U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 40-F
[ ] | Registration statement pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
or | |
[ X ] | Annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 | Commission file number 33-52214 |
Norbord Inc. |
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) |
N/A |
(Translation of Registrant's name into English (if applicable)) |
Canada |
(Province or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
267 |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number (if applicable)) |
N/A |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number (if applicable)) |
Suite 600, 1 Toronto Street, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2W4 |
Tel: (416) 643-8820 |
(Address and telephone number of Registrant's principal executive offices) |
CT Corporation System, 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 |
Telephone: (212) 664-1666 |
(Name, address (including zip code) and telephone number (including area code) of agent for |
service in the United States |
Securities Registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act. | |
N/A | N/A |
_______________________ | _______________________ |
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on |
which registered | |
Securities Registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act | |
N/A | |
(Title of Class) | |
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act. | |
8/⅛ % Debentures Due 2008 | |
7/¼ %Debentures Due 2012 | |
(Title of Class) |
For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form:
[ X ] Annual Information form | [ X ] Audited financial statements |
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital/or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
Common Shares - 149,283,888 |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by filling the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). If "Yes" is marked, indicate the filing number assigned to the Registrant in connection with such Rule.
Yes X 82- 3173 No ________
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No ________
Material included in this Form 40-F:
- Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Management Proxy Circular dated March 14, 2005 and Proxy Forms;
- The Audited Financial Statements of Norbord Inc. for the Twelve Months ended December 31, 2004;
- The Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Norbord Inc. for the Twelve Months ended December 31, 2004; and
- The Annual Information Form of Norbord Inc. for the Twelve Months ended December 31, 2004.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure, controls and procedures are defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission as those controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures and have determined that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the date of this Annual Return on Form 40-F.
Subsequent to our evaluation, there were no significant changes in internal controls or other factors that could significantly affect internal controls, including any corrective actions with regards to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Our Board of Directors has determined that it has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. Mr. Don S. Wells has been determined to be such audit committee financial expert. The Securities and Exchange Commission has indicated that the
designation of Mr. Wells as an audit committee financial expert does not make Mr. Wells an "expert" for any purpose, impose any duties, obligations or liability on Mr. Wells that are greater than those imposed on members of the audit committee and board of directors who do not carry this designation or affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the audit committee.
CODE OF ETHICS
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller. A copy of our code, entitled "Code of Business Conduct", can be found on the corporate governance page of our website at www.norbord.com.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Provision Of Non-Audit Services By The Auditor
Ernst & Young LLP and its respective affiliates (collectively "Ernst & Young") are our auditors. From time to time Ernst & Young also provides other non-audit services to us and our subsidiaries. It is our policy not to engage its auditors to provide services in connection with financial information systems design and implementation or other services that may impair the objectivity of the auditors. We have implemented a procedure to ensure that any engagement of the auditors for non-audit services receives prior clearance by the Audit Committee. In approving any such engagement, the Audit Committee will consider whether the provision of such non-audit services is compatible with maintaining Ernst & Young's independence.
Fees Paid To The Auditor
The table below summarizes the fees paid to Ernst & Young:
Services | 2004 | 2003 |
Audit services | $548,000 | $635,000 |
Audit related services | 781,000 | 237,000 |
Taxation services | 174,000 | 369,000 |
Other non-audit services | 91,000 | 64,000 |
Total for all services | $1,594,000 | $1,305,000 |
Details of the services performed by Ernst & Young are provided below:
Audit Services
Audit services include the annual financial statement audit of the Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries. The fees include the review of the Corporation's unaudited interim financial statements.
Audit Related Services
Audit-related services include audits of the Corporation's pension plans, special purpose non-statutory audits of divisions of the Corporation, comfort letters associated with regulatory filings and internal control reviews. Non-recuring work related to the distribution of Fraser Papers and the secondary offering of Norbord Common Shares by Brascan, accounted for $510,000 of the audit related fees in 2004.
Taxation Services
Taxation services include tax advisory and compliance services.
Other Non-Audit Services
Non-audit services include translation services, compensation consulting services and other business advisory services.
Consideration Of Independence
Ernst & Young has advised the Audit Committee that it considers itself to be independent of the Corporation, and the Audit Committee has confirmed that it considers Ernst & Young to be independent.
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations is made on page 29 of our "Management Discussion and Analysis" for the year ended December 31, 2005 contained herein.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Our audit committee is comprised of the following directors:
Dian Cohen | Gordon Forward |
Pierre Dupuis | Don S. Wells (Chair) |
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1 | Financial highlights | 10 | Board of Directors | 18 | Management's | 61 | Report on environment, |
discussion and analysis | health and safety | ||||||
4 | 2004 highlights | 12 | Corporate governance | ||||
practices | 37 | Consolidated financial | 72 | Glossary | |||
5 | Letter to shareholders | statements | |||||
16 | Financial performance | 73 | Officers of the company | ||||
overview | 60 | Principal operating | and corporate information | ||||
interests | |||||||
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 1 | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
> Financial highlights
Years ended December 31 | ||||||
(US $ millions, except per share, unless otherwise noted) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | |||
Operations | ||||||
Net sales | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,064 | $ | 679 |
EBITDA | 631 | 365 | 89 | |||
Earnings from continuing operations | 332 | 166 | 7 | |||
Earnings | 326 | 126 | 13 | |||
Cash provided by operating activities | 562 | 280 | 62 | |||
Per Common Share | ||||||
Diluted earnings from continuing operations | $ | 2.19 | $ | 1.12 | $ | 0.04 |
Diluted earnings | 2.14 | 0.85 | 0.08 | |||
Cash provided by operating activities | 3.75 | 1.92 | 0.44 | |||
Dividends | 1.10 | 0.29 | 0.26 | |||
Other distributions to shareholders (1) | 2.89 | - | - | |||
Book value | 3.42 | 5.79 | 5.30 | |||
Stock price (TSX) (CAD $) | ||||||
High | $ | 16.43 | $ | 11.24 | $ | 9.70 |
Low | 10.18 | 7.01 | 7.13 | |||
Close | 12.40 | 10.85 | 8.25 | |||
Average daily trading volume (000s shares) | 518 | 215 | 224 | |||
Return on Capital Employed | 73% | 43% | 11% | |||
Return on Equity | 47% | 15% | 1% | |||
Total Return to Common Shareholders (2) | 67% | 37% | 15% | |||
(1)Distribution of shares of Fraser Papers to common shareholders valued using Fraser Papers' closing price on July 7, 2004. (2)Calculated assuming reinvestment of dividends in shares of Norbord. The shares of Fraser Papers received in the distribution are assumed to be disposed of on the first day of trading with the reinvestment of the proceeds in Norbord shares. |
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NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 4 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> 2004 highlights
First Quarter | > Achieved record quarterly earnings of $81 million (54 cents/share) |
> Increased OSB production 8% over first quarter of 2003 | |
> Acquired remaining 50% of Bemidji, Minnesota OSB mill for $34 million | |
> Announced intention to distribute paper and timberlands business to shareholders | |
> Repurchased and cancelled $20 million of $200 million 67/8% debentures due in 2005 | |
> North American OSB prices reached record high of $498 per Msf (7/16-inch basis) | |
Second Quarter | > Achieved record quarterly earnings of $127 million (85 cents/share) |
> Set production records at 8 OSB mills | |
> Received shareholder approval to distribute paper and timberlands business | |
> Announced plan to acquire OSB/particleboard mill in Belgium | |
> Named Barrie Shineton President and Chief Executive Officer | |
> North American OSB prices reached record high of $520 per Msf (7/16-inch basis) | |
Third Quarter | > Achieved highest-ever third quarter earnings of $77 million (51 cents/share) |
> Completed distribution of paper and timberlands business to shareholders | |
> Began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the Norbord name | |
> Redeemed the remaining $180 million of 67/8% debentures due in 2005 | |
> Public share float increased following sale of Norbord shares by Brascan | |
Fourth Quarter | > Achieved earnings of $41 million (26 cents/share) |
> Completed acquisitionof OSB/particleboard mill in Belgium for $64 million | |
> Paid special dividend of CAD $1.00/share to common shareholders | |
> Collected $83 million note from Fraser Papers | |
> Repurchased 1.9 million Norbord shares | |
At Year-End | > Achieved record earnings of $326 million ($2.16/share) |
> Generated $562 million ($3.75/share) in cash from operating activities | |
> Achieved 47% return on equity and 73% return on capital employed | |
> Delivered 67% total return to common shareholders | |
> Set production records at 13 operations | |
> Achieved $37 million in margin improvements over 2003 | |
> Invested $67 million in capital projects | |
> Maintained investment grade credit ratings | |
> Achieved net debt to capitalization ratio of 30% | |
> Improved safety performance by 17% over 2003 | |
> Achieved 98.9% environmental compliance |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 5 | TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS |
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An interview with Barrie Shineton | |
President & Chief Executive Officer | |
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NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 6 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Norbord, as a purely focused panelboard company, is more attractive to investors than it was as a business segment within a more diversified Nexfor.
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NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 7 | TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS |
Environmental expectations set by regulators are constantly being raised and our goal is always to be 100% compliant.
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NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 8 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Our low manufacturing cost is a competitive strength. It allows us to generate excellent performance, not only at the peak, but also at the bottom of the business cycle.
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NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 9 | TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS |
Our goal is to be the world's best panelboard company and to generate the highest returns to shareholders over the cycle. All of our priorities and actions are directed at meeting these goals.
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NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 10 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
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1 Jack L. Cockwell, Director since 1987; | 4 J. Bruce Flatt, Director since 2002; |
Group Chairman of Brascan Group of Companies 4 | President and CEO, Brascan Corporation 4 |
Mr. Cockwell is Group Chairman of Brascan Corporation. | Mr. Flatt is President and CEO of Brascan Corporation. |
Brascan's wholly-owned operations include real estate, | Mr. Flatt was previously President and CEO of Brookfield |
financial services and power generation. Mr. Cockwell | Properties Corporation. In addition to his role on the |
was President and CEO of Brascan from 1991 until 2002. | Norbord Board, Mr. Flatt is a director of Brascan Corpor- |
In addition to his role on the Norbord Board, Mr. Cockwell | ation, Brookfield Homes Limited, Brookfield Properties |
is Chairman of the Board of the Royal Ontario Museum | Corporation, Fraser Papers Inc. and Noranda Inc. |
and a director of Brookfield Properties Corporation, | |
Falconbridge Limited, Fraser Papers Inc., Noranda Inc. | |
and Astral Media Inc. | 5 Gordon E. Forward, Director since 1995; |
Chairman Emeritus, United States Business Council for | |
Sustainable Development 1, 3, 4 | |
2 Dian Cohen, CM, Director since 1987; | Dr. Forward is former Vice Chairman of Texas Industries |
President, DC Productions Ltd. 1, 2 | Inc., a position he held from 1998 to 2000. Prior to that, |
Ms. Cohen is an economist and a partner in her own | he was President and CEO of Chaparral Steel Company. |
economic consultancy. She is an author of a number of | In 2002, Dr. Forward received the Environmental |
books on government, personal money management and | Conservation Distinguished Service Award from the |
social policy issues. Ms. Cohen is the recipient of many | American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and |
literary awards, as well as the Order of Canada in 1993. | Petroleum Engineers in recognition of his significant |
In addition to her role on the Norbord Board, Ms. Cohen is | contribution to the field of waste minimization. In addition |
a director of Dorel Industries Inc. and Fraser Papers Inc., | to his role on the Norbord Board, Dr. Forward is a director |
a trustee of Great Lakes Hydro Income Fund and Treasurer | of Texas Industries Inc. |
of the University Women's Scholarship Foundation. | |
6 Dominic Gammiero, Director since 1998; | |
3 Pierre Dupuis, Director since 1995; | President and CEO, Fraser Papers Inc. 3 |
Former Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, | Prior to becoming President and CEO of Fraser Papers |
Dorel Industries Inc. 1, 3, 4 | Inc. in 2004, Mr. Gammiero was President and Chief |
Mr. Dupuis was Chief Operating Officer of Dorel | Executive Officer of Norbord Inc. since 1999. |
Industries Inc., a global consumer product company, | Mr. Gammiero has more than 30 years' experience in the |
from 1999 to 2005, when he retired from active manage- | forest products industry in North America and Europe. |
ment responsibilities. He continues to work for Dorel as a | In addition to his role on the Norbord Board, |
consultant. Prior to his appointment at Dorel, Mr. Dupuis | Mr. Gammiero is a director of Fraser Papers Inc. |
was President and COO of Transcontinental Inc., a | |
Canadian printing and publishing company. In addition to | |
his role on the Norbord Board, Mr. Dupuis is a trustee of | |
Great Lakes Hydro Income Fund. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 11 | TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS |
7 Robert J. Harding, Director since 1998; | 10 J. Barrie Shineton, Director since 2004; |
Chairman, Brascan Corporation 2 | President and CEO, Norbord Inc. |
Mr. Harding is Chairman of Brascan Corporation. As | Mr. Shineton was appointed President and CEO of Norbord |
Chairman, Mr. Harding represents Brascan's interests on | Inc. in 2004. Prior to that, he held various positions |
the boards of its related companies including BPO | within Norbord Inc., including Executive Vice President, |
Properties Limited, Falconbridge Limited, Fraser Papers | Wood Products and Managing Director, Norbord Limited |
Inc., Noranda Inc. and Norbord Inc. Mr. Harding is also a | (UK). Mr. Shineton has more than 30 years of experience |
director of Burlington Resources Inc., Chair of the Board of | in the forest industry. Mr. Shineton does not sit on the |
Governors of University of Waterloo and a member of the | board of any other public company. |
Board of Trustees of the United Way of Greater Toronto. | |
11 Don S. Wells, Director since 2003; | |
8 K. Linn Macdonald, Director since 1991; | Former Executive Vice President, Strategic Investments, |
Chairman, Norbord Inc. | Royal Bank Financial Group 1, 2 |
Prior to becoming Chairman of the Board in 1999, | Mr. Wells, a chartered accountant, has senior manage- |
Mr. Macdonald was President and CEO of Norbord Inc. - | ment experience in strategy development, mergers and |
a position he held since 1991. Mr. Macdonald has more | acquisitions, corporate governance and financial |
than 40 years of experience in the North American forest | management. From 1990 to 1998, Mr. Wells was a senior |
products industry. Mr. Macdonald does not sit on the | �� advisor on strategy and corporate governance to the |
board of any other public company. | Chairman and CEO of the Royal Bank of Canada. He |
retired from RBC Financial Group in 1998 after a career | |
spanning 26 years. In addition to his role on the Norbord | |
9 Margot Northey, Director since 2000; | Board, Mr. Wells is Chairman of the trustees of the |
Former Dean, Queen's University School of Business 2, 3, 4 | Noranda Income Fund. |
Dr. Northey was Dean, Queen's University School of | |
Business from 1995 to 2002. Prior to that, she was an | |
Associate Professor at the University of Western Ontario's | |
business school. Dr. Northey is a widely respected author | |
of numerous articles, books and reports on a broad range | |
of contemporary topics in business, corporate affairs, | |
communications and the humanities. In addition to her | |
role on the Norbord Board, Dr. Northey is a director of | |
Aliant Inc., Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc., British | |
Columbia Transmission Corporation, Fraser Papers Inc., | |
Stressgen Biotechnologies Corporation and Wawanesa | Committees |
Insurance. | 1 Audit |
2 Corporate Governance | |
3 Environment, Health and Safety | |
4 Human Resources |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 12 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> Corporate governance practices
Norbord is committed to following sound corporate governance policies and practices to ensure that the interests of our shareholders, our employees and the communities in which we operate are continuously maintained.
As a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), Norbord's corporate governance policies and practices, in all material respects, meet the guidelines for improved corporate governance in Canada, adopted by the TSX, and applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Role of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the management of Norbord's affairs directly and through its committees. At all times, the Board intends to act on behalf of the best interests of the shareholders of Norbord.
Among its principal responsibilities, the Board:
> Reviews and approves Norbord's overall business strategy and its annual business plan
> Reviews the risks and alternatives in Norbord's business to ensure appropriate systems or plans are in place to manage these risks
> Reviews and approves strategic initiatives and capital investment plans to ensure that Norbord's proposed actions are consistent with shareholders' objectives and expectations
> Appoints the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and approves the appointment of senior management
> Establishes a compensation plan for the CEO and approves the compensation of senior management
> Reviews succession and development plans for senior management
> Maintains integrity within Norbord by reviewing and monitoring disclosure controls and procedures, internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and compliance with the Code of Business Conduct
> Approves Norbord's financial reports to shareholders
> Sets the Corporation's dividend policy and approves quarterly dividends
> Ensures the effective operation of the Board and its committees
> Assesses management's performance against approved business plans and key industry performance indicators
> Ensures policies and processes are in place to address key business issues of the Corporation including financial, environmental, health and safety, business conduct, pension management and communications
> Approves significant and material issues - in addition to those matters that must, by law, be approved by the Board, Norbord's Board also provides approval on:
> any capital disposition or expenditure in excess of CAD $3 million and for any cost overrun on any of these projects in excess of 10% or CAD $2 million, whichever is less,
> any new loan agreement or guarantee for an amount in excess of CAD $10 million,
> changes in senior management at the Corporation and its principal operating subsidiaries, and
> any other material agreement or arrangement that is not in the ordinary course of business.
Meetings of the Board
The Board of Directors meets at least quarterly, plus at least once per year to review Norbord's strategy, with additional meetings scheduled when required. While most Board meetings are held at the Norbord corporate office in Toronto, meetings are periodically held at an operating location. This gives the directors an opportunity to improve their understanding of the operations of Norbord.
Composition and Size of the Board
The Board of Directors comprises 11 directors, including 8 independent directors, 3 of whom are associated with the Corporation's major shareholder, Brascan Corporation, and 3 related directors including the CEO.
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 13 | TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS |
The Board considers that this combination leads to a constructive exchange of views in Board deliberations resulting in objective, balanced and informed decision-making. The Corporation's directors represent a diverse base of business skills and experiences to ensure effective oversight and reporting.
Independent Directors - 8 of 11
Jack L. Cockwell*
Dian Cohen
Pierre Dupuis
J. Bruce Flatt*
Gordon E. Forward
Robert J. Harding*
Margot Northey Don S. Wells
Related Directors - 3 of 11
Dominic Gammiero
K. Linn Macdonald (Chairman)
J. Barrie Shineton
*Denotes director associated with Brascan Corporation, a major shareholder of the Corporation.
Of the 11 directors, 8 are unrelated directors within the meaning of the TSX Guidelines, comprising a majority of the Board. The three directors considered to be related within the meaning of the TSX Guidelines are: Dominic Gammiero, President and CEO of Fraser Papers Inc. since 2004 and former President and CEO of the Corporation from 1999-2004, K. Linn Macdonald, Chairman of the Board and former President and CEO of the Corporation from 1991-1999, and J. Barrie Shineton, President and CEO of the Corporation since 2004.
It is the policy and practice of the Board that at each regular meeting, the directors meet and discuss the Corporation's affairs without management and related directors present. These sessions are conducted under the direction of the Corporation's Lead Director, Robert J. Harding, and any material information is reported to management.
Committees of the Board
Board committees assist in the effective functioning of the Corporation's Board of Directors. The composition of the Board committees should ensure that the views of unrelated and independent directors are effectively represented.
Norbord's Board of Directors has four committees: the Audit Committee, the Corporate Governance Committee, the Environment, Health and Safety Committee and the Human Resources Committee. It is the Board's policy that each committee meets without management and related directors present at each of its meetings.
Special committees may be formed from time to time as required to review particular matters or transactions.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee assists the Board in meeting its fiduciary responsibilities relating to corporate accounting and reporting practices. Its duties include overseeing internal controls, reviewing risk management practices, and approving quarterly and annual financial filings. The extensive review of audit committees now underway in Canada and the United States has led to a number of specific regulations and recommendations on the mandate, practices and performance of audit committees. As a result, Norbord will continue to review the terms of reference of the Audit Committee and update the charter as further rules are established. Full terms of reference for the Audit Committee are set out on the Corporation's web site at www.norbord.com.
The Audit Committee comprises four independent directors: Dian Cohen, Pierre Dupuis, Gordon E. Forward and Don S. Wells (Chair).
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 14 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Corporate Governance Committee
The Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for the development and monitoring of the Corporation's corporate governance practices. Its duties include the identification and recommendation of potential nominees or appointees to the Board, and the assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, its size and composition, its committee structure and the individual performance of its directors. The Committee also has responsibility for the review of the Corporation's communications policy and its Code of Business Conduct. Full terms of reference for the Corporate Governance Committee are available on the Corporation's web site at www.norbord.com.
The Corporate Governance Committee comprises four independent directors: Dian Cohen (Chair), Robert J. Harding, Margot Northey and Don S. Wells.
Environment, Health and Safety Committee
The mandate of the Environment, Health and Safety Committee is to assist the Board in carrying out its responsibilities with respect to environmental, health and safety issues. The Committee reviews compliance with relevant Board resolutions and with the Corporation's environmental, health and safety policies, and assesses the effectiveness of the Corporation's environmental management processes, and health and safety programs including the review of internal audits of these processes and programs. Full terms of reference for the Environment, Health and Safety Committee are available on the Corporation's web site at www.norbord.com.
The Environment, Health and Safety Committee comprises three independent directors: Pierre Dupuis, Gordon E. Forward and Margot Northey (Chair) and one related director: Dominic Gammiero.
Human Resources Committee
The Human Resources Committee approves the Corporation's compensation and benefits policy and monitors its implementation. It reviews management succession plans and considers appointments of officers of the Corporation. The Committee annually assesses the performance of the Chief Executive Officer against agreed upon targets and recommends the CEO's compensation to the Board. For all other officers, the Committee approves the compensation levels. Together with the CEO, the Committee reviews the performance of senior officers of the Corporation and makes compensation recommendations to the Board. The Committee also recommends compensation for directors and oversees the funding, investment management and administration of Norbord's employee retirement plans. Full terms of reference for the Human Resources Committee are available on the Corporation's web site at www.norbord.com.
The Human Resources Committee comprises five independent directors: Jack L. Cockwell (Chair), Pierre Dupuis, J. Bruce Flatt, Gordon E. Forward and Margot Northey.
Norbord Management
The primary responsibility of management is to create value for its shareholders based on an approved business strategy and action plan. The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring the performance of management is adequate and to bring about any management change that will enable Norbord to perform satisfactorily. Norbord's corporate governance principles are intended to encourage autonomy and effective decision-making by management while ensuring scrutiny by Norbord's Board of Directors and its Committees.
Role of Chairman
The Chairman is appointed by the Board of Directors. The role of the Chairman is as follows:
- Manage the business of the Board and ensure that the functions identified in the Terms of Reference of the Board are being effectively carried out by the Board and its committees
- Ensure that all directors receive the information required for the proper performance of their duties
- Ensure that the appropriate committee structure is in place and recommend appointments to such committees
- Lead in the annual review of director and Board performance and make recommendations for changes when appropriate
- Work with the CEO and senior management to monitor progress on strategic planning, policy implementation and succession planning
Role of President and CEO
The President and CEO reports to and is accountable to the Board of Directors. The CEO's role is as follows:
- Provide leadership of the Corporation and, subject to approved policies and direction by the Board, manage the operation, organization and administration of the Corporation
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 15 | TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS |
- Present to the Board for approval a long-term vision for the Corporation together with strategies to achieve that vision, the risks and alternatives to these strategies and specific steps and performance indicators, which will enable the Board to evaluate progress on implementing such strategies
- Propose to the Board for approval annual capital and operating plans that implement the Corporation's strategies together with key financial and other performance goals for the Corporation's activities and report regularly to the Board on the progress against these goals
- Act as the primary spokesperson for the Corporation to all its stakeholders
- Present to the Board for approval annually an assessment of the Corporation's management resources together with a succession plan that provides for the orderly succession of senior management including the recruitment, training and development required
- Recommend to the Board the appointment or termination of any officer of the Corporation other than the Chairman
- Develop and implement the systems and processes to support the policies established by the Board
Role of the Lead Director
The Lead Director is appointed by the independent directors. The Lead Director's role is as follows:
- Chair meetings held without management and related directors present
- Liaise between management and independent directors
Board Information
The information provided by Norbord management to the Board of Directors is critical to the Board's effectiveness. In addition to reports presented to the Board at regular and special meetings, the Board is also informed on a timely basis by management of corporate developments and key decisions by management in pursuing Norbord's strategic plan.
New directors are provided with comprehensive information about Norbord. All directors have the opportunity to meet and participate in work sessions with management to obtain insight into the operations and business of the Corporation. Directors are also free to consult with members of management, whenever they so require, and to engage outside advisors with the Chairman's authorization.
Management Remuneration
Norbord's remuneration policies are intended to provide a direct link between competitive industry compensation and Corporation and individual performance. Bonus compensation is reviewed annually by the CEO and approved by the Board of Directors. Periodic reviews of compensation practices are carried out to ensure management is fairly rewarded, based on performance.
Communications Policy
Norbord keeps shareholders informed of its activities and progress through a comprehensive annual report, quarterly reports and news releases. A regularly updated web site (www.norbord.com) provides additional information about the Corporation as well as ready access to published reports, news releases, statutory filings and supplemental information provided to financial analysts and investors. Directors and management meet with Norbord shareholders at the annual meeting, held in Toronto, and are available to respond to shareholder questions.
Norbord's investor relations program seeks to ensure that shareholder enquiries are responded to in a timely manner. Management meets on a regular basis with investment analysts and financial advisors to ensure that accurate information is available to investors, including quarterly conference calls and web casts to discuss Norbord's results. Norbord also endeavours to ensure news media is kept apprised of developments as they occur. All Norbord communications are carried out in accordance with the Corporation's Corporate Disclosure Policy, which is posted on Norbord's web site. This ensures fairness, accuracy and timeliness in reporting material information that may affect the price of Norbord's publicly traded securities.
January 2005
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 16 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> Financial performance overview
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 17 |
Management's Discussion and Analysis | 2004 Financial Statements | ||
Overview | 18 | Management's Responsibility for | |
Distribution of Fraser Papers | 19 | Financial Statements | 37 |
Discontinued Operations | 20 | Auditors' Report | 38 |
Acquisitions | 21 | Consolidated Balance Sheets | 39 |
Financial Summary | 21 | Consolidated Statements of | |
Quarterly Results | 22 | Earnings and Retained Earnings | 40 |
Financial Results | 24 | Consolidated Statements | |
Changes in Accounting Policy | 26 | of Cash Flows | 41 |
Significant Accounting Policies | Notes to the Consolidated | ||
and Estimates | 27 | Financial Statements | 42 |
Financial Instruments | 27 | Selected Quarterly Information | 56 |
Liquidity and Capital Resources | 28 | Six-Year Historical Review | 58 |
Contractual Obligations | 29 | ||
Capital Investments | 29 | ||
Credit Ratings | 30 | ||
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | 30 | ||
Common Shares | 30 | ||
Dividends | 31 | ||
Stock-Based Compensation | 31 | ||
Transactions with Related Parties | 31 | ||
Labour Relations | 31 | ||
Risks and Uncertainties | 32 | ||
Outlook for 2005 | 34 | ||
Definitions | 35 |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 18 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> Management's discussion and analysis
January 27, 2005
The Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) provides a review of the significant developments that impacted Norbord's performance during 2004 relative to 2003. Factors that could impact future operations are also discussed. Such comments will be affected by, and may involve, known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in this MD&A, in the Company's Annual Information Form and in other filings made from time to time with applicable securities and regulatory authorities. To enhance shareholders' understanding, certain five-year historical financial and statistical information is presented. Norbord's significant accounting policies and other financial disclosures are contained in the audited financial statements and accompanying notes, which follow this MD&A. All financial references in the MD&A are stated in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
Throughout this discussion "Norbord" refers to Norbord Inc. and all of its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, and "Company" refers to Norbord Inc. as a separate corporation. "OSB" refers to oriented strand board, an engineered structural wood panel produced by chemically bonding wood strand in a uniform direction under heat and pressure, and "MDF" refers to medium density fibreboard, a panelboard produced by chemically bonding highly refined wood fibres of uniform size under heat and pressure.
EBITDA, EBITDA margin, ROCE, ROE, net debt, book value per share, capital employed and net debt to capitalization are non-GAAP measures described in the Definitions section on page 35. Non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. There are no directly comparable GAAP measures to any of these measures. A quantitative reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the nearest comparable GAAP measure is provided at the end of the MD&A.
Additional information on Norbord, including the Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Overview | Strategy |
Norbord is an international producer of wood-based panels, with 16 plant locations in the United States, Europe and Canada. It is one of the world's largest producers of OSB with annual capacity of 4.3 billion square feet (3/8-inch basis), one of the largest OSB producers in the US South, and one of the largest producers of wood-based panels in the United Kingdom. Norbord's business strategy is focused entirely on the wood panels sector in North America and Europe. To that end, several developments during 2004 strengthened Norbord's strategic position: > The paper and timberlands business was distributed to shareholders. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 19 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Norbord's financial goal is to achieve top quartile return on common equity (ROE) and cash return on capital employed (ROCE) among North American forest products companies. Norbord met this target in both 2003 and 2004. A net debt to capitalization ratio of 20-40% is also targeted. At the end of 2004, Norbord was at the mid-point of this range. The Company's goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet provides the flexibility to respond to strategic growth opportunities. Norbord's financing strategy is to maintain investment grade debt ratings. This provides for long-term access to public and private capital markets on attractive terms. Ratings on Norbord debt have been consistently investment grade since 1992. Norbord manages its business to provide for a sustainable dividend to be paid quarterly to common shareholders throughout the business cycle. At December 31, 2004, the Board of Directors had declared 57 consecutive quarterly common dividends of CAD $0.10 per share. In addition, Norbord paid a special dividend of CAD $1.00 per share to common shareholders during 2004. Business Profile Based in Toronto, Canada, Norbord employed approximately 2,900 people at December 31, 2004 at 16 plant locations in the United States, Europe and Canada. The geographical breakdown of property, plant and equipment at year-end was 60% US, 33% Europe and 7% Canada. Manufacturing facilities include: > 11 OSB mills The annual production capacity of these facilities at December 31, 2004, was: > 4.3 billion square feet (3/8-inch basis) of OSB Norbord does not own any timberlands. It purchases its wood fibre from third parties that include private landowners and government owned and managed timberlands. | |
Distribution of Fraser Papers | On June 30, 2004, the Company completed the distribution of its paper and timberlands business (Fraser Papers) to its common shareholders. Concurrent with the distribution, the Nexfor name was changed to Norbord. Shares of Norbord and Fraser Papers began trading on July 5, 2004 for normal settlement. Following the distribution, Norbord held an $83 million note payable from Fraser Papers. On September 30, 2004 the note was repaid. Norbord continues to provide certain administrative services to Fraser Papers for a fee on an interim basis. To date, the fee for these administrative services is less than $1 million. In addition, Norbord continues to guarantee certain obligations of Fraser Papers under letters of credit, operating lease commitments, purchase commitments, landfill closure commitments, and commodity hedging contracts. The maximum amount of potential future payments that Norbord could be required to make under these obligations is estimated to be $84 million. This estimate excludes |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 20 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
the potential amount of future payments related to guarantees of derivative contracts that cannot be quantified due to their nature. No amounts have been recorded in the consolidated balance sheet with respect to these guarantees. Fraser Papers has committed to use its best efforts to remove Norbord from these guarantees and has agreed to provide letters of credit or other acceptable collateral to secure any guarantees that remain outstanding on December 27, 2005. As security for these ongoing financial commitments to Fraser Papers, Norbord, in addition to another Fraser Papers creditor, has the right at any time to require Fraser Papers to provide a fixed first charge security interest over Fraser Papers' timberlands and manufacturing facilities. The Company's share of the expected proceeds from liquidation of this security would be sufficient to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantees.
