Domtar's net earnings hit $310 million in 2009 compared to $537 million loss the previous year

MONTREAL, Feb. 4, 2010 (CNW) - Domtar Corporation today reported net earnings of $124 million ($2.86 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to net earnings of $183 million ($4.24 per share) for the third quarter of 2009 and a net loss of $676 million ($15.72 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2008. Sales for the fourth quarter of 2009 amounted to $1.4 billion. Excluding items listed below, the Company had earnings before items(1) of $60 million ($1.39 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to earnings before items(1) of $57 million ($1.32 per share) for the third quarter of 2009 and a loss before items(1) of $20 million ($0.46 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2008.