First Quarter Earnings Release Materials April 29, 2025 ARSEN KITCH President, Chief Executive Officer and Director SHERRI BAKER Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Forward Looking Statements 2024 Was a Transformational Year For Clearwater Paper Completed acquisition of Augusta paperboard mill for $700M on May 1 Increased total SBS capacity to ~1.4M tons Balanced network to deliver lower landed costs and targeting synergies of $40-50M by end of 2026 Completed sale of tissue business for $1.06 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $30 million for Q1 2025, at the high end of guidance, driven by strong operational performance and increased production and sales volumes, primarily due to the Augusta acquisition [6][24] - Net sales increased by 46% to $378 million compared to Q1 2024, largely attributed to the Augusta acquisition [6][24] - The company incurred a consolidated net loss of approximately $6 million from continuing operations, equating to $0.36 per diluted share [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Augusta mill integration has been successful, with targeted volume and cost synergies expected by the end of 2026 [7] - Fixed cost structure was reduced by eliminating over 200 positions, representing around 10% of total roles, aiming for $30 to $40 million in savings for 2025 [7][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry shipments increased by 2% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with demand projected to grow by 3% to 5% in 2025 [8][9] - Industry utilization rates improved to 88% in Q1 2025 from 84% in Q1 2024, but remain below the cross-cycle average of 90% to 95% [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen its position as a premier independent supplier of paperboard packaging products, investing in product development across three categories: compostable food service products, lightweight folding carton products, and alternative poly-free barrier technologies [13][14][15] - The company is exploring expansion into additional paperboard substrates, which make up approximately 50% of the paperboard market outside of SBS [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about medium to long-term industry prospects, expecting strong margins and cash flows through the cycle [34] - The company anticipates continued demand recovery, with internal utilization projected at around 85% and revenue expectations of approximately $1.5 to $1.6 billion for 2025 [29] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $11 million of its shares in Q1 2025, totaling about $15 million since the new $100 million share buyback authorization [7][26] - The company is targeting a reduction in SG&A as a percentage of sales to 6% to 7% by year-end 2025 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the sense of what's happening with FPB imports recently? - Management noted that imports were up in 2024, with forecasts for a 5% decrease in imports and a 1% increase in exports for 2025 [38][39] Question: Can you clarify the geographic split of the $20 million to $25 million purchases from outside the US and Canada? - Approximately $80 million of imports are from Canada, with the remaining $20 million from other parts of the world, including potential exposure to China [40][41] Question: What are the criteria for evaluating M&A opportunities for expanding product offerings? - The company seeks strategic fit, quality assets, and a belief in the ability to win in the market when considering M&A [46][47] Question: What kind of costs are associated with the paper machine upgrades for lightweight folding carton products? - Upgrades will be on existing machines, with capital fitting within the previously stated capital range, focusing on mix shift rather than incremental revenue growth [48] Question: What is the expected impact of cost savings in Q2? - Management expects to see roughly double the amount of savings in Q2 compared to Q1, with incremental benefits ramping through the year [51]

Clearwater Paper (CLW) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 29, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company Participants Sloan Bohlen - DirectorArsen Kitch - CEO, President & DirectorSherri Baker - Senior VP & CFOMatt McKellar - Vice President Operator Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. My name is Carmen, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Clearwater Paper First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any back ...