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Published Mar 05, 2025 • 18 minute read
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Record revenue surpasses $2-billion mark in 2024 combined with strong Adjusted EBITDA in all four quarters
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MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KP Tissue Inc. (KPT) (TSX: KPT) reports the Q4 2024 and full year 2024 financial and operational results of KPT and Kruger Products Inc. (Kruger Products). Kruger Products is Canada’s leading manufacturer of quality tissue products for the Consumer market (Cashmere®, Purex®, SpongeTowels®, Scotties®, White Swan® and BonterraTM) and the Away-From-Home (AFH) market and continues to grow in the U.S. Consumer tissue business with the White Cloud® brand and premium private label products. KPT currently holds a 12.5% interest in Kruger Products.
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Kruger Products Q4 2024 Business and Financial Highlights
Revenue was $539.6 million in Q4 2024 compared to $482.3 million in Q4 2023, an increase of $57.3 million or 11.9%.Adjusted EBITDA1 was $66.8 million in Q4 2024 compared to $61.2 million in Q4 2023, an increase of 9.2%.Net loss was $13.7 million in Q4 2024 compared to net income of $16.5 million in Q4 2023, a decrease of $30.2 million.Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share to be paid on April 15, 2025.
Kruger Products Full Year 2024 Financial Highlights
Revenue was $2,049.9 million in Fiscal 2024 compared to $1,873.0 million in Fiscal 2023, an increase of $176.9 million or 9.4%.Adjusted EBITDA1 was $264.8 million in Fiscal 2024 compared to $238.6 million in Fiscal 2023, an increase of 11.0%.Net income was $23.8 million in Fiscal 2024 compared to a net loss of $5.3 million in Fiscal 2023, an improvement in net income of $29.1 million.
“We are pleased with our financial performance in 2024, highlighted by record revenue of more than $2 billion and strong Adjusted EBITDA in all four quarters,” stated KP Tissue’s Chief Executive Officer, Dino Bianco. “We are particularly proud of our profitability results which were relatively stable in each quarter despite volatile pulp prices and input costs for most of the year. The fourth quarter culminated with revenue growth of 11.9% year-over-year to $539.6 million, driven by higher sales volume in the United States, favourable selling prices in Canada and a positive foreign exchange impact.”
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“Following the successful start-up of our tissue plant at Sherbrooke in 2024, we are currently evaluating the construction of a new manufacturing facility that would contain a state-of-the-art TAD paper machine and three converting lines. The proposed plan supports our continued focus to grow revenue and our market share as well as offer high-quality tissue products to customers across North America. The current business uncertainty will require us to complete additional due diligence prior to making any announcement.”
“Finally, we have contingency measures ready to deploy to mitigate the impact of potential U.S. tariffs on our business, while marketing campaigns have been launched to leverage increasingly patriotic consumer sentiment in Canada,” Mr. Bianco added.
Outlook for Q1 2025
As we look to Q1 results, we believe the fundamentals of our business remain strong, however given the uncertainty driven by the proposed tariffs we will not provide Q1 guidance. We hope to return to providing quarterly guidance once the impact of tariffs are better known.
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Kruger Products Q4 2024 Financial Results
Revenue was $539.6 million in Q4 2024 compared to $482.3 million in Q4 2023, an increase of $57.3 million or 11.9%. The increase in revenue was primarily due to higher sales volume, primarily in the U.S., and the favourable impact of the previously announced Consumer selling price increase in Canada. Revenue was also favourably impacted by foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar sales.
Cost of sales was $459.3 million in Q4 2024 compared to $400.5 million in Q4 2023, an increase of $58.8 million or 14.7%. The increase in cost of sales was primarily due to higher sales volume and pulp prices, additional outsourcing activity compared to Q4 2023, higher manufacturing overhead spend and the unfavourable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar costs, partially offset by the favourable impact of overhead cost absorption resulting from higher inventory levels in the quarter. Freight rates were higher compared to Q4 2023, while warehousing costs increased as a result of handling costs. As a percentage of revenue, cost of sales was 85.1% in Q4 2024 compared to 83.0% in Q4 2023.
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Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $45.1 million in Q4 2024 compared to $50.3 million in Q4 2023, a decrease of $5.2 million or 10.4%. The decrease was primarily due to lower advertising spend in the quarter, foreign exchange gains in Q4 2024 compared to losses in Q4 2023 and higher losses on the sale of fixed assets in Q4 2023, partially offset by consulting and legal costs to support operational and corporate initiatives. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A expenses were 8.4% in Q4 2024 compared to 10.4% in Q4 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA1 was $66.8 million in Q4 2024 compared to $61.2 million in Q4 2023, an increase of $5.6 million or 9.2%. The increase was primarily due to higher sales volume and selling prices, the favourable impact of overhead cost absorption and lower SG&A expenses, partially offset by additional outsourcing activity, higher manufacturing overhead spend and higher freight and warehousing expenses.
