Appvion's third quarter 2015 net sales of $180.6 million decreased $7.3 million compared to third quarter 2014. Thermal papers net sales of $99.4 million were $2.0 million lower than third quarter 2014; however they were $16.4 million higher than second quarter 2015. Carbonless papers net sales of $81.2 million were $5.3 million lower than prior year.
Appvion reported third quarter 2015 operating income of $4.2 million compared to a $14.7 million loss incurred during third quarter 2014, which included a $24.0 million charge related to the Fox River Funding Agreement. Current quarter operating income was negatively impacted by unfavorable product pricing and mix, largely in the thermal business. Those factors were partially offset by a $1.2 million reduction in manufacturing costs, a favorable $2.5 million mark-to-market adjustment related to the Company's retiree benefit plans and a $2.0 million reduction in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a result of lower compensation and pension expenses.
Appvion's net sales for the first nine months of 2015 were $530.6 million compared to $579.9 million during the same time period of 2014. Appvion reported operating income of $7.0 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to operating income of $3.3 million for the same period last year. Year-to-date results benefitted from improved manufacturing operations and lower SG&A spending. Those improvements were offset by unfavorable pricing, lower shipment volumes and extended downtime costs. In addition, 2014 results included a $24.0 million charge related to the Fox River Funding Agreement.
