Clearwater Paper Corporation

NYSE:CLW Stock Report

Market Cap: US$229.5m

Clearwater Paper Management

Management criteria checks 2/4

Clearwater Paper's CEO is Arsen Kitch, appointed in Apr 2020, has a tenure of 6.08 years. total yearly compensation is $5.20M, comprised of 19.2% salary and 80.8% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 1.67% of the company’s shares, worth $3.83M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 1.1 years and 6.5 years respectively.

Key information

Arsen Kitch

Chief executive officer

US$5.2m

Total compensation

CEO salary percentage19.23%
CEO tenure6.1yrs
CEO ownership1.7%
Management average tenure1.1yrs
Board average tenure6.5yrs

Recent management updates

Recent updates

Analysis Article Jan 09

Why Investors Shouldn't Be Surprised By Clearwater Paper Corporation's (NYSE:CLW) P/S

It's not a stretch to say that Clearwater Paper Corporation's ( NYSE:CLW ) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.2x...
Analysis Article Nov 21

Is Clearwater Paper (NYSE:CLW) Using Debt Sensibly?

David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the...
Seeking Alpha Oct 17

Clearwater Paper: Reiterating Buy Despite A Soft Q3 Guide

Summary We reaffirm a buy on Clearwater Paper, despite recent stock weakness and a disappointing Q3 EBITDA guide. Clearwater Paper benefits from industry capacity reductions, favorable tariffs, and a supportive product mix, and it has ongoing share repurchase activity. Management explores margin-enhancing moves into CUK and CRB, while maintaining disciplined CAPEX and pursuing asset optimization. There is a valuation upside for CLW stock both in the short term and on a mid-cycle level. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Analysis Article Aug 16

With A 26% Price Drop For Clearwater Paper Corporation (NYSE:CLW) You'll Still Get What You Pay For

NYSE:CLW 1 Year Share Price vs Fair Value Explore Clearwater Paper's Fair Values from the Community and select yours...
Analysis Article May 01

Clearwater Paper Corporation's (NYSE:CLW) Popularity With Investors Is Clear

It's not a stretch to say that Clearwater Paper Corporation's ( NYSE:CLW ) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.3x...
Analysis Article Feb 15

Does Clearwater Paper (NYSE:CLW) Have A Healthy Balance Sheet?

David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the...
Seeking Alpha Feb 14

A Strong Quarter For Clearwater Paper, But I'm Not Convinced

Summary Clearwater Paper Corporation has shown strong Q4 performance, beating Wall Street forecasts with significant EPS and revenue growth amidst a strategic overhaul. Despite high debt and declining EBITDA, Clearwater's cost-cutting measures and focus on paperboard manufacturing position it for potential long-term growth. Market conditions are stabilizing, with projected demand increases and a strategic divestment of the tissue business improving Clearwater's financial flexibility. However, risks include high debt, earnings misses, and macroeconomic uncertainties, leading to a cautious “Hold” rating for CLW stock. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Analysis Article Aug 21

Positive Sentiment Still Eludes Clearwater Paper Corporation (NYSE:CLW) Following 35% Share Price Slump

Clearwater Paper Corporation ( NYSE:CLW ) shareholders that were waiting for something to happen have been dealt a blow...
Seeking Alpha Aug 11

Clearwater Paper: Not All Is Clear

Summary Clearwater Paper underwent a major transformation with a substantial acquisition and divestment. The company experienced a dramatic shortfall in second-quarter results, leading to a significant drop in share value. Uncertainty and debt overhang remain until the pending sale of the tissue business closes, impacting the company's financial performance and future prospects. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Jul 23

Clearwater Paper: An Impressive Transformation At A Solid Price

Summary Clearwater Paper Corporation has focused on its paperboard business earlier this year after it doubled down on these activities earlier this year. The company announced a >$1 billion deal to sell its tissue business to Sofidel, reducing net debt to around $300 million. Pro forma P&L suggests potential for upside in shares, with earnings power looking solid and leverage being modest. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha May 24

Clearwater Paper: Margin Improvement And Growing Preference For Sustainable Packaging

Summary CLW is a major manufacturer of bleached paperboard and at-home tissue products. The firm has experienced volatile revenue growth over the past few years, but has consistently expanded its profitability margins. It is well-positioned for long-term growth due to the growing preference for recycled-based packaging. The acquisition of Augusta will add significant scale and growth capacity to CLW. Additionally, it is expected to bring in adjusted EBITDA of $140-$150 million by 2026. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Analysis Article May 22

Clearwater Paper Corporation (NYSE:CLW) Held Back By Insufficient Growth Even After Shares Climb 29%

