Market News of Note

The quarter was characterized by geopolitical challenges, unfavorable currency effects, and weather-related disruptions in North America. Cash flow showed a marked improvement, with all segments contributing positively.

Metsä Group reported a comparable operating result of Euro 4 million for the Q1 2026, compared to Euro 81 million in the same period last year, due to muted demand for market pulp in Europe and China, lower delivery volumes, and the negative impact of US import tariffs.

UFP Industries (UFPI) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.89 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.15 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.3 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. reported Q1 sales of US$1.33 billion, down from $1.46 billion in the comparable period of 2025. The company posted a loss of $188 million, compared to earnings of $42 million a year earlier.

International Paper reported Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $677 million for the Q1 ended March 31, 2026, as the company faced a tougher macro environment including ongoing inflation and a severe winter storm.

The Company intends to regain compliance with the NYSE American continued listing standards. There can be no assurance that the Company will ultimately regain compliance with all applicable NYSE American listing standards.

The company said heightened tensions in the Middle East had added to instability in an already difficult operating backdrop.

Keeps annual forecast intact as personal care products demand holds up

Smurfit Westrock said on Thursday it is considering delisting from the London Stock Exchange, as the cardboard box-maker reported earnings that missed market expectations as bad weather hit its North American business.

Weyerhaeuser surpassed Wall Street expectations for first-quarter profit on Thursday, helped by ​the monetization of timberland development rights that resulted ‌in significant cash flow.

Sonoco S.a.r.l., a wholly owned unit of Sonoco Products Company, a global leader in high-value sustainable packaging, announced it will raise prices by 80 Euro per ton for uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) grades and 8% on all tube and core products sold by the Company in the EMEA region.

The Annual General Meeting adopted the financial statements for 2025 and resolved on a dividend of €1.50 per share for the financial period 2025.

The Trump administration moves toward lowering U.S. trade duties on most Canadian softwood lumber after a preliminary Commerce Department decision that would reduce the combined rate to 25% from about 35%.

The Iran war has led to a surge in oil prices and driven up Suzano's costs of shipping, trucking, rail and chemicals.

The packaging and tissue products company said Friday that U.S. weather disruptions and volatile swings in transportation and fuel surcharges pushed operating costs higher, while recent geopolitical tensions dampened consumer confidence and spending, leading to softer packaging volumes.

Georgia-Pacific will implement a price increase of 2.5% to 3.5%, effective May 18, 2026, on DensDeck®, DensDeck® Prime products and DensDeck® StormX™ Prime Roof Boards.

Quad/Graphics, Inc., announced it is enacting an immediate, temporary surcharge on its printing inks, UV coating and varnishes to help offset increasing costs impacting its ink manufacturing subsidiary Chemical Research/Technology (CR/T).

In the year-end report for 2025 published on 19 February 2026, Rottneros announced that the Company as of 31 December 2025 did not meet the applicable profitability covenant in the loan agreement. The company received a waiver from the lenders for the period in question and at the same time maintained a constructive dialogue with the lenders regarding changed terms.

As a result of the prolonged weakness in global pulp markets and the Company's persistent challenges accessing economically viable fibre, an asset write-down and impairment charge totaling $106.5 million was recognized in Q4 2025, which included a write-off of a previously recognized deferred tax asset of $52.5 million.

Sonoco Products Company, a global leader in high-value sustainable paper products, announced it is implementing a $70 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning April 3, 2026.

Greif, a global leader in performance packaging products and services, announced it is implementing a price increase between $60 and $70 per short ton for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) products and a minimum 7.5 percent increase on all tube and core and protective packaging products.

SCA will increase the prices on all Kraftliner grades in Europe by € 100 per tonne.

Grew fourth quarter net sales to $1.8 billion, up 29.7% from the prior-year quarter, primarily from acquisition activity.

During Q4 2025, the Company reported net sales of $567 million, representing a decrease of $114 million from last year.

Sonoco Products Company, a global leader in high-value sustainable metal and paper packaging, on Feb. 17 hosted an Investor Day in which it provided investors with an update on its value creation strategy, financial targets and capital allocation plan, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Howard Coker and members of the senior leadership team.