CHILE – Arauco’s revenues for the first quarter of 2015 reached USD 1,273.3 million, 4.0% higher compared to the USD 1,224.6 million obtained in the first quarter of 2014.

Revenues were mainly explained by a 12.3% increase in sales of sawn timber, 4.1% increase in sales of pulp and 2.3% increase in sales of our panels .

Net income for the first quarter of 2015 was USD 85.7 million. Compared to the same quarter of 2014, net income for the first quarter of 2015 was 18.8% or USD 19.8 million lower.

Sales levels of MDP products from Arauco’s Teno mill, which reached its full production capacity, helped increase sales of value-added products in Chile and the rest of Latin America. In North America Arauco experienced strong demand for particle board products and higher sales of melamine-added products, which meant a good start of the year in terms of revenues.

On the other hand, the demand for MDF products was weak in practically all markets where Arauco is active. However, the Company explained that this first quarter of the year ended with better perspectives for Brazil, given the devaluation of the Real currency, which is giving more competitiveness and possibilities to increase sales to its export markets. The capacity to export MDF from Argentina continues weak, forcing to sell primarily in the domestic market and to operate at lower production rates.

Arauco Results January -March 1Q

Million USD