Weyerhaeuser Reports First Quarter Loss of $54 Million
Press release from the issuing company
FEDERAL WAY, Wash.--April 25, 2003-- Weyerhaeuser Company today reported a loss for the first quarter of $54 million, or 24 cents per share, which includes after-tax charges of $11 million, or 5 cents per share, for the cumulative effect of a required change in the accounting principle relating to asset retirement obligations; $52 million, or 23 cents per share, for a lawsuit involving Pacific Northwest alder logs; $19 million, or 8 cents per share, associated with integration and restructuring activities; and $15 million, or 7 cents per share, for the closure of facilities.
Last year, Weyerhaeuser reported first quarter net earnings of $30 million, or 14 cents per share, that included an after-tax charge of $23 million for costs associated with the bridge financing of the acquisition of Willamette Industries, an after-tax charge of $17 million for the closure of facilities, and an after-tax benefit of $12 million for the reversal of previously-accrued countervailing duties.
During the first quarter of 2003, the company experienced tough market conditions for all of its lines of business, except real estate and Timberlands. Weyerhaeuser also incurred approximately $24 million in countervailing and anti-dumping duties and related costs on Canadian softwood lumber the company imports into the United States compared with the $26 million Weyerhaeuser incurred in the prior quarter. During the first quarter of 2003, Weyerhaeuser benefited from the synergies of the Willamette acquisition and continued to experience improvements in manufacturing performance.
At the end of the first quarter, Weyerhaeuser estimates it has achieved an annualized run rate of $261 million in pre-tax synergies. The company is confident it will achieve $300 million in pre-tax annual synergies sooner than expected.
Comments from Steven R. Rogel, chairman, president and chief executive officer, on first quarter results:
"This was an extremely difficult quarter, and our results reflect the challenging business conditions we faced. But it also was a quarter that demonstrates the progress we're making toward creating a more efficient Weyerhaeuser. Although increased energy costs, weak building material prices and sluggish economic conditions offset the improvements we've made, we're extremely pleased with our increasing manufacturing efficiency and continued progress toward our synergy goal. In the coming quarters, we expect to see additional benefits from the steps we've already taken. Our focus remains on reducing our debt, disciplined capital spending and the adherence to the improvement initiatives we have in place. We will continue to do whatever is necessary to further improve our company's ability to perform well regardless of market conditions. This may require us to make additional difficult decisions regarding the ongoing operation of some of our facilities."
SUMMARY OF FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Millions (except per share data) 1Q 2003 1Q 2002 Change
Net earnings (loss)....................($54).........$30.........($84)
Earnings (loss) per share............($0.24).......$0.14.......($0.38)
Net sales............................$4,614.......$3,991.........$623
SEGMENT RESULTS FOR FIRST QUARTER 2003
(Contributions to Pre-Tax Earnings)
Millions 1Q 2003 1Q 2002 Change
Timberlands..................................$149......$107.......$42
Wood Products...............................($150).......$9.....($159)
Pulp and Paper................................$10........$1........$9
Containerboard, Packaging and Recycling.......$80.......$58.......$22
Real estate and related assets................$95.......$91........$4
TIMBERLANDS
1Q 2003 4Q 2002 Change
Contribution to earnings (millions)........$149......$300.......($151)
Excluding the fourth quarter pre-tax gain of $117 million from the sale of 115,000 acres of Washington state timberlands, first quarter earnings were slightly lower than the fourth quarter.
Second quarter earnings from operations are expected to be similar to the first quarter. Slightly lower prices are expected to offset higher volumes in both the export and domestic markets. During the quarter, Weyerhaeuser also expects to book an estimated pre-tax gain of $143 million on the sale of timberlands in Western Washington to Hancock Timber Resources. Proceeds will be used to help pay down the debt associated with the Willamette acquisition.
WOOD PRODUCTS
1Q 2003 4Q 2002 Change
Contribution (charge) to earnings (millions)...($150)....($75)...($75)
First quarter results include a $79 million pre-tax charge to cover damages awarded by a jury on April 18 in U.S. District Court in Oregon. Excluding this charge, operating losses were comparable to the fourth quarter loss due to depressed prices and severe weather in the East that were offset by improved operating efficiencies.
As part of the company's focus on improving the efficiency of its operations Weyerhaeuser announced the closure of its Millport, Ala., plywood mill. The company said it would continue to review its Wood Products portfolio and make adjustments if necessary to improve its efficiency. In addition, the company took downtime at five mills due to raw material constraints in the South.
Second quarter results for Wood Products are expected to be better than first quarter due to seasonal increases in demand for lumber, engineered lumber, and panels. Weyerhaeuser will continue to be adversely affected by countervailing and anti-dumping duties, and related costs on Canadian softwood lumber the company imports into the United States.
PULP AND PAPER
1Q 2003 4Q 2002 Change
Contribution to earnings (millions).........$10........$86.......($76)
Softening fine paper prices and increased energy, transportation and fiber costs offset higher prices for pulp. As a result, earnings were lower than the prior quarter. In addition, fourth quarter results for 2002 benefited from $40 million pre-tax in business interruption insurance recoveries related to a boiler outage in Plymouth, N.C.
Second quarter earnings are expected to be higher than first quarter due to higher pulp prices and lower energy costs. The company will take an estimated 40,000 tons of fine paper downtime to offset increased production efficiencies and perform normal maintenance.
CONTAINERBOARD, PACKAGING AND RECYCLING
1Q 2003 4Q 2002 Change
Contribution to earnings (millions)..........$80.......$114......($34)
Due to improved manufacturing efficiencies and flat demand, the company took 141,000 tons of downtime in containerboard to balance production with orders and 40,000 tons for normal maintenance. In addition, higher energy costs adversely affected the quarter. This resulted in weaker first quarter earnings compared with the fourth quarter.
Second quarter earnings are expected to be higher than first quarter due to modestly improving market conditions and seasonal increases in demand for packaging. Increasing costs for old corrugated containers (OCC) will partially offset the effects of the seasonal improvements in markets. The company expects to take approximately 68,000 tons of downtime during the quarter.
REAL ESTATE AND RELATED ASSETS
1Q 2003 4Q 2002 Change
Contribution to earnings (millions).........$95.........$81.......$14
First quarter results increased from fourth quarter levels due to the sale of an apartment project and two office buildings. The backlog of homes sold, but not closed, increased slightly to nearly six months.
Second quarter earnings are expected to be lower due to planned second quarter closings of single-family housing shifting into the second half of the year.