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Discontinued Operations
| Results of Fraser Papers have been included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows up to June 30, 2004, the date on which this business was distributed to common shareholders. The December 31, 2003 consolidated balance sheet includes assets and liabilities relating to Fraser Papers. In addition, the results of two Quebec sawmills have been included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows until the fourth quarter of 2003 when they were sold. Fraser Papers generated net sales of $478 million and an operating loss of $9 million (EBITDA $14 million) for the six-month period of ownership in 2004. For the full year 2003, these operations generated net sales of $875 million and an operating loss of $80 million (EBITDA loss of $32 million). While seeing encouraging signs that markets were strengthening, Fraser Papers was negatively impacted by higher energy and fibre costs for the six-month period of ownership in 2004. The 2003 results include the impact of the productivity improvement plan at the East Paper operations. A charge of $26 million ($17 million after tax or $0.12 per share) was recorded in 2003 in respect of this plan, consisting of severance, early retirement, consulting and training costs of $20 million and non-cash pension and non-pension post-retirement benefits-related charges of $6 million. The productivity improvement plan targeted $21 million in cost savings annually. Effective October 31, 2003, Norbord sold its two Quebec sawmills at La Sarre and Senneterre. Proceeds were $45 million, including $7 million for working capital. The sale was consistent with the Company's strategy and previously announced intention to divest non-strategic assets and reduce debt. A pre-tax gain of $18 million ($12 million after-tax or $0.08 per share) was recorded on the transaction. The two sawmills generated net sales of $40 million and an operating loss of $2 million for the 10-month period of ownership in 2003. The results include the impact of duties paid on softwood lumber shipped to the US totalling $4 million in 2003. The Government of Canada has challenged the duties, launching appeals with various trade bodies. Norbord retained the right to any refund of duties paid by these two sawmills prior to the sale, totalling $7 million, should the appeal process or a negotiated settlement yield any refund.
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NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 21 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Acquisitions
| On March 26, 2004, Norbord acquired the remaining 50% interest in the Bemidji, Minnesota OSB mill, bringing its ownership interest to 100%. The cost of the acquisition was $34 million, including $6 million for working capital. The acquisition increased OSB production by 6% over 2003 and generated incremental EBITDA of $27 million. On September 30, 2004, Norbord completed the acquisition of OSB and particleboard assets located at Genk, Belgium, at a cost of $64 million, expanding Norbord's presence in key markets in Belgium, Holland, Germany and Scandinavia. The acquisition was accretive to earnings in the first quarter of ownership, generating $2 million of EBITDA, despite the fact that the OSB line was down for 21 days for maintenance identified prior to the acquisition. The two acquisitions increased Norbord's total OSB capacity by 13% from 3,800 MMsf-3/8" to 4,280 MMsf-3/8". |
Financial Summary | ||||||||||
(US $ millions, except per share information) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||||
Net sales | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,064 | $ | 679 | $ | 497 | $ | 494 |
EBITDA | 631 | 365 | 89 | 50 | 101 | |||||
Earnings from continuing operations | 332 | 166 | 7 | 2 | 58 | |||||
Earnings | 326 | 126 | 13 | 12 | 94 | |||||
Total assets | 1,391 | 2,063 | 2,029 | 1,829 | 1,756 | |||||
Long-term debt | 450 | 657 | 658 | 686 | 575 | |||||
Net debt | 236 | 482 | 745 | 573 | 475 | |||||
Earnings per share from continuing operations | 2.21 | 1.12 | 0.04 | - | 0.30 | |||||
Earnings per share | 2.16 | 0.85 | 0.08 | 0.07 | 0.61 | |||||
Common dividends per share | 1.10 | 0.29 | 0.26 | 0.26 | 0.26 |
| 2004 was the most profitable year in Norbord's history. Record OSB prices in North America were primarily responsible for Norbord's earnings of $326 million, or $2.16 per common share, over 2.5 times the earnings of $126 million or $0.85 per share in 2003. Excluding the paper and timberlands business, which was included in the results for the first six months, Norbord's 2004 earnings were $332 million or $2.21 per share. The following are significant highlights during 2004: > Generated cash from operating activities of $562 million ($3.75 per share) |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 22 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
| The margin improvement program (MIP), eight years after formal implementation, remains the cornerstone of Norbord's efforts to "control the controllables". Measured at constant prices and exchange rates, MIP realized a $37 million improvement over 2003. Approximately $30 million of 2004 MIP is attributed to improving volume from existing assets and $20 million to improvements in gross margins related to product mix. The gains from these initiatives were partially offset by input cost increases. ROE averaged 47% in 2004, sharply higher than the 15% reported in 2003. Norbord's ROCE rose to 73% in 2004 from 43% in 2003. ROCE is a key measurement of financial performance, focusing on cash and the efficient use of capital. While capital employed was up 12% over 2003 to $918 million, principally due to panelboard asset acquisitions, the higher ROCE was driven by EBITDA growth. Cash provided by operating activities totalled $562 million or $3.75 per share compared to $280 million in 2003. The substantial improvement was driven by record OSB prices. Cash and cash equivalents totalled $215 million at December 31, 2004, compared to $177 million at year-end 2003. On January 5, 2004, Norbord sold for par value a short-term investment represented by a $60 million debenture issued by Canfor Corporation. The debenture was issued to Norbord in November 1999 pursuant to Norbord's sale of its 50% interest in Northwood Inc. The $200 million 67/8% debentures issued in 1995 were repurchased in 2004. The premium paid on repurchase, net of the recognition of gains on interest rate swaps, was $9 million. The repurchase was funded by cash from operations. At the end of 2004, committed bank lines were $208 million, of which $6 million was utilized for letters of credit. Norbord's net debt stood at $236 million at December 31, 2004, representing 30% of capitalization. Strong cash flow from operations has allowed the net debt to capitalization of Norbord to be reduced from 35% at December 31, 2003, while paying a special dividend of CAD $1.00 per share, acquiring an additional $94 million in panelboard assets, and completing the $500 million distribution of Fraser Papers. Book value at December 31, 2004 was $3.42 per share (CAD $4.11). Norbord's shares traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) in a range of CAD $10.18-$16.43 in 2004, closing the year at CAD $12.40, up 14% from year-end 2003. The rise in share price is notable in light of the $500 million distribution of Fraser Papers to common shareholders during the year. The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 14% while the TSX Materials Index was up 7% in 2004. The total return on Norbord shares during 2004 was 67%, assuming the reinvestment of dividends and the sale of Fraser Papers common shares and subsequent reinvestment of proceeds in Norbord shares on the distribution date. The daily average volume traded during 2004 was 518,000, up sharply from 215,000 in 2003, as the public share float increased substantially during the year following a sale of shares by Brascan Corporation. |
Quarterly | Q4 | Q3 | Q4 | |
Results | (US $ millions) | 2004 | 2004 | 2003 |
Net sales | 335 | 364 | 346 | |
EBITDA | 89 | 156 | 156 | |
Depreciation | 22 | 21 | 20 | |
Capital investments | 40 | 12 | 15 |
| In the fourth quarter of 2004, EBITDA was $89 million, compared to $156 in the same quarter of the previous year. North American OSB pricing in the quarter was lower than in the fourth quarter of 2003, offsetting the impact of increased OSB production volume and higher European panel prices. EBITDA margins were 27% in the fourth quarter compared to 43% for the third quarter of 2004 and 45% for the fourth quarter of 2003. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 23 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
| North American OSB markets strengthened considerably during the last six weeks of the fourth quarter due to the resumption of home construction activities following hurricanes in the US South in September. The market was also impacted by announced scheduled maintenance downtime and wet weather in the US South that curtailed the supply of logs to several panel producers. North Central benchmark OSB pricing remained above historical levels in the fourth quarter, averaging $264 per Msf (7/16-inch basis) as compared to the prior quarter average of $353 and the fourth quarter of 2003 average of $403. Net sales in the quarter were $335 million, compared to $346 million in the fourth quarter of 2003. Increased production volume, contributing an additional $42 million in sales, has been offset by the impact of lower North American OSB prices. Sales from the Genk, Belgium mill, acquired on September 30, 2004, represent $17 million of the total net sales increase. Cash provided by operating activities for the fourth quarter was $107 million compared to $184 million in the same quarter of 2003, with the variance driven by lower earnings and higher cash taxes. Cash dividends of $133 million in the fourth quarter of 2004 include the $118 million special dividend paid on September 30, 2004. Capital investments were $40 million in the quarter. Capital investments were concentrated in the fourth quarter as over 70% of the planned maintenance downtime was scheduled in this period. Significant capital projects, including the tie-in of the first phase of the new energy system at Jefferson, Texas, were completed in conjunction with the regularly scheduled maintenance downtime. |
Earnings | Earnings | |||||||||||||
Earnings | from | from | ||||||||||||
Earnings per | Earnings per | from | Continuing | Continuing | ||||||||||
Common | Common | Continuing | Operations | Operations | ||||||||||
Net Sales | Earnings | Share | Share | Operations | per Common | per Common | ||||||||
(US$ millions) | (US$ millions) | (basic) | (diluted) | (US$ millions) | Share (basic) | Share (diluted) | ||||||||
2004 | ||||||||||||||
4th Quarter | $ | 335 | $ | 41 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 41 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.26 |
3rd Quarter | 364 | 77 | 0.51 | 0.50 | 77 | 0.51 | 0.50 | |||||||
2nd Quarter | 439 | 127 | 0.85 | 0.84 | 127 | 0.85 | 0.84 | |||||||
1st Quarter | 348 | 81 | 0.54 | 0.54 | 87 | 0.59 | 0.59 | |||||||
2003 | ||||||||||||||
4th Quarter | $ | 346 | $ | 71 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 77 | $ | 0.52 | $ | 0.52 |
3rd Quarter | 303 | 54 | 0.37 | 0.37 | 63 | 0.42 | 0.42 | |||||||
2nd Quarter | 224 | - | - | - | 20 | 0.14 | 0.14 | |||||||
1st Quarter | 191 | 1 | - | - | 6 | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| Quarterly earnings surged in the last two quarters of 2003 and through 2004, reflecting the rising price of OSB. Fluctuations in earnings during that time mirror fluctuations in the price of OSB. In addition to the operating results of Fraser Papers and the Quebec sawmills, results of discontinued operations include restructuring charges at the East Paper operations of $14 million, $2 million and $1 million in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2003, respectively, and a gain of $12 million on the sale of the Quebec sawmills in the fourth quarter of 2003. |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 24 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Financial Results | Following the distribution of Fraser Papers, the Company has a single reportable segment. | ||||||||||
(US $ millions) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||||
Net sales | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,064 | $ | 679 | $ | 497 | $ | 494 | |
EBITDA | 631 | 365 | 89 | 50 | 101 | ||||||
Depreciation | 82 | 76 | 71 | 43 | 43 | ||||||
Capital investments | 67 | 31 | 15 | 64 | 136 | ||||||
Continuing operations comprise 11 OSB mills, 3 particleboard plants, 2 MDF plants, 1 hardwood plywood mill, 1 I-joist mill, 2 laminating operations, and a furniture plant. The operations are located in the United States, Europe and Canada. |
Net Sales | Shipments | Average Mill Nets | |||||||||
(US | $ millions) | (volume) | (US $ per M unit) | ||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||
OSB (MMsf-3/8") | $ | 1,084 | $ | 737 | 3,731 | 3,372 | $ | 291 | $ | 218 | |
Particleboard (MMsf-3/8") | 98 | 82 | 647 | 618 | 152 | 132 | |||||
MDF (MMsf-3/8") | 112 | 94 | 593 | 567 | 189 | 165 | |||||
Plywood (MMsf-3/8") | 45 | 41 | 79 | 77 | 572 | 537 | |||||
I-joist (MM lineal ft.) | 46 | 30 | 57 | 41 | 811 | 729 | |||||
Other (1) | 101 | 80 | - | - | - | - | |||||
Total | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,064 | |||||||
(1) Other sales are net of internal transfers and include laminated products, furniture components and ready-to-assemble furniture units. |
Markets The US remained the principal market destination for Norbord's products, with 68% of total sales in 2004, up from 65% in 2003. European sales represented 25% in 2004, and Canadian sales 7%. |
2004 | 2003 | |||||
Shipments by Market Destination | United States | Europe | Canada | Total | Total | |
OSB (MMsf-3/8") | 3,071 | 352 | 308 | 3,731 | 3,372 | |
Particleboard (MMsf-3/8") | - | 647 | - | 647 | 618 | |
MDF (MMsf-3/8") | 136 | 430 | 27 | 593 | 567 | |
Plywood (MMsf-3/8") | 64 | - | 15 | 79 | 77 | |
I-joist (MM lineal ft.) | 57 | - | - | 57 | 41 |
The US housing market continued to exceed expectations. US housing starts grew by 6% over 2003 levels to 1.95 million units and exceeded industry forecasts by approximately 11%. Interest rates and inflation remained low while GDP and consumer confidence remained high, supporting strong housing demand. Thirty-year mortgage rates averaged 5.8%, the same as 2003. Consensus is emerging that the underlying demographics, driven by immigration, will continue to support a higher level of housing demand throughout the coming decade. The UK housing market has remained strong as interest rates remained low and unemployment reached a 20-year low. Canadian housing starts increased 7% over 2003 to 233,000 units, surpassing the 15-year record set in 2003. The North American structural panel industry again set a record, producing 42.7 billion square feet (3/8-inch basis) for the year driven by OSB output of 25.4 billion square feet. OSB continues to displace plywood market share as OSB production was up more than 7% over 2003, while plywood production was up marginally due to the strong markets. OSB production for 2004 represents approximately 59% of the total North American structural panel production. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 25 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
For the second consecutive year the benchmark North Central price for OSB set a record. The price peaked at $520 per Msf (7/16-inch basis) in late April 2004. The previous record of $465 was set in the fall of 2003. The North Central price hit a low of $215 in October 2004 following hurricanes in the US South during the previous month that delayed building site activity. Prices rose steadily through November and December, ending the year at $315. The North Central OSB price averaged $369 in 2004 compared with $294 for 2003. North American MDF and hardwood plywood both experienced price improvement over 2003. The improvement was due to a combination of increased demand, reduced capacity and the Company's focus on specialty products. I-joist prices improved more than 10% due to strong housing starts and improved lumber markets. European OSB markets strengthened significantly during 2004. Demand continues to increase with no new capacity coming on stream in the near term, resulting in a more balanced market. European particleboard and MDF markets also strengthened in 2004 as demand from Eastern Europe improved and consolidation occurred within these sectors, particularly in Germany. |
Operations | ||||||
Production | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |
OSB (MMsf-3/8") | 3,821 | 3,402 | 2,986 | 1,800 | 1,520 | |
MDF (MMsf-3/8") | 598 | 572 | 524 | 521 | 510 | |
Particleboard (MMsf-3/8") | 616 | 586 | 560 | 565 | 706 | |
Plywood (MMsf-3/8") | 79 | 76 | 79 | 80 | 82 | |
I-joist (MM lineal ft.) | 56 | 41 | 31 | 26 | 7 |
OSB accounted for 96% of EBITDA, generating $606 million, up from $343 million in 2003. North American operations contributed 92% and Europe 8% of the 2004 total EBITDA. Net sales increased 40% or $422 million in 2004, with higher OSB prices accounting for the majority of the increase. Record North American OSB production accounted for $92 million of the increase, and acquisitions contributed $65 million. OSB accounted for 73% of total net sales in 2004 compared to 69% in 2003. OSB mill nets, net sales divided by shipments, increased 66%, benefiting from record benchmark prices in North America and significant price increases in Europe. Shipments rose 10%. Of the 359 million square feet (3/8-inch basis) increase in shipments, production improvements delivered as a result of implementing best practices at the three OSB mills acquired in 2002 and through the maturation of greenfield investments, accounted for roughly one-half of this increase. The balance is attributable to the acquisition of the Genk, Belgium mill and the additional 50% of the Bemidji, Minnesotamill not previously owned. Record EBITDA of $631 million was generated in 2004, more than 1.7 times the $365 million for the previous year. Increased production volume accounted for approximately $70 million of the improvement with the balance driven by OSB price. EBITDA margin for 2004 was 42% compared to 34% for the prior year. Nine of the 11 OSB mills established annual production records with OSB production increasing 419 million square feet (3/8-inch basis) or 12% in 2004. In addition, annual production records were set at both MDF facilities, the particleboard mill in Scotland and the I-joist plant in New Brunswick. This follows record production in 2003 when 13 of 16 facilities set annual production records. To date, Norbord has been able to largely mitigate the impact of rising energy prices through hedging and an increase in the use of alternative fuels. The increase in natural gas price has, however, begun to negatively impact the price of resin. North American production costs for OSB, net of employee profit share, have risen almost 5% over the prior year principally as a result of the increase in resin pricing. Fibre pricing increases, particularly in Minnesota and Quebec, and |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 26 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
foreign exchange have also had a negative impact on manufacturing cost. Significant gains from Norbord's Margin Improvement Program have limited the impact of these cost increases. EBITDA margins from the North American industrial panel operations averaged 13% in 2004 compared to 8% in 2003. Market-related shutdowns were taken at both North American MDF and plywood facilities during 2004 due to weaker demand. MDF production at Cowie, Scotland, rose 6% in the year due to continuous improvement on both lines. MDF costs at Cowie declined 2%, a significant achievement in light of higher energy prices. Particleboard production increased 5% over 2003 due to the addition of the particleboard line at Genk, Belgium in the fourth quarter. Depreciation expense increased $6 million in 2004 to $82 million, with $2 million due to acquisitions. Interest Interest expense of $31 million in 2004 was down from $37 million in 2003. Total long-term debt, including the current portion, decreased to $451 million at year-end 2004, down 32% from $659 million at December 31, 2003. The decrease in total long-term debt and interest expense is due to the redemption, at mid-year, of the $200 million 67/8% debentures due 2005. On redemption, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $9 million ($6 million after tax or $0.04 per share) for call premiums net of associated interest rate swap gains. The redemption was funded with cash generated from operations. The effective interest rate on Norbord's debt-related obligations, including the impact of interest rate swaps, was 5.3% at December 31, 2004, compared to 4.7% at year-end 2003. From time to time the Company recoupons its portfolio of interest rate swaps to more efficiently manage cash flow and credit exposure. In 2003 Norbord realized a gain of $23 million in respect of $375 million of interest rate swaps. Any gains realized are deferred and amortized over the remaining term of the debt against which the swaps were designated as hedges. At December 31, 2004, $43 million of gains were deferred and included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The amortization amounted to $10 million in 2004 and $11 million in 2003. Interest income in 2004 amounted to $6 million compared to $5 million in 2003. Interest income in 2004 includes $1 million from the Fraser Papers note, which was outstanding during the third quarter, with the balance from interest earned on cash and cash equivalents. 2003 includes income of $3 million from the Canfor 61/4% convertible debentures, sold in January 2004. Income Taxes A tax expense of $183 million was recorded in 2004 on pre-tax earnings from continuing operations of $515 million. The effective tax rate of 35% equates to the combined statutory rate. | |
Changes in Accounting Policy | The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Section 3110 - Asset Retirement Obligations, is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2004, and was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2004. Section 3110 requires the recognition of all legal obligations associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset. This change in accounting policy has been effected retroactively with prior periods restated to reflect the impact of the change. All asset retirement obligations recorded were in respect of landfill closure and remediation costs at Fraser Papers. Accordingly, these obligations have been classified as liabilities of discontinued operations. The cumulative effect of the change was a decrease of 2003 opening retained earnings of $3 million. The change in policy did not have a material impact on earnings in 2004 and 2003. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 27 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates
| Revenue Recognition Net sales are recognized when the risks of ownership pass to the purchaser. This is generally when goods are shipped. Sales are recorded net of freight and discounts. Sales are governed by contract or by standard industry terms. Revenue is not recognized prior to the completion of those terms. The majority of product is shipped via third-party transport on a freight-on-board shipping basis. In all cases, product is subject to quality testing to ensure it meets applicable standards prior to shipment. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, including capitalized interest. Government capital grants and investment tax credits received reduce the cost of related assets. Property, plant and equipment acquired in a business acquisition are recorded at fair value. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis. The rates of depreciation are intended to fully depreciate manufacturing and non-manufacturing assets over the following periods, which approximate their useful lives: |
Buildings | 20 to 40 years | |
Production equipment | 10 to 15 years |
| These periods are assessed from time to time to ensure that they continue to approximate the useful lives of the related assets. Future Income Taxes Future income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of assets and liabilities as well as certain carryforward items. Future income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that, in the Company's opinion, it is more likely than not that the future income tax assets will be realized. This opinion is based on certain estimates and assumptions. If these estimates or assumptions change in the future, the Company could be required to reduce or increase the value of the future income tax assets resulting in income tax expense or recovery. The Company evaluates its future income tax assets periodically. |
Financial Instruments
| Norbord uses derivative financial instruments solely for the purpose of managing its interest rate, foreign exchange and commodity price exposures, as further detailed on page 32 in the Price Sensitivities and Foreign Exchange sections. These activities are governed by Board-approved financial policies that cover risk identification, tolerance, measurement and reporting. Derivative transactions are executed only with approved high-quality counterparties under master netting agreements. Derivative contracts that are deemed to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of hedged items are designated as hedges of specific exposures and, accordingly, all gains and losses on these instruments are recognized in the same manner as the item being hedged. |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 28 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
|
Operating working capital, consisting of accounts receivable and inventory less accounts payable and accrued liabilities, at December 31, 2004 was $2 million compared to negative $6million at December 31, 2003. The Company aims to minimize the amount of capital held as operating working capital. Total working capital at December 31, 2004 was $217 including $215 in cash and cash equivalents. Norbord's net debt stood at $236 million at December 31, 2004, representing 30% of capitalization. Strong cash flow from operations has allowed the net debt to capitalization of Norbord to be reduced from 35% at December 31, 2003, while paying a special dividend of CAD $1.00 per share, acquiring an additional $98 million in panelboard assets, and completing the $500 million distribution of Fraser Papers. Net debt includes debt of $451 million less cash and cash equivalents of $215 million. During the year, the Company redeemed its $200 million 67/8% debentures due 2005 and unwound $50 million of interest rate swaps, and recorded a pre-tax charge of $9 million for call premiums net of associated interest rate swap gains. The redemption was funded with cash generated from operations. The Company's next term debt maturity is its $200 million 81/8% debentures due March 20, 2008. The $451 million term debt outstanding at year-end 2004 has an average term of 5.6 years. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $375 million (2003 - $425 million) of interest rate swaps outstanding, and 73% (2003 - 57%) of Norbord's net debt was at floating interest rates. During 2004 the Company's committed unsecured revolving bank lines were renewed with each of its commercial banks for a three-year term at a reduced total commitment to reflect the requirements of the Company following the distribution of Fraser Papers. At December 31, 2004, $6 million of the $208 million of committed bank lines were utilized for letters of credit, with the balance available to support short-term liquidity requirements. These committed bank lines mature through 2007, bear interest at money market rates plus a margin that varies with the Company's credit rating, and contain certain financial covenants that the Company must comply with on a quarterly basis. At December 31, 2004, the Company had tax operating loss carryforwards of approximately £37 million from UK operations. These losses can be carried forward indefinitely. The Company has capital losses in Canada of CAD $54 million that can be carried forward indefinitely. The Company also has approximately CAD $29 million of Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) available to reduce future Canadian tax liabilities. The ITCs expire between 2007 and 2012. The tax benefit of the ITCs on qualified fixed assets has been reflected in the financial statements as a reduction in the book value of the assets to which they relate. The loss carryforwards and the credits will be utilized over the next several years to eliminate cash taxes otherwise payable, and will enhance future cash flows. The future tax benefits of these temporary differences have been included in future income taxes in the consolidated financial statements. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 29 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Contractual | The following table summarizes Norbord's contractual obligations at December 31, 2004: | ||||||||||
Obligations | |||||||||||
Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||
Less than | One-Three | Four-Five | After Five | ||||||||
Contractual Obligations (US $ millions) | Total | One Year | Years | Years | Years | ||||||
Long-term debt | $ | 451 | $ | 1 | $ | - | $ | 200 | $ | 250 | |
Purchase obligations | 36 | 27 | 8 | 1 | - | ||||||
Operating leases | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | ||||||
Total | $ | 493 | $ | 29 | $ | 10 | $ | 202 | $ | 252 | |
Note: The above table does not include pension and post-retirement benefits plan obligations, which are discussed on page 30. | |||||||||||
Capital Investments
| Capital investments in 2004 totalled $67 million, more than double the $31 million spent in 2003. Capital investments represented 82% of depreciation in 2004. Approximately 60% of the $67 million was invested in projects to enhance profitability. The 2004 total includes $17 million invested to date at Jefferson, Texasfor an energy system. The investment will reduce fuel operating costs and maintenance. An additional $9 million will be invested by mid-2005. In 2004, the Company invested $9 million of a $10 million project to install pollution control equipment that will allow the Nacogdoches, Texasmill to increase its permitted operating capacity by approximately 20%. The project will be completed in the second quarter of 2005. The Cowie, Scotland facility invested $4 million during 2004 to expand recycling and production capacity. Prior to the acquisition of the Genk, Belgium operation, $10 million of capital investments were identified to improve profitability at the mill. Of this total, $2 million was invested in 2004. At year-end 2004 commitments to projects in progress totalled $15 million. The Company expects to invest approximately $80 million in capital during 2005. This represents close to 90% of annual depreciation expense. Approximately one-half of the capital investments in 2005 will be for productivity improvements and strategic initiatives. The remaining 50% of the spending will be for sustaining capital, maintenance and environmental. The 2005 capital will be funded with cash generated from operations. Other funding sources available include existing cash reserves. |
(US $ millions) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||||
Increased productivity | $ | 39 | $ | 12 | $ | 7 | $ | 19 | $ | 10 | |
Greenfield | - | - | - | 34 | 114 | ||||||
Environmental | 11 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 1 | ||||||
Maintenance of business | 17 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 11 | ||||||
Total | $ | 67 | $ | 31 | $ | 15 | $ | 64 | $ | 136 |
Spending is higher for 2004 and is expected to be higher in 2005 than the previous two years as the Company has taken advantage of strong earnings to accelerate higher return capital projects and to meet MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) requirements (see discussion on page 33). |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 30 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Credit Ratings
| Debt ratings within investment grade categories are a key objective of Norbord's financing strategy and provide for long-term access to public and private capital markets on attractive terms. During 2004, all three rating agencies reviewed the Company's credit ratings in connection with the distribution of Fraser Papers. Dominion Bond Rating Service reaffirmed with a stable outlook, Standard & Poor's reaffirmed with a negative outlook, and Moody's downgraded the Company one notch. Current ratings are: |
Moody's | ||||
Dominion Bond | Standard | Investors | ||
Rating Service | & Poor's | Service | ||
Debentures | BBB | BBB | Baa3 | |
Preferred shares | Pfd-3 | P-3 (high)/BB+ |
Ratings on the Company's debentures have been investment grade since 1992. | |
Defined Benefit Pension Plans |
Defined benefit pension expense for the year was $2 million (2003 - $2 million) and defined benefit employer contributions were $1 million (2003 - $1 million). Norbord's defined benefit pension plans are funded in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements. Norbord anticipates 2005 net pension expense and employer contributions will be in line with 2004 levels. The weighted average assumed return on assets is 7.8% and is based on management's best estimate of the long-term expected rate of return on plan assets, including consideration of asset mix, equity risk premium and active investment management premium. The weighted average discount rate used to value year-end 2004 accrued benefit obligations is 5.7% and is based on the market yield of high-quality corporate bonds of similar duration to the pension plan liabilities. Significant changes in assumptions, driven by changes in financial markets, asset performance different from the assumed rate of return, significant new plan enhancements, acquisitions, divestitures, changes in the regulatory environment, and the measurement uncertainty incorporated into the actuarial valuation process could materially affect Norbord's future plan assets, accrued benefit obligations, pension expense and pension contributions. |
Common Shares |
The Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program in October 2004 whereby the Company may purchase on the open market up to 7.5 million common shares, representing 5% of the total shares outstanding. Purchases may be made between November 2, 2004 and November 1, 2005. During 2004, 1.9 million shares were purchased and cancelled at a cost of $17 million. Since 1997, 17.5 million shares have been purchased and cancelled at a cost of $95 million. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 31 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Common Share Information | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||||
Shares outstanding at year-end (000s) | 149,284 | 148,198 | 144,450 | 141,561 | 140,307 | |||||
Dividends (US $ millions) | $ | 168 | $ | 43 | $ | 36 | $ | 36 | $ | 36 |
Book value (US $) | $ | 3.42 | $ | 5.79 | $ | 5.30 | $ | 5.50 | $ | 5.65 |
Market price at year-end (CAD $) | $ | 12.40 | $ | 10.85 | $ | 8.25 | $ | 7.50 | $ | 7.10 |
Dividend yield | 3.2% (1) | 3.7% | 4.8% | 5.3% | 5.6% | |||||
(1) Excludes special dividend of CAD $1.00 per share paid September 30, 2004. |
|
Dividends
|
Preferred share dividends totalled $2 million in 2004, unchanged from 2003. The Canadian prime interest rate is used to determine the dividend rate. The prime rate averaged 4.0% in 2004, down 70 basis points from 2003. Preferred share capital outstanding at year-end 2004 totalled 2.4 million shares or $38 million. |
Stock-Based Compensation
|
Shares issued under the Company's stock option plan totalled 2.8 million in 2004, generating proceeds of $17 million. Options on 1.5 million shares were exercised during 2003. Options on 2.1 million shares were outstanding at year-end 2004, with 41% vested. During the year, the exercise price on all outstanding options was decreased by CAD $5.41 to reflect the distribution of Fraser Papers (CAD $4.41) and the payment of the special dividend (CAD $1.00). The exercise price for these options is between CAD $0.72 and CAD $10.73, with expiry at various dates to 2014. |
Transactions with Related Parties
|
In 2003 the Company paid $1 million in miscellaneous fees to a party related by virtue of being under common significant influence.
