Global Forest and Paper Industry: Net Earnings Summary — Three months ended December 31, 2012

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Canadian and United States based forest and paper products companies reported generally weaker net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to the third quarter of 2012. Log, lumber and panel prices continued to show strength throughout the quarter mirroring the continued improvement in U.S. housing starts. Pulp and paper prices dropped through the quarter; however, prices rebounded somewhat by year end and are expected to remain flat through the first quarter of 2013. European based companies reported mixed results in the fourth quarter, influenced by the deteriorating European paper and building products market and the struggling European economy.

Western Canada

Western Canadian based companies posted net earnings of $1.2 million compared with net earnings of $775.1 million in the third quarter of 2012 and net losses of $759.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Eastern Canada

Eastern Canadian based companies posted net losses of $37.4 million in the fourth quarter, compared to net earnings of $14.7 million for the third quarter of 2012 and net losses of $58.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.

United States

Ten of the largest US-based forest and paper companies reported net earnings of US $922.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2012, down slightly from US $1.2 billion in the third quarter of 2012 and US $1.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Europe

Ten of the largest European based forest and paper companies reported net losses of € 1,013.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2012, down from earnings of € 431.5 million in the third quarter of 2012, and up from losses of € 40.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.

This Net Earnings Summary is prepared by PwC based on financial statements issued by the noted companies. Earnings are reported in regional currencies unless otherwise noted. All comparative figures are with the three months ended December 31, 2012 unless otherwise specified.

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Previous quarter reports

Global Forest and Paper Industry: Net Earnings Summary — Three months ended September 30, 2012 Download the full PDF report.

Global Forest and Paper Industry: Net Earnings Summary — Three months ended June 30, 2012 Download the full PDF report.

Global Forest and Paper Industry: Net Earnings Summary — Three months ended March 31, 2012 Download the full PDF report.

Global Forest and Paper Industry: Net Earnings Summary — Three months ended September 30, 2011 Download the full PDF report.

Global Forest and Paper Industry: Net Earnings Summary — Three months ended June 30, 2011 Download the full PDF report.

Global Forest and Paper Industry: Net Earnings Summary — Three months ended March 31, 2011 Download the full PDF report.

Global Forest and Paper Industry: Net Earnings Summary — Three months ended September 30, 2010 Download the full PDF report.

Global Forest and Paper Industry: Net Earnings Summary — Three months ended June 30, 2010 Download the full PDF report.

Global Forest and Paper Industry: Net Earnings Summary — Three months ended 31 March 2010 Download the full PDF report.