Weyerhaeuser Company predicts earnings for the fourth quarter of approximately 50 cents per share including unusual items.
The after-tax unusual items are expected to include a one time US$97m gain on the sale of timberlands near Washington; an estimated US$26m in expected insurance recovery; US$13m in charges associated with the integration of Willamette Industries; US$27m for closing selected facilities; and US$25m associated with terminating former MacMillan Bloedel salaried pension plans.
The company’s timberland earnings are expected to be higher than the US$138m reported in the third quarter but the wood products sector is expected to realise a loss higher than the US$18m loss experienced in the third quarter.
Both the pulp and paper sector and the containerboard, packaging and recycling sectors are predicted to record stronger fourth quarter earnings on the third quarter.
