Catalyst Paper recorded adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $19.1 million in Q4 versus $16.4 million in Q3, despite higher production costs related to an annual maintenance shut at the Crofton pulp mill. As well paper productivity improved by 3,600 tonnes over the previous quarter. In Q4, free cash flow of $5.9 million was positive for the second consecutive quarter.
Catalyst recorded a net loss of $95 million in Q4 compared to net earnings of $5.2 million in Q3. The net loss was mainly driven by an adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill and fixed assets to reflect a non-cash impairment charge of $86.9 million required under U.S. GAAP. Excluding specific items net earnings were $1.7 million versus a net loss of $3.5 million the previous quarter. Sales were higher at $272.1 million compared to $268.8 million in the previous quarter, driven by higher pulp and paper prices and a weakening Canadian dollar.
Market conditions were mixed during the fourth quarter, with North American paper demand down from the third quarter for directory and coated, and up for newsprint and uncoated. Benchmark prices remained flat for directory, showed a decline for coated and uncoated grades, and a moderate up-tick for newsprint. Pulp prices during the quarter steadily increased and softwood inventories ended the year well below the historical average.
"While the North American paper market remains challenging, our focus is continuing to grow lightweight, environmentally friendly, niche grades such as Marathon Lite, Ascent and Sage," said Catalyst President and CEO Joe Nemeth. "In addition, the pulp team continues to implement productivity improvements to capitalize on strong pulp markets.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $46.1 million in 2013 compared to $55.4 million in 2012, primarily due to higher power rates plus the reintroduction of the Provincial Sales Tax on purchased electricity. Total sales were $1,051.4 million, marginally below $1,058.2 million in 2012. Net earnings before specific items improved relative to the previous year by $6.3 million mostly due to a significant reduction in interest expense resulting from the reorganization of our debt in 2012.
Net earnings moved from $583.2 million in 2012 to a loss of $127.6 million in 2013. Net earnings in the prior year reflect one-time reorganization and fresh start accounting adjustments made upon exiting creditor protection (CCAA) of $667.5 million , while the 2013 loss reflects the inclusion of a non-cash impairment charge required under U.S. GAAP of $86.9 million.
