FEDERAL WAY, Wash.--Jan. 23, 2002--Weyerhaeuser announced a fourth-quarter loss of $15 million, or a loss of 7 cents per share. This compares with earnings of $194 million, or 88 cents per share, for the same period last year. The 2001 fourth quarter results include a previously announced nonrecurring $20 million after-tax charge, or 9 cents per share, associated with the closure of three wood products facilities. Net sales for the fourth quarter were $3.4 billion compared with $4.0 billion last year. For the year 2001, Weyerhaeuser reported earnings of $354 million, or $1.61 per share, compared with $840 million, or $3.72 per share, in 2000. Excluding nonrecurring after-tax items in both years, results were $397 million, or $1.81 per share, in 2001, compared with $922 million, or $4.08 per share, for 2000. Results for 2000 reflect 53 weeks of operations compared with 52 weeks in 2001. Net sales for the year were $14.5 billion. This compares with net sales of $16 billion the prior year. "There is little doubt that our entire industry faced significant challenges during the fourth quarter,'' said Steven R. Rogel, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "The worst industry conditions since 1975 affected most of our major product lines. We responded by taking significant downtime in pulp, paper and wood product operations to balance our inventories with lower order levels. The sustainable operational improvements we have made over the past several years and the performance in our real estate markets helped minimize the effect that downtime had on our earnings. "Unfortunately, with the global economy still in recession, we see few signs of improvement for most of our markets in the first quarter of 2002,'' Rogel said. "We will take appropriate actions to manage to these market conditions including adjusting production schedules, continuing to close marginal performers and aggressively managing costs.'' Results by segment for the fourth quarter were: * Timberlands -- Operating earnings were $102 million compared with $139 million for the same quarter last year. The log markets weakened in the U.S. and Japan in the fourth quarter and Weyerhaeuser expects this trend to continue into the first quarter. Timberland earnings in the first quarter of 2002 are expected to be slightly lower than the 2001 fourth quarter. * Wood Products -- An operating loss of $47 million before the pre-tax charge of $32 million associated with the announced closure of three facilities and $21 million accrued for countervailing duties and anti-dumping penalties on lumber shipped to the United States from Canada. This compares with operating earnings of $19 million for fourth quarter 2000. Prices for nearly all product lines in the fourth quarter were weak. In response to market conditions, Weyerhaeuser's wood products operations took significant downtime or adjusted operating schedules during the fourth quarter. Demand and pricing for engineered wood products was slightly better than other product lines. Wood products markets improved modestly toward the end of the quarter and some seasonal improvement is expected in the first quarter of 2002. Weyerhaeuser expects that losses in this segment will narrow in the first quarter. * Pulp, Paper and Packaging -- Operating earnings for fourth quarter were $56 million compared with $263 million last year. Improved operating efficiencies contributed to the results despite extensive market-related downtime taken during the quarter. Market conditions for many products weakened during the quarter, putting additional pressure on most prices. Earnings for the Pulp, Paper and Packaging sector in the first quarter of 2002 are expected to be somewhat lower when compared to fourth quarter 2001. * Real estate and related assets -- Operating earnings were $58 million compared with $78 million the same quarter in 2000. Strong housing markets in the sector's operating areas contributed to the earnings. At year-end, these housing markets remained steady and the company reported a strong backlog of orders that should contribute to slightly higher earnings in the first quarter. In other fourth quarter items, Weyerhaeuser said: * It has achieved its goal of $200 million in pre-tax synergies related to the integration of MacMillan Bloedel and Trus Joist one year ahead of schedule. * At the end of 2001, the company had achieved approximately $100 million in ongoing annual savings through its initiatives to improve the delivery of support services. Cumulative one-time costs for these initiatives were $82 million. * On Jan. 21, the company announced an agreement in principle to acquire Willamette Industries. Forward-looking statements are for Weyerhaeuser on a stand-alone basis.