Feb 01, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. Domtar Corporation reported net earnings of $19 million ($0.54 per share) for the 4Q 2012 compared to net earnings of $66 million ($1.84 per share) for the 3Q 2012 and net earnings of $61 million ($1.63 per share) for the 4Q 2011. Sales for the 4Q 2012 amounted to $1.3 billion, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. "Our paper and pulp businesses performed largely in-line with expectations from a sales standpoint in the fourth quarter," said John D. Williams, President and CEO. "Higher costs for fiber and energy and unexpected costs incurred at a pulp mill following a planned maintenance outage affected results." For fiscal year 2012, net earnings amounted to $172 million ($4.76 per share) compared to net earnings of $365 million ($9.08 per share) for fiscal year 2011. The Company had earnings of $233 million ($6.45 per share) for fiscal 2012 compared to earnings of $452 million ($11.24 per share) for fiscal 2011. Sales amounted to $5.5 billion for fiscal year 2012. Commenting on the year, Mr. Williams said, "The down cycle in pulp prices contributed to the majority of the decline in Domtar's earnings. We accomplished a great deal again in 2012 nevertheless. We completed two acquisitions in our Personal Care business, we announced the conversion of a world-class commodity paper mill to manufacture specialty papers and launched several innovative projects that provide alternative uses for our wood fiber and the by-products of our manufacturing process. Our journey to build a growing fiber-based business is well underway," added Mr. Williams. Operating income was $84 million in the 4Q 2012 compared to an operating income of $111 million in the 3Q 2012. Depreciation and amortization totaled $96 million in the 4Q 2012. Domtar Corporation designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication papers, specialty and packaging papers and adult incontinence products. The foundation of its business is a network of world class wood fiber converting assets that produce papergrade, fluff and specialty pulps.