48
(43)
Corporate and other
3
7
20
7
Total
(79)
(6)
27
(61)
Operating profit (loss)
Fine Paper –
North America
25
24
133
(7)
Europe
11
32
(8)
Total
36
24
165
(15)
Forest and Paper Products
118
(31)
28
70
Corporate and other
(10)
1
Total
154
(7)
183
56
EBITDA excluding special items
Fine Paper –
North America
42
13
140
40
Europe
68
62
220
146
Total
110
75
360
186
Forest and Paper Products
62
11
154
86
Corporate and other
4
7
11
9
Total
176
93
525
281
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16
Restated
Restated
Reviewed
Reviewed
Quarter
Quarter
Nine months
Nine months
ended
ended
ended
ended
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
US$ million
Net operating assets
Fine Paper –
North America
949
1,035
949
1,035
Europe
2,070
2,475
2,070
2,475
Total
3,019
3,510
3,019
3,510
Forest and Paper Products
1,785
1,995
1,785
1,995
Corporate and other
49
72
49
72
Total
4,853
5,577
4,853
5,577
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) excluding special items to operating profit (loss)
Special items cover those items which management believe are material by nature or amount to the operating
results and require separate disclosure. Such items would generally include profit or loss on disposal of
property, investments and businesses, asset impairments, restructuring charges, non-recurring integration
costs related to acquisitions, financial impacts of natural disasters, non-cash gains or losses on the price fair
value adjustment of plantations and alternative fuel tax credits receivable in cash.
Operating profit (loss) excluding special items
75
(13)
210
(5)
Special items
79
6
(27)
61
Plantation price fair value adjustment
108
(25)
2
44
Restructuring provisions raised
(5)
(2)
(46)
(10)
(Loss) profit on disposal of property,
plant and equipment
(1)
1
Profit on disposal of investment
1
Asset (impairments) impairment reversals
(1)
(1)
12
(6)
Fuel tax credit
37
51
37
Integration costs
(3)
(3)
BEE charge
(23)
(23)
Insurance proceeds
1
1
Fire, flood, storm and related events
(1)
(24)
(2)
Operating profit (loss)
154
(7)
183
56
Reconciliation of EBITDA excluding special items and operating profit (loss) excluding special items
to profit (loss) before taxation
EBITDA excluding special items
176
93
525
281
Depreciation and amortisation
(101)
(106)
(315)
(286)
Operating profit (loss) excluding special items
75
(13)
210
(5)
Special items – gains (losses)
79
6
(27)
61
Net finance costs
(57)
(70)
(192)
(131)
Profit (loss) before taxation
97
(77)
(9)
(75)
Reconciliation of net operating assets to total assets
Net operating assets
4,853
5,577
4,853
5,577
Deferred tax
49
38
49
38
Cash and cash equivalents
534
796
534
796
Other current liabilities
1,062
1,017
1,062
1,017
Taxation payable
43
58
43
58
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale
19
19
Total assets
6,560
7,486
6,560
7,486
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third quarter
third quarter results
17
Supplemental Information (this information has not been reviewed)
General definitions
Average – averages are calculated as the sum of the opening and closing balances for the relevant period divided
by two
BEE charge – Represents the IFRS 2 non-cash charge associated with the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE)
transaction implemented as envisaged in the BEE legislation in South Africa
Fellings – the amount charged against the income statement representing the standing value of the plantations
harvested
NBSK – Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft pulp. One of the main varieties of market pulp, produced from
coniferous trees (i.e. spruce, pine) in Scandinavia, Canada and northern USA. The price of NBSK is a benchmark
widely used in the pulp and paper industry for comparative purposes
SG&A – selling, general and administrative expenses
Non-GAAP measures
The group believes that it is useful to report certain non-GAAP measures for the following reasons:
–     these measures are used by the group for internal performance analysis;
–     the presentation by the group’s reported business segments of these measures facilitates comparability with
other companies in our industry, although the group’s measures may not be comparable with similarly titled
profit measurements reported by other companies; and
     it is useful in connection with discussion with the investment analyst community and debt rating agencies
These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or construed as a substitute for GAAP measures
in accordance with IFRS
Capital employed – shareholders’ equity plus net debt
EBITDA excluding special items – earnings before interest (net finance costs), taxation, depreciation, amortisation
and special items
Headline earnings – as defined in circular 3/2009 issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants,
separates from earnings all separately identifiable re-measurements. It is not necessarily a measure of sustainable
earnings. It is a listing requirement of the JSE Limited to disclose headline earnings per share
Net assets – total assets less total liabilities
Net asset value per share – net assets divided by the number of shares in issue at balance sheet date
Net debt – current and non-current interest-bearing borrowings and bank overdraft (net of cash, cash equivalents
and short-term deposits)
Net debt to total capitalisation – net debt divided by capital employed
Net operating assets – total assets (excluding deferred taxation and cash and cash equivalents) less current
liabilities (excluding interest-bearing borrowings and bank overdraft)
ROCE – return on average capital employed. Operating profit excluding special items divided by average capital
employed
ROE – return on average equity. Profit for the period divided by average shareholders’ equity
RONOA – return on average net operating assets. Operating profit excluding special items divided by average
net operating assets
Special items – special items cover those items which management believe are material by nature or amount to
the operating results and require separate disclosure. Such items would generally include profit or loss on disposal
of property, investments and businesses, asset impairments, restructuring charges, non-recurring integration
costs related to acquisitions, financial impacts of natural disasters, non-cash gains or losses on the price fair value
adjustment of plantations and alternative fuel tax credits receivable in cash
The above financial measures 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.
