$CLW

Clearwater Paper (CLW) Posts Q3 Sales $385M, Net Loss $2M

Clearwater Paper reported Q3 2026 net sales of $385M, down from $399M in Q3 2025, and a net loss of $2M ($0.10/share), improved from a $54M loss. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $24M from $18M. Augusta mill disruptions impacted volumes and costs, partially offset by RWI settlements.

Original reporting
Published Oct 26, 2026, 8:05 PM UTC
Analysis
AlphAI AI DeskAI-generated
Added to AlphAI Oct 26, 2026, 8:15 PM UTC. Informational, not investment advice.
How this was made
AlphAI summarizes source reporting and applies a structured AI analysis for relevance, timing, sentiment and ticker impact. Always verify material claims with the original publisher.
Clearwater Paper (CLW) Posts Q3 Sales $385M, Net Loss $2M — source image
Decision brief

The 30-second read

$CLWBearishMed
01

Why it matters

The earnings miss may trigger short-term selling pressure, but cost containment and higher EBITDA could support a rebound.

02

Market read

First disclosure of Q3 2026 earnings; provides fresh data for traders to assess short-term price direction.

03

What to watch

Potential upside from upcoming price hikes and normalization of Augusta mill disruptions.

Relevance 8/10Novelty 8/10Timing: post-market release

Background

Clearwater Paper reported Q3 results with lower sales year-over-year and a narrow net loss, while adjusted EBITDA rose.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

$CLWBearishMedium confidence
Context

Q3 2026 earnings released showing $385M sales and a $2M net loss, the first public disclosure of these results.

Expected impact

likely slight downside as market prices in the loss and mixed operating performance

Evidence & confidence

The loss signals weaker profitability, while higher EBITDA offers limited upside; investors may react cautiously.

Market effects

Paper and packaging sector may see modest pressure as earnings highlight demand softness at Augusta mill.

North American pulp and paper market could experience slight sentiment drag.

Limited global impact; primarily a company-specific move.

Counterpoint

Improved EBITDA suggests operational recovery; the stock could rebound if investors focus on cost improvements.

Key entities

  • Clearwater Paper Corporation

    US-listed pulp and paper producer (ticker CLW).

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RBC cuts Clearwater Paper stock price target on Q4 guidance miss

RBC Capital reduced its price target for Clearwater Paper (NYSE: CLW) to $22 from $23, citing Q4 guidance below consensus. The company's Q3 adjusted EBITDA met expectations, but gross profit margins remain low. Issues at the Augusta facility and a wider-than-expected Q3 loss also impacted the outlook. Truist Securities lowered its target to $17, maintaining a Hold rating.

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Clearwater Paper net loss narrows in third quarter

Clearwater Paper reported a Q3 2026 net loss of $2m, down from $54m in Q3 2025. Net sales fell 3.5% YoY to $385m due to lower paperboard pricing. Adjusted EBITDA rose 33.4% to $24m, driven by maintenance outage timing. Nine-month net sales were $1.1bn, down from $1.2bn in 2025. CEO Arsen Kitch noted price increases and operational disruptions.

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Clearwater Paper (CLW) Q3 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Clearwater Paper (CLW) reported Q3 2026 net loss of $2M, with $385M in sales. Operational disruptions at Augusta mill were offset by $17.5M insurance payout. The company completed debt refinancing, extending maturities to 2031. Industry pricing improvements and new product launches are expected to boost EBITDA by $200M. CLW plans maintenance outages in 2027 with estimated costs of $12M-$15M and $7M-$10M.

$CLWMed

Clearwater Paper Reports Third Quarter 2026 Results

Clearwater Paper (CLW) reported Q3 2026 net sales of $385M, down from $399M in 2025, with a net loss of $2M. Adjusted EBITDA rose to $24M from $18M. The company cited lower market pricing but noted operational improvements and refinancing. Sales volumes decreased 1% YoY, while prices fell 4%. The CEO expressed optimism about industry recovery and pricing improvements. The company reduced net debt by $56M YTD.

$CLWMedAI 8/10

What Clearwater Paper (CLW) Said on Its Q3 Earnings Call

Clearwater Paper (CLW) reported Q3 earnings, highlighting maintenance delays and costs at its Augusta mill, totaling $19M-$25M. The company received $17.5M from insurance recoveries, offsetting Augusta-related losses. Management noted industry recovery in SBS paperboard and expects pricing increases to boost EBITDA by $200M. Clearwater also announced product expansions and refinancing with lower interest rates. Q4 EBITDA is projected at $10M-$20M, with full-year 2026 revenue expected at $1.5B.