Net loss was $13.7 million in Q4 2024 compared to net income of $16.5 million in Q4 2023, a decrease of $30.2 million. The decrease was primarily due to a higher foreign exchange loss and higher depreciation and interest expenses, partially offset by higher Adjusted EBITDA1 and higher income from non-controlling interest, lower income tax expense and lower losses on the sale of fixed assets.
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Kruger Products 2024 Financial Results
Revenue was $2,049.9 million in Fiscal 2024 compared to $1,873.0 million in Fiscal 2023, an increase of $176.9 million or 9.4%. The increase in revenue was primarily due to higher sales volume and selling prices across both segments. Revenue was also favourably impacted by foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar sales.
Adjusted EBITDA1 was $264.8 million in Fiscal 2024 compared to $238.6 million in Fiscal 2023, an increase of $26.2 million or 11.0%. The increase was primarily due to higher sales volumes, selling prices and favourable sales mix along with lower pulp prices, partially offset by higher manufacturing costs and higher warehousing and SG&A expenses.
Net income was $23.8 million in Fiscal 2024 compared to a net loss of $5.3 million in Fiscal 2023, an improvement in net income of $29.1 million. The improvement was primarily due to higher Adjusted EBITDA1 and lower income tax expense, partially offset by higher foreign exchange losses and higher depreciation expense.
Kruger Products Q4 2024 Financing Activity and Liquidity
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On November 1, 2024, Kruger Products issued $135 million in an aggregate principal amount of 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes (the Notes) due November 1, 2031 through a private placement. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2025. The majority of the proceeds were used to redeem the $125 million Senior Unsecured Notes with the remainder being used for general corporate purposes.
Kruger Products completed the previously announced redemption of its outstanding $125 million principal amount of 6.0% Senior Unsecured Notes on November 12, 2024 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Total liquidity, representing cash and availability under the revolving credit agreements, was $344.6 million as of December 31, 2024. In addition, $16.6 million of cash was held for the Sherbrooke Expansion Project.
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KPT 2024 Financial Results
Dividends on Common Shares
The Board of Directors of KPT declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share to be paid on April 15, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 31, 2025.
Additional Information
For additional information please refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of KPT and Kruger Products for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or our website at www.kptissueinc.com.
Fourth Quarter Results Conference Call Information
KPT will hold its fourth quarter conference call on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Via telephone: 1-888-699-1199 or 416-945-7677
Via the internet at: www.kptissueinc.com
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Presentation material referenced during the conference call will be available at www.kptissueinc.com.
A rebroadcast of the conference call will be available until midnight, March 12, 2025 by dialing 1-888-660-6345 or 289-819-1450 and entering passcode 54225.
The replay of the webcast will remain available on the website until midnight, March 12, 2025.
About KP Tissue Inc.
KPT was created to acquire, and its business is limited to holding, a limited equity interest in Kruger Products, which is accounted for as an investment on the equity basis. KPT currently holds a 12.5% interest in Kruger Products. For more information visit www.kptissueinc.com.
About Kruger Products Inc.
Kruger Products is Canada’s leading manufacturer of quality tissue products for household, industrial and commercial use. Kruger Products serves the Canadian consumer market with such well-known brands as Cashmere®, Purex®, SpongeTowels®, Scotties®, White Swan® and BonterraTM. In the U.S., Kruger Products manufactures the White Cloud® brand, as well as many private label products. The Away-From-Home division manufactures and distributes high-quality, cost-effective product solutions to a wide range of commercial and public entities. Kruger Products has approximately 3,000 employees and operates ten FSC® COC-certified (FSC® C-104904) production facilities in North America. For more information visit www.krugerproducts.ca.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
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Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release about KPT’s and Kruger Products’ current and future plans, expectations and intentions, results, levels of activity, performance, goals or achievements or any other future events or developments constitute forward-looking statements. The words “may”, “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, “expects”, “plans”, “intends”, “trends”, “indications”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “likely” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by KPT or Kruger Products, including the moderation of inflationary pressure on input costs and continued inflationary pressure on SG&A as labour, marketing and IT costs continue to rise. Although KPT and Kruger Products believe that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements since no assurance can be given that such expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct.
