Oct 29, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. Wausau Paper's 3Q net loss from continuing operations was $5.2 million, or $0.10 per share compared to net earnings of $5.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share a year ago. On a year-over-year basis, consolidated net sales decreased five percent to $202 million with shipments measured in tons decreasing 3%. Year-to-date, the Company reported a net loss from continuing operations of $1.5 million, or $0.03 per share, compared with net earnings of $10 million, or $0.20 per diluted share in the comparable 2011 period. For the nine months ended September 30, consolidated net sales increased 2% to $631 million as shipments increased 4%, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network. On an adjusted basis, 3Q results included after-tax expenses of $7.6 million, or $0.15 per diluted share related to settlement charges on certain defined benefit pension plans and $1.2 million, or $0.02 per diluted share for capital-related expense for the Tissue expansion project. Prior-year 3Q results included after-tax capital-related expenses of $0.4 million, or $0.01 per diluted share for the Tissue expansion project. For the first nine months of 2012, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations were $12.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, compared with prior-year adjusted net earnings of $13.2 million, or $0.27 per diluted share. Including discontinued operations, net of tax, 3Q net loss was $5.3 million, or $0.11 per share, compared to net earnings of $5.2 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the same period last year. Current-quarter and prior-year results included earnings from continuing operations before income taxes offset by income tax expense and a net loss from discontinued operations of $0.2 million, or $0.00 per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, including discontinued operations, net of tax, net earnings were $3.1 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $7 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the same period last year. Net earnings in the current year included earnings from continuing operations before income taxes offset by income tax expense and net earnings from discontinued operations of $4.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted share. Net earnings in the prior year included earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, offset by income tax expense, and a net loss from discontinued operations of $3 million, or $0.06 per share. Henry C. Newell, president and CEO, commenting on the Company’s continued progress against strategic initiatives, said, “Our Tissue expansion is on track as three to 4% case shipment growth continues to drive improving operating margins, now approaching 13%. The second half is proving to be a challenge for our Paper segment, as we see slowing demand in industrial and tape markets at a time when we are commercializing new technical capacity at our Brainerd, Minnesota, facility. Despite these pressures, technical volumes are up six percent this year and specifically, tape sector volume is up 14%, the result of new customer business and new product introductions. “The successful exit of our Print franchise has resulted in an exceptionally well positioned balance sheet as we continue to commercialize technical capacity on our Brainerd asset and complete the installation, start-up and commercialization of the new towel and tissue machine at Harrodsburg, Kentucky. We expect to report continued progress over the coming quarters against the long-term growth targets and timelines we’ve outlined this year.” Wausau Paper produces and markets specialty papers for industrial, commercial and consumer end markets as well as a complete line of away-from-home towel and tissue products.