USA Pulp & Paper Producers Report on Gains

In the third quarter of 2009, 26 USA pulp and paper companies reported sales of slightly over $21billion, up 4.5% sequentially vs. 2Q, but down 16% vs. last year. They reported a collective $1.4 billion in net income, including $1.3 billion of alternative fuel credits, up 2% vs. 2Q. Fuel credits were received by 19 companies, lifting their incomes. Excluding fuel credits and other gains, more than half showed a drop in earnings or a marginal increase year over year. Also, production increased in third quater, up 4.6% to 6.7 million tons in September vs. May.