|
Labour Relations | Negotiations were completed in June 2004 for a new five-year agreement with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada representing members at the La Sarre, Quebec, OSB mill. The agreement expires June 30, 2009 and provides for wage and benefit increases of $4 million over the term of the contract. The cost of the package should be partially offset by productivity gains. The collective agreement with the Teamsters Union representing approximately 130 members at the Val d'Or, Quebec mill expired December 31, 2004. Negotiations have commenced and a settlement is expected in the second quarter of 2005. The terms of the agreement are expected to be similar to the agreement ratified at the La Sarre mill. There are no labour union contracts expiring in 2005. Approximately 40% of Norbord's employees are unionized. |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 32 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Risks and Uncertainties | Norbord is exposed to a number of risks in the normal course of its business that have the potential to affect the operating performance of the Company. Major risks are discussed below. Price Sensitivities Norbord's earnings are sensitive to changes in world economic conditions, primarily in North America and Europe. Forest products markets are competitive and cyclical in nature and prices for many products are sensitive to variations in supply and demand. Based on operating at capacity, the following table shows the approximate annualized impact of changes in product prices on after-tax earnings. |
Average | ||||
Sensitivity | Impact on | Mill Nets | ||
Factor | Earnings | 4th Quarter | ||
(US $) | (US $ millions) | 2004 | ||
OSB | $10 per Msf-7/16" | $ 23 | $ 260 | |
Other panels | $10 per Msf-7/16" | 9 | 222 |
Norbord is exposed to commodity price risk on both inputs (e.g., fibre, resin and energy) and outputs (e.g., OSB and MDF), and monitors market developments in all commodity prices to which it is materially exposed. No liquid futures markets exist for the majority of Norbord's commodity inputs and outputs but, where possible, Norbord will hedge a portion of its commodity price exposure up to Board-approved limits in order to reduce the potential negative impact of rising commodity input prices and falling commodity output prices. Should Norbord decide to hedge any of this exposure, it will hedge physically with suppliers and customers and, if unfeasible, purchase financial hedges where liquid markets exist. At December 31, 2004, Norbord hedged approximately 50% of its expected natural gas consumption through March 2005, and 25% from April 2005 to June 2005, by locking in the price directly with its suppliers. Norbord also hedged most of its deregulated electricity consumption through September 2005 with the remainder at regulated prices. The majority of Norbord's energy inputs by volume are biomass, making Norbord's mills more than 60% energy self-sufficient. This ratio will increase once the Jefferson energy system project is completed in the second quarter of 2005, resulting in a 35% reduction in Norbord's North American natural gas consumption. Competition The forest products industry is a highly competitive business environment in which companies compete, to a large degree, on the basis of price. Norbord's principal market is the US where it competes with North American and, in some instances, foreign producers. Norbord's European operations compete primarily with other European producers. Certain competitors may have lower-cost facilities than Norbord. Norbord's ability to compete in these and other markets is dependent on a variety of factors such as manufacturing costs, continued free access to markets, customer service, product quality and currency exchange rates. Foreign Exchange Norbord competes within North American and European markets where product prices are significantly influenced by US dollar and Euro exchange rates. Norbord's foreign exchange exposure arises from the following sources: > Net investments in self-sustaining foreign operations, limited to Norbord's investment in its European operations, |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 33 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Norbord's policy is to hedge all significant balance sheet foreign exchange exposures. The Company may hedge a portion of foreign currency cash flows for periods up to three years in order to reduce the potential negative effect of a strengthening Canadian dollar versus the US dollar or a weakening Euro versus the British pound. In 2004 Norbord was negatively impacted by the strengthening Canadian dollar, realizing an average exchange rate, relative to the US dollar, of US $0.768 (2003 - US $0.700) on its Canadian dollar costs. There were no Canadian dollar cost hedges maturing in 2004 (2003 - CAD $28 million at US $0.637 average rate). The Euro strengthened versus the British pound from an average rate of £0.692 in 2003 to £0.678 during 2004, ending the year at £0.706. This level is considered cost competitive for British manufacturers, improving export opportunities and reducing pressure from Continental European imports. There were no Canadian dollar cost hedges or Euro revenue hedges outstanding at December31, 2004. Each US one-cent change in the value of the Canadian dollar will impact annualized after-tax earnings by approximately $1 million in 2005. Each British pound one-pence change in the value of the Euro will impact after-tax earnings by approximately £1 million in 2005. Environmental Issues Norbord's operations are subject to a range of general and industry-specific environmental laws and regulations relating to air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid and hazardous waste management, and site remediation. Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) regulations, designed to reduce hazardous air emissions, took effect in the US in 2004. The new standards apply to more than 200 mills manufacturing plywood, OSB, MDF, particleboard and other wood composite panels. Norbord's eight US operations will be fully compliant with the MACT requirement by the end of 2006, in advance of the October 1, 2007 compliance deadline. Overall compliance with MACT regulations will cost Norbord approximately $40 million, of which $28 million has already been approved for the installation of emission control equipment at the Nacogdoches, Texas, Minnesota, and New York mills. A separate MACT regulation has been approved to control the emissions of hazardous air pollutants from industrial boilers. Four Norbord operations may be affected by these regulations. However, capital requirements for compliance are not expected to be material. For more detailed information on Norbord's emission control projects, consult the Report on Environment, Health and Safety included in this annual report. Fibre Resource While Norbord does not own any timberland, it does adhere to the principles of sustainable management and to third-party certification to verify that its wood fibre is sourced from sustainable, managed forests. Norbord's wood fibre supply comes from several different sources. In the US, roundwood logs are primarily sourced from private and industry owned woodlands. The MDF mill also purchases woodchips and sawdust from local sawmills. In Europe, wood fibre is purchased from government-owned and private landowners. Fibre for OSB comes from roundwood logs, while the MDF and particleboard mills source fibre in the form of roundwood logs, woodchips, sawdust and recycled wood. Norbord's Quebec and Ontario mills purchase roundwood largely from third parties holding forestry licences on Crown land. Norbord holds forestry licences to source 841,800 cubic metres of poplar and birch from Crown timberland in Ontario and Quebec. The Crown licences require the payment of stumpage fees for the timber harvested and compliance with specified rehabilitation and silvicultural management practices. The licences cover periods ranging from 20 to 25 years and are renewed or extended every 5 years. They can be revoked or cancelled for non-performance. The licences also contain terms and conditions that |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 34 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
could, under limited circumstances, result in a reduction of annual allowable timber that may be harvested by Norbord without any compensation. The I-joist mill purchases lumber and OSB from manufacturers. Aboriginal Land Claims In July 1998, the Cree Nation in Northern Quebec launched a lawsuit against the federal and provincial governments and forest products companies operating in the region, including Norbord. The lawsuit claimed that forestry on aboriginal lands threatened the traditional Cree way of life protected under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement signed in 1974. The case was resolved February 7, 2002 outside of court, with an agreement between the Cree Nation and the Quebec government. The Agreement encompassed the management of all natural resources. Most of the changes to the Forestry Code resulting from this Agreement are now known. However, their impact cannot be fully measured until the Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks, and Wildlife approves or modifies the five-year forest management plans submitted in December 2003 by Norbord and the other harvest licence holders. The amended cutting rights will be made public after April 1, 2005. A provincial government panel has recommended a 20% reduction in the annual harvest of softwood only. While Norbord uses principally hardwood species, the Agreement is expected to affect the timber allocations and harvesting costs for Norbord's operations in Quebec. | |
Outlook for 2005 | Following a year in which US housing starts averaged a record 1.95 million, it is expected that homebuilding will be modestly lower in 2005, though well above historical averages. Housing starts have averaged 1.74 million over the past five years. The US economy is expected to remain supportive of interest rates that favour new home construction and continued strong sales of existing housing stock. The single-family segment, the single largest end-use of OSB, is forecast to account for approximately 80% of all new homes in 2005. Structural panel consumption in North America is expected to remain strong in 2005 at about 43 billion square feet - comparable to 2004. OSB constitutes approximately 60% of all structural panel usage. Additional OSB production capacity from new and existing mills will be introduced to the North American market in 2005 - estimated at 1.1 billion square feet (3/8-inch basis). Norbord's OSB production is expected to increase approximately 3% in 2005, largely as a result of capital improvement projects at its two mills in Texas and at the newly acquired mill in Belgium. All other Norbord OSB mills are expected to operate at the same or greater production levels as 2004. Value-added products are expected to account for approximately 25% of Norbord's OSB output. European demand for OSB is expected to continue growing by 10-15% in 2005. Prices strengthened significantly during 2004 and are expected to remain strong as no new production capacity is expected to be introduced in Europe until 2006. MDF markets in North America and Europe will remain competitive in 2005, largely as a result of pressures on the furniture manufacturing sector. Norbord's success in MDF will continue to be driven by its product mix, customer service levels, and its low cost manufacturing position in the United Kingdom. European particleboard demand is expected to continue at 2004 levels. Norbord's value-added kitchen component business is expected to continue growing in 2005 following a 20% growth in sales in 2004. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 35 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Summary While OSB prices likely reached a peak in 2004, market conditions are expected to remain favourable. OSB prices are forecast to remain above historical or trend levels. European panel markets are also expected to remain healthy in 2005. The Company expects to be minimally impacted by a stronger Canadian dollar. Margin improvements in 2005, planned at $33 million at constant prices and exchange rates compared with 2004, are expected to largely offset increased manufacturing costs. Cash flow from operating activities in 2005 is expected to be sufficient to fund capital investments as well as interest and dividend requirements. Undrawn committed term bank lines amounted to $202 million at December 31, 2004, and cash balances totalled $215 million, which supports short-term liquidity requirements. Public and private debt markets remain open to the Company as it continues to retain investment grade credit ratings. The Company's overall strategy is to continue building shareholder value through timely investments and operational efficiency. | |
The foregoing contains a review of developments that impacted on Norbord's performance during 2004. Forward-looking statements and estimates are also discussed. Such comments will be affected by, and involve, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied. | |
Definitions | The following non-GAAP measures have been used in this MD&A. Non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. There are no directly comparable GAAP measures to any of these measures. The following is a quantitative reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the nearest comparable GAAP measure. EBITDA is earnings from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented as a useful indicator of a company's ability to incur and service debt and meet capital expenditure requirements. Norbord interprets EBITDA trends as an indicator of relative operating performance. EBITDA margin (%) is EBITDA as a percentage of net sales. Operating working capital is accounts receivable plus inventory less accounts payable. Total working capital is operating working capital plus cash and cash equivalents. Capital employed is the sum of property, plant and equipment, operating working capital and other assets. ROCE (return on capital employed) is EBITDA divided by capital employed. ROCE is a key measurement of financial performance, focusing on cash and the efficient use of capital. ROE (return on common equity) is earnings available to common shareholders (earnings less preferred share dividends) divided by common shareholders' equity. ROE is a measure of returns provided to common shareholders. Total shareholder return assumes the reinvestment of all dividends in shares of Norbord. The shares of Fraser Papers received in the distribution are assumed to be disposed on the first day of trading with the reinvestment of the proceeds in Norbord shares. |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 36 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Net debt is long-term debt including the current portion and bank advances less cash and cash equivalents. Net debt is a useful indicator of a company's debt position. Net debt to capitalization is net debt divided by the sum of net debt and shareholders' equity. Net debt to capitalization is a key measure of a company's relative debt position. Norbord interprets this measure as an indicator of the relative strength and flexibility of its balance sheet. Book value per share is common shareholders' equity divided by common shares outstanding. |
EBITDA | ||||||||||
(US $ millions) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||||
Earnings | $ | 326 | $ | 126 | $ | 13 | $ | 12 | $ | 94 |
Less: Earnings from discontinued operations | 6 | 40 | (6) | (10) | (36) | |||||
Add: Premium on early extinguishment of debt, net | 9 | - | - | - | - | |||||
Add: Interest expense | 31 | 37 | 37 | 33 | 25 | |||||
Less: Interest and other income | (6) | (5) | (6) | (6) | (27) | |||||
Add: Income tax | 183 | 91 | (20) | (22) | 2 | |||||
Add: Depreciation | 82 | 76 | 71 | 43 | 43 | |||||
EBITDA | $ | 631 | $ | 365 | $ | 89 | $ | 50 | $ | 101 |
Capital Employed | ||||||||||
(US $ millions) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment | $ | 927 | $ | 833 | $ | 857 | $ | 657 | $ | 606 |
Accounts receivable | 150 | 115 | 84 | 63 | 65 | |||||
Inventory | 90 | 66 | 61 | 62 | 65 | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (238) | (187) | (145) | (118) | (100) | |||||
Other assets | 5 | 6 | 66 | 31 | 32 | |||||
Unrealized balance sheet hedge losses (1) | (16) | (16) | (1) | - | - | |||||
Capital employed | $ | 918 | $ | 817 | $ | 922 | $ | 695 | $ | 668 |
(1) Included in other liabilities. | ||||||||||
Net Debt | ||||||||||
(US $ millions) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||||
Long-term debt | $ | 450 | $ | 657 | $ | 658 | $ | 686 | $ | 575 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 1 | 2 | 153 | 3 | 7 | |||||
Bank advances | - | - | 1 | - | 1 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | (215) | (177) | (67) | (116) | (107) | |||||
Net debt | $ | 236 | $ | 482 | $ | 745 | $ | 573 | $ | 475 |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 37 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
> Management's responsibility for financial statements
The accompanying consolidated financial statements and all information in this annual report are the responsibility of management and have been approved by the Board of Directors.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Financial statements are not precise since they include certain amounts based upon estimates and judgements. When alternative methods exist, management has chosen those it deems to be the most appropriate in the circumstances in order to ensure that the consolidated financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. The financial information presented elsewhere in this annual report is consistent with that in the consolidated financial statements.
The Company maintains systems of internal controls, which are designed to provide reasonable assurance that accounting records are reliable and to safeguard the Company's assets.
The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting and is ultimately responsible for reviewing and approving the financial statements. The Board carries out this responsibility principally through its Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board and reviews the consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis; considers the report of the external auditors; assesses the adequacy of the internal controls of the Company; examines the fees and expenses for audit services; and recommends to the Board the independent auditors for appointment by the shareholders. The Committee reports its findings to the Board of Directors for consideration when approving the consolidated financial statements for issuance to the shareholders.
January 26, 2005
J. Barrie Shineton | John Tremayne |
President & Chief Executive Officer | Executive Vice President & |
Chief Financial Officer |
AUDITORS' REPORT | 38 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> Auditors' report
To the Shareholders of Norbord Inc. (formerly Nexfor Inc.)
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Norbord Inc. (formerly Nexfor Inc.) as at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the consolidated statements of earnings and retained earnings and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
Toronto, Canada | |
January 26, 2005 | Chartered Accountants |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 39 | CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS |
> Consolidated balance sheets
As at December 31 | ||||
(US $ millions) | 2004 | 2003 | ||
(restated - | ||||
note 2) | ||||
Assets | ||||
Current assets: | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 215 | $ | 177 |
Short-term investment (note 3) | - | 60 | ||
Accounts receivable | 150 | 115 | ||
Inventory (note 4) | 90 | 66 | ||
Assets of discontinued operations (note 12) | - | 237 | ||
Future income taxes (note 10) | 4 | 5 | ||
459 | 660 | |||
Property, plant and equipment (note 5) | 927 | 833 | ||
Other assets | 5 | 6 | ||
Assets of discontinued operations (note 12) | - | 562 | ||
Future income taxes (note 10) | - | 2 | ||
$ | 1,391 | $ | 2,063 | |
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | ||||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 238 | $ | 187 |
Liabilities of discontinued operations (note 12) | - | 125 | ||
Current portion of long-term debt (note 6) | 1 | 2 | ||
239 | 314 | |||
Long-term debt (note 6) | 450 | 657 | ||
Other liabilities (notes 7 and 14) | 52 | 59 | ||
Liabilities of discontinued operations (note 12) | - | 140 | ||
Future income taxes (note 10) | 102 | - | ||
Shareholders' equity (note 8) | 548 | 893 | ||
$ | 1,391 | $ | 2,063 | |
(See accompanying notes) | ||||
On behalf of the Board: |
K. Linn Macdonald | J. Barrie Shineton |
Chairman | President & Chief Executive Officer |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND RETAINED EARNINGS | 40 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> Consolidated statements of earnings and retained earnings
Years ended December 31 | ||||
(US $ millions, except per share information) | 2004 | 2003 | ||
Earnings | ||||
Net sales | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,064 |
Earnings from continuing operations before interest, premium on early | ||||
extinguishment of debt, income tax and depreciation | 631 | 365 | ||
Interest and other income | 6 | 5 | ||
Interest expense (note 6) | (31) | (37) | ||
Earnings from continuing operations before premium on early | ||||
extinguishment of debt, income tax and depreciation | 606 | 333 | ||
Premium on early extinguishment of debt (note 6) | (9) | - | ||
Depreciation | (82) | (76) | ||
Income tax (note 10) | (183) | (91) | ||
Earnings from continuing operations | 332 | 166 | ||
Earnings from discontinued operations (note 12) | (6) | (40) | ||
Earnings | $ | 326 | $ | 126 |
Earnings from continuing operations per common share (note 9) | ||||
- Basic | $ | 2.21 | $ | 1.12 |
- Diluted | $ | 2.19 | $ | 1.12 |
Earnings per common share (note 9) | ||||
- Basic | $ | 2.16 | $ | 0.85 |
- Diluted | $ | 2.14 | $ | 0.85 |
Retained Earnings | ||||
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 245 | $ | 167 |
Impact of change in accounting policy (note 2) | - | (3) | ||
Revised balance, beginning of year | 245 | 164 | ||
Earnings | 326 | 126 | ||
Preferred share dividends | (2) | (2) | ||
Common share dividends | (166) | (43) | ||
Repurchase of common shares (note 8) | (16) | - | ||
Balance, end of year | $ | 387 | $ | 245 |
(See accompanying notes) |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 41 | CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
> Consolidated statements of cash flows
Years ended December 31 | ||||
(US $ millions) | 2004 | 2003 | ||
Cash Provided by (Used for): | ||||
Operating Activities | ||||
Earnings from continuing operations | $ | 332 | $ | 166 |
Items not affecting cash: | ||||
Depreciation | 82 | 76 | ||
Future income taxes (note 10) | 113 | 44 | ||
Other items | 10 | (2) | ||
537 | 284 | |||
Net change in non-cash working capital balances (note 11) | 25 | (4) | ||
562 | 280 | |||
Investing Activities | ||||
Capital investments | (67) | (31) | ||
Acquisitions (note 13) | (98) | - | ||
Collection of note receivable (note 12) | 83 | - | ||
Sale of short-term investment (note 3) | 60 | - | ||
Other | (37) | (4) | ||
(59) | (35) | |||
Financing Activities | ||||
Repurchase of 67/8% debentures (note 6) | �� | (200) | - | |
Repayment of 71/2% debentures (note 6) | - | (150) | ||
Premium on early extinguishment of debt (note 6) | (9) | - | ||
Other debt repaid (notes 6 and 11) | (9) | (4) | ||
Dividends | (168) | (31) | ||
Realized interest rate swap gain (note 6) | - | 23 | ||
Issue of common shares (note 8) | 17 | 8 | ||
Repurchase of common shares (note 8) | (17) | - | ||
(386) | (154) | |||
Increase in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations | 117 | 91 | ||
Cash distributed with Fraser Papers (note 12) | (30) | - | ||
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations (note 12) | - | 45 | ||
Increase (decrease) in cash from discontinued operations (note 12) | (49) | (26) | ||
Increase in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 38 | $ | 110 |
Cash and cash equivalents comprise: | ||||
Cash | $ | 11 | $ | 19 |
Cash equivalents | 204 | 158 | ||
$ | 215 | $ | 177 | |
(See accompanying notes) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 42 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> Notes to the consolidated financial statements
(in millions of US dollars, except per share information)
In these notes "Norbord" means Norbord Inc. (formerly Nexfor Inc.) and all of its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, and "Company" means Norbord Inc. as a separate corporation. | ||
Note 1. Accounting Policies |
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. On June 30, 2004, the Company completed the distribution of its paper and timberlands business (Fraser Papers) to its common shareholders. Concurrent with this distribution, Nexfor Inc. was renamed Norbord Inc. In accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the assets, liabilities, net sales, expenses and cash flows relating to Fraser Papers have been reclassified as discontinued operations (note 12). Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses during a period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and investment grade money market securities and bank term deposits with maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates market value. Inventories Inventories of raw materials and operating and maintenance supplies are valued at the lower of cost and replacement cost, with cost determined on an average cost basis. Inventories of finished goods are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost determined on an average cost basis. Cost includes direct material, direct labour and an allocation of overhead. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis. The rates of depreciation are intended to fully depreciate the assets over the following periods, which approximate their useful lives: | |
Buildings | 20 to 40 years | |
Production equipment | 10 to 15 years | |
Interest is capitalized on major capital projects during construction. Costs, net of revenues, incurred during the start-up period of major capital projects are deferred as other assets and amortized over the early productive life of the project. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 43 | NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Employee Future Benefits Norbord sponsors various defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, which cover substantially all employees and are funded in accordance with applicable plan and regulatory requirements. The benefits under Norbord's defined benefit pension plans are generally based on an employee's length of service and the final five years' average salary, and the plans do not provide for indexation of benefit payments. Norbord also provides non-pension post-retirement benefits to certain eligible retirees, consisting of medical and dental benefits, which are funded on a pay-as-you-go basis. The measurement date for all defined benefit plans is December 31. The obligations associated with Norbord's defined benefit plans are actuarially valued using the projected unit credit method pro rated on services, management's best estimate assumptions for expected investment performance, salary escalation, health care cost trend rates, and a current market discount rate. For the purpose of calculating the expected return on plan assets, those assets are measured at fair value. Prior service costs related to plan amendments and transitional assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average remaining service lives (EARSL) of the employee groups. The net actuarial gains or losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the accrued benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over EARSL. Revenue Recognition Net sales are recognized when the risks of ownership pass to the purchaser. This is generally when goods are shipped. Sales are recorded net of freight and discounts. Stock Options The Company accounts for stock options using the fair value method. Under the fair value method, compensation expense for options is measured at the grant date using an option pricing model and recognized in earnings on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Income Taxes The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Accordingly, future tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Future tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. In addition, the effect on future tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the year that includes the enactment or substantive enactment date. Translation of Foreign Currencies The accounts of subsidiaries having a functional currency other than the US dollar are translated using the current rate method. Gains or losses on translation are deferred and shown as a separate item in shareholders' equity. Gains or losses on foreign currency-denominated balances and transactions that are designated as hedges of investments in these subsidiaries are reported in the same manner as translation adjustments. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than an entity's functional currency are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at year-end. Gains or losses on translation of these items are included in the consolidated statement of earnings. Gains or losses on transactions that hedge these items are also included in the consolidated statement of earnings. Gains or losses on transactions that serve to hedge future foreign currency-denominated cash flows are recognized at their settlement dates and are included in cost of sales. |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 44 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Financial Instruments The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments solely to manage its foreign currency, interest rate, and commodity price exposures in the ordinary course of business. Derivatives are not used for trading or speculative purposes. All hedging relationships, risk management objectives, and hedging strategies are formally documented and periodically assessed to ensure the changes in the value of these derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair values or cash flows of the hedged exposures. Accordingly, all gains and losses (realized and unrealized, as applicable) on such derivatives are recognized in the same manner as gains and losses on the underlying exposure being hedged. Any resulting carrying amounts are included in other assets if there is an unrealized gain on the derivative or other liabilities if there is an unrealized loss on the derivative. The carrying value of financial instruments approximates fair value, except where disclosed in these notes. Fair values disclosed are determined using actual quoted market prices or, if not available, indicative prices based on similar publicly traded instruments. The fair value of derivative financial instruments reflects the estimated amount that the Company would have paid or received if forced to settle all outstanding contracts at year-end. This fair value represents a point-in-time estimate that may not be relevant in predicting the Company's future earnings or cash flows. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by its derivatives counterparties. However, the Company's Board-approved financial policies require that derivative transactions be executed only with approved highly rated counterparties under master netting agreements, and therefore the Company does not anticipate any non-performance. | |
Note 2. Change in Accounting Policy | Effective January 1, 2004, the Company adopted the new accounting recommendations of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants for the recognition and disclosure of obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. This change in accounting policy has been effected retroactively with prior periods restated to reflect the impact of the change. All asset retirement obligations recorded were in respect of landfill closure and remediation costs at Fraser Papers. Accordingly, these obligations have been classified as liabilities of discontinued operations. The cumulative effect of the change was a decrease of 2003 opening retained earnings of $3. The change in policy did not materially impact earnings in 2004 and 2003. |
Note 3. Short-Term Investment | During the first quarter of 2004, a convertible subordinated debenture of Canfor Corporation, with a face value of CAD $78, was sold for proceeds of $60 (CAD $78), net of expenses.
