Appvion's second quarter 2013 net sales of $201.5 million decreased 5.8% compared to second quarter 2012 net sales of $213.9 million. Those results included a 4.2% decrease resulting from discontinued sales of carbonless paper into certain non-strategic international markets. Second quarter 2013 sales of thermal papers were 5.3% higher than the previous year quarter while external Encapsys sales improved by 4.9%.
Appvion reported second quarter 2013 operating income of $20.4 million compared to an operating loss of $30.6 million during second quarter 2012. Second quarter 2012 results included $42.9 million of expense related to ceasing papermaking operations at the West Carrollton, Ohio, facility and transitioning to Domtar base paper. In addition, second quarter 2012 spending included $6.5 million of costs associated with the business combination transaction that was discontinued.
Appvion's net sales for the first six months of 2013 were $412.3 million compared to net sales of $433.5 million during the first half of 2012. Appvion reported operating income of $38.3 million for the first six months of 2013 compared to an operating loss of $80.5 million for the same period last year.
Excluding one-time items, current year adjusted operating income of $40.7 million was $9.2 million higher than adjusted operating income reported for the first half of 2012. Prior year results included $105.1 million associated with ceasing papermaking operations and the base paper transition. In addition, first half 2012 results included $6.9 million of transaction costs discussed above.
