Welcome to our dedicated page for West Fraser Timber Co. news (Ticker: WFG), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on West Fraser Timber Co. stock.
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (WFG) is a leading diversified wood products company with a global presence and over 60 manufacturing facilities located in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. The company produces a wide array of wood products including lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and other residuals, as well as renewable energy. West Fraser’s products are widely used in home construction, repair and remodeling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and box materials.
Founded in 1955, West Fraser has grown significantly over the years, notably becoming one of the world's largest producers of oriented strand board (OSB) following its acquisition of Norbord in 2021. The company is known for its commitment to sustainability, sourcing materials from responsibly managed forest resources.
Recent milestones include the signing of an agreement to sell its Quesnel River Pulp mill in Quesnel, British Columbia and Slave Lake Pulp mill in Slave Lake, Alberta to Atlas Holdings, a transaction valued at US$120 million. This strategic move aims to enable West Fraser to focus on its core objective of being the premier wood building products company in North America.
Financially, West Fraser has shown resilience in the face of market challenges. For the third quarter of 2023, the company reported sales of $1.705 billion and earnings of $159 million, reflecting a strategic focus on operational excellence and sustainability initiatives. Despite a challenging demand market, particularly in the Lumber segment, the North American engineered wood products (EWP) business saw its best results in several quarters.
In 2024, West Fraser continues to optimize its portfolio, including the acquisition of Spray Lake Sawmills in Cochrane, Alberta, enhancing its footprint in the treated wood business. The company remains focused on long-term growth opportunities and maintaining a strong balance sheet to support future investments and innovation in its product lines.
West Fraser has been recognized for its corporate culture, being named one of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures in 2014 and one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers multiple times. The company continues to innovate and invest in modern, competitive manufacturing facilities, product innovation, and bioenergy, securing a bright future for its operations and stakeholders.
For more information about West Fraser and its latest developments, visit www.westfraser.com.
West Fraser has announced a quarterly dividend increase to C$0.25 per share from C$0.20, effective July 6, 2021, for shareholders on record by June 21, 2021. Additionally, the company has received approval to increase its normal course issuer bid to purchase up to 9,582,470 shares, up from the previous authorization of 6,044,000 shares. The buyback will commence on June 11, 2021, and run until February 16, 2022, enhancing shareholder value by potentially reducing outstanding shares and boosting earnings per share (EPS).
West Fraser Timber Co. (TSX: WFG) reported a robust Q1 2021, with sales soaring 81% to $2.343 billion and earnings rising to $665 million, representing 28% of sales. Adjusted EBITDA reached $1.008 billion, reflecting substantial growth from the previous quarter. The acquisition of Norbord was finalized on February 1, 2021, enhancing operational capabilities. The company maintained strong liquidity of $2.551 billion and repurchased $102 million in shares. Strategic investments are expected to drive further growth, despite challenges from increased raw material costs and integration risks.
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (WFG) announced the voting results from its virtual Annual General Meeting held on April 20, 2021. A total of 97.7 million shares were voted, representing 79.32% of all outstanding shares. Shareholders approved all items, including the election of all director nominees, with Hank Ketcham receiving 98% of votes in favor. The appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditor was also approved. Additionally, 99% of votes supported the Company's executive compensation approach as detailed in the March 8, 2021, management circular.
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (WFG) will host an analysts' conference call on May 7, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. PT to discuss its first quarter 2021 financial and operating results. Interested participants can dial 1-888-390-0605 toll-free in North America or join via webcast. The company's quarterly results will be released on May 6, 2021. West Fraser operates over 60 facilities globally, producing a range of wood products and renewable energy.
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (WFG) announced that its subsidiary, Norbord Inc., will redeem all outstanding 5.75% Notes due July 15, 2027, on May 6, 2021. Approximately US$349.4 million in 2027 Notes are currently outstanding. The redemption will occur at 100% of the principal amount plus a make-whole premium, financed with cash on hand, aimed at reducing debt and optimizing capital structure post-Norbord acquisition. This move is not expected to materially impact West Fraser’s earnings.
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (TSX: WFG) has provided operational updates on its Dudley, Georgia lumber mill and Chambord, Quebec OSB mill, confirming progress on its new manufacturing complex expected to increase annual production capacity by 170 million board feet by Q2 2021. The Chambord mill is now operational, ramping up towards 550 million square feet production capacity. Additionally, West Fraser has filed a preliminary short form base shelf prospectus to offer up to US$2 billion in securities. Norbord Inc. has applied to cease being a reporting issuer in Canada following its acquisition by West Fraser.
On March 2, 2021, West Fraser Timber Co. announced that its subsidiary, Norbord Inc., initiated a change of control offer to repurchase US$315 million of senior notes due 2023 at 6.25% and US$350 million of senior notes due 2027 at 5.75%. This move follows Norbord's acquisition by West Fraser on February 1, 2021. The purchase price will be 101% of the principal amount plus accrued interest, with an expected payment date of April 2, 2021. The Offer is open until April 1, 2021, at 5 p.m. EST.
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (WFG) announced an automatic share purchase plan (ASPP) to facilitate the repurchase of its common shares under a normal course issuer bid (NCIB). The Toronto Stock Exchange approved West Fraser's plan to buy up to 6,044,000 shares, approximately 5% of its outstanding shares, from February 17, 2021, to February 16, 2022. The ASPP allows purchases even during blackout periods, with transactions executed by a broker in compliance with securities regulations.
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (WFG) reported strong Q4 2020 results with sales of $1.689 billion and earnings of $366 million, marking a 22% earnings ratio. Annual sales reached $5.850 billion and a cash dividend of $0.20 per share was declared, payable on April 1, 2021. The acquisition of Norbord, completed on February 1, 2021, enhances West Fraser's product diversity and market reach. The company anticipates increased lumber production in 2021 and a robust outlook for the housing market, positioning it for sustainable growth.
Norbord reported a record Adjusted EBITDA of $865 million for 2020, significantly up from $138 million in 2019, driven by higher OSB prices and improved productivity. The company, now a subsidiary of West Fraser (WFG), completed its acquisition on February 1, 2021. Adjusted earnings reached $6.38 per diluted share against a loss in the prior year. Fourth quarter results also saw a robust increase in Adjusted EBITDA to $384 million.
Despite challenges due to COVID-19, production at three mills set records, and reopening of the Chambord mill is planned for Spring 2021.
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