April 30, 2024 - Clearwater Paper Corporation (NYSE:CLW) [on April 29] reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.
"Despite the significant weather event that impacted the quarter, we delivered solid results that came in at the higher end of our expectations through strong operational execution," said Arsen Kitch, president and chief executive officer. "Our Lewiston team did a tremendous job repairing damaged equipment under very difficult conditions and resuming operations."
Clearwater Paper previously announced that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire from Graphic Packaging International, LLC its Augusta, Georgia bleached paperboard manufacturing facility and associated business for $700 million, subject to adjustments for inventory. The transaction is currently expected to close shortly.
For the first quarter of 2024, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $496 million compared to net sales of $525 million for the first quarter of 2023. Net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $17 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, compared to net income for the first quarter of 2023 of $24 million, or $1.40 per diluted share.
On a non-GAAP basis, Clearwater Paper reported adjusted net income in the first quarter of 2024 of $24 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, compared to first quarter 2023 adjusted net income of $25 million, or $1.47 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2024 was $62 million, compared to the first quarter of 2023 Adjusted EBITDA of $66 million.
Net sales in the Pulp and Paperboard segment were $245 million for the first quarter of 2024, down 12% compared to first quarter 2023 net sales of $279 million. Segment operating income for the first quarter of 2024 was $25 million, compared to $57 million for the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was $34 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $66 million in the first quarter of 2023. The decrease in operating income and Adjusted EBITDA were primarily due to lower sales prices and impacts of a severe weather event at our Lewiston Idaho facility, partially offset by lower input costs, specifically in wood, energy and freight.
Pulp and Paperboard Sales Volumes and Prices:
Net sales in the Consumer Products segment were $253 million for the first quarter of 2024, up 2% compared to first quarter 2023 net sales of $248 million. Segment operating income for the first quarter of 2024 was $32 million compared to operating income of $4 million in the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was $46 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $19 million in the first quarter of 2023. The increases in operating income and Adjusted EBITDA were driven by higher sales volumes, lower input costs and strong operational performance.
Retail Tissue Sales Volumes and Prices:
"We expect continued strength in our tissue performance this year and a recovery in paperboard demand as we believe customer de-stocking is now largely behind us. We are also looking forward to completing the Augusta acquisition and personally welcoming the Augusta team to Clearwater Paper," continued Kitch.
Clearwater Paper is a premier supplier of private brand tissue to major retailers, including grocery, club, mass merchants, and discount stores. In addition, the company produces paperboard used by quality-conscious printers and packaging converters, and offers services that include custom sheeting, slitting, and cutting.
SOURCE: Clearwater Paper Corporation
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