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18
Supplemental Information (this information has not been reviewed)
Summary rand convenience translation
Quarter
Quarter
Nine months
Nine months
ended
ended
ended
ended
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
Jun 2010
Jun 2009
Key figures: (ZAR million)
Sales
12,147
11,344
36,278
35,949
Operating profit (loss)
1,168
(60)
1,384
528
Special items – (gains) losses *
(599)
(52)
204
(575)
Operating profit (loss) excluding
special items *
569
(112)
1,588
(47)
EBITDA excluding special items *
1,334
802
3,970
2,647
Basic earnings (loss) per share (SA cents)
91
(103)
(23)
(151)
Net debt *
17,820
21,880
17,820
21,880
Key ratios: (%)
Operating profit (loss) to sales
9.6
(0.5)
3.8
1.5
Operating profit (loss) excluding
special items to sales
4.7
(1.0)
4.4
(0.1)
Operating profit (loss) excluding
special items to
Capital Employed (ROCE) *
7.4
(1.1)
6.7
(0.2)
EBITDA excluding special items to sales
11.0
7.1
10.9
7.4
Return on average equity (ROE)
15.1
(12.5)
(1.4)
(6.4)
Net debt to total capitalisation *
57.6
57.5
57.6
57.5
* Refer to page 17, Supplemental Information for the definition of the term.
The above financial results have been translated into ZAR from 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.
Reconciliation of net debt to interest-bearing borrowings
Jun 2010
Sept 2009
US$ million
US$ million
Interest-bearing borrowings
2,871
3,346
Non-current interest-bearing borrowings
2,253
2,726
Current interest-bearing borrowings
597
601
Bank overdraft
21
19
Cash and cash equivalents
(534)
(770)
Net debt
2,337
2,576
Exchange rates
Jun
Mar                 Dec
Sept                     Jun
2010
2010               2009              2009
2009
Exchange rates:
Period end rate: US$1 = ZAR
7.6250
7.4298             7.5315          7.4112
7.8990
Average rate for the Quarter: US$1 = ZAR
7.5821
7.5597             7.5009          7.7174
8.6197
Average rate for the YTD: US$1 = ZAR
7.5610
7.5302             7.5009          9.0135
9.4205
Period end rate: EUR 1 = US$
1.2377
1.3413             1.4397          1.4688
1.4054
Average rate for the Quarter: EUR 1 = US$
1.2937
1.3891             1.4737          1.4317
1.3651
Average rate for the YTD: EUR 1 = US$
1.3845
1.4302             1.4737          1.3657
1.3432
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.
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third quarter
third quarter results
19
ZAR
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Jul 06
Oct 06
Jan 08
Apr 08
Jul 08
Oct 08
Jan 09
Apr 09
Jul 09
Oct 09
Jan 10
Jan 07
Apr 07
Jul 07
Oct 07
Apr 10
Jun 10
Sappi ordinary shares* (JSE: SAP)
US$
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Jul 06
Oct 06
Jan 08
Apr 08
Jul 08
Oct 08
Jan 09
Apr 09
Jul 09
Oct 09
Jan 10
Jan 07
Apr 07
Jul 07
Oct 07
Apr 10
Jun 10
US Dollar share price conversion*
* Historic share prices revised to reflect rights offer
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20
Other interested parties can obtain printed copies of this report from:
South Africa:
United States:
Computershare Investor
ADR Depositary:
Services (Proprietary) Limited
The Bank of New York Mellon
70 Marshall Street
Investor Relations
Johannesburg 2001
PO Box 11258
PO Box 61051
Church Street Station
Marshalltown 2107
New York, NY 10286-1258
Tel +27 (0)11 370 5000
Tel +1 610 382 7836
Sappi has a primary listing on the JSE Limited and a secondary listing on
the New York Stock Exchange
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this report is available on the Sappi website
www.sappi.com
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22
22
22
22
22
22
www.sappi.com
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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.
Date: August 02, 2010
SAPPI LIMITED,
Name:
M. R. Thompson
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
M. R. Thompson
By:
/s/