Reports preliminary Q4 revenue $932M, consensus $949M. "With our optimized asset base, we were able to deliver strong annual performance with the positive market dynamics in the year, despite cost headwinds and a soft lumber market in the fourth quarter," said Yves Laflamme, president and CEO. "We experienced significantly weaker pricing for lumber in the quarter, unforeseen operational disruptions, planned maintenance, as well as higher energy and wood costs. Despite these challenges, we generated $435 million of cash from operations in 2018, monetized the Catawba and Fairmont assets at attractive valuations, returned $136 million of capital to shareholders through a special dividend and further reduced our leverage shortly after year-end. Our stronger balance sheet improves our financial strength and flexibility and positions us well for future growth opportunities."