|
Note 4. | 2004 | 2003 | |||
Inventory | Raw materials | $ | 28 | $ | 22 |
Finished goods | 27 | 21 | |||
Operating and maintenance supplies | 35 | 23 | |||
$ | 90 | $ | 66 |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 45 | NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Note 5. | Accumulated | Net Book Value | |||||||
Property, Plant | Cost | Depreciation | 2004 | 2003 | |||||
and Equipment | Buildings | $ | 242 | $ | 78 | $ | 164 | $ | 168 |
Production equipment | 1,339 | 576 | 763 | 665 | |||||
$ | 1,581 | $ | 654 | $ | 927 | $ | 833 | ||
Included in property, plant and equipment is construction in progress of $36 (2003 - $7) and net capitalized interest of $10 (2003 - $12). | |||||||||
Note 6. | 2004 | 2003 | |||||||
Long-Term Debt | 67/8% debentures due 2005 | $ | - | $ | 200 | ||||
81/8% debentures due 2008 | 200 | 200 | |||||||
71/4% debentures due 2012 | 250 | 250 | |||||||
Other debt | 1 | 9 | |||||||
451 | 659 | ||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | (1) | (2) | |||||||
$ | 450 | $ | 657 |
Maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2004, are: 2005 - $1; 2006 - nil; 2007 - nil; 2008 - $200; 2009 - nil; and subsequent - $250. During the year, the Company redeemed its outstanding 67/8% debentures due 2005 and unwound $50 of interest rate swaps. The premium paid on repurchase, net of the recognition of gains on interest rate swaps, was $9. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $375 (2003 - $425) of interest rate swaps outstanding. The terms of these swaps correspond to the terms of the underlying debentures. In 2003, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements of $50 that effectively convert the interest expense on a portion of designated debentures to floating rates. In addition, interest rate swap agreements of $150 matured during 2003. In 2003, the Company realized a gain of $23 in respect of $375 of interest rate swaps. These gains are being deferred and amortized over the remaining term of the debt against which these swaps were designated as hedges. These swaps were replaced with new swaps of $375 that effectively convert a portion of the Company's interest expense from fixed rates to floating rates. Norbord has committed unsecured revolving bank lines of $208. These bank lines mature in 2007, bear interest at money market rates plus a margin that varies with the Company's credit rating, and contain certain financial covenants that the Company must comply with on a quarterly basis. At December 31, 2004, $6 of these lines were utilized for letters of credit, with the balance available to support short-term liquidity requirements. The effective interest rate on Norbord's debt-related obligations including the impact of the interest rate swaps is 5.3% at December 31, 2004 (2003 - 4.7%). The aggregate fair value of Norbord's debt is $472, consisting of debt of $502 and gains on interest rate swaps of $30. Interest expense on long-term debt for the year, including the impact of interest rate swaps, was $31 (2003 - $37). Total interest paid during the year was $49 (2003 - $50) including $12 of call premiums paid on the redemption of the 67/8% debentures. |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 46 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Note 7. | 2004 | 2003 | |||
Other Liabilities | Deferred interest rate swap gains | $ | 28 | $ | 37 |
Unrealized fair value hedge losses | 15 | 15 | |||
Accrued pension and post-retirement benefits (note 14) | 4 | 3 | |||
Other liabilities | 5 | 4 | |||
$ | 52 | $ | 59 | ||
The unrealized fair value hedge losses are offset by unrealized gains on the underlying exposures being hedged. | |||||
Note 8. | 2004 | 2003 | |||
Shareholders' | Capital stock: | ||||
Equity | 2,400,000 Class A preferred shares Series I | $ | 38 | $ | 38 |
149,283,888 common shares (2003 - 148,198,305) | 118 | 605 | |||
Retained earnings | 387 | 245 | |||
Cumulative translation adjustment | 5 | 5 | |||
$ | 548 | $ | 893 |
As at December 31, 2004, the authorized capital stock of the Company is as follows: - Class A preferred shares, an unlimited number; 20,000,000 Series 1, bearing dividends at 72% of prime plus an adjustment factor (currently 28% of prime), cumulative and redeemable at issue price. Summary of common share transactions: |
2004 | 2003 | ||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||||
Balance, beginning of year | 148,198,305 | $ | 605 | 144,449,875 | $ | 583 | |
Return of capital | - | (503) | - | - | |||
Dividend reinvestment plan | 172,058 | - | 2,261,030 | 14 | |||
Issue of common shares | 2,816,325 | 17 | 1,487,400 | 8 | |||
Repurchase of common shares | (1,902,800) | (1) | - | - | |||
Balance, end of year | 149,283,888 | $ | 118 | 148,198,305 | $ | 605 |
The Company declared a special dividend of CAD $1.00 per common share, which was paid on September 30, 2004 to shareholders of record on September 20, 2004. The distribution of the Company's interest in Fraser Papers reduced shareholders' equity by $503 by way of a reduction of common stock. The distribution was accounted for as a return of capital (note 12). Under the Company's stock option plan, the Board of Directors of the Company may issue stock options to certain directors and employees of Norbord. These options vest over a 5-year period and expire 10 years from the date of issue. Included in cost of sales is $1 (2003 - $1) related to these options. During the year, the exercise price on all outstanding options was decreased by CAD $5.41 to reflect the distribution of Fraser Papers (CAD $4.41) and the payment of the special dividend (CAD $1.00). All options exercised were settled through the issuance of common shares. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 47 | NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
The following table summarizes the changes in options outstanding during the year: | |||||||||
2004 | 2003 | ||||||||
Weighted | Weighted | ||||||||
Average | Average | ||||||||
Exercise | Exercise | ||||||||
Shares | Price (CAD $) | Shares | Price (CAD $) | ||||||
Balance, beginning of year | 4,537,325 | $ | 7.84 | 5,071,950 | $ | 7.63 | |||
Options granted | 788,000 | 11.30 | 1,074,375 | 7.94 | |||||
Options exercised | (2,816,325) | 7.19 | (1,487,400) | 7.22 | |||||
Exercise price adjustment | (5.41) | - | |||||||
Options cancelled | (443,300) | 3.99 | (121,600) | 7.85 | |||||
Balance, end of year | 2,065,700 | $ | 3.61 | 4,537,325 | $ | 7.84 | |||
Exercisable at year-end | 846,812 | $ | 2.54 | 1,787,070 | $ | 7.92 | |||
The following table summarizes the weighted average exercise prices and the weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding at December 31, 2004: | |||||||||
Options Outstanding | Options Vested | ||||||||
Weighted | |||||||||
Average | Weighted | Weighted | |||||||
Remaining | Average | Average | |||||||
Range of Exercise | Contractual | Exercise | Exercise | ||||||
Prices (CAD $) | Shares | Life | Price (CAD $) | Shares | Price (CAD $) | ||||
$0.72 | 40,700 | 4.1 | $ | 0.72 | 40,700 | $ | 0.72 | ||
$1.49-$2.32 | 362,300 | 6.5 | 1.63 | 193,380 | 1.54 | ||||
$2.54-$3.79 | 1,116,000 | 6.2 | 2.85 | 604,532 | 2.95 | ||||
$4.26-$5.83 | 446,700 | 8.9 | 5.81 | 8,200 | 4.50 | ||||
$10.73 | 100,000 | 9.5 | 10.73 | - | - | ||||
2,065,700 | 7.0 | $ | 3.61 | 846,812 | $ | 2.54 |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 48 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Note 9. | Earnings per common share is calculated as follows: | ||||
Earnings per | |||||
Common Share | 2004 | 2003 | |||
Earnings from continuing operations available to common shareholders: | |||||
Earnings from continuing operations | $ | 332 | $ | 166 | |
Less: Preferred share dividends | (2) | (2) | |||
$ | 330 | $ | 164 | ||
Earnings available to common shareholders: | |||||
Earnings | $ | 326 | $ | 126 | |
Less: Preferred share dividends | (2) | (2) | |||
$ | 324 | $ | 124 | ||
Common shares (millions): | |||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | 149.8 | 145.7 | |||
Stock options | 1.2 | 0.3 | |||
Diluted number of common shares | 151.0 | 146.0 | |||
Earnings from continuing operations per common share: | |||||
Basic | $ | 2.21 | $ | 1.12 | |
Diluted | $ | 2.19 | $ | 1.12 | |
Earnings per common share: | |||||
Basic | $ | 2.16 | $ | 0.85 | |
Diluted | $ | 2.14 | $ | 0.85 |
Stock options issued under the Company's stock option plan (note 8) are included in the calculation of diluted number of common shares to the extent the exercise price of those options is less than the average market price of the Company's common shares during the year. | |
Note 10. Income Taxes | Future income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows: |
2004 | 2003 | ||||
Current income tax expense | $ | 70 | $ | 47 | |
Future income tax expense | 113 | 44 | |||
Income tax expense | $ | 183 | $ | 91 |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 49 | NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
The differences between income taxes computed using statutory tax rates and income tax as recorded are as follows: | |||||
2004 | 2003 | ||||
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax | $ | 515 | $ | 257 | |
Income tax expense at combined statutory rates | 172 | 91 | |||
Effect of: | |||||
Rate differences on foreign activities | 7 | (8) | |||
Large corporations tax and other | 4 | 8 | |||
Income tax expense | $ | 183 | $ | 91 | |
The income tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to future income taxes are as follows: | |||||
2004 | 2003 | ||||
Benefit of tax loss-carryforwards | $ | 32 | $ | 109 | |
Investment tax credits | 15 | 24 | |||
Alternative minimum taxes paid | 1 | 6 | |||
Post-employment benefits | 1 | (1) | |||
Other future income tax liabilities | (9) | (6) | |||
Property, plant and equipment | (138) | (125) | |||
Future income taxes, net | $ | (98) | $ | 7 | |
Represented by: | |||||
Current future income tax asset | $ | 4 | $ | 5 | |
Long-term future income tax asset | - | 2 | |||
Long-term future income tax liability | (102) | - | |||
$ | (98) | $ | 7 | ||
Income and income-related taxes of $72 (2003 - $9) were paid during the year. |
Note 11. | The net change in non-cash working capital balances comprises: | ||||
Change in | |||||
Non-Cash | 2004 | 2003 | |||
Working Capital | Cash provided by (used for): | ||||
Accounts receivable | $ | (7) | $ | (17) | |
Inventory | (11) | (3) | |||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 43 | 16 | |||
$ | 25 | $ | (4) | ||
Changes in bank advances and current portion of long-term debt are included in other debt repaid. |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 50 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Note 12. Discontinued Operations
| On June 30, 2004, the Company completed the distribution of its paper and timberlands business (Fraser Papers) to its common shareholders. Results of Fraser Papers have been included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows up to the date of distribution. The December 31, 2003 consolidated balance sheet includes assets and liabilities relating to Fraser Papers. Following the distribution, Norbord held an $83 note payable from Fraser Papers. On September 30, 2004, the note was repaid. Norbord continues to provide certain administrative services on an interim basis to Fraser Papers for a fee. To date, the fee for these administrative services is less than $1. In addition, Norbord continues to guarantee certain obligations of Fraser Papers under letters of credit, operating lease commitments, purchase commitments, landfill closure commitments, and commodity hedging contracts. The maximum potential amount of future payments that Norbord could be required to make under these obligations is estimated to be $84. This estimate excludes the amount of potential future payments related to guarantees of derivative contracts that cannot be quantified due to their nature. No amounts have been recorded in the consolidated balance sheet with respect to these guarantees. Fraser Papers has committed to use its best efforts to remove Norbord from these guarantees and has agreed to provide letters of credit or other acceptable collateral to secure any guarantees that remain outstanding on December 27, 2005. As security for these ongoing financial commitments to Fraser Papers, Norbord, in addition to another Fraser Papers creditor, has the right, at any time, to require Fraser Papers to provide a fixed first charge security interest over Fraser Papers' timberlands and manufacturing facilities. The Company's share of the estimated proceeds from liquidation of this security would be sufficient to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantees. During 2003, the Company sold two sawmills located in Quebec. Total proceeds from the sale were $45, consisting of $38 for fixed assets and $7 for working capital. The after-tax gain on the sale of these operations is $12. The results of these two sawmills have been included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of earnings and cash flows until the time of sale. Earnings from discontinued operations include the following: |
2004 | 2003 | ||||
Net sales | $ | 478 | $ | 915 | |
Pre-tax earnings | (9) | (82) |
Note 13. Acquisitions
| In September 2004, Norbord acquired OSB and particleboard assets at Genk, Belgium at a cost of $64. The full purchase price was allocated to property, plant and equipment. In March 2004, Norbord acquired a 50% interest in Northwood Panelboard Company (Northwood), bringing Norbord's ownership interest to 100%. Northwood operates an oriented strand board plant at Bemidji, Minnesota. The purchase price, net of cash acquired of $2, was allocated $28 to property, plant and equipment, and $6 to working capital. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 51 | NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Note 14. Employee Benefit Plans
| Pension Plans Norbord has a number of pension plans, participation in which is available to substantially all employees. Norbord's obligations under its defined benefit pension plans are determined periodically through the preparation of actuarial valuations, which are generally required every three years. The most recent actuarial valuation was conducted as of December 31, 2003. The date of the next required valuation is December 31, 2006, and Norbord may choose to perform an actuarial valuation at an earlier date. Information about the defined benefit pension plans is as follows: |
2004 | 2003 | ||||
Change in Accrued Benefit Obligation During the Year: | |||||
Accrued benefit obligation, beginning of year | $ | 44 | $ | 30 | |
Employee contributions | 1 | 1 | |||
Current service cost | 2 | 2 | |||
Interest on accrued benefit obligation | 3 | 3 | |||
Benefits paid | (3) | (2) | |||
Net actuarial loss | - | 3 | |||
Plan amendment | 1 | - | |||
Foreign currency exchange rate impact | 3 | 7 | |||
Accrued benefit obligation, end of year (1) | $ | 51 | $ | 44 | |
Change in Plan Assets During the Year: | |||||
Plan assets, beginning of year | $ | 35 | $ | 23 | |
Actual return on plan assets | 3 | 5 | |||
Employer contributions | 1 | 1 | |||
Employee contributions | 1 | 1 | |||
Benefits paid | (3) | (2) | |||
Foreign currency exchange rate impact | 2 | 7 | |||
Plan assets, end of year (1) | $ | 39 | $ | 35 | |
Reconciliation of Funded Status: | |||||
Accrued benefit obligation | $ | 51 | $ | 44 | |
Plan assets | 39 | 35 | |||
Accrued benefit obligation in excess of plan assets | (12) | (9) | |||
Unamortized net actuarial loss | 14 | 13 | |||
Unamortized prior service costs | 2 | - | |||
Unamortized net transitional asset | (6) | (6) | |||
Net accrued benefit liability | (2) | (2) | |||
Recorded in: | |||||
Other liabilities | $ | (2) | $ | (2) | |
(1) All plans have accrued benefit obligations in excess of plan assets. |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 52 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
2004 | 2003 | ||||
Components of Net Pension Expense: | |||||
Current service cost | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | |
Interest on accrued benefit obligation | 3 | 3 | |||
Actual return on plan assets | (3) | (5) | |||
Net actuarial loss | - | 3 | |||
Prior service costs | 1 | - | |||
Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets | - | 2 | |||
Difference between actual and recognized net actuarial loss | - | (3) | |||
Difference between actual and recognized prior service costs | (1) | - | |||
Net periodic pension expense | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | |
Significant Weighted Average Actuarial Assumptions: | |||||
Used in calculation of net periodic pension expense for the year: | |||||
Discount rate | 5.9% | 6.4% | |||
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 7.8% | 7.9% | |||
Rate of compensation increase | 3.7% | 3.8% | |||
Used in calculation of accrued benefit obligation, end of year: | |||||
Discount rate | 5.7% | 5.9% | |||
Rate of compensation increase | 3.7% | 3.7% | |||
The weighted average asset allocation of Norbord's defined benefit pension plan assets is as follows: | |||||
Asset category: | |||||
Equity investments | 70% | 70% | |||
Fixed income investments | 30% | 30% | |||
Total assets | 100% | 100% |
Operating costs include $6 (2003 - $5) related to contributions to Norbord's defined contribution pension plans. Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Norbord funds health care benefit costs on a pay-as-you-go basis. Norbord's obligations under its post-retirement benefit plan are determined periodically through actuarial valuations. At December 31, 2004, the accrued benefit obligation related to this plan was $4 (2003 - $3) and the net accrued liability was $2 (2003 - $1). During the year, nil (2003 - nil) was included in operating costs related to this plan. Post-Employment Benefits Operating costs include $1 (2003 - $2) related to severance payments. | |
Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies | Foreign Exchange Hedges The Company has entered into forward foreign exchange contracts of £20 (2003 - £33) and €54 (2003 - nil), and cross-currency interest rate swaps of £125 (2003 - £125), which are designated as hedges against its net investments in Europe. During the year, the Company realized a loss of $39 (2003 - $13) on its matured net investment hedges, and at year-end, the Company had an unrealized loss of $16 (2003 - $16) on its outstanding net investment hedges. These realized and unrealized losses are offset by realized and unrealized gains on the net investments being hedged. In addition, the Company has entered into forward foreign exchange contracts of CAD $43 (2003 - CAD $70), which are designated as a hedge against certain Canadian dollar-denominated |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 53 | NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
monetary liabilities. During the year, the Company realized a loss of $1 (2003 - gain of $3) on its matured monetary liability hedges, and at year-end, the Company had an unrealized gain of $1 (2003 - $1) on these hedges outstanding. These realized and unrealized gains are offset by realized and unrealized losses on the monetary liabilities being hedged. Other The Company received tax advice and a tax ruling on certain tax matters related to the distribution of Fraser Papers (note 12). There can be no assurance that tax authorities will not challenge various tax filing positions taken by the Company. Such a challenge could result in an income tax and/or a withholding tax liability. In addition to the foregoing, the Company is subject to various additional uncertainties concerning the interpretation and application of tax laws in operating jurisdictions that could affect the Company's cash flows. Norbord has provided certain commitments and indemnifications, including those related to former businesses. The maximum amounts from many of these items cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. However, in certain circumstances, Norbord has recourse against other parties to mitigate the risk of loss. Norbord has entered into various commitments for capital expenditures and the future supply of operating services and materials. Commitments under operating leases at December 31, 2004, are: 2005 - $1; 2006 - $1; 2007 - $1; 2008 - $1; 2009 - nil; and subsequent - $2. | |
Note 16. Related Party Transactions | In 2004, the Company provided certain administrative services to Fraser Papers (note 12), a party related by virtue of being under common significant influence. In 2003, the Company paid $1 in miscellaneous fees to a party related by virtue of being under common significant influence. |
Note 17. Significant Differences in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Canada and the United States | These consolidated financial statements vary in certain respects from financial statements prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP). Application of US GAAP would have affected the financial position and earnings of Norbord as set out below: | |||||
2004 | 2003 | |||||
Adjusted Balance Sheet Accounts | ||||||
Other assets (2) (4) (7) | $ | 36 | $ | 43 | ||
Assets of discontinued operations, net (1) (2) (4) | - | 463 | ||||
Future income taxes, asset | - | 5 | ||||
Long-term debt (7) | 480 | 698 | ||||
Other liabilities (4) | 54 | 59 | ||||
Future income taxes, liability | 98 | - | ||||
Shareholders' equity | 547 | 824 | ||||
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 54 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
2004 | 2003 | ||||
Adjustments to Earnings | |||||
Earnings in accordance with Canadian GAAP | $ | 326 | $ | 126 | |
Provision for paper and pulp operations (1) (8) | 1 | 1 | |||
Capitalized start-up costs (2) (8) | 6 | 1 | |||
Income taxes relating to above adjustments | (2) | (1) | |||
Earnings in accordance with US GAAP | 331 | 127 | |||
Change in cumulative translation adjustment (3) | - | (6) | |||
Minimum pension liability adjustment (4) | - | 6 | |||
Unrealized gain on foreign exchange contracts (5) | - | 1 | |||
Income taxes on comprehensive income items | - | (2) | |||
Comprehensive earnings in accordance with US GAAP | $ | 331 | $ | 126 | |
Earnings per common share (6) - Basic | $ | 2.20 | $ | 0.86 | |
- Diluted | $ | 2.18 | $ | 0.86 | |
Adjustments to Shareholders' Equity | |||||
Shareholders' equity in accordance with Canadian GAAP | $ | 548 | $ | 893 | |
Adjustments affecting opening shareholders' equity | |||||
Provision for paper and pulp operations (1) (8) | (13) | (14) | |||
Capitalized start-up costs (2) (8) | (20) | (21) | |||
Future income tax on adjustments | 12 | 13 | |||
Current year adjustment to earnings | 5 | 1 | |||
Increase in charge to share capital on distribution of Fraser Papers | 16 | - | |||
Cumulative comprehensive loss related to minimum pension liability (4) | (1) | (48) | |||
Shareholders' equity in accordance with US GAAP | $ | 547 | $ | 824 | |
(1) Under US GAAP, the estimated future cash flows used to determine the recoverability of the paper and pulp assets must exclude carrying charges. In addition, the provision against these operations was determined by discounting the cash flows and comparing them to carrying costs of those assets. (2) Under US GAAP, costs incurred net of revenues earned during the start-up of a new production facility must be charged to earnings in the year incurred. (3) Under US GAAP, foreign exchange gains and losses on translation of self-sustaining foreign operations are included in the determination of comprehensive income. Under Canadian GAAP, such gains and losses are included as a separate component of shareholders' equity referred to as cumulative translation adjustment. (4) US GAAP requires the recognition of a minimum additional pension liability in the amount of the excess of the Company's unfunded accumulated benefits obligation over the recorded pension benefits liability. An off-setting intangible pension asset is recorded equal to the unrecognized prior service costs, with any difference included in the determination of comprehensive income. (5) Under US GAAP, foreign exchange contracts which serve as an economic hedge of future foreign currency-denominated transactions must be carried at fair value with the unrealized gains or losses for the period included in the determination of comprehensive income. (6) Earnings per common share under US GAAP is calculated based on earnings in accordance with US GAAP. (7) US GAAP requires a company to recognize all of its derivative instruments, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, on the balance sheet at fair value. The Company has designated certain interest rate swaps as fair value hedges. (8) As a result of differences in the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and other assets under Canadian and US GAAP, there is a difference in depreciation and amortization expenses. (9) Certain income statement subtotals are not allowed under US GAAP. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 55 | NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Note 18. | Following the distribution of Fraser Papers (note 12), the Company has a single reportable segment. Norbord operates principally in the United States, Europe and Canada. Geographic Segments Net sales by geographic segment are determined based on the origin of shipment and therefore include export sales. | ||||||||
Segmented | |||||||||
Information | |||||||||
Property, Plant | |||||||||
Net Sales | and Equipment | ||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||
United States | $ | 851 | $ | 582 | $ | 556 | $ | 527 | |
Europe | 353 | 265 | 304 | 238 | |||||
Canada | 282 | 217 | 67 | 68 | |||||
Consolidated total | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,064 | $ | 927 | $ | 833 |
SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION | 56 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> Selected quarterly information
2004 | ||||||||||
(in US $ millions, except per share information) | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Total | |||||
Earnings | ||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 348 | $ | 439 | $ | 364 | $ | 335 | $ | 1,486 |
Earnings from continuing operations before interest, | ||||||||||
premium on early extinguishment of debt, taxes | ||||||||||
and depreciation | 155 | 231 | 156 | 89 | 631 | |||||
Interest and other income | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | |||||
Interest expense | (8) | (9) | (8) | (6) | (31) | |||||
Earnings from continuing operations before premium | ||||||||||
on early extinguishment of debt, taxes and depreciation | 148 | 223 | 150 | 85 | 606 | |||||
Premium on early extinguishment of debt | - | - | (9) | - | (9) | |||||
Depreciation | (19) | (20) | (21) | (22) | (82) | |||||
Income tax | (42) | (76) | (43) | (22) | (183) | |||||
Earnings from continuing operations | 87 | 127 | 77 | 41 | 332 | |||||
Earnings from discontinued operations | (6) | - | - | - | (6) | |||||
Earnings | $ | 81 | $ | 127 | $ | 77 | $ | 41 | $ | 326 |
Earnings from continuing operations per common share | ||||||||||
- Basic | $ | 0.59 | $ | 0.85 | $ | 0.51 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 2.21 |
- Diluted | $ | 0.59 | $ | 0.84 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 2.19 |
Earnings per common share | ||||||||||
- Basic | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.85 | $ | 0.51 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 2.16 |
- Diluted | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.84 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 2.14 |
Common dividend per share | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.87 | $ | 1.10 |
Cash provided by operating activities per share | $ | 0.38 | $ | 1.78 | $ | 0.88 | $ | 0.71 | $ | 3.75 |
Return on capital employed | 69% | 97% | 74% | 39% | 73% | |||||
Net debt | $ | 445 | $ | 213 | $ | 143 | $ | 236 | ||
Net debt to capitalization | 31% | 16% | 21% | 30% |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 57 | SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION |
2003 | ||||||||||
(in US $ millions, except per share information) | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Total | |||||
Earnings | ||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 191 | $ | 224 | $ | 303 | $ | 346 | $ | 1,064 |
Earnings from continuing operations before interest, | ||||||||||
premium on early extinguishment of debt, taxes | ||||||||||
and depreciation | 29 | 56 | 124 | 156 | 365 | |||||
Interest and other income | 1 | 2 | - | 2 | 5 | |||||
Interest expense | (9) | (10) | (10) | (8) | (37) | |||||
Earnings from continuing operations before premium | ||||||||||
on early extinguishment of debt, taxes and depreciation | 21 | 48 | 114 | 150 | 333 | |||||
Premium on early extinguishment of debt | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
Depreciation | (18) | (19) | (19) | (20) | (76) | |||||
Income tax | 3 | (9) | (32) | (53) | (91) | |||||
Earnings from continuing operations | 6 | 20 | 63 | 77 | 166 | |||||
Earnings from discontinued operations | (5) | (20) | (9) | (6) | (40) | |||||
Earnings | $ | 1 | $ | - | $ | 54 | $ | 71 | $ | 126 |
Earnings from continuing operations per common share | ||||||||||
- Basic | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.52 | $ | 1.12 |
- Diluted | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.52 | $ | 1.12 |
Earnings per common share | ||||||||||
- Basic | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 0.37 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.85 |
- Diluted | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 0.37 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.85 |
Common dividend per share | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.29 |
Cash provided by operating activities per share | $ | (0.09) | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.58 | $ | 1.25 | $ | 1.92 |
Return on capital employed | 13% | 25% | 53% | 73% | 43% | |||||
Net debt | $ | 800 | $ | 755 | $ | 690 | $ | 482 | ||
Net debt to capitalization | 50% | 49% | 45% | 35% |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 58 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> Six-year historical review
(in US $ millions, except per share information) | 2004 | 2003 | ||
Earnings | ||||
Net sales | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,064 |
Earnings from continuing operations before interest, premium on early | ||||
extinguishment of debt, taxes and depreciation | 631 | 365 | ||
Interest and other income (1) | 6 | 5 | ||
Interest expense | (31) | (37) | ||
Earnings from continuing operations before premium on early | ||||
extinguishment of debt, taxes and depreciation | 606 | 333 | ||
Premium on early extinguishment of debt | (9) | - | ||
Depreciation | (82) | (76) | ||
Income tax | (183) | (91) | ||
Earnings from continuing operations | 332 | 166 | ||
Earnings from discontinued operations (2) | (6) | (40) | ||
Earnings | $ | 326 | $ | 126 |
Balance Sheet | ||||
Current assets | $ | 459 | $ | 660 |
Property, plant and equipment | 927 | 833 | ||
Other assets | 5 | 570 | ||
Total assets | $ | 1,391 | $ | 2,063 |
Current liabilities | $ | 239 | $ | 314 |
Long-term debt | 450 | 657 | ||
Other liabilities | 52 | 199 | ||
Future income taxes | 102 | - | ||
Shareholders' equity | 548 | 893 | ||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 1,391 | $ | 2,063 |
Cash Flow | ||||
Cash provided by operating activities | $ | 562 | $ | 280 |
Capital investments | (67) | (31) | ||
Acquisitions and other investing activities | 8 | (4) | ||
Debt incurred (repaid) | (218) | (154) | ||
Dividends | (168) | (31) | ||
Issue (repurchase) of shares | - | 8 | ||
Other | - | 23 | ||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations | 117 | 91 | ||
Increase (decrease) in cash from discontinued operations (2) | (79) | 19 | ||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 38 | $ | 110 |
Per Common Share | ||||
Earnings - Basic | $ | 2.16 | $ | 0.85 |
- Diluted | 2.14 | 0.85 | ||
Book value | 3.42 | 5.79 | ||
Dividends | 1.10 | 0.29 | ||
Market price range (CAD $) | ||||
High | 16.43 | 11.24 | ||
Low | 10.18 | 7.01 | ||
Close | 12.40 | 10.85 |
Note: Certain figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.
(1) Includes results of operations sold prior to 2003 totalling $63 in 1999 and nil for all other years shown.
(2) Discontinued operations represent the results of Fraser Papers, distributed in June 2004, and the Quebec sawmills, sold in October 2003.
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 59 | SIX-YEAR HISTORICAL REVIEW |
2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | |||||
$ | 679 | $ | 497 | $ | 494 | $ | 668 | |
89 | 50 | 101 | 139 | |||||
6 | 6 | 27 | 279 | |||||
(37) | (33) | (25) | (34) | |||||
58 | 23 | 103 | 384 | |||||
- | - | - | - | |||||
(71) | (43) | (43) | (44) | |||||
20 | 22 | (2) | (80) | |||||
7 | 2 | 58 | 260 | |||||
6 | 10 | 36 | (90) | |||||
$ | 13 | $ | 12 | $ | 94 | $ | 170 | |
$ | 444 | $ | 502 | $ | 528 | $ | 576 | |
857 | 657 | 606 | 440 | |||||
728 | 670 | 622 | 650 | |||||
$ | 2,029 | $ | 1,829 | $ | 1,756 | $ | 1,666 | |
$ | 418 | $ | 209 | $ | 212 | $ | 230 | |
658 | 686 | 575 | 363 | |||||
155 | 122 | 116 | 134 | |||||
- | - | 22 | 24 | |||||
798 | 812 | 831 | 915 | |||||
$ | 2,029 | $ | 1,829 | $ | 1,756 | $ | 1,666 | |
$ | 62 | $ | 23 | $ | 95 | $ | 142 | |
(15) | (64) | (136) | (123) | |||||
(277) | (38) | 70 | 118 | |||||
135 | 66 | 186 | (163) | |||||
(22) | (34) | (43) | (47) | |||||
- | - | (143) | (10) | |||||
24 | 10 | - | - | |||||
(93) | (37) | 29 | (83) | |||||
44 | 47 | (11) | 69 | |||||
$ | (49) | $ | 10 | $ | 18 | $ | (14) | |
$ | 0.08 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.61 | $ | 1.07 | |
0.08 | 0.07 | 0.61 | 1.07 | |||||
5.30 | 5.50 | 5.65 | 5.24 | |||||
0.26 | 0.26 | 0.26 | 0.26 | |||||
9.70 | 8.45 | 9.25 | 10.15 | |||||
7.13 | 6.30 | 5.85 | 5.70 | |||||
8.25 | 7.50 | 7.10 | 8.40 |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 60 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> Principal operating interests
Annual Capacity | |||
at Year-End | Production | ||
2004 | 2004 | 2003 | |
OSB (MMsf-3/8") | |||
Bemidji, Minnesota (1) | 440 | 384 | 218 |
Cordele, Georgia | 400 | 399 | 365 |
Genk, Belgium (2) | 260 | 43 | - |
Guntown, Mississippi | 430 | 371 | 354 |
Huguley, Alabama | 500 | 474 | 443 |
Inverness, Scotland | 350 | 337 | 335 |
Jefferson, Texas | 400 | 390 | 348 |
Joanna, South Carolina | 500 | 441 | 374 |
La Sarre, Quebec | 350 | 336 | 348 |
Nacogdoches, Texas | 330 | 324 | 301 |
Val-d'Or, Quebec | 320 | 322 | 316 |
4,280 | 3,821 | 3,402 | |
Particleboard (MMsf-3/8") | |||
Cowie, Scotland | 325 | 328 | 320 |
Genk, Belgium (2) | 340 | 51 | - |
South Molton, England | 300 | 237 | 266 |
965 | 616 | 586 | |
MDF (MMsf-3/8") | |||
Cowie, Scotland | 410 | 438 | 414 |
Deposit, New York | 160 | 160 | 158 |
570 | 598 | 572 | |
Plywood (MMsf-3/8") | |||
Cochrane, Ontario | 80 | 79 | 76 |
I-joist (MM lineal feet) | |||
Juniper, New Brunswick | 60 | 56 | 41 |
(1) Acquired 100% March 26, 2004, owned 50% prior thereto. Production reflects percentage ownership in period.
(2) Acquired September 30, 2004. Production reflects period of ownership.
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 61 | REPORT ON ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY |
> Report on environment, health and safety
To our shareholders
Norbord's commitment to protect its employees, the environment and the communities in which we operate is integral to how we run our business.
Our Environment and Health and Safety policies, which are reviewed every year, clearly express our beliefs and how we measure performance.
For Norbord, business success requires full compliance with all environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that affect our operations. We continue to take aggressive measures to reduce our impact on the environment, minimize the risk of injuries and promote a safe and healthy working environment in every respect. The involvement of every Norbord member is critical to achieving success.
J. Barrie Shineton
President & Chief Executive Officer
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 62 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> Environment policy
Norbord recognizes that our environment is fundamental to our existence, and that our businesses and the communities where we operate depend on its health. We strive for excellence, leadership, sustainability and competitive advantage - with integrity - through continual improvement in our environmental performance and management of forest land. For Norbord, sustainable development means creating economic growth and caring for society and the environment, while taking into account the needs of future generations.
Norbord will integrate environmental protection into our business processes and decisions. Our belief in sustainable development means we are committed to:
Full Compliance
Comply fully with all applicable environmental legislation and regulations that affect our activities.
Forest Management
Manage forest resources in a manner consistent with the principles of sustainable forestry, this policy and applicable legislation.
Minimization of Environmental Impact
Improve our environmental performance as the expectations of society change. We shall do this by using forest, energy and other resources with increasing efficiency, and by reducing all forms of waste.
Risk Management
Continually identify, evaluate and control the environmental risks associated with our operations. We shall have procedures in place to prevent and respond to emergencies.
Environmental Management Systems
Implement systematic environmental management which supports this policy at every operation. We shall assign appropriate human and financial resources. Every year we shall establish measurable objectives and targets for environmental management and performance improvement.
Innovation
Support pollution prevention and environmental research, and implement findings consistent with this policy.
Performance Evaluation
Evaluate the environmental performance of our operations and personnel, and recognize achievements that support this policy. We shall provide our employees with information and training for them to fully integrate this policy into their responsibilities at work.
Communication with Stakeholders
Engage in constructive dialogue with the communities in which we operate and other key stakeholders, taking their needs into account when we make our decisions.
Open Government Relations
Work constructively with governments and regulators on the establishment of scientifically and economically sound requirements for our operations.
Audits
Conduct environmental audits at all our operations at a frequency appropriate to their risks.
Reports
Report regularly on our environmental performance to the management of the corporation, the board of directors, our shareholders, employees and the communities in which we operate.
Norbord requires its operations to develop policies, systems, organizations, and competencies, and to embrace an environmental commitment consistent with these principles. Norbord requires all employees to take responsibility for environmental protection in their jobs.
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 63 | REPORT ON ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY |
> Health and safety policy
We are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our employees, contractors and visitors by creating and maintaining a safe working environment.
