Verso Announces Pulp Price Increase

The Company reported operating income of $4.9 million for the first quarter of 2021, an improvement of $33.2 million from the reported operating loss of $28.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, reflecting improving global pulp market conditions, combined with a 25% increase in pulp production quarter-over-quarter. During the first quarter of 2021, global pulp markets experienced a surge in US-dollar list prices in response to an uptick in demand, particularly from China, combined with ongoing global logistic constraints and supported by strong price increases on the Shanghai Futures Exchange. As a result, Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (“NBSK”) pulp list prices on orders from China saw sharp increases throughout the period, reaching a high of US$973 per tonne in March to average US$883 per tonne for the current quarter, up US$246 per tonne, or 39%, from the previous quarter. Prices to North America also saw sharp increases, although not at the same levels as those in China, up US$164 per tonne, or 14%, quarter-over-quarter to US$1,302 per tonne (before discounts). Reflecting the lag between orders and shipments, the significant majority of these price gains will be realized in the second quarter. NBSK pulp unit sales realizations reflected improved prices on shipments in the current period, which more than offset a 2 cent, or 3%, stronger Canadian dollar. Average Bleached Chemi-Thermo Mechanical Pulp (“BCTMP”) unit sales realizations were broadly in line with the previous quarter as more modest upward positive trends in BCTMP US-dollar pricing were largely offset by the stronger Canadian dollar.

Mactac® is expanding its role as a leading member of the CELAB (Circular Economy for Labels) global consortium, announcing the naming of company leaders to the consortium’s executive boards. Ed LaForge, President and Chief Executive Officer for Mactac, will serve as vice president of CELAB’s global executive board, and Kevin Clunie, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mactac Performance Adhesives Group, will serve as vice president of CELAB’s North America branch executive board. Additionally, Brittany Eppley, Mactac’s Marketing and Communications Manager will play a leading role on the CELAB North America branch communications team. Mactac’s parent company, LINTEC, is also a member of the organization within the CELAB Europe regional branch.

Net sales were SEK 5 897 million (5 636), an increase of 5% mainly as a result of increased selling prices. EBITDA was SEK 1 065 million (923), an increase of 15% mainly as a result of increased selling prices, which were partly offset by higher wood prices. Adjusted EBITDA was SEK 1 102 million (938), an increase of 17%. The adjusted operating margin was 12% (10%). Adjusted operating profit was SEK 729 million (572), an increase of 27%. Earnings per share amounted to SEK 2.40 (1.94). Click Read More below for additional information.