Verso Paper Corp. today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2010.

Verso's total sales volume increased 19.7% in 2010 compared to 2009, as market conditions improved due to a stronger economy and a better balance between supply and demand. Sales volume was stable in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, and fell 8.5% from the seasonally strong third quarter of 2010. The average sales price for all of our products increased 7.1% in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to the fourth quarter of 2009 and grew 2.9% from the third quarter of 2010, reflecting the improving economic conditions and stronger demand for our coated paper products. Although the average sales price for the year ended December 31, 2010, was 1.4% below the average price realized in 2009, prices have been increasing since the second quarter of 2010.

Verso's net sales for the fourth quarter of 2010 increased $26.7 million, or 7.0%, as the average sales price for all of our products increased 7.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. Verso's gross margin was 17.2% for the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to 11.6% for the same period in 2009 and 14.1% for the third quarter of 2010.

We continue to assess and implement, as appropriate, various cost reduction initiatives. Our company-wide cost reduction program produced approximately $41 million of savings during 2010, of which approximately $11 million was realized during the fourth quarter. Management continues to search for and develop additional cost savings opportunities and expects this program to yield an additional $56 million in cost reductions. Included in this program are productivity improvements, material usage reductions, energy usage reductions, labor cost savings, material and chemical substitution, and workforce planning improvements.