SPOKANE, Wash.--Nov. 8, 2018--Clearwater Paper Corporation (NYSE:CLW) today reported financial results for the third quarter of 2018.
The company reported net sales of $426.5 million for the third quarter of 2018, which was flat with net sales for the third quarter of 2017. Net earnings determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, for the third quarter of 2018 were $34.4 million, or $2.08 per diluted share, compared to net earnings for the third quarter of 2017 of $0.9 million, or $0.05 per diluted share. The increase in net earnings was due primarily to a $22.9 million gain on the sale of the company's Ladysmith, Wisconsin manufacturing facility along with higher pricing and record shipment volumes in paperboard, improved operating efficiencies and lower selling, general and administrative expenses. Excluding certain non-core items identified in the attached Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, third quarter 2018 adjusted net earnings were $22.3 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, compared to third quarter 2017 adjusted net earnings of $5.3 million, or $0.32 per diluted share.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, were $71.0 million for the third quarter of 2018, compared to $31.3 million for the third quarter of 2017. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $48.9 million, up 29.9% compared to third quarter 2017 Adjusted EBITDA of $37.6 million.
"We exceeded our expectations for the third quarter due to record paperboard shipments and strong customer demand for paperboard," said Linda K. Massman, president and chief executive officer. "We are also seeing positive results from the operating model improvements for our tissue business, resulting in lower transportation and warehousing costs."
"For the remainder of 2018, we are in the home stretch to complete our new paper machine, converting lines, and warehouse at our Shelby, North Carolina facility. We are also keenly focused on generating cash to pay down debt and optimizing our network of tissue assets to streamline costs and better meet the needs of our customers."
Source: Clearwater Paper
