(November 06, 2008) "We are pleased with our operating performance given the uncertain macro-economic conditions and very high input costs. Operating profit for the quarter excluding special items was US$89 million, compared to US$88 million for the prior quarter and US$96 million for the same quarter last year.

"Although economic conditions in our major markets became increasingly uncertain through the quarter, our order books remained strong. Sales volumes were at similar levels to the equivalent quarter last year and the prior quarter. Prices realised improved in all regions which, together with the effect of currency translation, in particular of Euros to US Dollars, resulted in a 7% increase in net sales for the quarter compared to a year ago. Prices for coated fine paper in Europe improved towards the end of the quarter, helping to offset high input costs.

"The quarter's results were impacted by various special items including the decision to stop unprofitable production at Blackburn Mill and Maastricht Mill's Paper Machine no. 5, plantation fire damage, which also caused the impairment of Usutu Mill, partly offset by a favourable adjustment for the fair value of plantations."

Outlook

Looking forward, Boettger commented:

"Given the turmoil in world financial markets and predictions of lower global economic growth following from this, we expect demand in our major markets to be lower in the near term. Developments in the supply and demand balance for coated fine paper remain favourable. A number of producers, including ourselves, have announced capacity reductions in Europe amounting to approximately 1 million tons of coated woodfree paper (around 10% of capacity) over the next few months.

"We also believe that circumstances are right for the reduction of many of our input costs including wood, chemicals and energy, and we will work with our suppliers to achieve this. We expect reduced input costs to help offset the unfavourable impact on our margins if demand slows.

"The decline in the value of both the Rand and the Euro against the US Dollar will have a net positive effect on margins in South Africa, and to a lesser extent in Europe, respectively. The strong US Dollar does, however, make the North American market more susceptible to imports. We expect the net effect of recent currency movements to be positive for our business in terms of both margin and debt.

"We expect the quarter ahead to be weak as it is typically a seasonally slower quarter and we plan a number of major mill maintenance shuts during the quarter.

"Our strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of M-real's coated graphic paper business, are progressing well. We expect the acquisition to be completed on 31 December 2008, resulting in a stronger European business with excellent brands and strong customer relations. We estimate total annual synergies of approximately Euro 120 million from the acquisition and the integration of the acquired business into our existing business. We expect to achieve these synergies within three years and without material capital investments.

"Production at our expanded Saiccor Mill is ramping up well and although NBSK pulp prices have softened over the last few months, prospects for this business are excellent -- the business has exciting markets and price realisation in Rand terms has increased compared to the previous quarter.

"Following the completion of the Saiccor expansion, we plan to reduce the level of capital expenditure and expect to reduce debt levels during financial 2009 with internally generated cash flow. Given the uncertain conditions in global financial markets, refinancing existing or raising additional debt and the associated terms are likely to be more challenging.

"We believe that successful implementation of our strategic initiatives, coupled with capacity closures in Europe and input cost reductions across all our businesses, will place the group in a good position to face the year ahead."

The full results announcement is available at http://www.sappi.com.