Resolute Forest Products lumber results hurt by exchange rate
By billesler
Resolute-Worker.jpg
MONTRÉAL  - Resolute Forest Products Inc. (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) reported a net loss of $45 million fourth quarter, a significant improvement over the $214 million loss during the same period in 2015.
 
Sales were flat at $889 million in the quarter.
 
For the year, Resolute reported a  net loss of $81 million, one-third of the net loss of $257 million reported in 2015. Annual sales were $3.5 billion, down $100 million, or 3 percent. Excluding special items Resolute would have reported net income of $4 million.
 
Most of the losses are attributable to paper and packaging products. "In wood products, we maintained our volume gains from prior quarters and recorded one of our strongest annual performances in recent years," says Richard Garneau, president and chief executive officer.
 
The wood products segment generated operating income of $17 million in the quarter, compared to $36 million against the previous quarter. While prices slipped by $4 per thousand board feet to $327, the delivered cost increased by $29 per thousand board feet, prompted by seasonally higher fiber usage and higher operating expenses. Shipments were 503 million board feet during the quarter, very close to the third quarter. 
 
For 2016, Resolute's wood products segment reported operating income of $69 million, up significantly from the $2 million reported for the previous year. This performance is explained mainly by the weaker Canadian dollar, which resulted in $32 per thousand board feet drop in delivered cost. 

 

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.