In the third quarter of 2023, Mativ’s sales decreased 9.7% to $498.2 million, reflecting lower volume partly offset by higher selling prices and currency translation.

Advanced Technical Materials (ATM) segment sales of $393.8 million were down 7.6% versus the prior year period, reflecting lower volume partly offset by higher selling prices and favorable currency translation. Lower volume across the segment reflect increased customer caution in the current uncertain economic environment, as well as impacts of seasonal slowing, particularly in Europe. Healthcare was a top performer, with double-digit growth for the quarter.

Fiber-Based Solutions (FBS) segment sales, now comprised solely of Packaging and Specialty Papers, were $104.4 million, down 16.7% versus a very strong prior year period. Volume was lower compared to the prior year when significant industry-wide customer inventory builds occurred. Lower demand for premium business papers and packaging, along with continued customer destocking, offset benefits from increased sales of consumer papers and higher selling prices.

Chief executive officer Julie Schertell comments, “As we mark the start of our second year as Mativ, despite the current challenging environment, I am encouraged by what we have accomplished and where we are headed. During the past year we brought two great companies together, established a can-do culture and quickly identified and began realizing significant synergies. Additionally, we completed a rigorous assessment of our business portfolio, leading to the decision to divest Engineered Papers (EP). As we move forward, in addition to targeted volume and growth initiatives, our teams are focused on increasing operating and capital efficiencies to further enhance cash flows, and multiple actions are underway to reduce spending, optimize our footprint, and continue to deliver working capital efficiencies.

“Our actions are especially appropriate in today’s uncertain economic and geopolitical environment. Third quarter results reflect the continued impact of weak customer demand and destocking in this environment, as well as normal seasonal slowing in the second half of the year. With volume the biggest near-term challenge in both segments, we are working very closely with our customers, aggressively managing costs, and continuing to deliver positive price/input cost performance.”

Schertell concludes, “Following the EP sale, Advanced Technical Materials will represent 80% of Mativ. Our ATM businesses are well-positioned in large, fast-growing markets where we provide unique, defensible solutions and deliver attractive mid-teen EBITDA margins. As volumes recover throughout the next year, we expect to increase margins across both segments and reach our stated quarterly EBITDA target of $70 million and grow from there. Our teams are prioritizing actions to actively address short-term challenges, while continuing to execute against a clear long-term strategy, part of which is a continued commitment to de-lever, as exemplified by our previously communicated intent to use net proceeds from the EP sale to reduce our debt by more than one third. I’m confident these efforts, in tandem, will accelerate our growth, strengthen our financial position, and deliver added value to our shareholders.”