Clearwater Paper reports drop in earnings

Clearwater Paper Corp. has reported a decrease in net earnings for the second quarter 2017, attributed primarily by the Spokane-based company to maintenance costs at its Arkansas mill during the quarter.

The company reported second-quarter earnings of $8 million, or 48 cents per share, compared to $20.9 million, or $1.21 per share, for the same period a year ago.

In a Wednesday news release. the company reported net sales of $429.7 million for the second quarter 2017, down 1.6 percent from $436.7 million in second quarter 2016.

In addition to $9 million in planned biannual maintenance at its Arkansas plant, the company cited higher costs associated with energy, pulp, chemicals and packaging supplies as affecting its quarterly earnings, according to the release.

Linda Massman, Clearwater’s president and chief executive, said in the release that the company’s results were in “in line with our company outlook.”

The company manufactures tissue, pulp and paperboard at facilities across the U.S., including in Lewiston.