Weyerhaeuser Reports Fourth Quarter, Full Year Results

Weyerhaeuser Company (“Weyerhaeuser”) reported fourth quarter net earnings of $11 million, or 2 cents per diluted share, on net sales of $1.8 billion. This compares with net earnings of $416 million, or 55 cents per diluted share, on net sales of $2.2 billion for the same period last year and net earnings of $310 million for the third quarter of 2022. Excluding a total after-tax charge of $160 million for special items, the company reported fourth quarter net earnings of $171 million, or 24 cents per diluted share. This compares with net earnings before special items of $367 million for the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2022 was $369 million compared with $674 million for the same period last year and $583 million for the third quarter of 2022.

• Generated full year net earnings of $1.9 billion, or $2.53 per diluted share
• Achieved full year Adjusted EBITDA of $3.7 billion
• Returning $1.75 billion in total cash back to shareholders based on 2022 results, including $550 million of share repurchase completed in 2022

In the fourth quarter, Weyerhaeuser completed the purchase of a group annuity contract that transfers approximately $420 million of the company’s Canadian pension liabilities to an insurance carrier. The contract purchase was funded from Canadian pension plan assets, with no company cash contribution required. As a result of the transaction, fourth quarter special items include a noncash after-tax settlement charge of $152 million. This transaction is the latest in a series of actions taken to reduce the company’s pension plan obligations. Since beginning these efforts in 2018, Weyerhaeuser’s pension obligations have decreased from $6.8 billion to $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2022.

For the full year 2022, Weyerhaeuser reported net earnings of $1.9 billion, or $2.53 per diluted share, on net sales of $10.2 billion. This compares with net earnings of $2.6 billion on net sales of $10.2 billion for the full year 2021. Full year 2022 includes after-tax charges of $367 million for special items. Excluding these items, the company reported net earnings of $2.2 billion, or $3.02 per diluted share. This compares with net earnings before special items of $2.5 billion for the full year 2021. Adjusted EBITDA for full year 2022 was $3.7 billion compared with $4.1 billion for full year 2021.

This afternoon, the company declared a $0.90 per share supplemental dividend. On a combined basis, including dividends and share repurchase, the company is returning $1.75 billion of cash, or 75 percent of 2022 Adjusted FAD, to shareholders based on 2022 results.

“I am extremely proud of our accomplishments in 2022, and our performance reflects strong execution across all businesses despite macroeconomic headwinds, supply chain disruptions and dynamic market conditions,” said Devin W. Stockfish, president and chief executive officer. “Our teams drove continued improvements across each of the value levers of our investment thesis in 2022. Notably, we grew our timberlands holdings through a strategic acquisition in the Carolinas, captured additional operational excellence improvements, announced our first two carbon capture and storage agreements and joined the Climate Pledge. We also increased our base dividend by 5.9 percent, repurchased $550 million of our shares and refinanced $900 million of debt. Entering 2023, our balance sheet is exceptionally strong, and we are well positioned to navigate through a range of market conditions. We remain focused on serving our customers and driving long-term value for shareholders through our unrivaled portfolio, industry-leading performance, strong ESG foundation and disciplined capital allocation.”

Timberlands

Q4 2022 Performance

In the West, fee harvest volumes were slightly higher than the third quarter, as harvest operations returned to normal levels faster than expected following the resolution of the work stoppage. Sales realizations were significantly lower, partially offset by moderately higher sales volumes. Per unit log and haul costs were comparable, and forestry and road costs were seasonally lower. In the South, fee harvest volumes were slightly higher than the third quarter, while sales realizations and per unit log and haul costs were both comparable.

Q1 2023 Outlook

Weyerhaeuser anticipates first quarter earnings and Adjusted EBITDA will be slightly higher than the fourth quarter. In the West, the company expects significantly higher fee harvest volumes, partially offset by significantly lower domestic sales realizations. Per unit log and haul costs are expected to be moderately lower and forestry and road costs are expected to be seasonally lower. In the South, the company expects fee harvest volumes and sales realizations to be slightly lower. Per unit log and haul costs and forestry and road costs are expected to be comparable.

Real Estate, Energy & Natural Resources

Q4 2022 Performance

Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA decreased from the third quarter due to lower real estate sales. The number of acres sold decreased due to the timing of transactions, partially offset by an increase in the average price per acre due to the mix of properties sold. The segment reported full year Adjusted EBITDA of $329 million.

Fourth quarter pretax special items include a $10 million noncash impairment charge related to the planned divestiture of legacy coal assets.

Q1 2023 Outlook

Weyerhaeuser anticipates first quarter earnings before special items will be approximately $10 million higher than the fourth quarter and Adjusted EBITDA will be approximately $35 million higher than the fourth quarter due to the timing and mix of real estate sales. The company expects full year 2023 Adjusted EBITDA for the segment will be approximately $300 million.

Wood Products

Q4 2022 Performance

Sales realizations for lumber and oriented strand board decreased 11 percent and 16 percent, respectively, compared with third quarter averages. Sales and production volumes for lumber were significantly lower due to the work stoppage, labor constraints and adverse weather conditions. Unit manufacturing costs were significantly higher and log costs were moderately lower, primarily for western logs. For oriented strand board, sales volumes were slightly lower and production volumes were comparable. Unit manufacturing costs were moderately lower, and fiber costs were slightly lower. Sales realizations were lower for most engineered wood products, while sales volumes were significantly lower for all products due to softening demand. Raw material costs were moderately lower, primarily for oriented strand board webstock. Distribution sales volumes were lower, primarily for engineered wood products.

Q1 2023 Outlook

Weyerhaeuser anticipates first quarter earnings and Adjusted EBITDA will be moderately higher than the fourth quarter, excluding the effect of changes in average sales realizations for lumber and oriented strand board. For lumber, the company expects higher sales volumes, moderately lower log costs and significantly lower unit manufacturing costs. For oriented strand board, the company anticipates moderately higher sales volumes, moderately lower fiber costs and slightly lower unit manufacturing costs. Sales realizations for engineered wood products are expected to be significantly lower, partially offset by significantly lower raw material costs, primarily for oriented strand board webstock. For distribution, the company anticipates lower margins for all products.

To view the full year end results, click here.

About Weyerhaeuser

Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world’s largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900. We own or control approximately 11 million acres of timberlands in the U.S. and manage additional timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada. We manage these timberlands on a sustainable basis in compliance with internationally recognized forestry standards. We are also one of the largest manufacturers of wood products in North America. Our company is a real estate investment trust. In 2022, we generated $10.2 billion in net sales and employed approximately 9,200 people who serve customers worldwide. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WY. Learn more at www.weyerhaeuser.com.

Contact:

Nancy Thompson – Media Contact – Nancy.Thompson@wy.com – (919) 861-0342

Source: Weyerhaeuser Company