Clearwater Paper reports higher sales and profit in Q2 2025

Clearwater Paper Corporation, a leading independent supplier of bleached paperboard in North America, reported second-quarter 2025 net sales of US$392 million, a 14% increase from the same period last year. The growth was primarily driven by additional volume from the Augusta, Georgia mill acquired in May 2024.

Net income from continuing operations was US$4 million, or US$0.22 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of US$42 million, or US$2.50 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA reached US$40 million, up from a negative US$9 million a year earlier.

“We delivered a strong second quarter in line with our expectations, with higher shipments, higher production, and lower fixed costs,” said Arsen Kitch, president and chief executive officer.

The company attributed the improvement to increased volumes, timing of planned maintenance outages, and benefits from its fixed-cost reduction program, which is on track to deliver US$30 million to US$40 million in savings for 2025. These gains were partially offset by lower selling prices and the absence of insurance proceeds recognized in the second quarter of 2024 related to a weather event at its Lewiston, Idaho facility.

For the first six months of 2025, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of US$770 million, with a net loss from continuing operations of US$2 million and Adjusted EBITDA of US$70 million.

“As the industry continues to experience an oversupply position, we remain focused on what is within our control, namely strong operational execution, reducing our fixed costs, and maintaining share with our customers,” Kitch said. “These actions will continue to help us navigate this industry down cycle and position us well for a recovery.”