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The outlook provided in respect of Adjusted EBITDA1 for Q1 2025 is forward-looking information and is based on the assumptions and subject to the risk and uncertainties referred to below. The purpose of the outlook is to provide the reader with an indication of management’s expectations, at the date of this press release, regarding Kruger Products’ future financial performance. Readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
Many factors could cause Kruger Products’ actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments (which could in turn affect the economic benefits derived from KPT’s economic interest in Kruger Products), to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the following factors, which are discussed in greater detail in the “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Kruger Products’ Business” section of the KPT Annual Information Form dated March 5, 2025 available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca: Kruger Inc.’s influence over Kruger Products; Kruger Products’ reliance on Kruger Inc.; consequences of an event of insolvency relating to Kruger Inc.; risks associated with the ownership of the TAD Sherbrooke Project; risks associated with the operation of the TAD Sherbrooke Project; risks associated with the Sherbrooke Expansion Project; operational risks; significant increases in input costs; reduction in supply of fibre; increased pricing pressure and intense competition; Kruger Products’ inability to innovate effectively; adverse economic conditions; dependence on key retail trade customers; damage to the reputation of Kruger Products or Kruger Products’ brands; Kruger Products’ sales being less than anticipated; Kruger Products’ failure to implement its business and operating strategies; Kruger Products’ obligation to make regular capital expenditures; Kruger Products entering into unsuccessful acquisitions; Kruger Products’ dependence on key personnel; Kruger Products’ inability to retain its existing customers or obtain new customers; Kruger Products’ loss of key suppliers; Kruger Products’ failure to adequately protect its intellectual property rights; Kruger Products’ reliance on third party intellectual property licenses; adverse litigation and other claims affecting Kruger Products; material expenditures due to comprehensive environmental regulation affecting Kruger Products’ cash flow; Kruger Products’ pension obligations are significant and can be materially higher than predicted if Kruger Products Management’s underlying assumptions are incorrect; labour disputes adversely affecting Kruger Products’ cost structure and Kruger Products’ ability to run its plants; exchange rate and U.S. competitors; Kruger Products’ inability to service all of its indebtedness; exposure to potential consumer product liability; covenant compliance; interest rate and refinancing risk; and risks relating to information technology; cyber-security; insurance; internal controls, trade and tax.
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Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements made herein. The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of press release and KPT undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws.
INFORMATION:
Francois Paroyan
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
KP Tissue Inc.
905-812-6936
francois.paroyan@krugerproducts.ca
INVESTORS:
Doris Grbic
Director, Investor Relations
KP Tissue Inc.
437-882-2596
IR@krugerproducts.ca
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December 31, 2023 $ $ $ $ Revenue 539,621 482,269 2,049,938 1,872,962 Expenses Cost of sales 459,271 400,476 1,721,704 1,571,587 Selling, general and administrative expenses 45,105 50,319 178,250 167,209 Restructuring costs – 274 219 1,574 Operating income 35,245 31,200 149,765 132,592 Interest expense and other finance costs 21,355 18,515 72,487 70,255 Other expense (income) 24,718 (8,482) 31,870 (9,352) Income (loss) before income taxes (10,828) 21,167 45,408 71,689 Current tax expense (recovery) (415) 689 2,734 2,632 Deferred tax expense 4,956 1,916 16,679 70,776 Income tax expense 4,541 2,605 19,413 73,408 Net income (loss) including non-controlling interest (15,369) 18,562 25,995 (1,719) Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest (1,649) 2,026 2,174 3,594 Net income (loss) attributable to Kruger Products (13,720) 16,536 23,821 (5,313)