Beliefs | Practices |
> All injuries and occupational illnesses are preventable. | > Design safe facilities. |
> Health and safety is a top priority and an integral part of | > Continually review and improve processes and |
our business and decision-making. | procedures. |
> Management is ultimately responsible for workplace | > Identify hazards and assess risks. |
health and safety. | > Develop, implement and enforce safe work practices. |
> Safe operating practices are a shared responsibility | > Ensure all facilities comply with applicable laws and |
among management, employees, contractors and | regulations. |
visitors. | > Provide employees with information and training to |
> Employees and contractors are accountable for their | work safely. |
safety and that of fellow workers. | > Require employees and contractors to execute their |
> Working safely is a condition of employment. | work in accordance with legislative requirements and |
> Sharing best practices improves performance. | Norbord policy. |
> Establish and monitor health and safety objectives. | |
> Take action to prevent recurrence of incidents. | |
> Implement health and safety management systems to | |
continually improve performance. | |
> Conduct health and safety audits. | |
> Report health and safety performance to senior | |
management, the Board of Directors, shareholders, | |
employees and the public. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 64 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> 2004 report card
2004 Target | 2004 Performance | |
Health and Safety | 20% reduction in illnesses/injuries | > Overall OSHA recordable rate improved 17% |
as measured by OSHA recordable | > UK operations' OSHA recordable rate | |
rate | improved 42% | |
> Lost workday case rate improved 57% | ||
Full Compliance | Achieve 100% compliance with | > Achieved 98.9% compliance |
environmental legislation | > Reduced non-compliance incidents 44% | |
and regulations affecting our | > Invested $11 million in compliance initiatives | |
operations | ||
Forest Management | Complete Sustainable Forestry | > All applicable North American mills now |
Initiative® (SFI) certification at all | certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® | |
North American operations | (SFI), with the exception of Bemidji, Minnesota | |
> All European mills maintained Forest | ||
Stewardship Council (FSC) certification | ||
Impact Minimization | Reduce air emissions, effluents | > Reduced energy use by 3% in UK and saved |
and waste generated from | £1.4 million in taxes as part of Kyoto Climate | |
our operations, and maximize | Change Agreement | |
material reuse and recycling | > Installed pollution controls on Nacogdoches, | |
Texas mill press to reduce VOC and formalde- | ||
hyde emissions by 90% | ||
> Reducing natural gas use by 70% at | ||
Jefferson, Texas mill by installing new heat | ||
energy system | ||
Environment, Health | Continue risk-based audits of | > Audits completed at Deposit, New York; |
and Safety Audits | Norbord mills, with each mill | Cochrane, Ontario; Cowie, Scotland; and |
audited every 3 years | Juniper, New Brunswick | |
> 72 deficiencies identified and corrective actions | ||
completed or underway |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 65 | REPORT ON ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY |
Health and Safety
| Norbord's goal is to prevent accidents by creating an operating environment that integrates safe work practices and behaviours with manufacturing and maintenance processes. This applies to all employees, on-site contractors and visitors to our facilities. In addition, we work to foster good health and wellness practices among Norbord employees. In 2004 Norbord's overall safety performance (as measured by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, recordable rate) improved 17% compared to 2003. The OSHA recordable rate was 2.51 compared to 3.03 in 2003. Three Norbord operations recorded world-class, industry-leading OSHA rates under 1.0. These included the South Molton, England mill and the US OSB mills in Georgia and Jefferson, Texas. At the same time, the Jefferson, Georgia and Inverness, Scotland OSB mills each experienced more than a 50% improvement in their OSHA rates. Most significantly, Norbord reduced the frequency of lost time accidents by 57%. This performance is the result of aggressive efforts and structured programs to alter behaviour patterns and identify and share best practices. Particular emphasis was placed on working within confined spaces, working at heights, machine hazards and guarding, lockout procedures, mobile equipment, and contractor training and management. The Alabama, Mississippi and Nacogdoches, Texas mills all passed the two-year mark without a lost time incident. The successful performance of the UK operations is currently being transferred to the newly acquired Genk mill in Belgium which, prior to its acquisition, did not use the OSHA system for monitoring and recording safety performance. The promotion of good health and ergonomics is also a key part of Norbord's Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) programs. Norbord continues to expand the role of occupational health professionals both in the mill and in the community. By employing nurses on a part-time basis at several mills, and improving the skills of employees trained in "first response" to a situation, Norbord can effectively reduce the need for outside medical intervention. Part-time nurses help treat work-related injuries and counsel employees on health promotion including blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screening, weight loss and flu immunization. For example, at the La Sarre, Quebec mill, the nurse's involvement has helped to reduce by more than 50% the number of days lost due to injury, illness and short-term disability since 2002. |
Health and Safety Data | ||||||
(Continuing operations) | 2004 (2) | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |
Hours worked | 5,964,674 | 5,823,035 | 5,659,958 | 4,919,663 | 4,771,712 | |
Lost time accidents | 15 | 34 | 49 | 35 | 45 | |
Lost time frequency (1) | 0.50 | 1.17 | 1.73 | 1.42 | 1.89 | |
OSHA recordable rate (1) | 2.51 | 3.03 | 4.20 | 3.94 | 4.32 | |
(1)Per 200,000 hours worked. | ||||||
(2) 2004 data does not include mill in Genk, Belgium. | ||||||
Regulatory Compliance | Norbord's policy is to work within legal and regulatory permit levels at all operations 100% of the time. Norbord measures compliance by monitoring manufacturing processes and pollution control equipment performance against government issued operating permits. Norbord continually conducts monitoring and testing, and performance is regularly reported to appropriate government agencies. Wherever testing requirements may exceed the expertise of Norbord personnel, outside experts may be called on to provide support. During 2004 Norbord's compliance record, as a percentage of the measurements taken, was 98.9%. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 66 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
A total of 20,885 compliance checks were taken across Norbord's 16 operating locations. Despite best efforts, 230 incidents of non-compliance were found, most lasting only minutes in length. The panelboard industry faces increasingly stringent regulations related to air emissions. In the United States, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets regulatory requirements, and permits and testing protocols are administered and approved at the state level. In Canada, regulations and permits are administered and approved by the provincial Ministries of Environment. In the UK and continental Europe, standards are set by the EU and administered by the national governments of the individual EU countries. Norbord's most strictly regulated US operations are required to meet Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER) standards that set out criteria for emissions of particulates, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen. Norbord's MDF mill in New York State is currently investing $10 million on end-of-pipe technology that will reduce VOC emissions by 90% and bring the mill into compliance with LAER requirements in late 2005. The improvements will also allow the mill to increase its value added product mix without environmental restrictions. In May 2004 the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency approved the Bemidji mill's air operating permit, including a compliance schedule to install Best Available Control Technology. The mill is installing $6 million in pollution control technology to reduce emissions of VOCs and particulate from the rotary dryers. Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) regulations, designed to reduce hazardous air emissions, took effect in the US in 2004. The new standards apply to more than 200 mills manufacturing plywood, OSB, MDF, particleboard and other wood composite panels. Norbord's eight US operations will be fully compliant with MACT requirements by the end of 2006 - in advance of the October 1, 2007 compliance deadline. Three of Norbord's mills are currently substantially in compliance, and no investments are required in new technology. Capital improvement projects have been approved to make three more mills compliant in 2005, and compliance options are being assessed at the two remaining US operations. For the most part, the technology required to become MACT compliant involves the installation of regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTO) on wood dryers, and regenerative catalytic oxidizers (RCO) on presses. Overall compliance with MACT regulations will cost Norbord approximately $40 million. Norbord's use of low temperature conveyor dryers and integrated energy systems at four of its US operations has significantly reduced the cost of compliance. A separate MACT regulation has been approved to control the emissions of hazardous air pollutants from industrial boilers. Four Norbord operations may be affected by these regulations. Capital requirements for compliance are not expected to be material. During 2004 all of Norbord's UK operations applied for new environmental permits under the new Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) regulations. The new permits, which will be in place in early 2005, cover noise, land contamination and site remediation, accident prevention, energy efficiency, waste minimization, air emissions and the application of Best Available Techniques (BAT) to prevent or reduce environmental impacts. The significant capital investments in new technology during the late 1990s have eliminated the need for further major environmental expenditures. Norbord's European operations are working to comply with Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) involving the management and control of dust. Risk assessment and classification has been completed at all three sites, and actions are under way to prevent or suppress the future potential for dust-related explosions. A dust explosion at the South Molton plant in May has expedited the implementation and the sites are expected to be fully compliant by mid-2006. Norbord is sharing what it has learned from the application of these regulations with the North American operations, and has conducted similar risk assessments at its MDF plant in New York. Norbord's Belgium mill, acquired in 2004, will be upgraded to comply with a new operating permit and will meet the same European environmental standards as the UK sites. This will |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 67 | REPORT ON ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY |
involve the installation of wet electrostatic precipitators on both the particleboard and the OSB presses and the OSB dryer. The additional pollution control requirements, costing €5 million, were identified prior to the acquisition of the facility and will be completed in 2005. |
Environmental Compliance | ||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||
Non-compliance incidents (1) | 230 | 409 | 164 | 99 | - | |
Percent compliance | 98.90 | 97.95 | 98.12 | 97.35 | - | |
Penalties (US $) | 5,000 | 476,500 | 10,500 | 104,800 | 5,500 | |
(1)The number of compliance tests has increased markedly in the 2001-2004 period with the increased number of permits required and the acquisition of mills in the US. | ||||||
Audits | Norbord has an internal audit program designed to track and advance continuous improvement of environmental, health and safety performance at all our operations. It is a requirement that a team of qualified environmental, health and safety specialists formally audit every mill at least once every three years. During 2004 we completed four audits at: Deposit, New York; Cochrane, Ontario; Cowie, Scotland; and Juniper, New Brunswick. The audits identified 72 deficiencies for which action plans have been developed and implemented. During 2005 Norbord plans to undertake six audits at: Jefferson, Texas; South Carolina; Alabama; Inverness, Scotland; Minnesota; and South Molton, England. |
Forest Management | While Norbord does not own any timberland, it does adhere to the principles of sustainable forest management and to third-party certification to verify that its wood fibre is sourced from sustainably managed forests. In the US 100% of Norbord's wood requirements are purchased from third parties - largely private and industry-owned woodlands. Norbord's Canadian operations purchase wood largely from third parties holding forestry licences on Crown lands. Norbord does hold forestry licences to source 841,800 cubic metres of poplar and birch from Crown timberland in Ontario and Quebec. In the UK, wood fibre is purchased from the Forestry Commission as well as private landowners. On the Continent, the Belgium mill similarly purchases fibre from government-owned and private sources. OSB and plywood mills source 100% of their fibre as roundwood logs while MDF and particleboard mills receive their fibre from a combination of roundwood logs, woodchips, sawdust and recycled wood. In 2004, Norbord's MDF and particleboard mills consumed 250,000 tonnes of post-consumer recycled wood fibre. Each Norbord mill employs forestry specialists who are responsible for the wood supply for their respective operations. Similarly, each Norbord mill pursues third-party certification that is most appropriate to the forest ownership and procurement practices in their region, as well as the requirements of their customers. In Europe, all sites have maintained Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain of custody certification. Norbord has also been pioneering the acceptance of recycled fibre within the FSC labeling structure. In North America nine Norbord mills are certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) standard, demonstrating a commitment to forest conservation, management planning, and the protection of water quality and wildlife habitats. In addition, Norbord representatives are actively involved in regional and state forestry associations. Norbord foresters serve as presidents of the SFI implementation committees in Quebec, Ontario and South Carolina. Norbord also actively supports logger and teacher education programs conducted by state forestry associations. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 68 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Reducing Environmental Impact | Norbord uses technology, margin improvements and the application of shared best practices to minimize the impact of its operations on the environment. Specifically, the Company focuses on reducing air pollution, minimizing waste, lowering energy consumption and using recycled material. Improvements respecting air pollution are tied principally to regulatory compliance with MACT, LAER, and PPC regulations as described in the section under Regulatory Compliance. At the Nacogdoches, Texas OSB mill for example, the installation of regenerative thermal oxidizers will reduce hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds by more than 90%. This accounts for an annual reduction of more than 350 tonnes of pollutants such as VOCs, partic-ulates and formaldehyde. These improvements will also allow the mill to increase its annual production capacity by nearly 20%. Norbord's Cowie, Scotland mill was the first panelboard plant in the world to install a moving bed bioreactor (MBBR) to treat liquid effluent. The MBBR technology was pioneered and adapted to Cowie by the Norbord Technology group and easily meets BAT regulatory requirements. It will reduce the levels of BOD and TSS to one-third of Cowie's permitted levels. UK operations were particularly successful at reducing energy consumption - a 3% improvement over 2003 and 18% better than 2001. At the Jefferson, Texas OSB mill the installation of a new $26 million heat energy system, to be completed in 2005, will reduce by 70% the amount of natural gas consumed at the mill, and will reduce Norbord's North American consumption of natural gas by 35%. The new heat energy system will also save the mill more than $100,000 a year in hazardous waste disposal costs. Bark material, previously burned or sent to landfill sites, is today largely used as a source of fuel for a mill's energy system to provide heat to the dryers and press. During 2004 Norbord mills consumed more than one million tonnes of bark and wood waste for this purpose. The reuse of post-consumer waste in particleboard continues to grow. At the Cowie and South Molton operations 245,000 tonnes were recycled in 2004, providing significant raw material and energy cost savings. The Cowie plant is increasing its recycling capacity from 55% to 70% of its particleboard production. A new recycling plant will be operational in early 2005. |
Air Emissions (grams/msf-3/8") | ||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||
OSB (1) (4) | ||||||
Particulate Matter | 344.8 | 358.9 | 317.0 | 322.2 | 393.8 | |
Formaldehyde (2) | 74.4 | 70.0 | 54.9 | 25.6 | 26.3 | |
Volatile Organic Compounds (2) | 879.6 | 868.2 | 730.3 | 437.9 | 422.9 | |
MDF/Particleboard (3) (4) | ||||||
Particulate Matter | 208.9 | 237.4 | 248.8 | 260.7 | 202.6 | |
Formaldehyde | 49.9 | 83.7 | 83.0 | 89.2 | 69.6 | |
Volatile Organic Compounds | 535.2 | 558.7 | 501.2 | 613.1 | 400.9 | |
(1)Mills in Alabama, Georgia and Texas included since 2002. South Carolinamill included since 2001. | ||||||
(2)Increase in formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds in OSB is due to inferior emission controls at mills in Nacogdoches, Texas, and Georgia, which were acquired in 2002, and changes to how emissions are calculated in Quebec. Compliance with MACT regulations will reduce these emissions. | ||||||
(3)Decreases in 2004 MDF/Particleboard emissions are primarily due to improved test results at the Cowie, Scotland operations. | ||||||
(4) 2004 data does not include mill in Genk, Belgium. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 69 | REPORT ON ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY |
Waste Management (kg/msf-3/8") | ||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||
OSB (1) (3) | ||||||
Deposited in landfills | 17.1 | 16.1 | 14.4 | 30.9 | 18.3 | |
Land-applied for soil amendment | 1.3 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.3 | |
Otherwise beneficially used (2) | 37.3 | 27.6 | 8.2 | 0.6 | * | |
Disposed as hazardous waste | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 | * | * | |
MDF/Particleboard (3) | ||||||
Deposited in landfills | 10.5 | 10.9 | 15.6 | 15.4 | * | |
Land-applied for soil amendment (4) | 26.2 | 19.5 | 11.2 | 8.0 | 1.2 | |
Otherwise beneficially used (4) | 12.0 | 1.8 | 2.8 | 1.1 | * | |
Disposed as hazardous waste | 2.4 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.4 | |
(1) Mills in Alabama, Georgia and Texas included since 2002. South Carolinamill included since 2001. | ||||||
(2) Increases primarily due to alternate ash disposal practices in Georgia and South Carolina. | ||||||
(3) 2004 data does not include mill in Genk, Belgium. | ||||||
(4) Increases primarily due to composting and combustion of organic residues in Cowie, Scotland. | ||||||
*Representative data not available. | ||||||
Total Water Use (litres/msf-3/8") | ||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||
OSB (1) (3) | 149.2 | 191.5 | 201.8 | 127.8 | 89.1 | |
MDF/Particleboard (2) (3) | 369.2 | 407.1 | 465.4 | 476.4 | 500.9 | |
(1) Mills in Alabama, Georgia and Texas included since 2002. South Carolinamill included since 2001. | ||||||
(2)Decreases in MDF/Particleboard water use are due to water conservation programs implemented at Cowie in 2004. | ||||||
(3) 2004 data does not include mill in Genk, Belgium. | ||||||
Energy Data (megajoules/msf-3/8") | ||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||
OSB (1) (3) | ||||||
Fossil fuel consumption | 862.0 | 918.5 | 1,097.3 | 655.1 | 390.4 | |
Purchased electricity | 438.5 | 445.2 | 449.3 | 475.0 | 523.7 | |
Total energy consumed | 4,634.5 | 4,416.1 | 4,717.5 | 5,012.5 | * | |
% Energy from biofuel | 71.4 | 68.6 | 66.9 | 78.4 | * | |
MDF/Particleboard (2) (3) | ||||||
Fossil fuel consumption | 1,943.4 | 1,931.0 | 2,091.2 | 2,078.1 | 1,771.9 | |
Purchased electricity | 330.2 | 339.7 | 382.4 | 405.9 | 523.7 | |
Total energy consumed | 4,309.2 | 4,352.0 | 3,430.0 | * | * | |
% Energy from biofuel | 37.1 | 37.6 | * | * | * | |
(1)Mills in Alabama, Georgia and Texas included since 2002. South Carolinamill included since 2001. | ||||||
(2)The South Molton site is excluded from purchased electricity data due to confounding factors associated with the energy | ||||||
demands of the furniture production process. (Data is therefore not included in the Total Energy or Biofuel calculations.) | ||||||
(3) 2004 data does not include mill in Genk, Belgium. | ||||||
*Representative data not available. | ||||||
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) | The development of a computer-based environmental management system continued in the UK in 2004. The system combines environment, health and safety data with new safety requirements at each site to effectively analyze our performance. Through use of the Norbord intranet, the coordination and transfer of information to all Norbord operations has been improved and expanded. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 70 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) and National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) are toxic chemical release reporting programs in the United States and Canada respectively. Reports are prepared according to a specific list of materials designated by each government. Releases are calculated using a combination of measured emission data and emissions estimated from industry factors. Annual reports of emissions from operations in North America are submitted to federal governments in June and July. Therefore, Norbord data is current to 2003. Data for 2004 will be reported in June and July 2005. |
Toxic Release Inventory - United States | |||||||
(In metric tonnes, unless otherwise noted) | 2003 | 2002 | |||||
Facility | Material | Air | Water | Soil | Air | Water | Soil |
Bemidji, Minnesota | Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds (grams) | 0.08 | - | 0.06 | 0.08 | - | 0.06 |
Formaldehyde | 25.01 | - | - | 23.61 | - | - | |
Lead compounds (kilograms) | 2.07 | - | 357.26 | 17.66 | - | 166.30 | |
Methanol | 47.58 | - | - | 72.73 | - | - | |
Cordele, Georgia | Acetaldehyde | 12.42 | - | 1.23 | 13.64 | - | 1.24 |
Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds (grams) | - | - | 0.14 | - | - | 0.06 | |
Formaldehyde | 55.00 | - | - | 54.46 | - | 5.45 | |
Lead compounds (kilograms) | 197.00 | - | 1.10 | - | - | 0.11 | |
Methanol | 33.12 | - | - | 20.80 | - | 1.12 | |
Deposit, New York | Formaldehyde | 22.36 | - | - | 21.54 | - | - |
Lead compounds (kilograms) | 2.73 | - | 11.98 | 2.73 | - | 11.97 | |
Methanol | 79.79 | - | - | 79.79 | - | - | |
Guntown, Mississippi | Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds (grams) | 0.24 | - | 0.04 | 0.17 | - | 0.06 |
Formaldehyde | 12.96 | - | - | 0.81 | - | - | |
Lead compounds (kilograms) | 9.66 | - | 544.32 | 5.89 | - | 259.00 | |
Manganese | 0.10 | - | 11.86 | 0.06 | - | 9.73 | |
Methanol | 37.39 | - | - | 8.51 | - | - | |
Huguley, Alabama | Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds (grams) | 0.21 | - | 0.08 | 0.20 | - | 0.08 |
Formaldehyde | 6.84 | - | - | 3.34 | - | - | |
Lead compounds (kilograms) | 3.04 | - | 353.46 | 3.21 | - | 352.00 | |
Manganese | 0.08 | - | 13.01 | 0.08 | - | 12.90 | |
Methanol | 24.99 | - | - | 2.08 | - | - | |
Jefferson, Texas | 1, 2, 4 Trichlorobenzene | brt | - | - | 0.88 | - | - |
Acetaldehyde | 0.46 | - | - | 1.50 | - | - | |
Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds (grams) | 0.07 | - | 0.05 | - | - | - | |
Formaldehyde | 4.03 | - | - | 2.20 | - | - | |
Lead compounds (kilograms) | 3.31 | - | 103.87 | - | - | - | |
Methanol | 30.75 | - | - | 6.88 | - | - | |
Joanna, South Carolina | Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds (grams) | 0.41 | - | 0.11 | 0.17 | - | 0.07 |
Formaldehyde | 7.19 | - | - | 2.35 | - | - | |
Lead compounds (kilograms) | 2.88 | - | 446.34 | 2.34 | - | 272.55 | |
Manganese | 0.06 | - | 16.60 | 0.04 | - | 10.06 | |
Methanol | 43.34 | - | - | 8.28 | - | - | |
Nacogdoches, Texas | Acetaldehyde | 28.47 | <0.01 | - | 25.17 | - | - |
Formaldehyde | 59.39 | <0.01 | - | 48.47 | - | - | |
Lead compounds (kilograms) | 1.90 | - | 70.31 | 0.06 | - | - | |
Methanol | 131.69 | <0.01 | - | 115.81 | - | - | |
brt - below reporting threshold |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 71 | REPORT ON ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY |
The National Pollutant Release Inventory - Canada | |||||||
(In metric tonnes, unless otherwise noted) | 2003 | 2002 | |||||
Facility | Material | Air | Water | Soil | Air | Water | Soil |
Cochrane, Ontario | Carbon monoxide | brt | - | - | 63.57 | - | - |
Formaldehyde | 4.09 | - | - | 4.90 | - | - | |
Methanol | 7.41 | - | - | - | - | - | |
Oxides of nitrogen | brt | - | - | 19.36 | - | - | |
Sulphur dioxide | brt | - | - | 0.01 | - | - | |
Total particulate | 21.88 | - | - | 38.84 | - | - | |
Particulate (<10 microns) | 20.29 | - | - | 5.69 | - | - | |
Particulate (<2.5 microns) | 16.18 | - | - | 4.55 | - | - | |
Volatile organic compounds | 81.70 | - | - | 39.50 | - | - | |
La Sarre, Quebec | Cadmium (kilograms) | 2.17 | - | 19.50 | 1.91 | - | 25.54 |
Carbon monoxide | 269.48 | - | - | 265.04 | - | - | |
Formaldehyde | 15.77 | - | - | 15.48 | - | - | |
Methanol | 118.64 | - | - | 116.21 | - | - | |
Oxides of nitrogen | 115.75 | - | - | 114.27 | - | - | |
Total particulate | 234.25 | - | - | 229.67 | - | - | |
Particulate (<10 microns) | 99.14 | - | - | 96.82 | - | - | |
Particulate (<2.5 microns) | 48.01 | - | - | 47.07 | - | - | |
Volatile organic compounds | 277.10 | - | - | 114.17 | - | - | |
Val-d'Or, Quebec | Acetaldehyde | 10.33 | - | - | 11.46 | - | - |
Cadmium (kilograms) | 0.47 | - | 9.98 | 0.47 | - | 9.98 | |
Carbon monoxide | 176.13 | - | - | 173.93 | - | - | |
Formaldehyde | 57.25 | - | - | 56.15 | - | - | |
Methanol | 91.96 | - | - | 90.20 | - | - | |
Oxides of nitrogen | 66.01 | - | - | 65.13 | - | - | |
Total particulate | 233.61 | - | - | 229.17 | - | - | |
Particulate (<10 microns) | 145.45 | - | - | 142.68 | - | - | |
Particulate (<2.5 microns) | 54.91 | - | - | 54.04 | - | - | |
Volatile organic compounds | 239.16 | - | - | 71.89 | - | - | |
brt - below reporting threshold |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 72 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> Glossary
BOD
Biochemical oxygen demand. A method of determining the effect of organic material in effluent on receiving waters, by measuring the consumption of oxygen.
Effluent
Residue-bearing water from manufacturing processes.
Emissions
Residue material released into the atmosphere by way of steam or smoke discharged from manufacturing processes.
Fossil Fuels
Fuel derived from petroleum or coal such as natural gas, diesel, gasoline or heating oil.
FSC
The Forest Stewardship Council is an international non-profit organization that supports environmentally appropriate management of the world's forests. It promotes an international labeling scheme for forest products, which provides a guarantee that the product comes from a well-managed forest, and meets internationally recognized criteria of forest stewardship.
Greenhouse Gases
A number of gases including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides, that trap heat in the atmosphere.
I-joist
An "I"-shaped engineered wood structural product designed for use in residential and light commercial floor and roof construction. The product is prefabricated using sawn lumber flanges and wood panel webs, bonded together with exterior grade adhesives.
m3
Cubic metre. A measure of volume equal to 1,130 square feet (3/8-inch basis).
MACT
Maximum Achievable Control Technology. Regulations being introduced in the US to limit the discharge of hazardous air pollutants.
MDF
Medium density fibreboard. A panel-board produced by chemically bonding highly refined wood fibres of uniform size under heat and pressure.
Msf (MMsf)
Measurement for panel products equal to a thousand (million) square feet.
Msf (MMsf) (3/8-inch basis)
Measurement for panel products equal to a thousand (million) square feet, 3/8-inch thick.
OSB
Oriented strand board. An engineered structural wood panel produced by chemically bonding wood strands in a uniform direction under heat and pressure.
OSHA Recordable Rate
The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration index that tracks the number of recordable work-related health and safety incidents per 200,000 hours worked. Otherwise known as Total Incident Rate.
Panelboards
Oriented strand board, particleboard, medium density fibreboard and plywood.
Particleboard
A panelboard produced by chemically bonding clean sawdust, small wood particles and recycled wood fibre under heat and pressure.
Plywood
A panelboard produced by gluing together thin layers of solid wood veneers.
SFI®
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® program, managed by the American Forest and Paper Association, is a comprehensive system of principles, objectives and performance measures developed by foresters, conservationists and scientists, that combines the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees with the protection of wildlife, plants, soil and water quality.
TSP
Total suspended particulate. A measure of the solid particles (wood, process dust and smoke) found in air emissions.
TSS
Total suspended solids. Finely dispersed solid material in effluents.
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds. A large family of carbon-containing compounds. When emitted into the atmosphere, some may contribute to ozone layer depletion and some may be toxic in high concentrations. Most contribute, in varying degrees, to the formation of ground level ozone in highly populated areas.
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 73 | OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY AND CORPORATE INFORMATION |
> Officers of the company and corporate information
Officers of the Company | |||
Michael Botha | K. Linn Macdonald | Lynne Taylor | |
Corporate Controller | Chairman | Assistant Corporate Secretary | |
Officer since 2004 | Officer since 1991 | Officer since 2004 | |
Robert Kinnear | Karl Morris | John Tremayne | |
Senior Vice President | Senior Vice President | Executive Vice President & | |
Corporate Services | European Operations | Chief Financial Officer | |
Officer since 2004 | Officer since 2005 | Officer since 2002 | |
Robin Lampard | J. Barrie Shineton | Peter Wijnbergen | |
Vice President, Treasurer | President & Chief Executive Officer | Senior Vice President | |
Officer since 2002 | Officer since 1999 | Marketing, Sales and Logistics | |
Officer since 2005 | |||
Corporate Information | |||
Norbord Inc. | Media and Investor Relations | Shareholder Information | |
1 Toronto Street, Suite 600 | Anita Veel | Transfer Agent & Registrar, and | |
Toronto, Ontario | Director, Corporate Affairs | Dividend Reinvestment Plan | |
M5C 2W4 | (416) 643-8838 | CIBC Mellon Trust Company | |
(416) 365-0705 or | anita.veel@norbord.com | P.O. Box 7010 | |
1-877-263-9367 | Adelaide Street Postal Station | ||
Internet: www.norbord.com | Investor Information | Toronto, Ontario | |
E-mail: info@norbord.com | 2005 Financial Calendar | M5C 2W9 | |
Stock symbol: NBD-TSX | (dates on or about) | (416) 643-5500 or 1-800-387-0825 | |
inquiries@cibcmellon.com | |||
Sales: | Q1 Earnings Release | April 20 | |
Toronto, Ontario | Q2 Earnings Release | July 21 | To receive additional copies of this |
(416) 365-0705 | Q3 Earnings Release | October 28 | report, please contact us at |
1-800-387-1740 | Norbord Year-End | December 31 | 1-877-263-9367, or (416) 643-8820 |
or info@norbord.com | |||
Inverness, Scotland | |||
011-44-1463-792424 | Annual Meeting of Shareholders | ||
Wednesday, April 20, 2005 | |||
South Molton, England | at 10:30 a.m. | ||
011-44-1769-572991 | TSX Auditorium, The Exchange Tower | ||
130 King Street West | |||
Genk, Belgium | Toronto, Ontario | ||
011-32-8950-0300 |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 18 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
> Management's discussion and analysis
January 27, 2005
The Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) provides a review of the significant developments that impacted Norbord's performance during 2004 relative to 2003. Factors that could impact future operations are also discussed. Such comments will be affected by, and may involve, known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in this MD&A, in the Company's Annual Information Form and in other filings made from time to time with applicable securities and regulatory authorities. To enhance shareholders' understanding, certain five-year historical financial and statistical information is presented. Norbord's significant accounting policies and other financial disclosures are contained in the audited financial statements and accompanying notes, which follow this MD&A. All financial references in the MD&A are stated in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
Throughout this discussion "Norbord" refers to Norbord Inc. and all of its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, and "Company" refers to Norbord Inc. as a separate corporation. "OSB" refers to oriented strand board, an engineered structural wood panel produced by chemically bonding wood strand in a uniform direction under heat and pressure, and "MDF" refers to medium density fibreboard, a panelboard produced by chemically bonding highly refined wood fibres of uniform size under heat and pressure.
EBITDA, EBITDA margin, ROCE, ROE, net debt, book value per share, capital employed and net debt to capitalization are non-GAAP measures described in the Definitions section on page 35. Non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. There are no directly comparable GAAP measures to any of these measures. A quantitative reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the nearest comparable GAAP measure is provided at the end of the MD&A.
Additional information on Norbord, including the Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Overview | Strategy |
Norbord is an international producer of wood-based panels, with 16 plant locations in the United States, Europe and Canada. It is one of the world's largest producers of OSB with annual capacity of 4.3 billion square feet (3/8-inch basis), one of the largest OSB producers in the US South, and one of the largest producers of wood-based panels in the United Kingdom. Norbord's business strategy is focused entirely on the wood panels sector in North America and Europe. To that end, several developments during 2004 strengthened Norbord's strategic position: > The paper and timberlands business was distributed to shareholders. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 19 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Norbord's financial goal is to achieve top quartile return on common equity (ROE) and cash return on capital employed (ROCE) among North American forest products companies. Norbord met this target in both 2003 and 2004. A net debt to capitalization ratio of 20-40% is also targeted. At the end of 2004, Norbord was at the mid-point of this range. The Company's goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet provides the flexibility to respond to strategic growth opportunities. Norbord's financing strategy is to maintain investment grade debt ratings. This provides for long-term access to public and private capital markets on attractive terms. Ratings on Norbord debt have been consistently investment grade since 1992. Norbord manages its business to provide for a sustainable dividend to be paid quarterly to common shareholders throughout the business cycle. At December 31, 2004, the Board of Directors had declared 57 consecutive quarterly common dividends of CAD $0.10 per share. In addition, Norbord paid a special dividend of CAD $1.00 per share to common shareholders during 2004. Business Profile Based in Toronto, Canada, Norbord employed approximately 2,900 people at December 31, 2004 at 16 plant locations in the United States, Europe and Canada. The geographical breakdown of property, plant and equipment at year-end was 60% US, 33% Europe and 7% Canada. Manufacturing facilities include: > 11 OSB mills The annual production capacity of these facilities at December 31, 2004, was: > 4.3 billion square feet (3/8-inch basis) of OSB Norbord does not own any timberlands. It purchases its wood fibre from third parties that include private landowners and government owned and managed timberlands. | |
Distribution of Fraser Papers | On June 30, 2004, the Company completed the distribution of its paper and timberlands business (Fraser Papers) to its common shareholders. Concurrent with the distribution, the Nexfor name was changed to Norbord. Shares of Norbord and Fraser Papers began trading on July 5, 2004 for normal settlement. Following the distribution, Norbord held an $83 million note payable from Fraser Papers. On September 30, 2004 the note was repaid. Norbord continues to provide certain administrative services to Fraser Papers for a fee on an interim basis. To date, the fee for these administrative services is less than $1 million. In addition, Norbord continues to guarantee certain obligations of Fraser Papers under letters of credit, operating lease commitments, purchase commitments, landfill closure commitments, and commodity hedging contracts. The maximum amount of potential future payments that Norbord could be required to make under these obligations is estimated to be $84 million. This estimate excludes |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 20 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
the potential amount of future payments related to guarantees of derivative contracts that cannot be quantified due to their nature. No amounts have been recorded in the consolidated balance sheet with respect to these guarantees. Fraser Papers has committed to use its best efforts to remove Norbord from these guarantees and has agreed to provide letters of credit or other acceptable collateral to secure any guarantees that remain outstanding on December 27, 2005. As security for these ongoing financial commitments to Fraser Papers, Norbord, in addition to another Fraser Papers creditor, has the right at any time to require Fraser Papers to provide a fixed first charge security interest over Fraser Papers' timberlands and manufacturing facilities. The Company's share of the expected proceeds from liquidation of this security would be sufficient to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantees.
| |
Discontinued Operations
| Results of Fraser Papers have been included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows up to June 30, 2004, the date on which this business was distributed to common shareholders. The December 31, 2003 consolidated balance sheet includes assets and liabilities relating to Fraser Papers. In addition, the results of two Quebec sawmills have been included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows until the fourth quarter of 2003 when they were sold. Fraser Papers generated net sales of $478 million and an operating loss of $9 million (EBITDA $14 million) for the six-month period of ownership in 2004. For the full year 2003, these operations generated net sales of $875 million and an operating loss of $80 million (EBITDA loss of $32 million). While seeing encouraging signs that markets were strengthening, Fraser Papers was negatively impacted by higher energy and fibre costs for the six-month period of ownership in 2004. The 2003 results include the impact of the productivity improvement plan at the East Paper operations. A charge of $26 million ($17 million after tax or $0.12 per share) was recorded in 2003 in respect of this plan, consisting of severance, early retirement, consulting and training costs of $20 million and non-cash pension and non-pension post-retirement benefits-related charges of $6 million. The productivity improvement plan targeted $21 million in cost savings annually. Effective October 31, 2003, Norbord sold its two Quebec sawmills at La Sarre and Senneterre. Proceeds were $45 million, including $7 million for working capital. The sale was consistent with the Company's strategy and previously announced intention to divest non-strategic assets and reduce debt. A pre-tax gain of $18 million ($12 million after-tax or $0.08 per share) was recorded on the transaction. The two sawmills generated net sales of $40 million and an operating loss of $2 million for the 10-month period of ownership in 2003. The results include the impact of duties paid on softwood lumber shipped to the US totalling $4 million in 2003. The Government of Canada has challenged the duties, launching appeals with various trade bodies. Norbord retained the right to any refund of duties paid by these two sawmills prior to the sale, totalling $7 million, should the appeal process or a negotiated settlement yield any refund.
