May 03, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Clearwater Paper Corporation reported net earnings for the 1Q 2010 of $0.5 million, compared to net earnings of $13.6 million for the 1Q 2009. Included in the 1Q 2010 results is a one-time tax charge of $4.4 million resulting from the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. The company also had scheduled major maintenance costs of $16.9 million in the 1Q 2010 compared to $1.5 million in the 1Q 2009, representing an increase of $15.4 million or an estimated after-tax $0.86 per diluted share impact on first quarter results. Net sales increased to $330.62 million, from $286.70 million last year. "1Q results were strong even while undertaking our scheduled major maintenance. This was driven by stronger than expected performance in our Pulp and Paperboard segment, aided by a positive pricing environment and by steady performance in our Consumer Products business," said Gordon Jones, President and CEO. "We are also continuing to evaluate whether to build a new paper machine and expect to announce a decision before our second quarter earnings call." Clearwater Paper Corporation manufactures premium consumer tissue, high-quality bleached paperboard and wood products. The company is a premier supplier of private label tissue to major retail grocery chains and also produces bleached paperboard.