Domtar Corporation reported net earnings of $20 million for the first quarter of 2017 compared to net earnings of $47 million ($0.75 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2016 and net earnings of $4 million ($0.06 per share) for the first quarter of 2016. Sales for the first quarter of 2017 were $1.3 billion, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.
“The Ashdown mill continued to focus its efforts on the production and quality of fluff pulp; we shipped primarily softwood bales in the quarter, but we are making good progress with the qualification of our grades and we're receiving positive feedback from our customers,” said John D. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Our pulp business is growing and becoming more meaningful. We've shipped nearly 25% more tons when compared to the same quarter last year, and current initiatives will support continued profitable growth. Our nearly 2 million tons of high-quality softwood, fluff and specialty market pulp capacity provides us with a scale business that will add momentum to our growth strategy for years to come.”
Operating income was $42 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared to an operating income of $74 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Depreciation and amortization totaled $80 million in the first quarter of 2017.
Operating income before items was $42 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared to an operating income before items of $74 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Domtar is a leading provider of a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication, specialty and packaging papers, market pulp and absorbent hygiene products.
