Weyerhaeuser reports $211 million loss for fourth quarter

Federal Way, WA— Weyerhaeuser Company reported net earnings of $733 million for 2005, or $2.98 per diluted share, on net sales of $22.6 billion. This compares with net earnings of $1.3 billion, or $5.43 per diluted share, on net sales of $21.9 billion for the full year 2004.

For the fourth quarter 2005, Weyerhaeuser reported a net loss of $211 million, or 86 cents per diluted share, on net sales of $5.9 billion. Last year, Weyerhaeuser reported fourth quarter net earnings of $199 million, or 82 cents per diluted share, on net sales of $5.7 billion.

Weyerhaeuser expects lower first quarter 2006 earnings compared with fourth quarter 2005 earnings before special charges. During the first quarter, demand for wood products should follow the normal seasonal trends with pricing remaining similar to fourth quarter levels. The company expects manufacturing expenses to increase due to higher energy and raw material costs.

Steven Roger, chairman, president and CEO explained “Despite extremely challenging business conditions, we took significant steps in 2005 to make us more competitive and position us to generate greater returns while returning cash to shareholders.”