Weyerhaeuser reported fourth quarter net earnings of $271 million on net sales of $1.8 billion. This compares with net earnings from continuing operations of $62 million on net sales of $1.6 billion for the same period last year.
For the full year 2017, Weyerhaeuser reported net earnings of $582 million on net sales of $7.2 billion. This compares with net earnings from continuing operations of $415 million on net sales of $6.4 billion for the same period last year.
"2017 was a year of strong financial and operational performance for Weyerhaeuser. We increased Adjusted EBITDA by over 30 percent to $2.1 billion, generated over $1 billion of EBITDA from Wood Products, achieved all targets for operational excellence, merger cost synergies and overhead cost reduction, and raised our dividend," said Doyle R. Simons, president and chief executive officer.
Wood products division
4Q 2017 Performance - Average sales realizations for all products increased compared with the third quarter. Sales volumes declined due to seasonality and weather-related transportation disruptions. Canadian and Western log costs increased, and raw material costs for oriented strand board and engineered wood products were also higher.
Fourth quarter net pre-tax special charges of $41 million include $50 million for product remediation and a $9 million net benefit primarily from an adjustment to the periods covered and rates associated with the softwood lumber countervailing and antidumping duties.
1Q 2018 Outlook - Weyerhaeuser anticipates first quarter earnings before special items and Adjusted EBITDA from the Wood Products segment will be comparable to the fourth quarter. The company expects higher sales volumes, improved operating rates, and slightly higher lumber sales realizations, offset by lower average sales realizations for oriented strand board.
Timberlands division
4Q 2017 Performance - In the West, fee harvest volumes increased and average realizations for domestic and export logs improved compared with the third quarter. In the South, fee harvest increased due to seasonally higher volumes and favorable weather, and average sales realizations were comparable to the prior quarter.
Fourth quarter includes a $99 million gain on the previously announced sale of 100,000 acres of Southern timberlands.
The company redeemed its ownership interest in the Twin Creeks Timber, LLC joint venture in October 2017. Fourth quarter results include no earnings contribution from operation of the joint venture.
1Q 2018 Outlook - Weyerhaeuser expects first quarter earnings before special items and Adjusted EBITDA to be comparable to the fourth quarter. In the West, the company anticipates improved average log sales realizations, partially offset by modestly lower fee harvest volumes. In the South, the company expects seasonally lower fee harvest volumes, comparable realizations, and higher trucking costs.
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