Cascades' Q2 2025 sales of $1,187 million increased by $7 million compared with the same period last year. This increase was driven by consolidated net benefits of $51 million from higher selling prices and $8 million from a more favourable foreign exchange. These were partially offset by $46 million from lower volumes.
The Q2 2025 EBITDA totaled $137 million, an increase of $25 million, or 22%, from the $112 million generated in the same period last year. This increase was driven by net benefits of $51 million from higher selling prices and by lower raw material costs of $15 million, mainly in the Packaging Products segment. These were partially offset by net impacts of $23 million from higher production and energy costs and $18 million from lower volumes.
For the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, the Corporation posted a net loss of $(3) million, or ($0.03) per common share, compared to net earnings of $1 million, or $0.01 per common share, in the same period of 2024. On an adjusted basis, the Corporation posted net earnings of $19 million in the Q2 2025, or $0.19 per common share, compared to net earnings of $8 million, or $0.08 per common share, in the same period of 2024.
Hugues Simon, President and CEO, commented: "Q2 performance was in line with our forecasts. On a consolidated basis, sequential improvement was underpinned by stronger volumes and selling prices, and lower transportation and energy costs. Packaging results were driven by the implementation of selling price increases and stable shipments. As expected, these were partially offset by higher operational costs per unit attributable to lower operating rates. Operational metrics at Bear Island improved sequentially, with production levels up 8%.
This trend has continued into July. Our tissue segment generated stable results sequentially as benefits from improved pricing, sales volume and mix were offset by higher operational costs due to planned shutdowns and maintenance activities. These initiatives were scheduled to improve line efficiencies, support the execution of our retail tissue realignment strategy, and manage inventory in the Away-from-Home tissue market. The Corporation's net debt levels decreased by $112 million sequentially, and leverage contracted to 3.8x from 4.2x at the end of the Q1. Net of disposals, capital expenditures totaled $18 million in the quarter, and $54 million year-to-date. We now expect full year 2025 levels to be in the range of $150 million, before disposals, down from $175 million previously."
Founded in 1964, Cascades is the industry leader in Canada and the sixth-largest tissue paper manufacturer in North America.