The Clearwater Paper Corporation ( NYSE:CLW ) share price has done very well over the last month, posting an excellent...
Analysis Article May 01

These 4 Measures Indicate That Clearwater Paper (NYSE:CLW) Is Using Debt Reasonably Well

Howard Marks put it nicely when he said that, rather than worrying about share price volatility, 'The possibility of...
Seeking Alpha Mar 08

Clearwater Paper: Bolt Moves

Summary Clearwater Paper Corporation is doubling its focus on paperboard and looking to exit the tissue business. The company is a top 5 manufacturer of paperboard and serves a range of end markets. Clearwater Paper recently announced a $700 million deal to acquire a bleached paperboard manufacturing facility, to double down on its activities in this market. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Dec 30

Clearwater Paper: Moving To The Sidelines

Summary Clearwater Paper's target price and rating have been lowered due to a lack of catalyst. We see the company between a rock and a hard place with limited growth optionality vs. CAPEX maintenance. Lower multiple due to smaller size and historical operational issues. We reset Clearwater's expectations with a neutral rating. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Nov 11

Clearwater Paper: Improved Balance Sheet But Headwinds In Paperboard

Summary Clearwater Paper reported higher year over year adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income per diluted share for Q3 2023. The company's Pulp and Paperboard business will face headwinds, given RISI reported an $80 per ton decrease in folding carton prices in the third quarter. Given its debt repayment efforts in the past few years, Clearwater Paper has reached a leverage ratio where debt repayment is less urgent. Management has not indicated they plan on increasing capital returns substantially with the more flexible free cash flow, however. Although the company's free cash flow yield in terms of EV is relatively attractive in a low interest rate world, the yield isn't super attractive given the current higher interest rate environment. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Oct 07

Clearwater Paper: Set To Benefit From Industry Tailwinds

Summary Clearwater Paper Corporation has historically been an average to below average business with low and volatile returns on invested capital. The company's low returns on invested capital are due to the capital intensive and competitive nature of the packaging product and tissue product industries. However the current supply/demand dynamics in these industries are favorable for Clearwater and may lead to solid earnings growth over the next 12-18 months. I am initiating coverage with a $50 price target and a buy rating based on my estimate of 2024 EBITDA, and my estimate of Clearwater's future cash flows. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Analysis Article Aug 03

Why Clearwater Paper Corporation (NYSE:CLW) Could Be Worth Watching

Clearwater Paper Corporation ( NYSE:CLW ), is not the largest company out there, but it received a lot of attention...
Seeking Alpha Jul 14

Clearwater Paper: Buy The Shares For Capital Gains, Bonds For 7% Yield

Summary Clearwater Paper will do very well this year as there is virtually no maintenance downtime planned. I expect a free cash flow of $6.50 per share based on a $250M EBITDA. Even if the EBITDA drops to $200M in 2024, the FCF/share should exceed $4. Clearwater doesn't pay a dividend. But its 2028 bonds are yielding 7% so an investor could consider a combination of both securities. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Analysis Article Jun 09

Is Clearwater Paper (NYSE:CLW) Using Too Much Debt?

David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the...
Analysis Article Feb 10

Why Clearwater Paper Corporation (NYSE:CLW) Could Be Worth Watching

While Clearwater Paper Corporation ( NYSE:CLW ) might not be the most widely known stock at the moment, it received a...
Seeking Alpha Dec 19

Clearwater Paper revises outlook amid higher maintenance costs

Clearwater Paper (NYSE:CLW) shares fell 2% premarket on Monday after the paperboard supplier updated its outlook for the fourth quarter and full year 2022. Due to higher-than-expected major maintenance related costs at the company’s Lewiston, Idaho mill, and other operational issues, the company now expects adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2022 to be in the range of $28M-$34M and full year 2022 adjusted EBITDA of $227M-$233M. The company has completed the planned major maintenance outage at Lewiston and the mill is operating normally. With the completion of the outage in Lewiston, the company now intends to perform its next planned major maintenance outage at that site in early 2024, in conjunction with the recovery boiler tube replacement project. The other operational issues, particularly at the company's Cypress Bend, Arkansas mill, have been identified and are being addressed. As a result, based on current assumptions, the company expects to incur ~$28M of lower major maintenance related expenses and other impacts in 2023 compared to 2022.
Seeking Alpha Oct 31

Clearwater Paper GAAP EPS of $1.21, revenue of $539M beats by $9.33M

Clearwater Paper press release (NYSE:CLW): Q3 GAAP EPS of $1.21. Revenue of $539M (+19.6% Y/Y) beats by $9.33M. Adjusted EBITDA of $77 million Continued to reduce net debt, with nearly $106 million reduced year to date
Analysis Article Oct 22

If EPS Growth Is Important To You, Clearwater Paper (NYSE:CLW) Presents An Opportunity

Investors are often guided by the idea of discovering 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks...

