Pulp & Paper Companies Report Increased Profits in 4Q

The index known as the Pulp & Paper Week composite (includes 23 USA companies) reported forth quarter 2009 earnings up 60% (vs. 4Q08) with sales down 7.5%. For all of 2009, the group’s earnings were down 34.2% with sales down 11.4% when compared to 2008 results. It was noted that 15 of these companies benefited by the alternative fuel black liquor tax credits which offset losses, improved balance sheets, and substantially boosted earnings.