|
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 21 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Acquisitions
| On March 26, 2004, Norbord acquired the remaining 50% interest in the Bemidji, Minnesota OSB mill, bringing its ownership interest to 100%. The cost of the acquisition was $34 million, including $6 million for working capital. The acquisition increased OSB production by 6% over 2003 and generated incremental EBITDA of $27 million. On September 30, 2004, Norbord completed the acquisition of OSB and particleboard assets located at Genk, Belgium, at a cost of $64 million, expanding Norbord's presence in key markets in Belgium, Holland, Germany and Scandinavia. The acquisition was accretive to earnings in the first quarter of ownership, generating $2 million of EBITDA, despite the fact that the OSB line was down for 21 days for maintenance identified prior to the acquisition. The two acquisitions increased Norbord's total OSB capacity by 13% from 3,800 MMsf-3/8" to 4,280 MMsf-3/8". |
Financial Summary | ||||||||||
(US $ millions, except per share information) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||||
Net sales | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,064 | $ | 679 | $ | 497 | $ | 494 |
EBITDA | 631 | 365 | 89 | 50 | 101 | |||||
Earnings from continuing operations | 332 | 166 | 7 | 2 | 58 | |||||
Earnings | 326 | 126 | 13 | 12 | 94 | |||||
Total assets | 1,391 | 2,063 | 2,029 | 1,829 | 1,756 | |||||
Long-term debt | 450 | 657 | 658 | 686 | 575 | |||||
Net debt | 236 | 482 | 745 | 573 | 475 | |||||
Earnings per share from continuing operations | 2.21 | 1.12 | 0.04 | - | 0.30 | |||||
Earnings per share | 2.16 | 0.85 | 0.08 | 0.07 | 0.61 | |||||
Common dividends per share | 1.10 | 0.29 | 0.26 | 0.26 | 0.26 |
| 2004 was the most profitable year in Norbord's history. Record OSB prices in North America were primarily responsible for Norbord's earnings of $326 million, or $2.16 per common share, over 2.5 times the earnings of $126 million or $0.85 per share in 2003. Excluding the paper and timberlands business, which was included in the results for the first six months, Norbord's 2004 earnings were $332 million or $2.21 per share. The following are significant highlights during 2004: > Generated cash from operating activities of $562 million ($3.75 per share) |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 22 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
| The margin improvement program (MIP), eight years after formal implementation, remains the cornerstone of Norbord's efforts to "control the controllables". Measured at constant prices and exchange rates, MIP realized a $37 million improvement over 2003. Approximately $30 million of 2004 MIP is attributed to improving volume from existing assets and $20 million to improvements in gross margins related to product mix. The gains from these initiatives were partially offset by input cost increases. ROE averaged 47% in 2004, sharply higher than the 15% reported in 2003. Norbord's ROCE rose to 73% in 2004 from 43% in 2003. ROCE is a key measurement of financial performance, focusing on cash and the efficient use of capital. While capital employed was up 12% over 2003 to $918 million, principally due to panelboard asset acquisitions, the higher ROCE was driven by EBITDA growth. Cash provided by operating activities totalled $562 million or $3.75 per share compared to $280 million in 2003. The substantial improvement was driven by record OSB prices. Cash and cash equivalents totalled $215 million at December 31, 2004, compared to $177 million at year-end 2003. On January 5, 2004, Norbord sold for par value a short-term investment represented by a $60 million debenture issued by Canfor Corporation. The debenture was issued to Norbord in November 1999 pursuant to Norbord's sale of its 50% interest in Northwood Inc. The $200 million 67/8% debentures issued in 1995 were repurchased in 2004. The premium paid on repurchase, net of the recognition of gains on interest rate swaps, was $9 million. The repurchase was funded by cash from operations. At the end of 2004, committed bank lines were $208 million, of which $6 million was utilized for letters of credit. Norbord's net debt stood at $236 million at December 31, 2004, representing 30% of capitalization. Strong cash flow from operations has allowed the net debt to capitalization of Norbord to be reduced from 35% at December 31, 2003, while paying a special dividend of CAD $1.00 per share, acquiring an additional $94 million in panelboard assets, and completing the $500 million distribution of Fraser Papers. Book value at December 31, 2004 was $3.42 per share (CAD $4.11). Norbord's shares traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) in a range of CAD $10.18-$16.43 in 2004, closing the year at CAD $12.40, up 14% from year-end 2003. The rise in share price is notable in light of the $500 million distribution of Fraser Papers to common shareholders during the year. The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 14% while the TSX Materials Index was up 7% in 2004. The total return on Norbord shares during 2004 was 67%, assuming the reinvestment of dividends and the sale of Fraser Papers common shares and subsequent reinvestment of proceeds in Norbord shares on the distribution date. The daily average volume traded during 2004 was 518,000, up sharply from 215,000 in 2003, as the public share float increased substantially during the year following a sale of shares by Brascan Corporation. |
Quarterly | Q4 | Q3 | Q4 | |
Results | (US $ millions) | 2004 | 2004 | 2003 |
Net sales | 335 | 364 | 346 | |
EBITDA | 89 | 156 | 156 | |
Depreciation | 22 | 21 | 20 | |
Capital investments | 40 | 12 | 15 |
| In the fourth quarter of 2004, EBITDA was $89 million, compared to $156 in the same quarter of the previous year. North American OSB pricing in the quarter was lower than in the fourth quarter of 2003, offsetting the impact of increased OSB production volume and higher European panel prices. EBITDA margins were 27% in the fourth quarter compared to 43% for the third quarter of 2004 and 45% for the fourth quarter of 2003. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 23 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
| North American OSB markets strengthened considerably during the last six weeks of the fourth quarter due to the resumption of home construction activities following hurricanes in the US South in September. The market was also impacted by announced scheduled maintenance downtime and wet weather in the US South that curtailed the supply of logs to several panel producers. North Central benchmark OSB pricing remained above historical levels in the fourth quarter, averaging $264 per Msf (7/16-inch basis) as compared to the prior quarter average of $353 and the fourth quarter of 2003 average of $403. Net sales in the quarter were $335 million, compared to $346 million in the fourth quarter of 2003. Increased production volume, contributing an additional $42 million in sales, has been offset by the impact of lower North American OSB prices. Sales from the Genk, Belgium mill, acquired on September 30, 2004, represent $17 million of the total net sales increase. Cash provided by operating activities for the fourth quarter was $107 million compared to $184 million in the same quarter of 2003, with the variance driven by lower earnings and higher cash taxes. Cash dividends of $133 million in the fourth quarter of 2004 include the $118 million special dividend paid on September 30, 2004. Capital investments were $40 million in the quarter. Capital investments were concentrated in the fourth quarter as over 70% of the planned maintenance downtime was scheduled in this period. Significant capital projects, including the tie-in of the first phase of the new energy system at Jefferson, Texas, were completed in conjunction with the regularly scheduled maintenance downtime. |
Earnings | Earnings | |||||||||||||
Earnings | from | from | ||||||||||||
Earnings per | Earnings per | from | Continuing | Continuing | ||||||||||
Common | Common | Continuing | Operations | Operations | ||||||||||
Net Sales | Earnings | Share | Share | Operations | per Common | per Common | ||||||||
(US$ millions) | (US$ millions) | (basic) | (diluted) | (US$ millions) | Share (basic) | Share (diluted) | ||||||||
2004 | ||||||||||||||
4th Quarter | $ | 335 | $ | 41 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 41 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.26 |
3rd Quarter | 364 | 77 | 0.51 | 0.50 | 77 | 0.51 | 0.50 | |||||||
2nd Quarter | 439 | 127 | 0.85 | 0.84 | 127 | 0.85 | 0.84 | |||||||
1st Quarter | 348 | 81 | 0.54 | 0.54 | 87 | 0.59 | 0.59 | |||||||
2003 | ||||||||||||||
4th Quarter | $ | 346 | $ | 71 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 77 | $ | 0.52 | $ | 0.52 |
3rd Quarter | 303 | 54 | 0.37 | 0.37 | 63 | 0.42 | 0.42 | |||||||
2nd Quarter | 224 | - | - | - | 20 | 0.14 | 0.14 | |||||||
1st Quarter | 191 | 1 | - | - | 6 | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| Quarterly earnings surged in the last two quarters of 2003 and through 2004, reflecting the rising price of OSB. Fluctuations in earnings during that time mirror fluctuations in the price of OSB. In addition to the operating results of Fraser Papers and the Quebec sawmills, results of discontinued operations include restructuring charges at the East Paper operations of $14 million, $2 million and $1 million in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2003, respectively, and a gain of $12 million on the sale of the Quebec sawmills in the fourth quarter of 2003. |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 24 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Financial Results | Following the distribution of Fraser Papers, the Company has a single reportable segment. | ||||||||||
(US $ millions) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||||
Net sales | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,064 | $ | 679 | $ | 497 | $ | 494 | |
EBITDA | 631 | 365 | 89 | 50 | 101 | ||||||
Depreciation | 82 | 76 | 71 | 43 | 43 | ||||||
Capital investments | 67 | 31 | 15 | 64 | 136 | ||||||
Continuing operations comprise 11 OSB mills, 3 particleboard plants, 2 MDF plants, 1 hardwood plywood mill, 1 I-joist mill, 2 laminating operations, and a furniture plant. The operations are located in the United States, Europe and Canada. |
Net Sales | Shipments | Average Mill Nets | |||||||||
(US | $ millions) | (volume) | (US $ per M unit) | ||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||
OSB (MMsf-3/8") | $ | 1,084 | $ | 737 | 3,731 | 3,372 | $ | 291 | $ | 218 | |
Particleboard (MMsf-3/8") | 98 | 82 | 647 | 618 | 152 | 132 | |||||
MDF (MMsf-3/8") | 112 | 94 | 593 | 567 | 189 | 165 | |||||
Plywood (MMsf-3/8") | 45 | 41 | 79 | 77 | 572 | 537 | |||||
I-joist (MM lineal ft.) | 46 | 30 | 57 | 41 | 811 | 729 | |||||
Other (1) | 101 | 80 | - | - | - | - | |||||
Total | $ | 1,486 | $ | 1,064 | |||||||
(1) Other sales are net of internal transfers and include laminated products, furniture components and ready-to-assemble furniture units. |
Markets The US remained the principal market destination for Norbord's products, with 68% of total sales in 2004, up from 65% in 2003. European sales represented 25% in 2004, and Canadian sales 7%. |
2004 | 2003 | |||||
Shipments by Market Destination | United States | Europe | Canada | Total | Total | |
OSB (MMsf-3/8") | 3,071 | 352 | 308 | 3,731 | 3,372 | |
Particleboard (MMsf-3/8") | - | 647 | - | 647 | 618 | |
MDF (MMsf-3/8") | 136 | 430 | 27 | 593 | 567 | |
Plywood (MMsf-3/8") | 64 | - | 15 | 79 | 77 | |
I-joist (MM lineal ft.) | 57 | - | - | 57 | 41 |
The US housing market continued to exceed expectations. US housing starts grew by 6% over 2003 levels to 1.95 million units and exceeded industry forecasts by approximately 11%. Interest rates and inflation remained low while GDP and consumer confidence remained high, supporting strong housing demand. Thirty-year mortgage rates averaged 5.8%, the same as 2003. Consensus is emerging that the underlying demographics, driven by immigration, will continue to support a higher level of housing demand throughout the coming decade. The UK housing market has remained strong as interest rates remained low and unemployment reached a 20-year low. Canadian housing starts increased 7% over 2003 to 233,000 units, surpassing the 15-year record set in 2003. The North American structural panel industry again set a record, producing 42.7 billion square feet (3/8-inch basis) for the year driven by OSB output of 25.4 billion square feet. OSB continues to displace plywood market share as OSB production was up more than 7% over 2003, while plywood production was up marginally due to the strong markets. OSB production for 2004 represents approximately 59% of the total North American structural panel production. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 25 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
For the second consecutive year the benchmark North Central price for OSB set a record. The price peaked at $520 per Msf (7/16-inch basis) in late April 2004. The previous record of $465 was set in the fall of 2003. The North Central price hit a low of $215 in October 2004 following hurricanes in the US South during the previous month that delayed building site activity. Prices rose steadily through November and December, ending the year at $315. The North Central OSB price averaged $369 in 2004 compared with $294 for 2003. North American MDF and hardwood plywood both experienced price improvement over 2003. The improvement was due to a combination of increased demand, reduced capacity and the Company's focus on specialty products. I-joist prices improved more than 10% due to strong housing starts and improved lumber markets. European OSB markets strengthened significantly during 2004. Demand continues to increase with no new capacity coming on stream in the near term, resulting in a more balanced market. European particleboard and MDF markets also strengthened in 2004 as demand from Eastern Europe improved and consolidation occurred within these sectors, particularly in Germany. |
Operations | ||||||
Production | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |
OSB (MMsf-3/8") | 3,821 | 3,402 | 2,986 | 1,800 | 1,520 | |
MDF (MMsf-3/8") | 598 | 572 | 524 | 521 | 510 | |
Particleboard (MMsf-3/8") | 616 | 586 | 560 | 565 | 706 | |
Plywood (MMsf-3/8") | 79 | 76 | 79 | 80 | 82 | |
I-joist (MM lineal ft.) | 56 | 41 | 31 | 26 | 7 |
OSB accounted for 96% of EBITDA, generating $606 million, up from $343 million in 2003. North American operations contributed 92% and Europe 8% of the 2004 total EBITDA. Net sales increased 40% or $422 million in 2004, with higher OSB prices accounting for the majority of the increase. Record North American OSB production accounted for $92 million of the increase, and acquisitions contributed $65 million. OSB accounted for 73% of total net sales in 2004 compared to 69% in 2003. OSB mill nets, net sales divided by shipments, increased 66%, benefiting from record benchmark prices in North America and significant price increases in Europe. Shipments rose 10%. Of the 359 million square feet (3/8-inch basis) increase in shipments, production improvements delivered as a result of implementing best practices at the three OSB mills acquired in 2002 and through the maturation of greenfield investments, accounted for roughly one-half of this increase. The balance is attributable to the acquisition of the Genk, Belgium mill and the additional 50% of the Bemidji, Minnesotamill not previously owned. Record EBITDA of $631 million was generated in 2004, more than 1.7 times the $365 million for the previous year. Increased production volume accounted for approximately $70 million of the improvement with the balance driven by OSB price. EBITDA margin for 2004 was 42% compared to 34% for the prior year. Nine of the 11 OSB mills established annual production records with OSB production increasing 419 million square feet (3/8-inch basis) or 12% in 2004. In addition, annual production records were set at both MDF facilities, the particleboard mill in Scotland and the I-joist plant in New Brunswick. This follows record production in 2003 when 13 of 16 facilities set annual production records. To date, Norbord has been able to largely mitigate the impact of rising energy prices through hedging and an increase in the use of alternative fuels. The increase in natural gas price has, however, begun to negatively impact the price of resin. North American production costs for OSB, net of employee profit share, have risen almost 5% over the prior year principally as a result of the increase in resin pricing. Fibre pricing increases, particularly in Minnesota and Quebec, and |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 26 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
foreign exchange have also had a negative impact on manufacturing cost. Significant gains from Norbord's Margin Improvement Program have limited the impact of these cost increases. EBITDA margins from the North American industrial panel operations averaged 13% in 2004 compared to 8% in 2003. Market-related shutdowns were taken at both North American MDF and plywood facilities during 2004 due to weaker demand. MDF production at Cowie, Scotland, rose 6% in the year due to continuous improvement on both lines. MDF costs at Cowie declined 2%, a significant achievement in light of higher energy prices. Particleboard production increased 5% over 2003 due to the addition of the particleboard line at Genk, Belgium in the fourth quarter. Depreciation expense increased $6 million in 2004 to $82 million, with $2 million due to acquisitions. Interest Interest expense of $31 million in 2004 was down from $37 million in 2003. Total long-term debt, including the current portion, decreased to $451 million at year-end 2004, down 32% from $659 million at December 31, 2003. The decrease in total long-term debt and interest expense is due to the redemption, at mid-year, of the $200 million 67/8% debentures due 2005. On redemption, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $9 million ($6 million after tax or $0.04 per share) for call premiums net of associated interest rate swap gains. The redemption was funded with cash generated from operations. The effective interest rate on Norbord's debt-related obligations, including the impact of interest rate swaps, was 5.3% at December 31, 2004, compared to 4.7% at year-end 2003. From time to time the Company recoupons its portfolio of interest rate swaps to more efficiently manage cash flow and credit exposure. In 2003 Norbord realized a gain of $23 million in respect of $375 million of interest rate swaps. Any gains realized are deferred and amortized over the remaining term of the debt against which the swaps were designated as hedges. At December 31, 2004, $43 million of gains were deferred and included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The amortization amounted to $10 million in 2004 and $11 million in 2003. Interest income in 2004 amounted to $6 million compared to $5 million in 2003. Interest income in 2004 includes $1 million from the Fraser Papers note, which was outstanding during the third quarter, with the balance from interest earned on cash and cash equivalents. 2003 includes income of $3 million from the Canfor 61/4% convertible debentures, sold in January 2004. Income Taxes A tax expense of $183 million was recorded in 2004 on pre-tax earnings from continuing operations of $515 million. The effective tax rate of 35% equates to the combined statutory rate. | |
Changes in Accounting Policy | The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Section 3110 - Asset Retirement Obligations, is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2004, and was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2004. Section 3110 requires the recognition of all legal obligations associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset. This change in accounting policy has been effected retroactively with prior periods restated to reflect the impact of the change. All asset retirement obligations recorded were in respect of landfill closure and remediation costs at Fraser Papers. Accordingly, these obligations have been classified as liabilities of discontinued operations. The cumulative effect of the change was a decrease of 2003 opening retained earnings of $3 million. The change in policy did not have a material impact on earnings in 2004 and 2003. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 27 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates
| Revenue Recognition Net sales are recognized when the risks of ownership pass to the purchaser. This is generally when goods are shipped. Sales are recorded net of freight and discounts. Sales are governed by contract or by standard industry terms. Revenue is not recognized prior to the completion of those terms. The majority of product is shipped via third-party transport on a freight-on-board shipping basis. In all cases, product is subject to quality testing to ensure it meets applicable standards prior to shipment. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, including capitalized interest. Government capital grants and investment tax credits received reduce the cost of related assets. Property, plant and equipment acquired in a business acquisition are recorded at fair value. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis. The rates of depreciation are intended to fully depreciate manufacturing and non-manufacturing assets over the following periods, which approximate their useful lives: |
Buildings | 20 to 40 years | |
Production equipment | 10 to 15 years |
| These periods are assessed from time to time to ensure that they continue to approximate the useful lives of the related assets. Future Income Taxes Future income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of assets and liabilities as well as certain carryforward items. Future income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that, in the Company's opinion, it is more likely than not that the future income tax assets will be realized. This opinion is based on certain estimates and assumptions. If these estimates or assumptions change in the future, the Company could be required to reduce or increase the value of the future income tax assets resulting in income tax expense or recovery. The Company evaluates its future income tax assets periodically. |
Financial Instruments
| Norbord uses derivative financial instruments solely for the purpose of managing its interest rate, foreign exchange and commodity price exposures, as further detailed on page 32 in the Price Sensitivities and Foreign Exchange sections. These activities are governed by Board-approved financial policies that cover risk identification, tolerance, measurement and reporting. Derivative transactions are executed only with approved high-quality counterparties under master netting agreements. Derivative contracts that are deemed to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of hedged items are designated as hedges of specific exposures and, accordingly, all gains and losses on these instruments are recognized in the same manner as the item being hedged. |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 28 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
|
Operating working capital, consisting of accounts receivable and inventory less accounts payable and accrued liabilities, at December 31, 2004 was $2 million compared to negative $6million at December 31, 2003. The Company aims to minimize the amount of capital held as operating working capital. Total working capital at December 31, 2004 was $217 including $215 in cash and cash equivalents. Norbord's net debt stood at $236 million at December 31, 2004, representing 30% of capitalization. Strong cash flow from operations has allowed the net debt to capitalization of Norbord to be reduced from 35% at December 31, 2003, while paying a special dividend of CAD $1.00 per share, acquiring an additional $98 million in panelboard assets, and completing the $500 million distribution of Fraser Papers. Net debt includes debt of $451 million less cash and cash equivalents of $215 million. During the year, the Company redeemed its $200 million 67/8% debentures due 2005 and unwound $50 million of interest rate swaps, and recorded a pre-tax charge of $9 million for call premiums net of associated interest rate swap gains. The redemption was funded with cash generated from operations. The Company's next term debt maturity is its $200 million 81/8% debentures due March 20, 2008. The $451 million term debt outstanding at year-end 2004 has an average term of 5.6 years. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $375 million (2003 - $425 million) of interest rate swaps outstanding, and 73% (2003 - 57%) of Norbord's net debt was at floating interest rates. During 2004 the Company's committed unsecured revolving bank lines were renewed with each of its commercial banks for a three-year term at a reduced total commitment to reflect the requirements of the Company following the distribution of Fraser Papers. At December 31, 2004, $6 million of the $208 million of committed bank lines were utilized for letters of credit, with the balance available to support short-term liquidity requirements. These committed bank lines mature through 2007, bear interest at money market rates plus a margin that varies with the Company's credit rating, and contain certain financial covenants that the Company must comply with on a quarterly basis. At December 31, 2004, the Company had tax operating loss carryforwards of approximately £37 million from UK operations. These losses can be carried forward indefinitely. The Company has capital losses in Canada of CAD $54 million that can be carried forward indefinitely. The Company also has approximately CAD $29 million of Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) available to reduce future Canadian tax liabilities. The ITCs expire between 2007 and 2012. The tax benefit of the ITCs on qualified fixed assets has been reflected in the financial statements as a reduction in the book value of the assets to which they relate. The loss carryforwards and the credits will be utilized over the next several years to eliminate cash taxes otherwise payable, and will enhance future cash flows. The future tax benefits of these temporary differences have been included in future income taxes in the consolidated financial statements. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 29 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Contractual | The following table summarizes Norbord's contractual obligations at December 31, 2004: | ||||||||||
Obligations | |||||||||||
Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||
Less than | One-Three | Four-Five | After Five | ||||||||
Contractual Obligations (US $ millions) | Total | One Year | Years | Years | Years | ||||||
Long-term debt | $ | 451 | $ | 1 | $ | - | $ | 200 | $ | 250 | |
Purchase obligations | 36 | 27 | 8 | 1 | - | ||||||
Operating leases | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | ||||||
Total | $ | 493 | $ | 29 | $ | 10 | $ | 202 | $ | 252 | |
Note: The above table does not include pension and post-retirement benefits plan obligations, which are discussed on page 30. | |||||||||||
Capital Investments
| Capital investments in 2004 totalled $67 million, more than double the $31 million spent in 2003. Capital investments represented 82% of depreciation in 2004. Approximately 60% of the $67 million was invested in projects to enhance profitability. The 2004 total includes $17 million invested to date at Jefferson, Texasfor an energy system. The investment will reduce fuel operating costs and maintenance. An additional $9 million will be invested by mid-2005. In 2004, the Company invested $9 million of a $10 million project to install pollution control equipment that will allow the Nacogdoches, Texasmill to increase its permitted operating capacity by approximately 20%. The project will be completed in the second quarter of 2005. The Cowie, Scotland facility invested $4 million during 2004 to expand recycling and production capacity. Prior to the acquisition of the Genk, Belgium operation, $10 million of capital investments were identified to improve profitability at the mill. Of this total, $2 million was invested in 2004. At year-end 2004 commitments to projects in progress totalled $15 million. The Company expects to invest approximately $80 million in capital during 2005. This represents close to 90% of annual depreciation expense. Approximately one-half of the capital investments in 2005 will be for productivity improvements and strategic initiatives. The remaining 50% of the spending will be for sustaining capital, maintenance and environmental. The 2005 capital will be funded with cash generated from operations. Other funding sources available include existing cash reserves. |
(US $ millions) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||||
Increased productivity | $ | 39 | $ | 12 | $ | 7 | $ | 19 | $ | 10 | |
Greenfield | - | - | - | 34 | 114 | ||||||
Environmental | 11 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 1 | ||||||
Maintenance of business | 17 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 11 | ||||||
Total | $ | 67 | $ | 31 | $ | 15 | $ | 64 | $ | 136 |
Spending is higher for 2004 and is expected to be higher in 2005 than the previous two years as the Company has taken advantage of strong earnings to accelerate higher return capital projects and to meet MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) requirements (see discussion on page 33). |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 30 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Credit Ratings
| Debt ratings within investment grade categories are a key objective of Norbord's financing strategy and provide for long-term access to public and private capital markets on attractive terms. During 2004, all three rating agencies reviewed the Company's credit ratings in connection with the distribution of Fraser Papers. Dominion Bond Rating Service reaffirmed with a stable outlook, Standard & Poor's reaffirmed with a negative outlook, and Moody's downgraded the Company one notch. Current ratings are: |
Moody's | ||||
Dominion Bond | Standard | Investors | ||
Rating Service | & Poor's | Service | ||
Debentures | BBB | BBB | Baa3 | |
Preferred shares | Pfd-3 | P-3 (high)/BB+ |
Ratings on the Company's debentures have been investment grade since 1992. | |
Defined Benefit Pension Plans |
Defined benefit pension expense for the year was $2 million (2003 - $2 million) and defined benefit employer contributions were $1 million (2003 - $1 million). Norbord's defined benefit pension plans are funded in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements. Norbord anticipates 2005 net pension expense and employer contributions will be in line with 2004 levels. The weighted average assumed return on assets is 7.8% and is based on management's best estimate of the long-term expected rate of return on plan assets, including consideration of asset mix, equity risk premium and active investment management premium. The weighted average discount rate used to value year-end 2004 accrued benefit obligations is 5.7% and is based on the market yield of high-quality corporate bonds of similar duration to the pension plan liabilities. Significant changes in assumptions, driven by changes in financial markets, asset performance different from the assumed rate of return, significant new plan enhancements, acquisitions, divestitures, changes in the regulatory environment, and the measurement uncertainty incorporated into the actuarial valuation process could materially affect Norbord's future plan assets, accrued benefit obligations, pension expense and pension contributions. |
Common Shares |
The Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program in October 2004 whereby the Company may purchase on the open market up to 7.5 million common shares, representing 5% of the total shares outstanding. Purchases may be made between November 2, 2004 and November 1, 2005. During 2004, 1.9 million shares were purchased and cancelled at a cost of $17 million. Since 1997, 17.5 million shares have been purchased and cancelled at a cost of $95 million. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 31 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Common Share Information | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||||
Shares outstanding at year-end (000s) | 149,284 | 148,198 | 144,450 | 141,561 | 140,307 | |||||
Dividends (US $ millions) | $ | 168 | $ | 43 | $ | 36 | $ | 36 | $ | 36 |
Book value (US $) | $ | 3.42 | $ | 5.79 | $ | 5.30 | $ | 5.50 | $ | 5.65 |
Market price at year-end (CAD $) | $ | 12.40 | $ | 10.85 | $ | 8.25 | $ | 7.50 | $ | 7.10 |
Dividend yield | 3.2% (1) | 3.7% | 4.8% | 5.3% | 5.6% | |||||
(1) Excludes special dividend of CAD $1.00 per share paid September 30, 2004. |
|
Dividends
|
Preferred share dividends totalled $2 million in 2004, unchanged from 2003. The Canadian prime interest rate is used to determine the dividend rate. The prime rate averaged 4.0% in 2004, down 70 basis points from 2003. Preferred share capital outstanding at year-end 2004 totalled 2.4 million shares or $38 million. |
Stock-Based Compensation
|
Shares issued under the Company's stock option plan totalled 2.8 million in 2004, generating proceeds of $17 million. Options on 1.5 million shares were exercised during 2003. Options on 2.1 million shares were outstanding at year-end 2004, with 41% vested. During the year, the exercise price on all outstanding options was decreased by CAD $5.41 to reflect the distribution of Fraser Papers (CAD $4.41) and the payment of the special dividend (CAD $1.00). The exercise price for these options is between CAD $0.72 and CAD $10.73, with expiry at various dates to 2014. |
Transactions with Related Parties
|
In 2003 the Company paid $1 million in miscellaneous fees to a party related by virtue of being under common significant influence.