CEO Compensation Analysis

How has Arsen Kitch's remuneration changed compared to Clearwater Paper's earnings?
DateTotal CompensationSalaryCompany Earnings
Mar 31 2026n/an/a

-US$60m

Dec 31 2025US$5mUS$1m

-US$53m

Sep 30 2025n/an/a

-US$76m

Jun 30 2025n/an/a

-US$33m

Mar 31 2025n/an/a

-US$78m

Dec 31 2024US$6mUS$990k

-US$74m

Sep 30 2024n/an/a

-US$57m

Jun 30 2024n/an/a

-US$31m

Mar 31 2024n/an/a

US$23m

Dec 31 2023US$5mUS$940k

US$49m

Sep 30 2023n/an/a

US$45m

Jun 30 2023n/an/a

US$51m

Mar 31 2023n/an/a

US$53m

Dec 31 2022US$5mUS$888k

US$53m

Sep 30 2022n/an/a

US$61m

Jun 30 2022n/an/a

US$43m

Mar 31 2022n/an/a

-US$24m

Dec 31 2021US$4mUS$813k

-US$28m

Sep 30 2021n/an/a

-US$15m

Jun 30 2021n/an/a

US$4m

Mar 31 2021n/an/a

US$79m

Dec 31 2020US$4mUS$668k

US$77m

Sep 30 2020n/an/a

US$57m

Jun 30 2020n/an/a

US$24m

Mar 31 2020n/an/a

US$900k

Dec 31 2019US$923kUS$337k

-US$6m

Compensation vs Market: Arsen's total compensation ($USD5.20M) is above average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD1.59M).

Compensation vs Earnings: Arsen's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.


CEO

Arsen Kitch (43 yo)

6.1yrs
Tenure
US$5,201,341
Compensation

Mr. Arsen S. Kitch has been President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Clearwater Paper Corporation since April 1, 2020. He served as Vice President, Finance and Vice President Financial Planning a...


Leadership Team

NamePositionTenureCompensationOwnership
Arsen Kitch
CEO, President & Director6.1yrsUS$5.20m1.67%
$ 3.8m
Sherri Baker
Senior VP of Finance & CFO2.8yrsUS$1.46m0.030%
$ 69.4k
Matthew Passarello
Senior Vice President of Supply Chain & Corporate Development1.3yrsUS$1.02m0.011%
$ 24.3k
Steven Bowden
Senior Vice President of Commercialless than a yearUS$1.28m0.38%
$ 869.5k
Cheri Ellison
Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Financeno datano datano data
Sloan Bohlen
Investor Relations Officerno datano datano data
Marc Rome
Senior VPless than a yearno data0.013%
$ 29.8k
Virginia Aulin
Senior Vice President of Human Resources & Corporate Affairsless than a yearno data0.080%
$ 183.8k
Sean Krajnik
Senior Vice President of Manufacturingno datano data0.051%
$ 116.0k
1.1yrs
Average Tenure
51yo
Average Age

Experienced Management: CLW's management team is not considered experienced ( 1.1 years average tenure), which suggests a new team.


Board Members

NamePositionTenureCompensationOwnership
Arsen Kitch
CEO, President & Director6.1yrsUS$5.20m1.67%
$ 3.8m
John O'Donnell
Independent Director10.1yrsUS$254.28kno data
John Laymon
Independent Director7yrsUS$233.54kno data
Alexander Toeldte
Independent Chairman of the Board & Lead Independent Director10.1yrsUS$348.40kno data
Jeanne Hillman
Independent Director3.6yrsUS$244.88kno data
John Corkrean
Independent Director7yrsUS$261.04kno data
Christine Vickers Tucker
Independent Director5yrsUS$233.54kno data
Ann Nelson
Independent Director6yrsUS$241.04k0.019%
$ 42.7k
6.5yrs
Average Tenure
64.5yo
Average Age

Experienced Board: CLW's board of directors are considered experienced (6.5 years average tenure).


Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/05/07 21:32
End of Day Share Price 2026/05/07 00:00
Earnings2026/03/31
Annual Earnings2025/12/31

Data Sources

The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.

Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.

Analysis Model and Snowflake

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Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Industry and Sector Metrics

Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.

Analyst Sources

Clearwater Paper Corporation is covered by 9 analysts. 3 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.

AnalystInstitution
Mark WildeBMO Capital Markets Equity Research
Roger SpitzBofA Global Research
Steven ChercoverD.A. Davidson & Co.