AF&PA Releases December 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

Verso Corporation confirmed that it has received an unsolicited proposal from Atlas Holdings LLC regarding a potential transaction to acquire all outstanding shares of Class A common stock of Verso for $20.00 per share in cash. Consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities, Verso's Board of Directors, in consultation with its financial and legal advisors, will carefully review and evaluate the proposal to determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interests of Verso and its stockholders. Verso stockholders need take no action at this time.

*Third quarter 2023 net earnings from continuing operations was $2.7 million or $0.01 per share (diluted), compared to net loss of $9.7 million or a loss of $0.05 per share (diluted) in the second quarter of 2023 on the same basis.*Average lumber prices for Q3 2023 were higher than Q2 2023, with an average selling price of $642/mfbm compared to $596/mfbm in Q2 2023. There was strong pricing momentum toward the latter half of the second quarter due to supply related concerns, which benefited results at the beginning of the third quarter. However, volumes in the third quarter were lower than Q2 2023 due to reduced demand given macroeconomic uncertainties. *The valuation provision for lumber and log inventory was decreased to $1.9 million from $8.7 million at the end of Q4 2022, generating a $6.8 million credit to cost of sales in the three quarters ended September 30, 2023.

Mondi plc announced the agreement to sell its last remaining facility in Russia, Joint Stock Company Mondi Syktyvkar, together with two affiliated entities to Sezar Invest LLC for a total cash consideration of RUB 80 billion. Mondi is pleased to confirm closing has been accelerated and the sale has now completed. Mondi has therefore concluded its exit from Russia. Mondi has received RUB 57 billion into its London bank account and it is in possession of a letter of credit for the final RUB 23 billion, which will be paid in two equal instalments in each of November and December 2023. It is intended that the net proceeds from the sale of all Mondi’s Russian assets will be distributed to Mondi shareholders in a timely manner once the final instalments of the consideration in respect of Mondi Syktyvkar have been received.