|
Labour Relations | Negotiations were completed in June 2004 for a new five-year agreement with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada representing members at the La Sarre, Quebec, OSB mill. The agreement expires June 30, 2009 and provides for wage and benefit increases of $4 million over the term of the contract. The cost of the package should be partially offset by productivity gains. The collective agreement with the Teamsters Union representing approximately 130 members at the Val d'Or, Quebec mill expired December 31, 2004. Negotiations have commenced and a settlement is expected in the second quarter of 2005. The terms of the agreement are expected to be similar to the agreement ratified at the La Sarre mill. There are no labour union contracts expiring in 2005. Approximately 40% of Norbord's employees are unionized. |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 32 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Risks and Uncertainties | Norbord is exposed to a number of risks in the normal course of its business that have the potential to affect the operating performance of the Company. Major risks are discussed below. Price Sensitivities Norbord's earnings are sensitive to changes in world economic conditions, primarily in North America and Europe. Forest products markets are competitive and cyclical in nature and prices for many products are sensitive to variations in supply and demand. Based on operating at capacity, the following table shows the approximate annualized impact of changes in product prices on after-tax earnings. |
Average | ||||
Sensitivity | Impact on | Mill Nets | ||
Factor | Earnings | 4th Quarter | ||
(US $) | (US $ millions) | 2004 | ||
OSB | $10 per Msf-7/16" | $ 23 | $ 260 | |
Other panels | $10 per Msf-7/16" | 9 | 222 |
Norbord is exposed to commodity price risk on both inputs (e.g., fibre, resin and energy) and outputs (e.g., OSB and MDF), and monitors market developments in all commodity prices to which it is materially exposed. No liquid futures markets exist for the majority of Norbord's commodity inputs and outputs but, where possible, Norbord will hedge a portion of its commodity price exposure up to Board-approved limits in order to reduce the potential negative impact of rising commodity input prices and falling commodity output prices. Should Norbord decide to hedge any of this exposure, it will hedge physically with suppliers and customers and, if unfeasible, purchase financial hedges where liquid markets exist. At December 31, 2004, Norbord hedged approximately 50% of its expected natural gas consumption through March 2005, and 25% from April 2005 to June 2005, by locking in the price directly with its suppliers. Norbord also hedged most of its deregulated electricity consumption through September 2005 with the remainder at regulated prices. The majority of Norbord's energy inputs by volume are biomass, making Norbord's mills more than 60% energy self-sufficient. This ratio will increase once the Jefferson energy system project is completed in the second quarter of 2005, resulting in a 35% reduction in Norbord's North American natural gas consumption. Competition The forest products industry is a highly competitive business environment in which companies compete, to a large degree, on the basis of price. Norbord's principal market is the US where it competes with North American and, in some instances, foreign producers. Norbord's European operations compete primarily with other European producers. Certain competitors may have lower-cost facilities than Norbord. Norbord's ability to compete in these and other markets is dependent on a variety of factors such as manufacturing costs, continued free access to markets, customer service, product quality and currency exchange rates. Foreign Exchange Norbord competes within North American and European markets where product prices are significantly influenced by US dollar and Euro exchange rates. Norbord's foreign exchange exposure arises from the following sources: > Net investments in self-sustaining foreign operations, limited to Norbord's investment in its European operations, |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 33 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Norbord's policy is to hedge all significant balance sheet foreign exchange exposures. The Company may hedge a portion of foreign currency cash flows for periods up to three years in order to reduce the potential negative effect of a strengthening Canadian dollar versus the US dollar or a weakening Euro versus the British pound. In 2004 Norbord was negatively impacted by the strengthening Canadian dollar, realizing an average exchange rate, relative to the US dollar, of US $0.768 (2003 - US $0.700) on its Canadian dollar costs. There were no Canadian dollar cost hedges maturing in 2004 (2003 - CAD $28 million at US $0.637 average rate). The Euro strengthened versus the British pound from an average rate of £0.692 in 2003 to £0.678 during 2004, ending the year at £0.706. This level is considered cost competitive for British manufacturers, improving export opportunities and reducing pressure from Continental European imports. There were no Canadian dollar cost hedges or Euro revenue hedges outstanding at December31, 2004. Each US one-cent change in the value of the Canadian dollar will impact annualized after-tax earnings by approximately $1 million in 2005. Each British pound one-pence change in the value of the Euro will impact after-tax earnings by approximately £1 million in 2005. Environmental Issues Norbord's operations are subject to a range of general and industry-specific environmental laws and regulations relating to air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid and hazardous waste management, and site remediation. Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) regulations, designed to reduce hazardous air emissions, took effect in the US in 2004. The new standards apply to more than 200 mills manufacturing plywood, OSB, MDF, particleboard and other wood composite panels. Norbord's eight US operations will be fully compliant with the MACT requirement by the end of 2006, in advance of the October 1, 2007 compliance deadline. Overall compliance with MACT regulations will cost Norbord approximately $40 million, of which $28 million has already been approved for the installation of emission control equipment at the Nacogdoches, Texas, Minnesota, and New York mills. A separate MACT regulation has been approved to control the emissions of hazardous air pollutants from industrial boilers. Four Norbord operations may be affected by these regulations. However, capital requirements for compliance are not expected to be material. For more detailed information on Norbord's emission control projects, consult the Report on Environment, Health and Safety included in this annual report. Fibre Resource While Norbord does not own any timberland, it does adhere to the principles of sustainable management and to third-party certification to verify that its wood fibre is sourced from sustainable, managed forests. Norbord's wood fibre supply comes from several different sources. In the US, roundwood logs are primarily sourced from private and industry owned woodlands. The MDF mill also purchases woodchips and sawdust from local sawmills. In Europe, wood fibre is purchased from government-owned and private landowners. Fibre for OSB comes from roundwood logs, while the MDF and particleboard mills source fibre in the form of roundwood logs, woodchips, sawdust and recycled wood. Norbord's Quebec and Ontario mills purchase roundwood largely from third parties holding forestry licences on Crown land. Norbord holds forestry licences to source 841,800 cubic metres of poplar and birch from Crown timberland in Ontario and Quebec. The Crown licences require the payment of stumpage fees for the timber harvested and compliance with specified rehabilitation and silvicultural management practices. The licences cover periods ranging from 20 to 25 years and are renewed or extended every 5 years. They can be revoked or cancelled for non-performance. The licences also contain terms and conditions that |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 34 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
could, under limited circumstances, result in a reduction of annual allowable timber that may be harvested by Norbord without any compensation. The I-joist mill purchases lumber and OSB from manufacturers. Aboriginal Land Claims In July 1998, the Cree Nation in Northern Quebec launched a lawsuit against the federal and provincial governments and forest products companies operating in the region, including Norbord. The lawsuit claimed that forestry on aboriginal lands threatened the traditional Cree way of life protected under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement signed in 1974. The case was resolved February 7, 2002 outside of court, with an agreement between the Cree Nation and the Quebec government. The Agreement encompassed the management of all natural resources. Most of the changes to the Forestry Code resulting from this Agreement are now known. However, their impact cannot be fully measured until the Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks, and Wildlife approves or modifies the five-year forest management plans submitted in December 2003 by Norbord and the other harvest licence holders. The amended cutting rights will be made public after April 1, 2005. A provincial government panel has recommended a 20% reduction in the annual harvest of softwood only. While Norbord uses principally hardwood species, the Agreement is expected to affect the timber allocations and harvesting costs for Norbord's operations in Quebec. | |
Outlook for 2005 | Following a year in which US housing starts averaged a record 1.95 million, it is expected that homebuilding will be modestly lower in 2005, though well above historical averages. Housing starts have averaged 1.74 million over the past five years. The US economy is expected to remain supportive of interest rates that favour new home construction and continued strong sales of existing housing stock. The single-family segment, the single largest end-use of OSB, is forecast to account for approximately 80% of all new homes in 2005. Structural panel consumption in North America is expected to remain strong in 2005 at about 43 billion square feet - comparable to 2004. OSB constitutes approximately 60% of all structural panel usage. Additional OSB production capacity from new and existing mills will be introduced to the North American market in 2005 - estimated at 1.1 billion square feet (3/8-inch basis). Norbord's OSB production is expected to increase approximately 3% in 2005, largely as a result of capital improvement projects at its two mills in Texas and at the newly acquired mill in Belgium. All other Norbord OSB mills are expected to operate at the same or greater production levels as 2004. Value-added products are expected to account for approximately 25% of Norbord's OSB output. European demand for OSB is expected to continue growing by 10-15% in 2005. Prices strengthened significantly during 2004 and are expected to remain strong as no new production capacity is expected to be introduced in Europe until 2006. MDF markets in North America and Europe will remain competitive in 2005, largely as a result of pressures on the furniture manufacturing sector. Norbord's success in MDF will continue to be driven by its product mix, customer service levels, and its low cost manufacturing position in the United Kingdom. European particleboard demand is expected to continue at 2004 levels. Norbord's value-added kitchen component business is expected to continue growing in 2005 following a 20% growth in sales in 2004. |
NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 | 35 | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Summary While OSB prices likely reached a peak in 2004, market conditions are expected to remain favourable. OSB prices are forecast to remain above historical or trend levels. European panel markets are also expected to remain healthy in 2005. The Company expects to be minimally impacted by a stronger Canadian dollar. Margin improvements in 2005, planned at $33 million at constant prices and exchange rates compared with 2004, are expected to largely offset increased manufacturing costs. Cash flow from operating activities in 2005 is expected to be sufficient to fund capital investments as well as interest and dividend requirements. Undrawn committed term bank lines amounted to $202 million at December 31, 2004, and cash balances totalled $215 million, which supports short-term liquidity requirements. Public and private debt markets remain open to the Company as it continues to retain investment grade credit ratings. The Company's overall strategy is to continue building shareholder value through timely investments and operational efficiency. | |
The foregoing contains a review of developments that impacted on Norbord's performance during 2004. Forward-looking statements and estimates are also discussed. Such comments will be affected by, and involve, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied. | |
Definitions | The following non-GAAP measures have been used in this MD&A. Non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. There are no directly comparable GAAP measures to any of these measures. The following is a quantitative reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the nearest comparable GAAP measure. EBITDA is earnings from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented as a useful indicator of a company's ability to incur and service debt and meet capital expenditure requirements. Norbord interprets EBITDA trends as an indicator of relative operating performance. EBITDA margin (%) is EBITDA as a percentage of net sales. Operating working capital is accounts receivable plus inventory less accounts payable. Total working capital is operating working capital plus cash and cash equivalents. Capital employed is the sum of property, plant and equipment, operating working capital and other assets. ROCE (return on capital employed) is EBITDA divided by capital employed. ROCE is a key measurement of financial performance, focusing on cash and the efficient use of capital. ROE (return on common equity) is earnings available to common shareholders (earnings less preferred share dividends) divided by common shareholders' equity. ROE is a measure of returns provided to common shareholders. Total shareholder return assumes the reinvestment of all dividends in shares of Norbord. The shares of Fraser Papers received in the distribution are assumed to be disposed on the first day of trading with the reinvestment of the proceeds in Norbord shares. |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS | 36 | NORBORD ANNUAL REPORT 2004 |
Net debt is long-term debt including the current portion and bank advances less cash and cash equivalents. Net debt is a useful indicator of a company's debt position. Net debt to capitalization is net debt divided by the sum of net debt and shareholders' equity. Net debt to capitalization is a key measure of a company's relative debt position. Norbord interprets this measure as an indicator of the relative strength and flexibility of its balance sheet. Book value per share is common shareholders' equity divided by common shares outstanding. |
EBITDA | ||||||||||
(US $ millions) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | �� | 2001 | 2000 | ||||
Earnings | $ | 326 | $ | 126 | $ | 13 | $ | 12 | $ | 94 |
Less: Earnings from discontinued operations | 6 | 40 | (6) | (10) | (36) | |||||
Add: Premium on early extinguishment of debt, net | 9 | - | - | - | - | |||||
Add: Interest expense | 31 | 37 | 37 | 33 | 25 | |||||
Less: Interest and other income | (6) | (5) | (6) | (6) | (27) | |||||
Add: Income tax | 183 | 91 | (20) | (22) | 2 | |||||
Add: Depreciation | 82 | 76 | 71 | 43 | 43 | |||||
EBITDA | $ | 631 | $ | 365 | $ | 89 | $ | 50 | $ | 101 |
Capital Employed | ||||||||||
(US $ millions) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment | $ | 927 | $ | 833 | $ | 857 | $ | 657 | $ | 606 |
Accounts receivable | 150 | 115 | 84 | 63 | 65 | |||||
Inventory | 90 | 66 | 61 | 62 | 65 | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (238) | (187) | (145) | (118) | (100) | |||||
Other assets | 5 | 6 | 66 | 31 | 32 | |||||
Unrealized balance sheet hedge losses (1) | (16) | (16) | (1) | - | - | |||||
Capital employed | $ | 918 | $ | 817 | $ | 922 | $ | 695 | $ | 668 |
(1) Included in other liabilities. | ||||||||||
Net Debt | ||||||||||
(US $ millions) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||||
Long-term debt | $ | 450 | $ | 657 | $ | 658 | $ | 686 | $ | 575 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 1 | 2 | 153 | 3 | 7 | |||||
Bank advances | - | - | 1 | - | 1 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | (215) | (177) | (67) | (116) | (107) | |||||
Net debt | $ | 236 | $ | 482 | $ | 745 | $ | 573 | $ | 475 |
ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
NORBORD INC.
March 14, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |
Corporate Structure | 3 |
General Development of the Business | 3 |
Changes in the Business 2002 - 2004 | 4 |
Outlook | 4 |
Risks of the Business | 4 |
Description of the Business | 6 |
Principal Products | 6 |
Principal Plants | 7 |
Fibre Resource | 8 |
Research and Development | 9 |
Environment, Health and Safety | 9 |
Human Resources | 9 |
Description of Capital Structure | 10 |
Capital Resources | 10 |
Description of Share Capital | 10 |
Common Shares | 10 |
Class A Preferred Shares | 11 |
Class B Preferred Shares | 12 |
Non-Voting Participating Shares | 12 |
Credit Ratings | 13 |
Dividends | 13 |
Market for Securities | 14 |
Directors and Officers | 15 |
Directors | 15 |
Additional Disclosure for Directors and Officers | 16 |
Officers | 17 |
Interest of Management and Others In Transaction | 18 |
Material Contracts | 18 |
Transfer Agent & Registrar | 18 |
Audit Committee | 18 |
Interests of Experts | 20 |
Additional Information | 20 |
Glossary | 21 |
Appendix A - Norbord Environment Policy | 22 |
Appendix B - Norbord Health and Safety Policy | 24 |
Appendix C - Audit Committee Charter | 25 |
1
Unless otherwise noted, all information contained in this Annual Information Form is as at December 31, 2004.
All dollar amounts in this Annual Information Form are US dollars unless otherwise specified.
Parts of the 2004 annual report of Norbord Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2004 ("annual report") are incorporated by reference in this Annual Information Form.
Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information
Some of the statements included or incorporated by reference in this annual information form constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of securities legislation. All statements contained in this annual information form that are not clearly historical in nature are forward-looking, and the words "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "estimate", "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements may represent internal projections, expectations or beliefs concerning, among other things, Norbord's future operating results or future economic performance. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with our projections, expectations or beliefs is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including, but not limited to, those identified under "General Development of the Business - Risks of the Business" and those disclosed in our other filings with securities regulators.
2
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Norbord Inc. ("Norbord") is a corporation existing under the laws of Canada. Norbord was continued by Articles of Amalgamation issued under the Canada Business Corporations Act on December 31, 1998. Norbord filed Articles of Arrangement and Restated Articles of Incorporation on June 30, 2004, to facilitate the transfer of it's paper and timber business to a new public company, Fraser Papers Inc. ("Fraser Papers") and the change of its name from Nexfor Inc. to Norbord Inc.
The registered and principal office of Norbord Inc. is Suite 600, 1 Toronto Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2W4.
In this form, "Norbord" means Norbord Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, and "Company" or "Corporation" means Norbord Inc. as a separate corporation, unless the context implies otherwise.
Norbord is an international forest products company with approximately 2,900 employees and 16 plant locations in the United States, Europe and Canada. Norbord has assets and sales in excess of $1 billion, and is one of the world's largest producers of oriented strand board ("OSB").
At March 14, 2005 Brascan Corporation, an asset management company, owned 36% of the outstanding Common Shares of the Company. The Corporation's Common Shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") under the symbol: NBD.
The principal operating subsidiaries of the Company are:
Percentage of | Date | ||
Jurisdiction of | voting | of | |
Incorporation or | Securities | Incorporation | |
Name | Organization | owned | |
Norbord Alabama Inc. | Alabama | 100% | 10/12/1999 |
Norbord Georgia Inc. | Georgia | 100% | 03/22/2002 |
Norbord Industries Inc | Ontario | 100% | 08/24/1988 |
Norbord Industries, Inc | New York | 100% | 04/06/1987 |
Norbord Limited. | United Kingdom | 100% | 03/22/1995 |
Norbord Minnesota | Minnesota | 100% | 06/15/1979 |
Norbord Mississippi Inc | Mississippi | 100% | 02/02/1993 |
Norbord NV. | Belgium | 100% | 05/28/2004 |
Norbord South Carolina Inc. | South Carolina | 100% | 05/22/1998 |
Norbord Texas LP | Delaware | 100% | 04/01/2002 |
There are no voting or non-voting securities issued by any of the Corporation's subsidiaries that are not 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
Norbord has made substantial changes in its business over the past three years by increasing its investment in the panelboard business and eliminating its investments in lumber, pulp, timber and papers. On June 30, 2004, Norbord achieved a major milestone in this strategy when it distributed to its common shareholders all of the common shares of Fraser Papers, a corporation that acquired Norbord's remaining lumber, pulp, timber and paper assets.
3
Changes in the Business 2002-2004
In September 2004, Norbord acquired an oriented strand board and particleboard facility in Genk, Belgium for $64 million. The acquisition positioned Norbord as one of the largest producers of OSB in Europe with an approximately 20% market share.
In 2004, the Corporation declared a special dividend of CAD$1.00, payable on September 30, 2004 to common shareholders of record on September 20, 2004.
In June 2004, Norbord changed its name from Nexfor Inc. and distributed its remaining lumber, pulp, timber and paper assets to its shareholders in the form of a separate publicly traded corporation, Fraser Papers. The distribution was facilitated by distributing Fraser Papers common shares to common shareholders of Norbord, on the basis of one common share of Fraser Papers for every five common shares of Norbord held.
In March 2004, Norbord acquired MeadWestvaco Corporation's 50% interest in Norbord Minnesota for $34 million, including $6 million of working capital. Norbord Minnesota was previously owned jointly by Norbord and MeadWestvaco Corporation.
In 2004, Norbord redeemed its 6 % $200 million debentures due in 2005 and recorded a pre-tax charge of $9 million for call premiums net of associated interest rate swap gains.
In October 2003, Norbord sold two sawmills in Quebec for $46 million, including working capital of $8 million. An after-tax gain of $12 million was recognized on the sale.
In April 2003, Norbord reorganized its largest paper facility in Edmundston, New Brunswick and Madawaska, Maine. The reorganization involved extensive retraining and a work force reduction of approximately 20%. The reorganization resulted in a one-time pre-tax charge of $26 million in 2003, and expected annual savings of $21 million. This facility is now owned by Fraser Papers.
On July 3, 2002, Norbord issued $250 million of debentures. These debentures have a term of 10 years and a coupon of 7¼%. The proceeds were used to repay indebtedness, including the bridge loan, entered into to acquire three OSB mills in April 2002.
In April 2002, Norbord acquired three OSB mills - two in Texas and one in Georgia - for $250 million. The acquisition of these mills extended Norbord's market coverage in the fast-growing southern United States. To fund this acquisition, Norbord utilized available cash and credit lines and entered into a $150 million bridge loan agreement with several banks.
During 2002, Norbord adopted the US dollar as its reporting currency. The change was effected using the translation of convenience method whereby all historical financial balances and transactions are translated into US dollars using the exchange rate in effect on the date of changing the reporting currency. The exchange rate used was CAD$1.00 = US$0.638.
Outlook
For information regarding Norbord's outlook, see Norbord's Management's Discussion and Analysis in the Company's 2004 annual report.
Risks Of The Business
Additional information on Norbord's business risks is included in the Management's Discussion and Analysis in the Company's 2004 annual report.
The principal risks to Norbord's businesses include those that would be generally expected of an international, capital-intensive manufacturing business. They include:
4
Adverse Industry Operating Conditions and Cyclical Nature of Business
Norbord's financial performance is principally dependent on the selling price of its products. The markets for most of Norbord's products are highly cyclical and are characterized by periods of supply and demand imbalance during which its product prices have tended to fluctuate significantly. In addition, since many of Norbord's products are used for construction, seasonal and annual weather changes can affect demand and sales volumes. These imbalances, which may affect different areas of Norbord's business at different times, are influenced by numerous factors that are beyond Norbord's control and include: changes in global and regional capacity for a particular product or group of products; changes in the end-use of those products or the increased use of substitute products; and the overall level of economic activity in the regions in which Norbord conducts business. Norbord and its competitors have been negatively affected in the past by declines in product pricing and have periodically taken market-related production downtime.
Competition
The forest products industry is a highly competitive business environment in which companies compete, to a large degree, on the basis of price. Norbord's principal market is in the United States where it competes with North American and, in some instances, foreign producers. The European operations compete primarily with other European producers. Certain competitors may have lower-cost facilities than Norbord. Norbord's ability to compete in these and other markets is dependent on a variety of factors such as manufacturing costs, free access to markets, customer service, product quality, and currency exchange rates.
Fibre Resource
The market for wood fibre is highly competitive. A significant portion of Norbord's wood fibre requirements in Canada are met through timber supply and forest management agreements and sustainable forest licenses (''Crown Arrangements'') with Canadian provincial governmental authorities (''Governmental Authorities''). These Crown Arrangements, among other things, require the payment of stumpage fees for timber harvested (which fees have risen sharply in the last five years) and compliance with specified rehabilitation and silviculture management practices, cover periods ranging from 20 to 25 years and may be renewed or extended for additional five year periods. These Crown Arrangements could be revoked or cancelled for nonperformance. The Crown Arrangements also contain terms and conditions which could, under limited circumstances, result in a reduction of annual allowable timber that may be harvested by Norbord without any compensation. Restrictions on harvesting have increased over the past several years. Canadian aboriginal groups have made claims in respect of land governed by Governmental Authorities, which could affect a portion of these Crown Arrangements. Settlements in respect of these claims could increase the cost to harvest timber on such land and could lower the volume of timber available to Norbord.
In the United States, Europe and Canada, Norbord purchases timber, wood chips and other wood residues as well as recycled materials on the open market in competition with other users of such wood fibre resources.
Other Manufacturing Inputs
In addition to wood fibre, Norbord is exposed to commodity price risk on other manufacturing inputs, principally resin and energy. These manufacturing inputs are purchased on the open market in competition with other users of such resources.
5
Currency Exposures
Norbord reports its financial results in US dollars. A portion of the Company's product prices and costs are influenced by relative currency values (particularly the Canadian dollar, Pound Sterling and Euro). Significant fluctuations in relative currency values could negatively affect the cost competitiveness of its facilities, the value of its foreign investments, the results of its operations and its financial position. Norbord's policy is to hedge all significant balance sheet exposures. In addition, the Company may hedge a portion of its foreign currency denominated cash flows.
Environmental Matters
Norbord's operations are subject to a range of general and industry-specific environmental laws and regulations, particularly with respect to air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid and hazardous waste management and site remediation. Norbord believes all of its facilities are in substantial compliance with regulations governing these matters.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
Principal Products
Norbord's business comprises the manufacturing, sales, marketing and distribution of panelboards and related products used primarily in the construction of new buildings or the renovation and repair of existing structures. Products are generally sold to major retail chains, contractor supply yards and wholesale distributors. Some mill products move directly to industrial customers for further processing or as components for other products.
In 2004 and 2003, Norbord sales originated as follows:
2004 2003 United States 57% 55% Europe 24% 25% Canada 19% 20%
Norbord's production includes OSB, MDF, particleboard, hardwood plywood, I-joists and related specialty products. OSB is used principally for roofing, flooring and wall sheathing in home construction. OSB has displaced softwood plywood in many structural end-uses. OSB production for 2004 represents approximately 59% of the total North American structural panel production. In Europe, OSB's share of the structural panel market is lower than in North America due mainly to different housing construction methods. However, OSB use is growing rapidly in Europe. In North America, OSB is a low-cost substitute for plywood. In Europe, OSB is often a high performance substitute for particleboard.
European particleboard is used primarily in furniture and flooring applications. MDF applications include cabinets, moldings, interior wall paneling and furniture. Norbord's hardwood plywood is overlaid with veneers and has similar end-uses to MDF.
6
Principal Plants
The locations of Norbord's mills, their annual capacity at December 31, 2004, together with their annual production in each of the last two years, are as follows:
Annual Capacity | |||
at Year-End | Production | ||
2004 | 2004 | 2003 | |
OSB (MMsf-3/8") | |||
Bemidji, Minnesota (1) | 440 | 384 | 218 |
Cordele, Georgia | 400 | 399 | 365 |
Genk, Belgium(2) | 260 | 43 | - |
Guntown, Mississippi | 430 | 371 | 354 |
Huguley, Alabama | 500 | 474 | 443 |
Inverness, Scotland | 350 | 337 | 335 |
Jefferson, Texas | 400 | 390 | 348 |
Joanna, South Carolina | 500 | 441 | 374 |
La Sarre, Quebec | 350 | 336 | 348 |
Nacogdoches, Texas | 330 | 324 | 301 |
Val-d'Or, Quebec | 320 | 322 | 316 |
4,280 | 3,821 | 3,402 | |
Particleboard (MMsf-3/8") | |||
Cowie, Scotland | 325 | 328 | 320 |
Genk, Belgium (2) | 340 | 51 | - |
South Molton, England | 300 | 237 | 266 |
965 | 616 | 586 | |
MDF (MMsf-3/8") | |||
Cowie, Scotland | 410 | 438 | 414 |
Deposit, New York | 160 | 160 | 158 |
570 | 598 | 572 | |
Plywood (MMsf-3/8") | |||
Cochrane, Ontario | 80 | 79 | 76 |
I-joist (MM lineal feet) | |||
Juniper, New Brunswick | 60 | 56 | 41 |
(1) Acquired 100% March 26, 2004, owned 50% prior thereto. Production represents percentage ownership in period.
(2) Acquired September 30, 2004. Production represents percentage ownership in period.
Norbord employs multi-opening press technology at its Minnesota, Georgia, Mississippi, and two Texas OSB mills in the United States. All of these mills purchase their wood fibre requirements from outside sources with prices based on regional market dynamics. These mills are not unionized and employees participate in profit sharing programs whereby a percentage of each mill's operating income is shared equally with the employee group.
Norbord also employs multi-opening press technology at its two Quebec OSB mills in Canada. A significant portion of the production of these mills is concentrated on specialty panels including I-joist web stock, thin panels and flooring. The wood fibre requirements for these mills are primarily obtained under 25-year forest agreements with the Quebec Government. The mills are unionized.
7
Norbord employs continuous press technology at its South Carolina and Alabama mills in the United States. Continuous press technology allows for improved operational efficiency and the production of OSB in non-standard sizes and with specialized performance characteristics. These mills purchase their wood fibre requirements from outside sources with prices based on regional market dynamics. These mills are not unionized and employees participate in profit sharing programs whereby a percentage of each mill's operating income is shared equally with the employee group.
The mill in Cowie, Scotland is a large, integrated operation with two MDF production lines, one particleboard line, and value-added laminating facilities for MDF. The South Molton, England particleboard mill is integrated with laminating operations and a flat-pack furniture manufacturing facility. The OSB mill in Inverness, Scotland employs two multi-opening press lines. All of the Company's mills in the United Kingdom purchase their wood fibre requirements from outside sources with prices based on regional market dynamics.
The Genk, Belgium facility, acquired in September 2004, has two independent production lines which manufacture OSB and particleboard. The OSB line started up in 2001 with continuous press technology. The particleboard line, started up in 1991, employs traditional multi-opening press technology. At the time of acquisition, Norbord announced plans for capital improvements of Euro 13 million to meet environmental compliance requirements and improve operation efficiencies. The majority of this work is planned for 2005.
The New York mill produces MDF from hardwood fibre and is the only facility of its kind in the northeastern United States. The Ontario plywood mill produces hardwood overlay plywood. The I-joist facility in, New Brunswick produces I-joists for use in the homebuilding industry. The mill's raw material includes OSB web stock supplied mainly from Norbord's LaSarre OSB mill and lumber purchased from a number of external sources.
Fibre Resource
For the most part, Norbord's operations purchase wood fibre in the form of logs, wood chips and wood residues from outside sources.
In addition to sourcing their wood fibre from third parties, Norbord's Canadian operations hold forestry licenses to source 841,800 cubic metres of poplar and birch from Crown timberlands in Ontario and Quebec. These provincial licenses generally include provisions for ground rents, stumpage charges and reforestation and are granted for terms of 20 to 25 years with renewal provisions. Restrictions on harvesting have increased over the past several years. Stumpage charges have also risen sharply over the past five years in Quebec.
Norbord participates in the American Forest and Paper Association's Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI®) program. To obtain certification, mills must demonstrate a commitment to forest conservation including sound management planning and the protection of wildlife habitats and water quality. Nine of Norbord's North American operations have received SFI forest certification.
In the United Kingdom, all sites maintained their Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain of custody certification, which assures their products are made from sustainably managed resources. The FSC certification process will be implemented for the recently acquired mill in Genk, Belgium.
The wood fibre for the Genk, Belgium operation is a combination of roundwood for OSB and recycled wood (pre and post-consumer), mixed roundwood and flax fibre for the particleboard line. Wood fibre purchases are made on the open market from a combination of public and private enterprises in the region.
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Research and Development
Norbord carries out research and applied technology programs to improve production techniques and product quality, develop new products, and minimize the environmental impact of its operations. The Company operates a central laboratory facility in St. Laurent, Quebec. In addition, the Company participates in and performs contract work at a number of industry-wide organizations including Forintek and the Forest Engineering Institute of Canada.
Environment, Health and Safety
Norbord's Environment Policy and Health and Safety Policy are attached as appendices A and B respectively to this document.
Norbord measures its performance against environmental targets in five areas: 1) Environment, health and safety management systems; 2) impact minimization; 3) stakeholder needs; 4) risk management; and 5) compliance. Progress was made in all areas during 2004. Norbord continues its program of auditing its operations on a regular schedule to ensure continuing high standards of performance.
Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) regulations, designed to reduce hazardous air emissions, took effect in the US in 2004. The new standards apply to more than 200 mills manufacturing plywood, OSB, MDF, particleboard and other wood composite panels. Norbord's eight US operations are expected to be fully compliant with the MACT requirement by the end of 2005, in advance of the October 1, 2007 compliance deadline. Overall compliance with MACT regulations will cost Norbord approximately $40 million, of which $28 million has already been approved for the installation of emission control equipment at the Nacogdoches, Texas, Minnesota and New York mills. A separate MACT regulation has been approved to control the emissions of hazardous air pollutants from industrial boilers. Four Norbord operations may be affected by these regulations. However, capital requirements for compliance are not expected to be material.
In 2002, the governments of Canada and the United Kingdom ratified the Kyoto Accord. The United States government chose not to ratify the Accord, but rather to determine its own greenhouse gas reduction targets. Based on available information, Norbord does not anticipate any material capital investments will be necessary to comply with the targets applicable to its mills.
Human Resources
Norbord employs approximately 2,900 people at manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe and Canada. Approximately 45% of these employees are represented by labour unions.
The Company is currently in negotiations with the Teamsters Union regarding the contract at the Val-d'Or OSB mill which expired December 31, 2004.
Members of the Canadian Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada ("CEP") at the La Sarre OSB mill approved a five-year agreement in June 2004.
The International Woodworkers' Association ("IWA") represent employees at the Ontario plywood mill. A five-year agreement was settled in November 2002.
Substantially all of the hourly employees at the Corporation's European operations are represented by various trade organizations. The agreements covering employees in the United Kingdom have no expiry date. The agreements covering hourly and represented staff employees in Belgium expire in 2008.
9
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Capital Resources
Norbord manages its capital resources in an effort to ensure financial flexibility while seeking to maintain investment grade credit ratings. Norbord targets its net debt to total capitalization ratio to be between 20% - 40% over a business cycle. Norbord will exceed this range if an attractive acquisition opportunity presents itself and if there is a plan to bring the ratio back within the range.
The components of Norbord's capital structure for each of the last three years are as follows:
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | |
($ millions) | |||
Long-term debt | 450 | 657 | 658 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 1 | 2 | 153 |
Bank advances | - | - | 1 |
Less: Cash and cash equivalents | (215) | (177) | (67) |
Net debt | 236 | 482 | 745 |
Future income taxes and other liabilities | 150 | 192 | 87 |
Shareholders' equity | 548 | 893 | 798 |
Total capital | 934 | 1,567 | 1,630 |
In October 2004, Norbord announced a Normal Course Issuer Bid to buy back up to 7.5 million common shares representing 5% of the total common shares outstanding. The bid expires on November 1, 2005. As of March 14, 2005, the Company had purchased 2,763,100 shares under the bid.
During 2004, Norbord redeemed its 6 % $200 million debentures due in 2005 and recorded a pre-tax charge of $9 million for call premiums net of associated interest rate swap gains.
Description of Share Capital
The authorized capital of Norbord consists of an unlimited number of Class A Preferred Shares, an unlimited number of Class B Preferred Shares, an unlimited number of Non-Voting Participating Shares and an unlimited number of Common Shares. As of March 14, 2005 there were outstanding 148,990,748 Common Shares and 2,400,000 Class A Preferred Shares Series 1.
The following is a summary of the principal attributes of the Common Shares, the Class A Preferred Shares, the Class B Preferred Shares and the Non-Voting Participating Shares of Norbord.
Common Shares
The holders of Common Shares are entitled to one vote per share at all meetings of shareholders. They are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the Directors rateably with any holders of the Non-Voting Participating Shares, subject to the attributes of each series of Non-Voting Participating Shares. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, subject to the rights of holders of Class A Preferred Shares and any Class B Preferred Shares, the holders of Common Shares are entitled to participate rateably with any holders of Non-Voting Participating Shares in any distribution of the assets of Norbord, subject to the attributes of each series of Non-Voting Participating Shares.
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Class A Preferred Shares
The Class A Preferred Shares are issuable in series. The Directors of Norbord are empowered to fix the number of shares in and the designation and attributes of each series, which may include voting rights. The Class A Preferred Shares will be entitled to priority over the Class B Preferred Shares, the Non-voting Participating Shares and the Common Shares with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets of Norbord in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Norbord.
One series of Class A Preferred Shares has been authorized consisting of 20,000,000 shares designated Floating/Adjustable Rate Cumulative Redeemable Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 ("Class A Preferred Shares Series 1") and, in addition to the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the Class A Preferred Shares as a class, have attached thereto the following rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions:
Dividends
The holders of Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 are entitled to quarterly preferential cumulative dividends per share, as and when declared by the Directors, at a rate equal to 72% of the average prime lending rate of a Canadian chartered bank for the calendar quarter ("Prime") on $25 plus unpaid dividends in respect of which a dividend payment date has passed without such dividends being paid. As described in further detail in the following paragraph, the dividend rate is adjusted quarterly by reference to the average trading prices of the shares, subject to a maximum of Prime and a minimum of 50% of Prime. Dividends will be determined for each calendar quarter and will be payable on the 15th day of January, April, July and October in each year.
