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Weyerhaeuser reports net earnings of $150 million in 2020 Q1 results

Weyerhaeuser Company today reported first quarter net earnings of $150 million, or 20 cents per diluted share, on net sales of $1.7 billion. This compares with a net loss of $289 million, or 39 cents per diluted share, on net sales of $1.6 billion for the same period last year.

Excluding an after-tax benefit of $12 million for special items, the company reported first quarter net earnings of $138 million, or 18 cents per diluted share. This compares with net earnings before special items of $80 million for the same period last year and $23 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2020 was $413 million compared with $365 million for the same period last year and $260 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.

“I am proud of our first quarter performance, as each business delivered strong operating results despite rapidly changing market conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Devin W. Stockfish, president and chief executive officer. “I want to thank our employees for their dedication to safety, operational excellence and serving our customers through this uncertain and challenging environment.”

“In late March, we took steps to enhance financial flexibility and position Weyerhaeuser’s businesses for changing market dynamics,” Stockfish continued. “During the second quarter, customer market conditions have deteriorated across our businesses, consistent with the broader macroeconomic environment. As a result, we are taking further actions, including temporarily suspending the quarterly dividend, to preserve liquidity and financial flexibility. Weyerhaeuser remains committed to a balanced capital allocation philosophy that includes returning cash to shareholders through a sustainable dividend. The board will regularly evaluate opportunities to reinitiate an appropriate quarterly cash dividend as soon as practicable based on the company’s cash flow, liquidity, leverage, customer demand, market conditions, and the broader macroeconomic environment.”

“Weyerhaeuser’s favorable cost structure, customer focus and financial resources position the company well to navigate this unprecedented economic disruption. We have a track record of successfully managing through cycles and have structured our business to quickly align production volumes with customer demand. We remain focused on driving long-term value for shareholders through our unmatched portfolio, industry-leading operating performance and disciplined, prudent capital allocation.”