Market News of Note

Mercer International Inc., a prominent player in the pulp and lumber industry, reported mixed results for the second quarter of 2024. The company's EBITDA saw a significant decrease to $30 million from $64 million in the previous quarter, primarily due to planned maintenance at two of its mills.

Interfor Corporation recorded a net loss in Q2 2024 of $75.8 million, or $1.47 per share, compared to a net loss of $72.9 million, or $1.42 per share in Q1 2024 and a net loss of $14.1 million, or $0.27 per share in Q2 2023.

Net loss was USD 0.077747 million compared to USD 1.25 million a year ago. Basic loss per share from continuing operations was USD 0.008 compared to USD 0.12 a year ago. Diluted loss per share from continuing operations was USD 0.008 compared to USD 0.12 a year ago.

Continued strong demand in tissue, improved demand in paperboard.

Pulp and paper producer says underlying profitability remains steady despite the third quarter being seasonally the weakest.

Adjusted EBITDA totaled R$6.3 billion, a 60% increase on 2Q23, reflecting higher pulp prices, favorable FX rates, increased sales volume, and reduced production costs compared to the same period last year. Operating cash generation totaled R$4.5 billion, the strongest quarterly result since 1Q23, and net revenue came to R$11.5 billion, the strongest quarterly result since 4Q22.

Södra posted a stable result for the second quarter of 2024. Several important decisions were made during the quarter in line with Södra's strategy to increase the added value of its wood raw material and do more with each tree.

The Company recently completed a share capital reduction which has resulted in the creation of distributable reserves giving maximum flexibility to consider the payment of quarterly dividends and otherwise to return value to our shareholders, should the Board consider it appropriate.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company's net income was $190 million, or $0.62 per share, based upon 306.9 million weighted average diluted shares.

In the Packaging segment, corrugated products shipments per day were up 9.2% over last year's Q2 and total shipments, with one additional shipping day, were up 10.9%.

UFP Industries, Inc. (UFPI) announced Q2 2024 results including net sales of $1.9 billion, net earnings attributable to controlling interest of $126 million, and earnings per diluted share of $2.05.

Kimberly-Clark says supplies are constrained and private-label brands are offering more promotions.

International Paper reported Q2 2024 financial results. Net sales for the Q2 increased to $4.73 billion, compared to $4.68 billion in the Q2 2023.

West Fraser Timber's Q2 2024 sales were $1.705 billion, compared to $1.627 billion in the Q1 2024. Q2 2024 earnings were $105 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, compared to $35 million, or $0.42 per diluted share in the Q1 2024. Q2 2024 Adjusted EBITDA was $272 million compared to $200 million in the Q1 2024.

Canfor Corporation reported an operating loss of $250.8 million for the Q2 2024, compared to an operating loss of $85.8 million in the Q1 2024.

Sonoco Products Company reported financial results for its Q2 ended June 30, 2024. Net sales decreased 5% to $1.6 billion primarily driven by the Protective Solutions ("Protexic") divestiture, the closure of a thermoformed food packaging plant, the treatment of recycling operations as a procurement function beginning January 1, 2024 and lower selling prices; overall volumes were positive and up low single digits including the impact of acquisitions.

The new price is valid from August 1, 2024.

Smurfit Westrock plc, a global leader in sustainable packaging, is pleased to announce its primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), under the ticker 'SW,' following the completion of the previously announced combination of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock on July 5, 2024.

The chief financial officer of newly formed paper packaging giant Smurfit WestRock said consumer demand is coming "along nicely" and at similar levels in the second quarter to the growth seen in the first three months of the year.

Sonoco announced it will raise the price for all converted paperboard products by a minimum of 6 percent, effective with shipments in the United States and Canada, on or after July 10th, 2024. This includes tubes, cores, cones and protective packaging.

Hygiene and health company Essity is presenting new financial targets based on the company's portfolio following the divestment of the subsidiary Vinda. The new targets are an increase in ambition with an emphasis on profitable growth and are based on the company's robust platform with leading positions in growing and attractive markets.

London-listed shares in Smurfit Kappa rose on Wednesday after Bloomberg News reported that Smurfit WestRock, the company formed by a merger between the Irish packaging group and U.S. peer WestRock, will be included in S&P Dow Jones Indices's averages.

Following the announcement of 25th March 2024, Sonoco announced it is implementing a further price increase as input costs have continued to rise beyond our initial estimation.

Greif, Inc., a world leader in industrial packaging products and services, announced it is implementing a $50 to $70 per short ton increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) products.

Sonoco-Alcore S.a.r.l. announced today that due to continued inflationary pressure on the business, it will raise prices by 7% on all tube and core grades sold in the company's EMEA regions. The increase is in direct response to the continued escalation of its cost base and will be effective for all shipments made on or after 15th June, 2024.