US pulp, paper firms push up earnings in 4Q as margin hits 2%; rising costs threaten 2010 profits this quarter

摘要

Despite volume declines for many paper/board grades, mill downtime, selected operational issues, and high input costs, most US pulp, paper, and board producers reported higher earnings in fourth quarter 2009 against a comparatively weaker fourth quarter a year ago. In announcing quarterly results to analysts, most CEOs expressed relief that the challenging operating environment of 2009 was over but said business and economic conditions remain uncertain for this year.