Strong Operational Performance Allows Western to Deliver $27.6 Million of Adjusted EBITDA in the Third Quarter of 2013

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct 31, 2013) - Western Forest Products Inc. (WEF.TO) ("Western" or "the Company") today announced results for the third quarter of 2013. The Company reported adjusted EBITDA of $27.6 million for the third quarter of 2013 compared to adjusted EBITDA of $44.9 million for the second quarter of 2013 and $8.5 million for the third quarter of 2012.

Q3 2013 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Adjusted EBITDA of $27.6 million, an increase of $19.1 million over the third quarter 2012

  • Capitalized on improved markets by focusing production on higher margin segments

  • Completed a $100 million share repurchase of 76.9 million shares

  • Paid first quarterly dividend of $0.02 per share in September

  • New equipment at our Saltair sawmill was installed and began operating on schedule

  • Maintained our strong liquidity and a conservative net debt-to-capitalization ratio of 19%

"Another quarter of strong operating performance allowed us to capitalize on improved markets and deliver $27.6 million of adjusted EBITDA. We continued to implement our balanced approach to capital allocation by paying the first dividend in company history and completing a $100.0 million share buy-back, while continuing the implementation of our strategic capital plan. Company safety improved by 40% from a year ago and our timberlands operations were incident free for two of the three months. These financial, operational and safety achievements were accomplished during a challenging period, when harvesting activity was restricted due to an extremely dry summer and key markets began their seasonal decline," said Don Demens, Chief Executive Officer.

Net income for the third quarter of 2013 was $17.2 million ($0.04 per share), on sales of $239.4 million, which compared to a net income reported in the third quarter of 2013 of $1.8 million ($nil per share) and a net income reported for the second quarter of 2013 of $35.5 million ($0.08 per share).

Financial Summary

Three months ended
September 30,

Nine months ended
September 30,

(millions of dollars except where noted)

2013

2012

2013

2012

Restated
(1)

Restated
(1)

Sales

$

239.4

$

219.4

$

735.5

$

694.2

Adjusted EBITDA

27.6

8.5

104.4

36.7

Adjusted EBITDA as % of revenues

11.5%

3.9%

14.2%

5.3%

Operating income before restructuring items and other income

19.8

2.7

80.6

16.7

Net income from continuing operations

17.2

2.1

76.0

14.8

Net income for the period

17.2

1.8

75.5

13.9

Basic earnings per share (in dollars)

$

0.04

$

-

$

0.17

$

0.03

Diluted earnings per share (in dollars)

$

0.04

$

-

$

0.16

$

0.03

Net Debt at September 30,

79.1

19.7

Liquidity at September 30,

132.1

178.0

(1)Restated to reflect implementation of revised IAS 19 Employee Benefits as described below in Adoption of New Accounting Policy.

Overview

Third quarter 2013