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December 31, 2023 $ $ $ $ Cash flows from (used in) operating activities Net income (loss) including non-controlling interest (15,369) 18,562 25,995 (1,719) Items not affecting cash Depreciation 29,105 26,691 107,793 96,996 Amortization 2,022 1,106 6,322 4,377 Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 370 1,945 639 3,043 Gain (loss) on disposal of leased assets 47 – 47 (488) Foreign exchange loss (gain) 24,719 (8,482) 32,752 (9,352) Interest expense and other finance costs 21,355 18,515 72,487 70,255 Pension and post-retirement benefits 3,328 2,200 12,292 8,656 Provisions 1,464 998 4,879 3,702 Income tax expense 4,541 2,605 19,413 73,408 Loss on sale of non-financial assets 18 3 45 24 Total items not affecting cash 86,969 45,581 256,669 250,621 Net change in non-cash working capital (5,630) 45,895 (58,604) 110,162 Contributions to pension and post-retirement benefit plans (1,058) (1,098) (4,476) (8,537) Provisions paid – (862) (3,695) (4,305) Income tax payments, net (665) 174 (3,786) (1,834) Net cash from operating activities 64,247 108,252 212,103 344,388 Cash flows from (used in) investing activities Purchases of property, plant and equipment (28,941) (19,980) (44,762) (34,653) Purchases of property, plant and equipment and software related to the TAD Sherbrooke Project – (855) – (2,435) Purchases of property, plant and equipment related to the Sherbrooke Expansion Project (13,511) (57,943) (129,678) (147,938) Interest paid on credit facilities related to the Sherbrooke Expansion Project (2,628) (133) (7,764) (454) Government assistance received – – – 1,250 Purchases of software (2,978) (646) (3,272) (1,202) Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment – 121 28 2,586 Net cash used in investing activities (48,058) (79,436) (185,448) (182,846) Cash flows from (used in) financing activities Proceeds from long-term debt 160,156 43,411 279,353 130,954 Repayment of long-term debt (130,770) (57,874) (163,815) (127,780) Payment of deferred financing fees (3,181) (494) (4,493) (899) Payment of lease liabilities (9,736) (9,984) (36,199) (30,819) Change in Restricted cash (3,543) (1,369) (35,924) (5,306) Interest paid on long-term debt (15,839) (15,109) (54,678) (49,390) Payment to related party – – (5,800) (5,700) Dividends paid, net (7,925) (1,743) (25,350) (6,988) Net cash used in financing activities (10,838) (43,162) (46,906) (95,928) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currency 2,894 (1,071) 3,983 (1,147) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the period 8,245 (15,417) (16,268) 64,467 Cash and cash equivalents – Beginning of period 111,215 151,145 135,728 71,261 Cash and cash equivalents – End of period 119,460 135,728 119,460 135,728
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December 31, 2023 $ $ $ $ Segment Information Segment Revenue Consumer452,709 400,867 1,708,119 1,551,157 AFH86,912 81,402 341,819 321,805 Revenue from external customers539,621 482,269 2,049,938 1,872,962 Other segment items Consumer388,737 341,025 1,458,774 1,320,847 AFH82,293 75,688 313,259 301,013 Corporate and other costs1,831 4,337 13,122 12,496 Total other segment items472,861 421,050 1,785,155 1,634,356 Adjusted EBITDA Consumer63,972 59,842 249,345 230,310 AFH4,619 5,714 28,560 20,792 Corporate and other costs(1,831) (4,337) (13,122) (12,496) Total Adjusted EBITDA66,760 61,219 264,783 238,606 Reconciliation to net income (loss): Depreciation and amortization31,127 27,797 114,115 101,373 Interest expense and other finance costs21,355 18,515 72,487 70,255 Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment370 1,945 639 3,043 Loss on sale of non-financial assets18 3 45 24 Change in amortized cost of Partnership unit liability– – (882) – Restructuring costs, net– 274 219 1,574 Foreign exchange loss (gain)24,718 (8,482) 32,752 (9,352) Income (loss) before income taxes(10,828) 21,167 45,408 71,689 Income tax expense4,541 2,605 19,413 73,408 Net income (loss) including non-controlling interest(15,369) 18,562 25,995 (1,719) Geographic Revenue Canada291,391 274,843 1,118,754 1,068,376 US248,230 207,426 931,184 804,586 Total revenue539,621 482,269 2,049,938 1,872,962
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December 31, 2023 $ $ $ $ Share of income (loss) (1,765) 2,212 2,993 (697) Depreciation of fair value increments (276) (279) (1,123) (1,165) Equity income (loss) (2,041) 1,933 1,870 (1,862) Dilution gain 119 245 619 1,032 Income (loss) before income taxes (1,922) 2,178 2,489 (830) Current tax expense 56 215 56 215 Deferred tax expense – – – 3,892 Income tax expense 56 215 56 4,107 Net income (loss) (1,978) 1,963 2,433 (4,937) Basic earnings (loss) per share (0.15) 0.20 0.24 (0.50) Weighted average number of shares outstanding 9,986,446 9,962,907 9,976,725 9,955,981
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December 31, 2023 $ $ $ $ Cash flows from (used in) operating activities Net income (loss) (1,978) 1,963 2,433 (4,937) Items not affecting cash Equity loss (income) 2,041 (1,933) (1,870) 1,862 Dilution gain (119) (245) (619) (1,032) Deferred tax expense 56 215 56 4,107 Total items not affecting cash 1,978 (1,963) (2,433) 4,937 Increase (decrease) in payable to investee 65 424 (595) 287 Tax refunds, net (65) (424) 595 (287) Net cash from (used in) operating activities – – – – Cash flows from investing activities Dividends received, net 1,735 1,742 6,974 6,984 Net cash from investing activities 1,735 1,742 6,974 6,984 Cash flows used in financing activities Dividends paid, net (1,735) (1,742) (6,974) (6,984) Net cash used in financing activities (1,735) (1,742) (6,974) (6,984) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the period– – – – Cash and cash equivalents – Beginning of period – – – – Cash and cash equivalents – End of period – – – –
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