The holders are entitled to quarterly preferential cumulative cash dividends, as and when declared by the Directors, equal to one-quarter of the product of the Annual Dividend Rate in effect for such quarter and the sum of $25 plus all unpaid dividends in respect of which a dividend payment date has passed without such dividends being paid. The "Annual Dividend Rate" is a floating rate determined for each calendar quarter by adding 72% of Prime for such calendar quarter to the Adjustment Rate for such calendar quarter. The "Adjustment Rate" for any calendar quarter is the sum of the Adjustment Factor for such calendar quarter and the Adjustment Rate for the preceding calendar quarter.
The "Adjustment Factor" for a calendar quarter will be based on the average trading price of the Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 on the TSX for the last 30 days of the preceding calendar quarter and determined in accordance with the following:
Average Trading Price | Adjustment Factor |
Greater than $25.5000 | -0.40% |
Greater than $25.2500 but less than $25.5001 | -0.20% |
Greater than $24.7499 but less than $25.2501 | Nil |
Greater than $24.4999 but less than $24.7500 | +0.20% |
Less than $24.5000 | +0.40% |
If the Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 do not trade on the TSX during such 30 day period, the Adjustment Factor for the succeeding calendar month is nil. If the Directors of the Corporation determine that the TSX is not the principal trading market, reference will be made to such other stock exchange as the Directors determine is the principal trading market and if no alternative exchange is available then to such trading market as the Directors determine.
The Annual Dividend Rate for any calendar quarter is not to be greater than Prime or less than 50% of Prime for such calendar quarter.
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Redemption
The Corporation may redeem at any time the whole or from time to time any part of the then outstanding Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 on payment of $25 for each share to be redeemed plus all unpaid dividends which have accrued thereon at the rate described under "- Dividends" to a date 21 days before the date specified for redemption and thereafter at the prime lending rate.
Voting
The holders of Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 are not entitled to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation or to vote at any such meeting unless and until the Corporation fails to pay eight quarterly dividends on the Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 whether or not consecutive. Thereafter, but only so long as any dividends on any Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 remain in arrears, the holders will be entitled to receive notice of and to attend all meetings of the shareholders of the Corporation and to one vote in respect of each Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 held at all such meetings.
Winding-up
In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation or other distribution of assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose of winding-up its affairs, the holders of the Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 will be entitled to receive $25 per share plus all unpaid dividends which shall have accrued thereon at the rate described under "- Dividends" to a date 21 days before the date specified for distribution and thereafter at the prime lending rate, before any amount is paid or any assets of the Corporation are distributed to the holders of any Class B Preferred Shares, Non-Voting Participating Shares or Common Shares or shares of any other class ranking junior to the Class A Preferred Shares Series 1. After such payment, the holders of the Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 will not be entitled to share in any further distribution of the assets of the Corporation.
Class B Preferred Shares
The Class B Preferred Shares are issuable in series. The Directors of Norbord are empowered to fix the number of shares in and the designation and attributes of each series, which may include voting rights. The Class B Preferred Shares are entitled to priority over the Non-Voting Participating Shares and the Common Shares with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets of Norbord in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Norbord.
Non-Voting Participating Shares
The Non-Voting Participating Shares are issuable in series. The Directors of Norbord are empowered to fix the number of shares in and the designation and attributes of each series, which may include a preferential dividend or a priority in any distribution of assets of Norbord. Subject thereto, the holders of Non-Voting Participating Shares are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the Directors rateably with the holders of Common Shares and, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, subject to the rights of the holders of Class A Preferred Shares and any Class B Preferred Shares, to participate rateably with the holders of Common Shares in any distribution of the assets of Norbord.
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Credit Ratings
The Company's credit ratings are summarized in the table below.
Moody's | |||
Dominion Bond | Standard | Investor | |
Rating Service | & Poor's | Service | |
Debentures | BBB | BBB | Baa3 |
Preferred shares | Pfd-3 | BB+ |
DIVIDENDS
The Company has paid quarterly cash dividends of CAD$0.10 per Common Share since the fourth quarter of 1990. In addition, the Company paid a special dividend of CAD$1.00 on September 30, 2004 to shareholders of record on September 20, 2004. The Company has a dividend reinvestment plan whereby shareholders can elect to receive their Common Share dividend in Common Shares.
As a result of the Articles of Arrangement filed on June 30, 2004 by Norbord, Common Shares of Fraser Papers were distributed to Norbord shareholders of record as of July 2, 2004. Norbord common shareholders received one Common Share of Fraser Papers for every five Common Shares held of Norbord.
While dividends on Common Shares are declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors, it is management's objective to operate the business in a manner which would allow the Board to declare a steady dividend over the business cycle.
The table below summarizes the total dividends on Common Shares declared by the Board of Directors, the amounts paid out in cash and the amounts distributed as shares.
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||
($ millions) | ||||||
Cash distribution | $ | 166 | $ | 29 | $ | 20 |
Share distribution | - | 14 | 16 | |||
Total dividends on Common Shares | $ | 166 | $ | 43 | $ | 36 |
The Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 currently pay quarterly dividends at a rate of 100% of the Canadian prime rate times the issue price of CAD$25. This rate is subject to adjustment as set out under "Description of Share Capital - Class A Preferred Shares - Dividends". Total cash dividends declared and paid on the Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 were $2 million in 2004, $2 million in 2003 and $2 million in 2002.
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MARKET FOR SECURITIES
The Company's Common Shares and Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The symbol for the Common Shares is NBD and for the Preferred Shares is NBD.PR.A.
In 2004, the Company's Common Shares traded in a range between CAD$10.18 and CAD$16.43 per share, ending the year at CAD$12.40. Average daily volume traded during the year was 518,000 shares.
In 2004, the Company's Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 traded in a range between CAD$24.99 and CAD$26.00 per share, ending the year at CAD$25.10. Average daily volume traded during the year was 755 shares.
Common Shares | Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 | |||||
High | Low | Volume | High | Low | Volume | |
Month | (CAD$/Share) | (CAD$/Share) | (Shares) | (CAD$/Share) | (CAD$/Share) | (Shares) |
January | 11.88 | 10.30 | 5,968,387 | 25.00 | 25.00 | 100 |
February | 14.75 | 11.06 | 7,906,146 | n/a | n/a | - |
March | 15.60 | 13.30 | 11,317,695 | n/a | n/a | - |
April | 15.58 | 14.56 | 7,635,436 | 25.40 | 25.00 | 119,007 |
May | 15.56 | 14.01 | 8,356,785 | 25.50 | 25.50 | 250 |
June | 16.43 | 14.26 | 8,332,429 | 25.50 | 25.00 | 10,900 |
July | 14.00 | 10.41 | 6,212,134 | 26.00 | 25.20 | 21,100 |
August | 12.95 | 11.10 | 6,042,963 | 25.25 | 25.15 | 28,300 |
September | 15.50 | 11.81 | 19,353,935 | 25.25 | 25.20 | 2,450 |
October | 12.53 | 10.40 | 16,144,670 | 25.22 | 24.99 | 4,311 |
November | 11.37 | 10.19 | 20,342,369 | 25.50 | 24.99 | 3,239 |
December | 12.40 | 10.18 | 13,171,537 | 25.25 | 25.10 | 1,310 |
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DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Directors
The Directors of the Company are set out below. They hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected or approved. Norbord's Board does not have an executive committee. Members of the Board's committees are noted.
Name and | Director | |
Municipality of Residence | Principal occupation | since |
JACK L. COCKWELL (4) | Group Chairman Brascan Corporation (real estate, financial services | 1987 |
Toronto, Ontario | and power generation) since 2002; President and Chief Executive | |
Officer of Brascan prior thereto. | ||
DIAN COHEN, C.M.(1) (2) | President of DC Productions Limited (economic communications and | 1987 |
Hatley, Quebec | management consulting). | |
PIERRE DUPUIS(1) (3) (4) | Consultant for Dorel Industries Inc. since 2005; Former Vice-President | 1995 |
Brossard, Quebec | and Chief Operating Officer, of Dorel Industries Inc. from 1999 to 2005; | |
President and Chief Operating Officer of Transcontinental Inc. prior | ||
thereto. | ||
J. BRUCE FLATT (4) | President and Chief Executive Officer of Brascan Corporation since | 2002 |
Toronto, Ontario | 2002; President and Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Properties | |
Inc. prior thereto. | ||
GORDON E. FORWARD (1) (3) (4) | Chairman Emeritus, United States Business Council for Sustainable | 1995 |
San Diego, California | Development since 2002; Vice-Chairman, Texas Industries Inc. | |
(building products) prior thereto. | ||
DOMINIC GAMMIERO(3) | President and Chief Executive Officer of Fraser Papers Inc. since 2004; | 1998 |
Mississauga, Ontario | President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation 1999 - 2004; | |
Chief Operating Officer 1998-1999; President of Norbord Industries Inc. | ||
prior thereto. | ||
ROBERT J. HARDING, FCA (2) | Chairman of Brascan Corporation. | 1998 |
Toronto, Ontario | ||
K. LINN MACDONALD (5) | Chairman of the Board since 1999; President and Chief Executive | 1991 |
Mississauga, Ontario | Officer of the Corporation prior thereto. | |
MARGOT NORTHEY (2) (3) (4) | Company Director since 2002; Dean, Queen's University School of | 2000 |
North Saanich, B.C. | Business prior thereto. | |
J. BARRIE SHINETON | President & Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since 2004; | 2004 |
Toronto, Ontario | Executive Vice President, Wood Products of the Corporation 2003 - | |
2004; President, Norbord Industries Inc. and Managing Director, Nexfor | ||
Limited (UK), prior thereto. | ||
DON S. WELLS (1) (2) | Company Director and Consultant since 1998, Educator with McGill | 2003 |
Beaconsfield, Quebec | University since 2000. Executive Vice-President, Strategic Investments | |
for Royal Bank Financial Group prior thereto. |
__________
(1) Member of Audit Committee
(2) Member of Corporate Governance Committee (3) Member of Environment, Health and Safety Committee (4) Member of Human Resources Committee
(5) Mr. Macdonald is retiring from the board of Directors effective at the Corporation's next annual meeting scheduled to occur on April 20, 2005.
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The Corporate Governance Committee has examined the size of the Board and has concluded that a reduction in the number of Directors elected by the shareholders from 11 to 10 is appropriate. A 10 member Board allows for an appropriate mix of experience and skill and ensures that the majority of Directors will be "unrelated Directors" under the TSX definition.
The Board reviewed the relationships between each of its Directors and the Corporation and has determined that the Directors fairly represent the share ownership interests in the Corporation and the requirements for Director independence of both Canadian and US securities regulators.
Messrs. Shineton, Gammiero and Macdonald are considered to be related Directors and the remaining Directors are independent Directors. Mr. Gammiero is considered related as the former CEO of the Corporation. Three of the remaining eight Directors Messrs. Cockwell, Flatt and Harding (the "Brascan Directors"), are officers of Brascan Corporation. The Board considers that the Brascan Directors do not have an interest or a business or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with the Brascan Directors' ability to act with a view to the best interests of the Corporation, other than interests and relationships arising from shareholding. The Board also considers that three Directors of 10 fairly reflect the relative investment of Brascan and other shareholders in the Corporation.
Two other Directors, Ms. Cohen and Mr. Dupuis, are trustees of Great Lakes Hydro Income Fund, in which Brascan owns a 50% indirect interest. The Board does not consider Ms. Cohen and Mr. Dupuis to have any relationship that could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with these Directors' ability to act with a view to the best interests of the Corporation. The remaining Directors, Dr. Forward, Dr. Northey and Mr. Wells have, in the view of the Board, no material relationships or interests which could interfere with their independence as Directors.
Additional Disclosure for Directors and Officers
To the knowledge of the Corporation, no Director or Officer of the Corporation is or has been, in the last ten years, a Director or Officer of an issuer that, while the person was acting in that capacity, (a) was the subject of a cease trade order or similar order or an order that denied the issuer access to any exemptions under Canadian legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, (b) was subject to an event that resulted, after that person ceased to be a Director or Officer, in the issuer being the subject of a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the issuer access to any exemption under Canadian securities legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, or (c) within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.
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Officers | ||
Name and | ||
Municipality of Residence | Office with Company | Previous occupation |
Michael Botha | Corporate Controller | Director, Financial Analysis of the Corporation since |
Toronto, Ontario | 2004, Manager, Corporate Accounting and Reporting of | |
the Corporation from 2001 to 2004; Manager, KPMG | ||
LLP prior thereto. | ||
Charles B. Gordon(1) | Vice President, Corporate Affairs | Director, Corporate Communications of Norbord |
Toronto, Ontario | Industries Inc. until 1999. | |
Robert Kinnear(2) | Senior Vice President, | Vice-President, Human Resources and Administration, |
Stouffville, Ontario | Corporate Services | Norbord Industries Inc. 2001-2003; Vice-President, |
Human Resources and Administration, PC1 Chemicals | ||
Canada Inc., prior thereto. | ||
Robin Lampard | Vice President, Treasurer | Assistant Treasurer for the Corporation until 2002. |
Toronto, Ontario | ||
K. Linn Macdonald (1) | Chair | President and Chief Executive Officer of the |
Mississauga, Ontario | Corporation until 1999. | |
Karl Morris(3) | Senior Vice-President, European | Managing Director, Europe of the Corporation from |
Cowie, Stirlingshire, | Operations | September 2003. |
Scotland | ||
Alan Potter(1) | Vice-President, Technology and | Vice-President, Technology and Environment for the |
Markham, Ontario | Environment | Corporation from April 2000, Manager, Composites and |
Treated Wood Products of Forintek Canada Corp. | ||
(research consortium) until 1999. | ||
J. Barrie Shineton | President and Chief Executive Officer | Executive Vice President until 2004, President, Norbord |
Toronto, Ontario | Industries Inc. until 2004, Managing Director of Norbord | |
Limited from 1999-2003; Senior Vice President, Wood | ||
Products of International Forest Products Ltd. (lumber | ||
and wood products) prior thereto. | ||
Lynne C. Taylor | Assistant Corporate Secretary | Manager, Regulatory Affairs, for the Corporation 2004; |
Brampton, Ontario | Manager, Legal Compliance, KBSH Capital | |
Management Inc. 2000 - 2004; Corporate Law Clerk, | ||
Sobeys Inc. prior thereto. | ||
John Tremayne | Executive Vice President and Chief | Senior Vice President and Treasurer, Brascan |
Toronto, Ontario | Financial Officer | Corporation until 2002. |
Peter Wijnbergen(3) | Senior Vice-President, Marketing, Sales | Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Logistics of |
Toronto, Ontario | and Logistics | Norbord Industries Inc. from September 2002 |
(1) Mr. Macdonald will be retiring from the Corporation on April 20, 2005, Mr. Potter on March 30, 2005 and Mr. Gordon on April 30, 2005.
(2) Mr. Kinnear joined Norbord Industries Inc. as Vice-President, Human Resources in 2001 and was appointed Vice-President, Human resources and Administration of Norbord Inc. in June 2004. He was appointed Senior Vice-President, Corporate Services of Norbord Inc. in January 2005.
(3) Mr. Morris and Mr. Wijnbergen were appointed to their new positions of Senior Vice-President of Norbord Inc. in January 2005.
The Directors and senior officers of the Company as a group directly own or exercise control or direction over 627,895 Common Shares or Deferred Share Units of the Company and over none of the voting securities of any of the Company's subsidiaries.
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INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN TRANSACTION
Except as otherwise disclosed, no Director or officer of Norbord, no person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the Norbord Common Shares and no associate or affiliate of the foregoing persons has any material interest in any transaction within the past three years or any proposed transaction which has materially affected or could materially affect Norbord or any of its respective subsidiaries.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Norbord continues to guarantee certain obligations of Fraser Papers under letters of credit, operating lease commitments, purchase commitments, landfill closure commitments, and commodity hedging contracts. The maximum potential amount of future payments that Norbord could be required to make under these obligations is estimated to be $84 million. This estimate excludes the amount of potential future payments related to guarantees of derivative contracts that cannot be quantified due to their nature. No amounts have been recorded in the consolidated balance sheet with respect to these guarantees.
Fraser Papers has committed to use its best efforts to remove Norbord from these guarantees and has agreed to provide letters of credit or other acceptable collateral to secure any guarantees that remain outstanding on December 27, 2005. As security for these ongoing financial commitments to Fraser Papers, Norbord, in addition to another Fraser Papers creditor, has the right, at any time to require Fraser Papers to provide a fixed first charge security interest over Fraser Papers' timberlands and manufacturing facilities. The Company's share of the estimated proceeds from liquidation of this security would be sufficient to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantees.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar for each of the Common Shares and the Class A Preferred Shares Series 1 is CIBC Mellon Trust Company P.O. Box 7010 Adelaide Street Postal Station Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2W9 Phone: 1-800-387-0825.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in carrying out its responsibilities with respect to corporate accounting and reporting, reviewing risk management practices and overseeing internal controls. The full terms of reference of the Audit Committee are included in this Annual Information Form as Appendix C.
The Audit Committee includes the following Directors, each of whom has been determined by the Board of Directors to be "independent" and "financially literate", as such terms have been defined in Canadian and United States securities laws and the TSX rules. The Board has selected each of the following individuals based upon their education and experience, as same is relevant to his or her responsibilities as a member of the Audit Committee:
Don S. Wells (Chair) | Pierre Dupuis |
Dian Cohen | Gordon E. Forward |
Mr. Wells is a chartered accountant, has senior management experience in strategy development, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and financial management. Mr. Wells is a financial expert according to definitions set out by the Securities Exchange Commission under the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002".
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Ms. Cohen is an economist and a partner in her own economic consultancy. She is an author of a number of books on government, personal money management and social policy issues. She currently serves on the Board of other Canadian public companies and one other audit committee.
Mr. Dupuis is the former Chief Operating Officer of Dorel Industries Inc. He has retired from active management responsibilities, but continues to work for Dorel as a consultant. Prior to his appointment at Dorel, Mr. Dupuis was President and COO of Transcontinental Inc.
Dr. Forward is the former Vice Chair of Texas Industries Inc., a position he held from 1998 to 2000. Prior to that, he was President and CEO of Chaparral Steel Company.
Dr. Forward currently serves on the Board of Texas Industries Inc.
As part of its mandate, the Audit Committee assesses the independence of the Company's auditors Ernst & Young, LLP ("E&Y"). From time to time E&Y also provides other non-audit services to Norbord. It is the Corporation's policy not to engage its auditors to provide services that may impair the objectivity of the auditors or that are specifically forbidden by law or regulation. The Corporation has implemented procedures to ensure that any engagement of the auditors for non-audit services receives prior clearance by the Audit Committee. In approving any such engagement, the Audit Committee will consider whether the provision of such non-audit services is compatible with maintaining E&Y's independence.
For the year 2004, Norbord paid a total of $1,594,000 to E&Y for all services. In 2003 the equivalent total was $1,305,000. The following provides details on these billings:
Audit Services
Norbord paid $548,000 to E&Y (2003 - $ 635,000) for the annual financial statement audit of the Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries. The fees include the review of the Corporation's unaudited interim financial statements.
Audit-Related Services
Norbord paid $781,000 to E&Y (2003 - $237,000) for audit related services. Audit-related services included audits of the Corporation's pension plans, special purpose non-statutory audits of divisions of the Company, comfort letters associated with regulatory filings and internal control reviews.
Non-recurring work related to the distribution of Fraser Papers and the secondary offering of Norbord Common Shares by Brascan accounted for $510,000 of the audit related fees in 2004.
Taxation Services
Norbord paid $174,000 to E&Y (2003 - $369,000) for taxation services. Taxation services include preparation and review of tax returns for various subsidiaries of the Company, and other tax advisory and compliance services.
Other Non-Audit Services
Norbord paid $91,000 to E&Y (2003 - $64,000) for other non-audit services. Non-audit services include translation services, expatriate consulting services, consulting and other business advisory services.
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INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
E&Y have prepared the audit report on the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and for the years then ended. E&Y does not beneficially own, directly or indirectly, any of the Corporation's outstanding class of securities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company will provide to anyone, upon request to the Assistant Corporate Secretary of the Company at its registered office, Suite 600, 1 Toronto Street, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2W4:
(a) at any time when a preliminary short form prospectus has been filed in respect of a distribution of any securities of the Company, or any securities of the Company are in the course of a distribution pursuant to a short form prospectus:
(i) one copy of this Annual Information Form and the pertinent pages of any document incorporated by reference;
(ii) one copy of the annual report, which includes Management's Discussion and Analysis and the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 with the Auditors' Report thereon;
(iii) one copy of any unaudited interim reports to shareholders issued subsequent to such audited consolidated financial statements;
(iv) one copy of the Management Proxy Circular dated March 14, 2005; and
(v) one copy of any other documents that are incorporated by reference into the preliminary short form prospectus or the short form prospectus; or
(b) at any other time, one copy of any document referred to in (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, provided the Company may require payment of a reasonable charge if the request is made by someone who is not a security holder of the Company.
The Management Proxy Circular dated March 14, 2005 contains additional information concerning the Company including Directors' and officers' remuneration, principal holders of Common Shares and its stock option plans. Additional financial information about the Company is included in Norbord's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 and in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis in the 2004 annual report.
Additional information about the Company and its operations can be found on Norbord's web site at www.norbord.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
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GLOSSARY
I-joist: An "I" - shaped engineered wood structural product designed for use in residential and light commercial floor and roof construction. The product is prefabricated using sawn lumber flanges and wood panel webs, bonded together with exterior grade adhesives.
m3: Cubic metre. A measure of volume equal to 1,130 square feet (3/8-inch basis).
MDF: Medium density fibreboard. A panelboard produced by chemically bonding highly refined wood fibres of uniform size under heat and pressure.
Msf (MMsf): Measurement for panel products equal to a thousand (million) square feet
Msf (MMsf) ( -inch basis): Measurement for panel products equal to a thousand (million) square feet, -inch thick.
OSB: Oriented strand board. An engineered structural wood panel produced by chemically bonding wood strands in a uniform direction under heat and pressure.
Panelboards: Oriented strand board, particleboard, medium density fibreboard and plywood.
Particleboard: A panelboard produced by chemically bonding clean sawdust, small wood particles and recycled wood fibre under heat and pressure.
Plywood: A panelboard produced by gluing together thin layers of solid wood veneers.
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APPENDIX A
NORBORD ENVIRONMENT POLICY
Norbord recognizes that our environment is fundamental to our existence, and that our businesses and the communities where we operate depend on its health. We strive for excellence, leadership, sustainability and competitive advantage with integrity through continual improvement in our environmental performance and management of forest land. For Norbord, sustainable development means creating economic growth and caring for society and the environment, while taking into account the needs of future generations.
Norbord will integrate environmental protection into our business processes and decisions. Our belief in sustainable development means we are committed to:
Full Compliance
Comply fully with all applicable environmental legislation and regulations that affect our activities.
Forest Management
Manage forest resources in a manner consistent with the principles of sustainable forestry, this policy and applicable legislation.
Minimization of Environmental Impact
Improve our environmental performance as the expectations of society change. We shall do this by using forest, energy and other resources with increasing efficiency, and by reducing all forms of waste.
Risk Management
Continually identify, evaluate and control the environmental risks associated with our operations. We shall have procedures in place to prevent and respond to emergencies.
Environmental Management Systems
Implement systematic environmental management which supports this policy at every operation. We shall assign appropriate human and financial resources. Every year we shall establish measurable objectives and targets for environmental management and performance improvement.
Innovation
Support pollution prevention and environmental research, and implement findings consistent with this policy.
Performance Evaluation
Evaluate the environmental performance of our operations and personnel, and recognize achievements that support this policy. We shall provide our employees with information and training for them to fully integrate this policy into their responsibilities at work.
Communication with Stakeholders
Engage in a constructive dialogue with the communities in which we operate and other key stakeholders, taking their needs into account when we make our decisions.
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Open Government Relations
Work constructively with governments and regulators on the establishment of scientifically and economically sound requirements for our operations.
Audits
Conduct environmental audits at all our operations at a frequency appropriate to their risks.
Reports
Report regularly on our environmental performance to the management of the corporation, the board of Directors, our shareholders, employees and the communities in which we operate.
Norbord requires its operations to develop policies, systems, organizations and competencies, and to embrace an environmental commitment consistent with these principles. Norbord requires all employees to take responsibility for environmental protection in their jobs.
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APPENDIX B
NORBORD HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
We are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our employees, contractors and visitors by creating and maintaining a safe working environment.
Beliefs
- All injuries and occupational illnesses are preventable.
- Health and safety is a top priority and an integral part of our business and decision-making.
- Management is ultimately responsible for workplace health and safety.
- Safe operating practices are a shared responsibility among management, employees, contractors and visitors.
- Employees and contractors are accountable for their safety and that of fellow workers.
- Working safely is a condition of employment.
- Sharing best practices improves performance.
Practices
- Design safe facilities.
- Continually review and improve processes and procedures.
- Identify hazards and assess risks.
- Develop, implement and enforce safe work practices.
- Ensure all facilities comply with applicable laws and regulations.
- Provide employees with information and training to work safely.
- Require employees and contractors to execute their work in accordance with legislative requirements and Norbord policy.
- Establish and monitor health and safety objectives.
- Take action to prevent recurrence of incidents.
- Implement health and safety management systems to continually improve performance.
- Conduct health and safety audits.
- Report health and safety performance to senior management, the board of Directors, shareholders, employees, and the public.
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APPENDIX C
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
1. Role of Audit Committee
The role of the audit committee is to assist the Board in its oversight of the integrity of the financial and related information of the Corporation including its financial statements, the internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and the processes for monitoring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and to review the independence, qualifications and performance of the external auditor of the Corporation. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining those controls, procedures and processes and the audit committee is appointed by the Board to review and monitor them.
2. Authority and Responsibilities
In carrying out its role, the audit committee has the following authority and responsibilities:
(a) financial information and reporting -
(i) to review and discuss with management and the external auditor, as appropriate
(A) the annual audited financial statements and the interim financial statements including the accompanying Management's Discussion and Analysis; and
(B) earnings guidance and other releases containing information taken from the Corporation's financial statements prior to their release; and
(ii) to review the Corporation's financial reporting and accounting standards and principles and any proposed material changes to them or their application;
(b) internal controls - to review, with the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), the external auditor and others, as appropriate, the Corporation's internal system of audit controls;
(c) external audit -
(i) to recommend to the Board, for shareholder approval, the external auditor to examine the Corporation's accounts, controls and financial statements on the basis that the external auditor is accountable to the Board and the audit committee as representatives of the shareholders of the Corporation;
(ii) to evaluate the audit services provided by the external auditor, preapprove all audit fees and recommend to the Board, if necessary, the replacement of the external auditor;
(iii) to pre-approve any non-audit services to be provided to the Corporation by the external auditor and the fees for those services;
(iv) to obtain and review at least annually a written report by the external auditor setting out the auditor's internal quality-control procedures, any material issues raised by the auditor's internal quality-control reviews and the steps taken to resolve those issues; and
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(iv) to review at least annually the relationships between the Corporation and the external auditor in order to establish the independence of the external auditor;
(d) risk management - to review and monitor the Corporation's major financial risks and risk management policies and the steps taken by management to mitigate those risks; and
(e) compliance -
(i) to review the Corporation's financial reporting procedures and policies to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements and to investigate any non-adherence to those procedures and policies; and
(ii) to establish procedures for the receipt and treatment of any complaint regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters including procedures for the confidential, anonymous submissions by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
3. Composition and Procedures
(a) Size - The audit committee will consist of a minimum of three Directors. The members of the Committee are appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee and may be removed by the Board in its discretion.
(b) Qualifications - All members of the Committee must be "unrelated Directors" under the proposed Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") guidelines. All members of the Committee must be "financially literate", i.e., have the ability to read and understand a balance sheet, an income statement and a cash flow statement. At least one member of the Committee should have "accounting or related financial expertise", i.e., the ability to analyze and interpret a full set of financial statements, including the attached notes, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
(c) Meetings - The Committee will meet at least five times a year and a portion of each meeting will be held without the presence of management.
(d) Review of Financial Statements - The Committee will review the Corporation's annual audited financial statements with the CEO and CFO and then the full Board. The Committee will review the interim financial statements with the CEO and CFO. The external auditor will be present at these meetings.
(e) Review of CEO and CFO Certification Process - In connection with its review of the annual audited financial statements and interim financial statements, the Committee will also review the process for the CEO and CFO certifications with respect to the financial statements and the Corporation's disclosure and internal controls, including any material deficiencies or changes in those controls.
(f) Review of Earnings and Other Releases - The Committee will review with the CFO any earnings guidance to be issued by the Corporation and any news release containing financial information taken from the Corporation's financial statements prior to the release of the financial statements to the public. In addition, the CFO must review with the Committee the substance of any presentations to analysts or rating agencies that contain a change in strategy or outlook.
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(g) Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services - In addition to recommending the external auditor to examine the Corporation's financial statements, the Committee must approve any use of that external auditor to provide non-audit services prior to its engagement. It is the Committee's practice to restrict the non-audit services that may be provided by the external auditor in order to minimize relationships that could appear to impair the objectivity of the external auditor.
(h) Hiring Guidelines for Independent Auditor Employees - The Committee will adopt guidelines regarding the hiring of any partner, employee, reviewing tax professional or other person providing audit assurance to the external auditor of the Corporation on any aspect of its certification of the Corporation's financial statements.
(i) Audit Partner Rotation - The Committee will ensure that the lead audit partner assigned by the external auditor to the Corporation, as well as the independent review partner charged with reviewing the financial statements of the Corporation, are changed at least every five years.
(j) Process for Handling Complaints about Accounting Matters - The Committee has established the following procedure for the receipt and treatment of any complaint received by the Corporation regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters:
(i) The Corporation will make available and make known special mail and e-mail addresses and telephone numbers for receiving complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters;
(ii) Copies of complaints received will be sent to the members of the Committee;
(iii) All complaints will be investigated by the Corporation's finance staff, except as otherwise directed by the Committee. The Committee may request that outside advisors be retained to investigate any complaint; and
(iv) The status of each complaint will be reported on a quarterly basis to the Committee and, if the Committee so directs, to the full board.
The Corporation's Code of Business Conduct prohibits any director, officer or employee of the Corporation from retaliating or taking any adverse action against anyone for raising or helping to resolve a complaint.
(k) Evaluation - The Committee will conduct and present to the Board an annual evaluation of the performance of the Committee and the adequacy of these terms of reference and recommend any proposed change to the Board for approval.
(l) Other Matters - The Committee will conduct reviews, and where appropriate, recommend action by the Board, on:
(i) the annual information form to be filed by the Corporation;
(ii) regular reports on outstanding litigation that could have a material effect on the Corporation;
(iii) an annual certificate of the CEO attesting that senior management of the Corporation have received and agreed to be bound by the Corporation's Code of Business Conduct and as to compliance with the Code;
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(iv) an annual report on officers' expenses;
(v) an annual report on consulting and legal fees paid by the Corporation; and
(vi) an annual report on the Corporation's insurance coverage and costs.
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UNDERTAKING
Norbord Inc. undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to: the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant certified that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
Registrant: | Norbord Inc. |
By: | /s/John Tremayne |
John Tremayne, | |
Executive Vice-President & | |
Chief Financial Officer | |
Date | As at March 24, 2005 |
LIST OF EXHIBITS
The following document is attached to this annual report on Form 40-F: