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LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORP - Quarter Report: 2009 March (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2009

Commission File Number 1-7107

LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE   93-0609074
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (IRS Employer Identification No.)

414 Union Street, Nashville, TN 37219

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (615) 986-5600

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 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  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filers” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Smaller reporting company  ¨    Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).      Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 103,733,946 shares of Common Stock, $1 par value, outstanding as of May 5, 2009.

Except as otherwise specified and unless the context otherwise requires, references to “LP”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our”

refer to Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and its subsidiaries.

 

 

 


ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provide a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their businesses and other matters as long as those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the statements. This report contains, and other reports and documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission may contain, forward-looking statements. These statements are or will be based upon the beliefs and assumptions of, and on information available to, our management.

The following statements are or may constitute forward-looking statements: (1) statements preceded by, followed by or that include words like “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue” or “future” or the negative or other variations thereof and (2) other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, including without limitation, plans for product development, forecasts of future costs and expenditures, possible outcomes of legal proceedings, capacity expansion and other growth initiatives and the adequacy of reserves for loss contingencies.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the following:

 

   

changes in general economic conditions;

 

   

changes in the cost and availability of capital;

 

   

changes in the level of home construction activity;

 

   

changes in competitive conditions and prices for our products;

 

   

changes in the relationship between supply of and demand for building products;

 

   

changes in the relationship between supply of and demand for raw materials, including wood fiber and resins, used in manufacturing our products;

 

   

changes in the cost of and availability of energy, primarily natural gas, electricity and diesel fuel;

 

   

changes in other significant operating expenses;

 

   

changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, particularly the Canadian dollar, EURO, Brazilian real and the Chilean peso;

 

   

prolonged illiquidity in the market for auction-rate securities held by us for investment;

 

   

changes in general and industry-specific environmental laws and regulations;

 

   

changes in tax laws, and interpretations thereof;

 

   

changes in circumstances giving rise to environmental liabilities or expenditures;

 

   

the resolution of existing and future product-related litigation and other legal proceedings; and

 

   

acts of God or public authorities, war, civil unrest, fire, floods, earthquakes and other matters beyond our control.

In addition to the foregoing and any risks and uncertainties specifically identified in the text surrounding forward-looking statements, any statements in the reports and other documents filed by us with the Commission that warn of risks or uncertainties associated with future results, events or circumstances identify important factors that could cause actual results, events and circumstances to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.

ABOUT THIRD PARTY INFORMATION

In this report, we rely on and refer to information regarding industry data obtained from market research, publicly available information, industry publications, U.S. government sources and other third parties. Although we believe the information is reliable, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and have not independently verified it.

 

2


Item 1. Financial Statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) (UNAUDITED)

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008  

Net sales

   $ 204.6     $ 349.4  
                

Operating costs and expenses:

    

Cost of sales

     204.4       372.8  

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     19.1       26.6  

Selling and administrative

     27.3       40.1  

(Gain) loss on sale or impairment of long-lived assets

     0.1       (0.4 )

Other operating credits and charges, net

     (3.8 )     (4.0 )
                

Total operating costs and expenses

     247.1       435.1  
                

Loss from operations

     (42.5 )     (85.7 )
                

Non-operating income (expense):

    

Foreign currency exchange gain (loss)

     2.6       9.4  

Gain on early debt extinguishment

     0.6       —    

Other than temporary investment impairment

     (0.9 )     (0.8 )

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest

     (11.8 )     (11.2 )

Investment income

     5.2       12.8  
                

Total non-operating income (expense)

     (4.3 )     10.2  
                

Loss before taxes and equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliates

     (46.8 )     (75.5 )

Benefit for income taxes

     (19.2 )     (35.9 )

Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliates

     2.6       6.3  
                

Loss from continuing operations

     (30.2 )     (45.9 )
                

Discontinued operations:

    

Loss from discontinued operations before taxes

     (0.7 )     (0.8 )

Benefit for income taxes

     (0.3 )     (0.3 )
                

Loss from discontinued operations

     (0.4 )     (0.5 )
                

Net loss

     (30.6 )     (46.4 )

Less: Loss attributed to noncontrolling interest

     (0.2 )     —    
                

Net loss attributed to LP

   $ (30.4 )   $ (46.4 )
                

Net loss per share of common stock (basic and diluted):

    

Loss from continuing operations

   $ (0.29 )   $ (0.44 )

Loss from discontinued operations

     (0.01 )     (0.01 )
                

Net loss per share

   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.45 )
                

Cash dividends per share of common stock

   $ —       $ 0.15  
                

Average shares of stock outstanding - basic and diluted

     102.8       102.9  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.

 

3


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED)

 

     March 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  

ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 279.9     $ 97.7  

Short-term investments

     7.8       21.4  

Receivables, net

     77.7       43.8  

Income tax receivable

     21.6       94.2  

Inventories

     188.9       187.3  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     3.9       9.9  

Deferred income taxes

     25.3       25.3  

Current portion of notes receivable from asset sales

     20.0       20.0  

Current assets of discontinued operations

     3.1       3.1  
                

Total current assets

     628.2       502.7  

Timber and timberlands

     54.1       55.6  

Property, plant and equipment

     2,331.5       2,324.6  

Accumulated depreciation

     (1,266.8 )     (1,250.3 )
                

Net property, plant and equipment

     1,064.7       1,074.3  

Notes receivable from asset sales

     238.6       238.6  

Long-term investments

     12.7       19.3  

Restricted cash

     49.9       76.7  

Investments in and advances to affiliates

     187.6       186.9  

Deferred debt costs

     17.4       3.3  

Other assets

     25.2       26.3  

Long-term assets of discontinued operations

     5.0       5.0  
                

Total assets

   $ 2,283.4     $ 2,188.7  
                

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 11.3     $ 7.7  

Current portion of limited recourse notes payable

     20.0       20.0  

Short-term notes payable

     2.0       2.0  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     115.9       121.5  

Current portion of deferred tax liabilities

     4.7       4.7  

Current portion of contingency reserves

     10.0       10.0  
                

Total current liabilities

     163.9       165.9  

Long-term debt, excluding current portion:

    

Limited recourse notes payable

     233.3       233.3  

Other long-term debt

     378.4       239.3  
                

Total long-term debt, excluding current portion

     611.7       472.6  

Contingency reserves, excluding current portion

     25.7       30.5  

Other long-term liabilities

     127.0       130.8  

Deferred income taxes

     166.4       187.9  

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

     18.8       18.7  

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock

     116.9       116.9  

Additional paid-in capital

     445.8       441.3  

Retained earnings

     988.9       1,019.5  

Treasury stock

     (287.1 )     (297.3 )

Accumulated comprehensive loss

     (94.6 )     (98.1 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     1,169.9       1,182.3  
                

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 2,283.4     $ 2,188.7  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.

 

4


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED)

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net loss

   $ (30.6 )   $ (46.4 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     19.1       26.6  

Loss of unconsolidated affiliates

     2.6       6.3  

Other operating charges and credits, net

     0.7       1.8  

(Gain) loss on sale or impairment of long-lived assets

     —         (0.4 )

Other than temporary investment impairment

     0.9       0.8  

Stock based compensation expense related to stock plans

     1.8       2.2  

Exchange (gain) loss on remeasurement

     (5.4 )     (7.8 )

Net accretion on available for sale securities

     —         (0.6 )

Cash settlement of contingencies

     (5.0 )     (6.1 )

Other adjustments

     (1.1 )     0.5  

Pension expense (in excess of payments)

     1.6       3.4  

Increase in receivables

     (34.3 )     (27.7 )

Decrease (increase) in income tax receivables

     70.7       (34.7 )

Decrease (increase) in inventories

     1.2       (6.6 )

Decrease in prepaid expenses

     5.9       2.0  

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (3.7 )     (15.7 )

Decrease in deferred income taxes

     (22.1 )     (6.2 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     2.3       (108.6 )
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Property, plant, and equipment additions

     (3.9 )     (36.8 )

Investments in and advances to joint ventures

     (3.7 )     (4.7 )

Cash paid for purchase of investments

     —         (102.0 )

Proceeds from sales of investments

     19.6       91.1  

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash under letters of credit

     26.8       (8.0 )

Other investing activities, net

     0.5       1.0  
                

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     39.3       (59.4 )
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Borrowing of long term debt

     281.3       8.0  

Repayment of long term debt

     (126.6 )     (0.1 )

Payment of debt issuance fees

     (14.5 )     —    

Net borrowings under revolving credit lines and short term notes payable

     —         38.5  

Payment of cash dividends

     —         (15.4 )
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     140.2       31.0  
                

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     0.4       (3.4 )
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     182.2       (140.4 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     97.7       352.1  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 279.9     $ 211.7  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.

 

5


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED)

 

     Common Stock    Treasury Stock     Additional
Paid-in

Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Comprehensive

Loss
    Total
Stockholders’

Equity
    Redeemable
Non Controlling

Interest
 
     Shares    Amount    Shares     Amount            

Balance, December 31, 2008

   116.9    $ 116.9    13.6     $ (297.3 )   $ 441.3     $ 1,019.5     $ (98.1 )   $ 1,182.3     $ 18.7  

Net Loss

   —        —      —         —         —         (30.4 )     —         (30.4 )     (0.2 )

Issuance of shares for employee stock plans and other purposes and other transactions

   —        —      (0.4 )     10.2       (10.2 )     —         —         —         —    

Compensation expense associated with stock awards

   —        —      —         —         2.0       —         —         2.0       —    

Issuance of stock warrants in connection with debt

   —        —      —         —         12.7       —         —         12.7       —    

Adjustments to redemption value of noncontrolling interest

   —        —      —         —         —         (0.2 )     —         (0.2 )     0.3  

Other comprehensive income

   —        —      —         —         —         —         3.5       3.5       —    
                                                                  

Balance, March 31, 2009

   116.9    $ 116.9    13.2     $ (287.1 )   $ 445.8     $ 988.9     $ (94.6 )   $ 1,169.9     $ 18.8  
                                                                  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.

 

6


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED)

 

     2009     2008  

Net loss

   $ (30.6 )   $ (46.4 )

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

    

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     2.5       7.2  

Unrealized gain on derivative instruments

     (0.2 )     0.1  

Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities

     0.3       (8.1 )

Defined benefit pension plans:

    

Amortization of prior service cost

     —         0.2  

Amortization of net loss

     0.5       0.5  
                

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

     3.1       (0.1 )
                

Comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (27.5 )     (46.5 )

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     0.2       —    

Foreign currency translation adjustments attributed to noncontrolling interest

     0.4       —    
                

Comprehensive loss, net of tax

   $ (26.9 )   $ (46.5 )
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.

 

7


NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – BASIS FOR PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments, except for other operating credits and charges, net referred to in Note 10) necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of LP and its subsidiaries for the interim periods presented. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for an entire year. For those consolidated subsidiaries in which LP’s ownership interest is less than 100%, those outside shareholders’ interests are shown as noncontrolling interest. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in LP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

NOTE 2 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

At March 31, 2009, LP has stock-based employee compensation plans as described below. The total compensation expense related to all of LP’s stock-based compensation plans was $1.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

Stock Compensation Plans

LP grants options and stock settled stock appreciation rights (SSARs) to key employees and directors to purchase LP common stock. At March 31, 2009, 648,198 shares were available under the current stock award plans for stock-based awards. On exercise or issuance, LP generally issues these shares from treasury. The options and SSARs are granted at market price at the date of grant. For employees, options and SSARs become exercisable over three years and expire ten years after the date of grant. For directors, these options become exercisable in 10% increments every three months, starting three months after the date of grant, and expire ten years after the date of grant.

The following table sets out the weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the options and SSARs granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model in the first quarter of the respective years noted:

 

     2009     2008  

Expected stock price volatility

     49.8 %     30.0 %

Expected dividend yield

     —   %     4.0 %

Risk-free interest rate

     1.7 %     3.0 %

Expected life of options

     5.0 years       5.0 years  

Weighted average fair value of options and SSARs granted

   $ 0.97     $ 2.85  

 

8


The following table summarizes stock options and stock settled stock appreciation rights outstanding as of March 31, 2009 as well as activity during the three month period then ended.

 

Share amounts in thousands

   Options/
SSARs
    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted
Average
Contractual
Term (in years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in millions)

Outstanding options

          

Options outstanding at January 1, 2009

   5,437     $ 18.79    6.76    $ 0.0

Options granted

   1,880     $ 2.17      

Options exercised

   —       $ —        

Options cancelled

   (686 )   $ 18.94      
              

Options outstanding at March 31, 2009

   6,631     $ 14.07    8.12    $ 0.3
                        

Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2009

   5,335     $ 14.97    7.89    $ 0.2
                        

Options exercisable at March 31, 2009

   2,828     $ 20.28    6.70    $ 0.0
                        

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between LP’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the first quarter of 2009 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options and SSARs) that would have been received by the holders had all holders exercised their awards on March 31, 2009. This amount changes based on the market value of LP’s stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.

As of March 31, 2009, there was $7.6 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options and SSARs. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years. LP recorded compensation expense related to these awards in the first quarter of 2009 of $1.1 million.

Incentive Share Awards

LP has granted incentive share stock awards (restricted stock units) to selected senior executives as allowed under the current stock award plans. The awards entitle the participant to receive a specified number of shares of LP common stock at no cost to the participant. The market value of these grants approximates the fair value. LP recorded compensation expense related to these awards in the first quarter of 2009 of $0.2 million. As of March 31, 2009, there was $1.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested incentive share awards. This expense will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.

The following table summarizes incentive share awards outstanding as of March 31, 2009 as well as activity during the three months then ended.

 

     Shares     Weighted
Average
Contractual
Term (in years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in millions)

Incentive share awards outstanding at January 1, 2009

   193,987     1.3    $ 0.3

Incentive shares awards granted

   455,967       

Incentive share awards vested

   (56,477 )     

Incentive share awards cancelled

   (11,510 )     
           

Incentive share awards outstanding at March 31, 2009

   581,967     2.6    $ 1.4
                 

Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2009

   332,769     2.6    $ 0.8
                 

Incentive share awards exercisable at March 31, 2009

   0     0.0    $ 0.0
                 

Restricted Stock

LP grants restricted stock to certain senior employees. The shares vest three years from the date of grant. During the vesting period, the participants have voting rights and receive dividends, but the shares may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered. Additionally, granted but unvested shares are forfeited upon termination of employment. The fair value of the restricted shares on the date of the grant is amortized ratably over the vesting period which is generally three years. As of March 31, 2009, there was $3.0 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock. This expense will be recognized over the next 2.4 years.

 

9


The following table summarizes the restricted stock outstanding as of March 31, 2009 as well as activity during the three months then ended.

 

     Quarter Ended March 31, 2009
     Number of Shares     Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Outstanding restricted shares

    

Restricted stock awards outstanding at January 1, 2009

   336,450     $ 19.61

Restricted stock awards granted

   413,741     $ 2.17

Restrictions lapsing

   (59,500 )   $ 28.90

Restricted stock awards cancelled

   (25,170 )   $ 17.34
            

Restricted stock awards at March 31, 2009

   665,521     $ 8.02
            

LP recorded compensation expense related to these awards in the first quarter of 2009 of $0.4 million.

LP annually grants to each director restricted stock or restricted stock units. As of March 31, 2009, LP has 49,149 shares (or restricted stock units) outstanding under this program. Compensation expense recognized in 2009 related to these grants was $0.1 million.

NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS

Short-term and long-term investments held by LP are debt securities designated as available for sale and are reported at fair market value using the specific identification method. The following table summarizes unrealized gains and losses related to these investments as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

Dollar amounts in millions

   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value

March 31, 2009

           

U.S. treasury and government agency securities

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  

Commercial paper

     —        —        —        —  

Corporate obligations

     9.2      —        0.1      9.1

Auction rate securities

     11.4      —        —        11.4
                           

Total marketable securities

   $ 20.6    $ —      $ 0.1    $ 20.5
                           

December 31, 2008

           

U.S. treasury and government agency securities

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  

Commercial paper

     —        —        —        —  

Corporate obligations

     28.9      —        0.5      28.4

Auction rate securities

     12.3      —        —        12.3
                           

Total marketable securities

   $ 41.2    $ —      $ 0.5    $ 40.7
                           

As of March 31, 2009, LP had $11.4 million ($151.8 million, par value) of principal invested in auction rate securities (ARS). The ARS held by LP are securities with long-term nominal maturities for which the interest rates are reset through a Dutch auction each month. These auctions historically have provided a liquid market for these securities. LP’s investments in ARS represent interests in collateralized debt obligations supported by pools of residential and commercial mortgages, credit linked notes and bank trust preferred notes.

Consistent with the Company’s investment policy guidelines, the ARS investments held by the Company all had AAA or equivalent credit ratings (except for one corporate ARS rated AA) at the time of purchase. With the liquidity issues experienced in global credit and capital markets, the ARS held by LP at March 31, 2009 have experienced multiple failed auctions as the amount of securities submitted for sale has exceeded the amount of purchase orders. As of March 31, 2009, all but one of LP’s ARS securities continues to pay interest according to their stated terms. One of the investments has been accelerated resulting in LP receiving no further interest payments on this security until the super senior tranche has been paid. The value of this investment as of March 31, 2009 was approximately $3,700 (par value $3.7 million).

 

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The estimated market value of the company’s ARS holdings at March 31, 2009 was $11.4 million, which reflects a $140.4 million adjustment to the par value of $151.8 million. Based upon LP’s evaluation of the structure of LP’s ARS holdings and current market estimates of fair value from issuing banks, LP has recorded an other-than-temporary impairment of $0.9 million ($0.6 million after tax) in the first quarter of 2009 that was recorded as non-operating income (expense).

LP reviews its marketable securities routinely for other-than-temporary impairment. The primary factors LP used to determine if an impairment charge must be recorded because a decline in value of the security is other than temporary include (i) whether the fair value of the investment is significantly below its cost basis, (ii) the financial condition of the issuer of the security (including its credit rating), (iii) the length of time that the cost of the security has exceeded its fair value and (iv) LP’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

NOTE 4 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Effective January 1, 2008, LP adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157), for financial assets and liabilities and any other assets and liabilities carried at fair value. This pronouncement defines fair value (FV), provides guidance on how to measure FV under generally accepted accounting principles, and expands FV measurement disclosures.

SFAS 157 defines FV as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. SFAS 157 also establishes a FV hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Under this standard, LP is required to classify these financial assets and liabilities into two groups: recurring – measured on a periodic basis and non-recurring – measured on an as needed basis.

SFAS 157 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1    Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2    Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3    Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available and reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use.

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the following table.

 

Dollar amounts in millions

   March 31, 2009    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Available for sale securities

   $ 20.5    $ —      $ 9.1    $ 11.4

Trading securities

     14.0      1.8      —        12.2
                           

Total

   $ 34.5    $ 1.8    $ 9.1    $ 23.6
                           

Available for sale securities measured at fair value are recorded in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, long-term investments and restricted cash on LP’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Included in available for sale securities are money market funds, U.S. government agency securities, commercial paper, corporate debt obligations and auction rate securities.

 

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Government agency securities, commercial paper and corporate obligations are determined by evaluations based on observable market information from broker or dealer quotations, which represent Level 2 inputs.

Due to the lack of observable market quotes on LP’s auction rate securities (ARS) portfolio, LP evaluates the structure of its ARS holdings and current market estimates of fair value, including fair value estimates from issuing banks that rely exclusively on Level 3 inputs. These inputs may include those that are based on expected cash flow streams and collateral values, including assessments of counterparty credit quality, default risk underlying the security, discount rates and overall capital market liquidity. The valuation of LP’s ARS investment portfolio is subject to uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Factors that may impact LP’s valuation include changes to credit ratings of the securities as well as to the underlying assets supporting those securities, rates of default of the underlying assets, underlying collateral value, discount rates, counterparty risk and ongoing strength and quality of market credit and liquidity.

Trading securities consist of rabbi trust and grantor trust financial assets which are recorded in other assets in LP’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. The rabbi trust holds the assets of the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation 2004 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (EDC), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan which allows certain management employees to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation and contribute such amounts to one or more investment funds. The assets of the rabbi trust are invested in mutual funds and are reported at fair value based on active market quotes, which represent Level 1 inputs.

The grantor trust provides funds for benefits payable under LP’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), an unfunded, non-qualified defined benefit plan that provides supplemental retirement benefits to key executives. The assets of the grantor trust, which are the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance, are invested in index funds which are reported at fair value based on the underlying share prices provided by the third party insurance carrier, which represent Level 3 inputs.

The following table summarizes assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the period.

 

Dollar amounts in millions

   Available for sale
securities
    Trading
securities
    Total  

Balance at January 1, 2009

   $ 12.3     $ 12.9     $ 25.2  

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)

      

Included in other-than-temporary investment impairment

     (0.9 )     —         (0.9 )

Included in investment income

     —         (0.7 )     (0.7 )
                        

Balance at March 31, 2009

   $ 11.4     $ 12.2     $ 23.6  
                        

The amount of total losses for the period included in net loss attributable to the fair value of changes in assets still held at the reporting date

   $ (0.9 )   $ —       $ (0.9 )
                        

NOTE 5 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares primarily consist of employee stock options, stock settled stock appreciation rights (SSARs), restricted stock units and restricted common stock.

SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share,” requires that employee equity share options, non-vested shares and similar equity instruments granted by the Company be treated as potential common shares outstanding in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted shares outstanding include the dilutive effect of in-the-money options, which is calculated, based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible are assumed to be used to repurchase shares.

 

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     Quarter Ended March 31,  

Dollar and share amounts in millions, except per share amounts

   2009     2008  

Numerator:

    

Income attributed to LP common shares:

    

Loss from continuing operations

   $ (30.0 )   $ (45.9 )

Loss from discontinued operations

     (0.4 )     (0.5 )
                

Net loss

   $ (30.4 )   $ (46.4 )
                

Denominator:

    

Basic - weighted average common shares outstanding

     102.8       102.9  

Dilutive effect of stock plans

     —         —    
                

Diluted shares outstanding

     102.8       102.9  
                

Basic and diluted earnings per share:

    

Loss from continuing operations

   $ (0.29 )   $ (0.44 )

Loss from discontinued operations

     (0.01 )     (0.01 )
                

Net loss per share

   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.45 )
                

Stock options, stock warrants and SSARs to purchase approximately 24.3 million shares at March 31, 2009 were considered anti-dilutive for purposes of LP’s earnings per share calculation due to LP’s loss position from continuing operations. Stock options and SSARs to purchase approximately 4.2 million shares at March 31, 2008 were considered anti-dilutive for purposes of LP’s earnings per share calculation due to LP’s loss position from continuing operations.

NOTE 6 – RECEIVABLES

Receivables consist of the following:

 

Dollar amounts in millions

   March 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  

Trade receivables

   $ 60.2     $ 27.4  

Interest receivables

     7.1       2.8  

Other receivables

     11.8       14.8  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (1.4 )     (1.2 )
                

Total

   $ 77.7     $ 43.8  
                

Other receivables at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 primarily consist of short-term notes receivable, settlements, Canadian sales tax receivables and other items.

 

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NOTE 7 – INVENTORIES

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost includes materials, labor and operating overhead. The LIFO (last-in, first-out) method is used for certain log inventories with remaining inventories valued at FIFO (first-in, first-out) or average cost. The major types of inventories are as follows (work in process is not material):

 

Dollar amounts in millions

   March 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  

Logs

   $ 40.1     $ 34.7  

Other raw materials

     22.3       23.9  

Finished products

     120.1       122.6  

Supplies

     8.2       7.9  

LIFO reserve

     (1.8 )     (1.8 )
                

Total

   $ 188.9     $ 187.3  
                

Inventory included in current assets of discontinued operations

    

Logs

   $ —       $ —    

Other raw materials

     0.2       0.2  

Finished products

     2.8       2.8  

Supplies

     0.1       0.1  
                

Total

   $ 3.1     $ 3.1  
                

NOTE 8 – BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE AND DIVESTITURES

At March 31, 2009 and 2008, LP’s discontinued operations included its decking operations and residual charges from previously discontinued operations.

The assets of the discontinued operations included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

Dollar amounts in millions

   March 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  

Inventories

   $ 3.1     $ 3.1  
                

Property, plant and equipment

     11.9       11.9  

Accumulated depreciation

     (6.9 )     (6.9 )
                

Net, property, plant and equipment

     5.0       5.0  
                

Total assets of discontinued operations

   $ 8.1     $ 8.1  
                

NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES

Accounting standards require that income tax expense for interim periods be determined by applying the estimated annual effective income tax rate, by income component attributed to LP, to year-to-date income or loss at the end of each quarter, then adding or subtracting the impact of any changes in reserve requirements or statutory tax rate changes, if any. Each quarter the income tax accrual is adjusted to the latest estimate and the difference from the previously accrued year-to-date balance is adjusted to the current quarter. Losses and resulting income tax benefit for the respective periods are shown below.

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  

Dollars in millions

   2009     2008  

Continuing operations

   $ (49.4 )   $ (81.8 )

Discontinued operations

     (0.7 )     (0.8 )
                
     (50.1 )     (82.6 )

Total tax benefit

     (19.5 )     (36.2 )
                

Net loss

   $ (30.6 )   $ (46.4 )
                

 

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For the first quarter of 2009, the primary differences between the U.S. statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate applicable to LP’s continuing operations relate to the Company’s foreign debt structure, state income taxes and the effect of foreign tax rates. For the first quarter of 2008, the primary differences between the U.S. statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate applicable to LP’s continuing operations relate to the Company’s foreign debt structure, state income taxes and deductible foreign income taxes.

The components and associated estimated effective income tax rates applied to the quarter ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 

      Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008  

Dollars in millions

   Tax Benefit     Tax Rate     Tax Benefit     Tax Rate  

Continuing operations

   $ (19.2 )   39 %   $ (35.9 )   44 %

Discontinued operations

     (0.3 )   39 %     (0.3 )   39 %
                    
   $ (19.5 )   39 %   $ (36.2 )   44 %
                    

LP and its domestic subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple state jurisdictions. LP’s foreign subsidiaries are subject to income tax in Canada, Brazil and Chile. LP’s U.S. Federal income tax examinations for the years through 2006 have been effectively settled. LP remains subject to state and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2003 through 2007. LP’s Canadian returns have been audited and effectively settled through 2004. LP has utilized all of its available net operating loss carry back capacity in both the U.S. and Canada, therefore the 2009 tax losses will be utilized as deductible net operating loss carryovers in future tax periods.

NOTE 10 – OTHER OPERATING CREDITS AND CHARGES, NET

The major components of “Other operating credits and charges, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are reflected in the table below and are described in the paragraphs following the table:

 

      Quarter Ended March 31,  

Dollar amounts in millions

   2009     2008  

Severance

   $ (0.5 )   $ —    

Gain on insurance recovery

     4.3       5.8  

Insurance settlement

     —         0.7  

Additions to product related contigency reserves

     —         (2.5 )
                
   $ 3.8     $ 4.0  
                

In the first quarter of 2009, LP recorded a net gain of $4.3 million associated with reimbursements of legal expenses associated with an environmental litigation and a loss $0.5 million associated with severance costs due to LP’s “right sizing” initiatives.

In the first quarter of 2008, LP recorded a net gain of $4.0 million associated with product related warranty reserves and insurance settlements associated with LP’s hardboard class action suit and other associated hardboard siding liabilities.

 

15


NOTE 11 – INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO AFFILIATES

LP has investments in affiliates that are either accounted for under the equity method or the cost method based upon the specific terms of the agreement as well as advances to affiliates. The significant components of these investments and advances are as follows:

 

Dollar amounts in millions

   March 31, 2009    December 31, 2008

Investments accounted for under the equity method

   $ 143.1    $ 142.4

Investments accounted for under the cost method

     44.5      44.5
             

Total

   $ 187.6    $ 186.9
             

At March 31, 2009, LP’s significant equity method investees and its ownership interest and principal business activity in each investee, were as follows:

 

     Ownership %      
U.S. GreenFiber    50 %   Established to manufacture and sell cellulose insulation products

AbitibiBowater – LP

   50 %   Established to construct and operate I-Joist facilities in Eastern Canada

Canfor – LP

   50 %   Established to construct and operate an OSB facility in British Columbia, Canada

These investments do not meet the Regulation S-X significance test requiring the inclusion of the separate investee financial statements or summarized financial information.

LP sells products and raw materials to the AbitibiBowater-LP entity and purchases products for resale from the AbitibiBowater-LP and Canfor-LP entities. LP eliminates profits on these sales and purchases, to the extent the inventory has not been sold through to third parties, on the basis of its 50% interest. For the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, LP sold $0.9 million and $1.6 million of products to AbitibiBowater-LP and purchased $5.0 million and $8.5 million of I-joist from AbitibiBowater-LP. LP also purchased $7.0 million and $13.4 million of OSB from Canfor-LP during the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

NOTE 12 – LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Certain environmental matters and legal proceedings are discussed below.

Environmental Matters

LP is involved in a number of environmental proceedings and activities, and it may be wholly or partially responsible for known or unknown contamination existing at a number of other sites at which LP has conducted operations or disposed of wastes. Based on the information currently available, LP believes that any fines, penalties or other costs or losses resulting from these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity.

Siding Matters

On October 15, 2002, a jury returned a verdict of $29.6 million against LP in a Minnesota State Court action entitled Lester Building Systems, a division of Butler Manufacturing Company, and Lester’s of Minnesota, Inc. v. Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and Canton Lumber Company. On December 13, 2002, the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, which maintains jurisdiction over a previously settled nationwide class action suit involving OSB siding manufactured by LP and installed prior to January 1, 1996, permanently enjoined the Minnesota state trial court from entering judgment against LP with respect to $11.2 million of the verdict that related to siding that was subject to the nationwide OSB siding settlement. LP satisfied this verdict, less the enjoined amount, during the second quarter of 2004. Lester’s appealed the District Court’s injunction to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and, on October 24, 2005, the Court of Appeals vacated the District Court’s injunction. As a result of this decision, the injunction was lifted and the state court judgment of $11.2 million was entered on December 22, 2006. On February 5, 2008, the Minnesota State Court of Appeals reversed the $11.2 million judgment entered against LP on December 22, 2006. On March 5, 2009, the Minnesota State Supreme Court affirmed the Minnesota State Court of Appeals’ decision. LP believes the Minnesota State Supreme Court’s decision concludes the matter.

 

16


Antitrust Litigation

LP was named as one of a number of defendants in multiple class action complaints filed on or after February 26, 2006 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. These complaints were dismissed or consolidated into two complaints under one caption: In Re OSB Anti-Trust Litigation, Master File No. 06-CV-00826 (PD). The first complaint is a consolidated amended class action complaint filed on March 31, 2006 on behalf of plaintiffs who directly purchased OSB from the defendants from May 1, 2002 through the date the complaint was filed (the direct purchaser complaint). The second complaint is a consolidated amended class action complaint, filed on June 15, 2006, on behalf of plaintiffs who indirectly purchased OSB from the defendants from May 1, 2002 through the date the complaint was filed (the indirect purchaser complaint). The plaintiffs in both of the amended and consolidated complaints described above moved for and received class certification and sought damages alleged to have resulted from a conspiracy among the defendants to fix, raise, maintain and stabilize the prices at which OSB is sold in the United States, in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. §1 and similar remedies under individual state anti-trust, competition and consumer protection laws. LP believed that the claims asserted were without merit, but after being ordered to settlement conference by the judge, LP decided that in order to limit the risks and costs associated with a prolonged trial schedule, it would settle the direct and indirect lawsuits. These settlements were accrued and paid in 2008.

As part of the class action process, individual purchasers are able to opt-out of the class action claims and pursue their own suit. On December 1, 2008, LP was named, in an opt-out suit, as one of a number of defendants in Bailey Lumber & Supply and 84 Lumber Company v. Georgia-Pacific Corporation et. al. (Civil Action No. 1:08cv1394) filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi Southern Division. The plaintiffs in this opt-out case seek treble damages and attorneys fees in an unspecified amount alleged to have resulted from a conspiracy among the defendants to fix, raise, maintain and stabilize the prices at which OSB and Plywood are sold in the United States during the period of 2002 into 2006, in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. §1. LP believes these allegations are without merit.

Other Proceedings

LP is party to other legal proceedings. Based on the information currently available, LP believes that the resolution of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity.

NOTE 13 – LONG TERM DEBT

On March 10, 2009, LP issued and sold 375,000 Units consisting of (1) $375,000,000 principal amount at maturity of 13% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and (2) warrants to purchase 18,395,963 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $1.39 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances and to mandatory cashless exercise provisions. The issuance and sale of the Units generated gross proceeds of $281.3 million, reflecting original issue discount of $93.7 million, of which $126.0 million was used to retire $126.6 million aggregate principal amount of LP’s 8.875% Senior Notes due 2010 and $14.5 million which was used to pay related transaction costs (including costs associated with LP’s new credit facility described below).

On March 10, 2009, LP entered into a new credit facility, which provides for a committed asset-based borrowing capacity of $100 million, with a sublimit for letters of credit. The term of the credit facility will end in September of 2012 unless our 8.875% Senior Notes due 2010 are not repaid, defeased or adequately reserved for by February 15, 2010, in which case the credit facility’s term will end on February 15, 2010. The availability of credit under the credit facility is subject to a borrowing base, which is calculated based on certain percentages of accounts receivable and inventory and at any given time may limit the amount of borrowings and letters of credit otherwise available under the facility. In addition, the credit facility contains a covenant requiring LP to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.1 to 1.0 at any time that the excess of (1) the lesser of the commitments plus $20 million or the borrowing base minus (2) obligations outstanding under the credit facility plus certain of LP’s past due trade payables falls below $50 million. At March 31, 2009, LP had $87.6 million of unused commitments under the credit facility, resulting from the committed amount of $100 million less $12.4 million of outstanding letters of credit. Because LP’s fixed charge coverage ratio on March 31, 2009 was less than 1.1 to 1.0, LP was effectively precluded from utilizing $50 million of the credit available after giving effect to the borrowing base limitation. As of May 5, 2009, LP’s ability to borrow under the credit facility is conditioned upon there being a minimum of $70 million of borrowing availability. This condition will remain in place only until certain bank account control documents are completed. The deadline for such documents is June 8, 2009.

 

17


NOTE 14 – SELECTED SEGMENT DATA

LP operates in three segments: Oriented Strand Board (OSB); Siding; and Engineered Wood Products (EWP). LP’s business units have been aggregated into these three segments based upon the similarity of economic characteristics, customers and distribution methods. LP’s results of operations are summarized below for each of these segments separately as well as for the “other” category which comprises other products that are not individually significant. Segment information was prepared in accordance with the same accounting principles as those described in Note 1 of the Notes to the financial statements included in LP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

      Quarter Ended March 31,  

Dollar amounts in millions

   2009     2008     % change  

Net sales:

      

OSB

   $ 72.3     $ 159.0     (55 )

Siding

     73.8       107.1     (31 )

Engineered Wood Products

     30.0       60.5     (50 )

Other

     28.5       22.8     25  
                  
   $ 204.6     $ 349.4     (41 )
                  

Operating profit (loss):

      

OSB

   $ (24.2 )   $ (62.1 )   61  

Siding

     2.1       0.3     600  

Engineered Wood Products

     (9.2 )     (8.1 )   (14 )

Other

     1.6       (2.3 )   170  

Other operating credits and charges, net

     3.8       4.0     (5 )

Gain (loss) on sale or impairment of long-lived assets

     (0.1 )     0.4     (125 )

General corporate and other expenses, net

     (19.1 )     (24.2 )   21  

Foreign currency gains (losses)

     2.6       9.4     (72 )

Gain on early debt extinguishment

     0.6       —      

Other than temporary impairment of investments

     (0.9 )     (0.8 )   (13 )

Investment income

     5.2       12.8     (59 )

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest

     (11.8 )     (11.2 )   (5 )
                  

Loss from operations before taxes

     (49.4 )     (81.8 )   40  

Benefit for income taxes

     (19.2 )     (35.9 )  
                  

Loss from continuing operations

   $ (30.2 )   $ (45.9 )   34  
                  

NOTE 15 – POTENTIAL IMPAIRMENTS

LP continues to review certain operations and investments for potential impairments. LP’s management currently believes it has adequate support for the carrying value of each of these operations and investments based upon the anticipated cash flows that result from estimates of future demand, pricing and production costs assuming certain levels of planned capital expenditures. However, should the markets for the relevant products continue to remain at levels significantly below cycle average pricing or should LP decide to invest capital in alternative projects, it is possible that impairment charges will be required.

LP also reviews from time to time possible dispositions of various assets in light of current and anticipated economic and industry conditions, its strategic plan and other relevant circumstances. Because a determination to dispose of particular assets can require management to make assumptions regarding the transaction structure of the disposition and to estimate the net sales proceeds, which may be less than previous estimates of undiscounted future net cash flows, LP may be required to record impairment charges in connection with decisions to dispose of assets.

 

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NOTE 16 – CONTINGENCY RESERVES

LP is involved in various legal proceedings incidental to LP’s business and is subject to a variety of environmental and pollution control laws and regulations in all jurisdictions in which it operates. LP maintains reserves for these various contingencies as follows:

 

Dollar amounts in millions

   March 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  

Environmental reserves

   $ 6.3     $ 6.5  

Hardboard siding reserves

     26.5       31.2  

Other reserves

     2.9       2.8  
                

Total contingency reserves

     35.7       40.5  

Current portion of contingency reserves

     (10.0 )     (10.0 )
                

Long-term portion of contingency reserves

   $ 25.7     $ 30.5  
                

Hardboard Siding Reserves

LP has established reserves relating to certain liabilities associated with a settlement agreement resulting from a nationwide class action lawsuit involving hardboard siding manufactured or sold by corporations acquired by LP in 1999 and installed prior to May 15, 2000 which was approved by the applicable courts in 2000. This settlement is discussed in greater detail in the Notes to the financial statements included in LP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. LP believes that the reserve balance for this settlement at March 31, 2009 will be adequate to cover future payments to claimants and related administrative costs.

The activity in the portion of LP’s loss contingency reserves relating to hardboard siding contingencies for the first quarter of 2009 and 2008 are summarized in the following table.

 

Dollar amounts in millions

   March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008  

Beginning balance, December 31,

   $ 31.2     $ 12.8  

Accrued to expense

     —         2.5  

Payments made for claims

     (4.0 )     (2.8 )

Payments made for administrative costs

     (0.7 )     (0.5 )
                

Ending balance

   $ 26.5     $ 12.0  
                

NOTE 17 – DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS

The following table sets forth the net periodic pension cost for LP’s defined benefit pension plans during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. The net periodic pension cost included the following components:

 

      Quarter Ended March 31,  

Dollar amounts in millions

   2009     2008  

Service cost

   $ 1.7     $ 2.5  

Interest cost

     4.1       4.5  

Expected return on plan assets

     (4.4 )     (5.4 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     0.1       0.3  

Amortization of net loss

     1.0       0.7  
                

Net periodic pension cost

   $ 2.5     $ 2.6  
                

Through March 31, 2009, LP recognized $2.5 million of pension expense for all of LP’s defined benefit plans. LP presently anticipates recognizing an additional $7.4 million of pension expense in the remainder of 2009 for a total of $9.9 million.

Through March 31, 2009, LP made no significant pension contributions for all of LP’s defined benefit plans. LP presently anticipates making approximately $1.0 million of additional pension contributions for the plans during the remainder of 2009.

 

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NOTE 18 – GUARANTEES AND INDEMNIFICATIONS

LP is a party to contracts in which LP agrees to indemnify third parties for certain liabilities that arise out of or relate to the subject matter of the contract. In some cases, this indemnity extends to liabilities arising out of the negligence of the indemnified parties, but usually excludes any liabilities caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct of the indemnified parties. LP cannot estimate the potential amount of future payments under these agreements until events arise that would trigger the liability. See Note 23 of the Notes to the financial statements included in LP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 for further discussion of LP’s guarantees and indemnifications.

Additionally, LP provides warranties on the sale of most of its products and records an accrual for estimated future claims. Such accruals are based upon historical experience and management’s estimate of the level of future claims. The activity in warranty reserves for the first quarter of 2009 and 2008 are summarized in the following table:

 

Dollar amounts in millions

   March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008  

Beginning balance, December 31,

   $ 33.7     $ 26.2  

Accrued to expense

     0.6       0.4  

Payments made

     (1.8 )     (1.5 )
                

Total warranty reserves

     32.5       25.1  

Current portion of warranty reserves

     (7.0 )     (7.0 )
                

Long-term portion of warranty reserves

   $ 25.5     $ 18.1  
                

The current portion of the warranty reserve is included in the caption “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” and the long-term portion is included in the caption “Other long-term liabilities” on LP’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NOTE 19 – RECENT AND PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) finalized SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements; however, it does not require any new fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 were applied prospectively to LP’s fair value measurements and disclosures as of January 1, 2008 with respect to recurring financial assets and liabilities and January 1, 2009 with respect to nonrecurring nonfinancial assets and liabilities and did not have a material effect on the company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an Amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 requires that under most circumstances noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries be reported in the equity section of the controlling company’s balance sheet. It also changes the manner in which the net income of the subsidiary is reported and disclosed in the controlling company’s income statement. SFAS 160 is effective on a prospective basis for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2008, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which are to be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. LP adopted this statement as of January 1, 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141(R)). SFAS 141(R) addresses the recognition and accounting for identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests in business combinations. SFAS 141(R) also establishes expanded disclosure requirements for business combinations. SFAS 141(R) is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and should be applied prospectively for all business combinations entered into after the date of adoption.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of Statement 133 to provide a better understanding of how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and their effect on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. LP adopted this statement as of January 1, 2009 and it did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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In December 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets”, (FSP FAS 132(R)-1). FSP FAS 132(R)-1 amends SFAS 132(R), Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” to provide guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. FSP FAS 132(R)-1 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. LP is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FSP FAS 132(R)-1 on its consolidated financial statement disclosures.

In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP FAS 157- 4”). FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS 157 when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This FSP also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. If a market is determined to be inactive and market price is reflective of a distressed price then an alternative method of pricing can be used, such as a present value technique to estimate fair value. FSP FAS 157-4 identifies factors to be considered when determining whether or not a market is inactive. FSP 157-4 would be effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009 and shall be applied prospectively. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of FSP FAS 157-4 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1”), which amends SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, and APB Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting”, to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim and annual reporting periods. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (“FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2”) which amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of FSP 115-2 and FAS 124-2 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

GENERAL

Our products are used primarily in new home construction, repair and remodeling, and manufactured housing. We also market and sell our products in light industrial and commercial construction and we have a modest export business. Our manufacturing facilities are primarily located in the U.S. and Canada, but we also operate two facilities in Chile and have a 75% ownership interest in a Brazilian facility.

To serve these markets, we operate in three segments: Oriented Strand Board (OSB), Siding, and Engineered Wood Products (EWP).

Demand for our products correlates to a significant degree to the level of residential construction activity in North America, which historically has been characterized by significant cyclicality. In the first quarter of 2009, the U.S. Department of Census reported that actual single and multi-family housing starts were about 49% lower than the first quarter of 2008. We believe that the reduced level of building is due to the increase in the inventory of homes for sale coupled with a much more restrictive mortgage market. Additionally, the current recession and related job losses, the reduction in home values and the large amount of variable rate mortgages that have reset at higher rates of interest has increased the number of foreclosures, which add to the stock of homes for sale. Building activity is unlikely to improve until the number of homes available for sale is reduced, foreclosure activity subsidies, the level of unemployment stabilizes and housing prices stop declining.

OSB is sold as a commodity for which sales prices fluctuate daily based on market factors over which we have little or no control. We cannot predict whether the prices of our products will remain at current levels or increase or decrease in the future.

For additional factors affecting our results, refer to the Management Discussion and Analysis overview contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and to “About Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in this report.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES

Presented in Note 1 of the Notes to the financial statements included in LP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 is a discussion of our significant accounting policies and significant accounting estimates and judgments. The discussion of each of the policies and estimates outlines the specific accounting treatment related to each of these accounting areas.

Accounting Policies

There are several policies that we have adopted and implemented from among acceptable alternatives that could lead to different financial results had another policy been chosen:

Inventory valuation. We use the LIFO (last-in, first-out) method for some of our log inventories with the remaining inventories valued at FIFO (first-in, first-out) or average cost. Our inventories would have been approximately $1.8 million higher if the LIFO inventories were valued at average cost as of March 31, 2009.

Property, plant and equipment. We principally use the units of production method of depreciation for machinery and equipment. This method amortizes the cost of machinery and equipment over the estimated units that will be produced during its estimated useful life.

 

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Significant Accounting Estimates And Judgments

Throughout the preparation of the financial statements, we employ significant judgments in the application of accounting principles and methods. These judgments are primarily related to the assumptions used to arrive at various estimates. For 2009, these significant accounting estimates and judgments include:

Auction Rate Securities: Auction-rate securities represent interests in collateralized debt obligations, a portion of which are supported by pools of residential and commercial mortgages, credit linked notes and bank trust-preferred notes. Liquidity for these auction-rate securities is typically provided by an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at pre-determined intervals, usually every 7, 28, 35 or 90 days. Because of the short interest rate reset period, we have historically recorded auction rate securities in current available-for-sale securities. As of March 31, 2009, auction-rate securities that we hold had experienced multiple failed auctions as the amount of securities for sale exceeded the amount of purchase orders. Consequently, we have classified $11.4 million ($151.8 million, par value) of auction rate securities as long-term available-for-sale securities.

Our estimates of the valuation of our current holdings of auction rate securities are based upon our evaluation of the structure of our auction rate securities and current market estimates of fair value, including fair value estimates from issuing banks. In accordance with EITF 03-1 and FSP FAS 115-1 and 124- 1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments,” we review several factors to determine whether a loss is other-than-temporary. These factors include but are not limited to: (i) the length of time a security is in an unrealized loss position, (ii) the extent to which fair value is less than cost, (iii) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, and (iv) our intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Due to the numerous variables associated with these judgments, both the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates of the related valuation allowance are subject to substantial uncertainties. We regularly monitor our estimated exposure to these investments and, as additional information becomes known, may change our estimates significantly.

Legal Contingencies. Our estimates of loss contingencies for legal proceedings are based on various judgments and assumptions regarding the potential resolution or disposition of the underlying claims and associated costs. In making judgments and assumptions regarding legal contingencies for ongoing class action settlements, we consider, among other things, discernible trends in the rate of claims asserted and related damage estimates and information obtained through consultation with statisticians and economists, including statistical analyses of potential outcomes based on experience to date and the experience of third parties who have been subject to product-related claims judged to be comparable. Due to the numerous variables associated with these judgments and assumptions, both the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates of the related loss contingencies are subject to substantial uncertainties. We regularly monitor our estimated exposure to these contingencies and, as additional information becomes known, may change our estimates significantly.

Environmental Contingencies. Our estimates of loss contingencies for environmental matters are based on various judgments and assumptions. These estimates typically reflect judgments and assumptions relating to the probable nature, magnitude and timing of required investigation, remediation and/or monitoring activities and the probable cost of these activities, and in some cases reflect judgments and assumptions relating to the obligation or willingness and ability of third parties to bear a proportionate or allocated share of the cost of these activities, including third parties who purchased assets from us subject to environmental liabilities. We consider the ability of third parties to pay their apportioned cost when developing our estimates. In making these judgments and assumptions related to the development of our loss contingencies, we consider, among other things, the activity to date at particular sites, information obtained through consultation with applicable regulatory authorities and third-party consultants and contractors and our historical experience at other sites that are judged to be comparable. Due to the numerous variables associated with these judgments and assumptions, and the effects of changes in governmental regulation and environmental technologies, both the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates of the related contingencies are subject to substantial uncertainties. We regularly monitor our estimated exposure to environmental loss contingencies and, as additional information becomes known, may change our estimates significantly. At March 31, 2009, we excluded from our estimates approximately $1.2 million of potential environmental liabilities that we estimate will be allocated to third parties pursuant to existing and anticipated future cost sharing arrangements.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. We review the long-lived assets held and used by us (primarily property, plant and equipment and timber and timberlands) for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Identifying these events and changes in circumstances, and assessing their impact on the appropriate valuation of the affected assets under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., requires us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates. In general, on assets held and used, impairments are recognized when the book values exceed our estimate of the undiscounted future net cash flows associated with the affected assets. The key assumptions in estimating these cash flows include future production volumes and pricing of commodity or specialty products and future estimates of expenses to be incurred. Our assumptions regarding pricing are based upon the average pricing over the commodity cycle (generally five years) due to the inherent volatility of commodity product pricing. These prices are estimated from information gathered from industry research firms, research reports published by investment analysts and other published forecasts. Our estimates of expenses are based upon our long-range internal planning models and our expectation that we will continue to reduce product costs that will offset inflationary impacts.

 

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When impairment is indicated, the book values of the assets to be held and used are written down to their estimated fair value, which is generally based upon discounted future cash flows. Assets to be disposed of are written down to their estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs. Consequently, a determination to dispose of particular assets can require us to estimate the net sales proceeds expected to be realized upon such disposition, which may be less than the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows associated with such assets prior to such determination, and thus require an impairment charge. In situations where we have experience in selling assets of a similar nature, we may estimate net sales proceeds on the basis of that experience. In other situations, we hire independent appraisers to estimate net sales proceeds. Due to the numerous variables associated with our judgments and assumptions relating to the valuation of assets in these circumstances, and the effects of changes in circumstances affecting these valuations, both the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates of the related impairment charges are subject to substantial uncertainties and, as additional information becomes known, we may change our estimates significantly.

Income Taxes. The determination of the provision for income taxes, and the resulting current and deferred tax assets and liabilities, involves significant management judgment, and is based upon information and estimates available to management at the time of such determination. The final income tax liability to any taxing jurisdiction with respect to any calendar year will ultimately be determined long after our financial statements have been published for that year. We maintain reserves for known estimated tax exposures in federal, state and international jurisdictions; however, actual results may differ materially from our estimates.

Judgment is also applied in determining whether deferred tax assets will be realized in full or in part. When we consider it to be more likely than not that all or some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established for the amount of the deferred tax asset that is estimated not to be realizable. As of March 31, 2009, we had established valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets, primarily related to state and foreign carryovers of net operating losses, credits and foreign capital loss. We have not established valuation allowances against other deferred tax assets based upon expected future taxable income and/or tax strategies planned to mitigate the risk of impairment of these assets. Accordingly, changes in facts or circumstances affecting the likelihood of realizing a deferred tax asset could result in the need to record additional valuation allowances.

Pension Plans. Most of our U.S. employees and some of our Canadian employees participate in defined benefit pension plans sponsored by LP. We account for the consequences of our sponsorship of these plans in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., which require us to make actuarial assumptions that are used to calculate the related assets, liabilities and expenses recorded in our financial statements. While we believe we have a reasonable basis for these assumptions, which include assumptions regarding long-term rates of return on plan assets, life expectancies, rates of increase in salary levels, rates at which future values should be discounted to determine present values and other matters, the amounts of our pension related assets, liabilities and expenses recorded in our financial statements would differ if we used other assumptions. See further discussion related to pension plans below under the heading “Defined Benefit Pension Plans” and in Note 15 of the Notes to the financial statements included in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Workers’ Compensation. We are self-insured for workers’ compensation in most U.S. states. We account for these plans in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S, which require us to make actuarial assumptions that are used to calculate the related assets, liabilities and expenses recorded in our financial statements. While we believe we have a reasonable basis for these assumptions, which include assumptions regarding rates at which future values should be discounted to determine present values, expected future health care costs and other matters. The amounts of our liabilities and related expenses recorded in our financial statements would differ if we used other assumptions.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In evaluating our business, we utilize several non-GAAP financial measures. A non-GAAP financial measure is generally defined by the SEC as one that purports to measure historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows, but excludes or includes amounts that would not be so excluded or included under applicable GAAP guidance. In this report on Form 10-Q, we disclose continuing earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA from continuing operations”) which is a non-GAAP financial measure. EBITDA from continuing operations is not a substitute for the GAAP measure of net income or operating cash flows or other GAAP measures of operating performance or liquidity.

 

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We have included EBITDA from continuing operations in this report on Form 10-Q because we use it as an important supplemental measure of our performance and believe that it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested persons in the evaluation of companies in our industry, some of which present EBITDA when reporting their results. We use EBITDA from continuing operations to evaluate our performance as compared to other companies in our industry that have different financing and capital structures and/or tax rates. In addition, the instruments governing our indebtedness use EBITDA (with additional adjustments) to measure our compliance with covenants such as interest coverage and debt incurrence. It should be noted that companies calculate EBITDA differently and, therefore, as presented for us may not be comparable to EBITDA reported by other companies. EBITDA has material limitations as performance measures because they exclude interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense, depreciation and amortization which are necessary to operate our business or which we otherwise incurred or experienced in connection with the operation of our business.

 

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The following table represents significant items by operating segment and reconciles results from continuing operations to EBITDA from continuing operations:

 

(Dollar amounts in millions)

   OSB     Siding    EWP     Other     Corporate     Total  

Quarter Ended March 31, 2009

             

Sales

   $ 72.3     $ 73.8    $ 30.0     $ 28.5     $ —       $ 204.6  
                                               

Depreciation and amortization

     7.2       4.7      3.0       3.2       1.0       19.1  

Cost of sales and selling and administative

     86.8       67.0      36.0       23.8       18.1       231.7  

(Gain) loss on sale or impairment of long lived assets

     —         —        —         —         0.1       0.1  

Other operating credits and charges, net

     —         —        —         —         (3.8 )     (3.8 )
                                               

Total operating costs

     94.0       71.7      39.0       27.0       15.4       247.1  
                                               

Income (loss) from operations

     (21.7 )     2.1      (9.0 )     1.5       (15.4 )     (42.5 )

Total non-operating income (expense)

              (4.3 )     (4.3 )

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

     (21.7 )     2.1      (9.0 )     1.5       (19.7 )     (46.8 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

              (19.2 )     (19.2 )

Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates

     2.5          0.2       (0.1 )       2.6  
                                               

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (24.2 )   $ 2.1    $ (9.2 )   $ 1.6     $ (0.5 )   $ (30.2 )
                                               

Reconciliation of loss from continuing operations to EBITDA from continuing operations

             

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (24.2 )   $ 2.1    $ (9.2 )   $ 1.6     $ (0.5 )   $ (30.2 )

Income tax expense

     —         —        —         —         (19.2 )     (19.2 )

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest

     —         —        —         —         11.8       11.8  

Depreciation and amortization

     7.2       4.7      3.0       3.2       1.0       19.1  
                                               

EBITDA from continuing operations

   $ (17.0 )   $ 6.8    $ (6.2 )   $ 4.8     $ (6.9 )   $ (18.5 )
                                               

Quarter Ended March 31, 2008

             

Sales

   $ 159.0     $ 107.1    $ 60.5     $ 22.8     $ —       $ 349.4  
                                               

Depreciation and amortization

     14.1       5.8      3.9       1.4       1.4       26.6  

Cost of sales and selling and administative

     201.7       101.0      64.4       23.0       22.8       412.9  

(Gain) loss on sale or impairment of long lived assets

              (0.4 )     (0.4 )

Other operating credits and charges, net

              (4.0 )     (4.0 )
                                               

Total operating costs

     215.8       106.8      68.3       24.4       19.8       435.1  
                                               

Loss from operations

     (56.8 )     0.3      (7.8 )     (1.6 )     (19.8 )     (85.7 )

Total non-operating income (expense)

              10.2       10.2  

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

     (56.8 )     0.3      (7.8 )     (1.6 )     (9.6 )     (75.5 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

              (35.9 )     (35.9 )

Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates

     5.3          0.3       0.7         6.3  
                                               

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (62.1 )   $ 0.3    $ (8.1 )   $ (2.3 )   $ 26.3     $ (45.9 )
                                               

Reconciliation of loss from continuing operations to EBITDA from continuing operations

             

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (62.1 )   $ 0.3    $ (8.1 )   $ (2.3 )   $ 26.3     $ (45.9 )

Income tax expense

              (35.9 )     (35.9 )

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest

              11.2       11.2  

Depreciation and amortization

     14.1       5.8      3.9       1.4       1.4       26.6  
                                               

EBITDA from continuing operations

   $ (48.0 )   $ 6.1    $ (4.2 )   $ (0.9 )   $ 3.0     $ (44.0 )
                                               

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share amounts)

Our net loss for the first quarter of 2009 was $30.4 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, on sales of $204.6 million, compared to a net loss for the first quarter of 2008 of $46.4 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, on sales of $349.4 million. For the first quarter of 2009, loss from continuing operations was $30.2 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, compared to a loss from continuing operations of $45.9 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2008.

Our results of operations for each of our segments are discussed below as well as for the “other” category, which comprises products that are not individually significant.

OSB

Our OSB segment manufactures and distributes commodity and value-added OSB structural panels.

Segment sales, losses, depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested and EBITDA from continuing operations for this segment are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008     Change  

Net sales

   $ 72.3     $ 159.0     (55 %)

Operating losses

   $ (24.2 )   $ (62.1 )   61 %

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

   $ 7.2     $ 14.1     49 %

EBITDA from continuing operations

   $ (17.0 )   $ (48.0 )   65 %

Percent changes in average sales prices and unit shipments for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,
2009 versus 2008
 
     Average Net
Selling Price
    Unit
Shipments
 

Commodity OSB

   14 %   (59 %)

OSB prices increased for the first quarter of 2009 as compared to the corresponding periods of 2008. The weakened price as compared to cycle average pricing is due to dramatically lower demand for housing. The increase in selling price favorably impacted net sales and operating losses by approximately $8 million for the quarter as compared to the corresponding period of 2008. As compared to the corresponding period of 2008, the decline in sales volume was primarily due dramatically reduced housing starts. To balance supply and demand, we indefinitely curtailed four of our twelve OSB mills as well as other production curtailments at our other mills.

Compared to the first quarter of 2008, the primary factors, along with the increased sales prices, for decreased operating losses were reductions on operating costs due to reduced sales volumes, lower prices on petroleum based products used in manufacturing and a decrease in our Canadian dollar denominated manufacturing costs. The Canadian dollar has weakened significantly since the first quarter 2008, which causes our Canadian production costs stated in U.S. dollars to decrease.

SIDING

Our siding segment produces and markets wood-based siding and related accessories and interior hardboard products, together with commodity OSB products from one mill.

 

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Segment sales, profits, depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested and EBITDA from continuing operations for this segment are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2009    2008    Change  

Net sales

   $ 73.8    $ 107.1    (31 %)

Operating profits

     2.1      0.3    600 %

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     4.7      5.8    19 %

EBITDA from continuing operations

     6.8      6.1    11 %

Sales in this segment by product line are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2009    2008    Change  

SmartSide Siding

   $ 51.5    $ 70.6    (27 %)

Commodity OSB

     7.1      9.3    (24 %)

Canexel siding and other hardboard related products

     15.2      27.2    (44 %)
                

Total

   $ 73.8    $ 107.1    (31 %)
                

Percent changes in average sales prices and unit shipments for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,
2009 versus 2008
 
     Average Net
Selling Price
    Unit
Shipments
 

SmartSide Siding

   2 %   (29 %)

Commodity OSB

   16 %   (34 %)

Canexel siding and other hardboard related products

   (18 %)   (31 %)

For the first quarter of 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008, sales volumes declined significantly in both our SmartSide and Canexel siding lines due to dramatically reduced housing starts in both the US and Canada. Sales prices in our SmartSide siding product line for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the corresponding periods of 2008 changed due to product mix with specific product prices remaining generally constant. In our Canexel product line, sales prices decreased in the first quarter as compared to the corresponding period of last year due to the impact of the weakening Canadian dollar as a majority of these sales are made in Canada.

Overall, the improvement in operating results for our siding segment for the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same period of 2008 was primarily due to improved manufacturing costs at one of our siding mills over the first quarter of 2008 which were partially offset by the significant reduction in sales volumes.

ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS

Our engineered wood products (EWP) segment manufactures and distributes laminated veneer lumber (LVL), I-Joists, laminated strand lumber (LSL) (which began production in the first half of 2008) and other related products. This segment also includes the sale of I-Joist and LVL products produced by the AbitibiBowater JV or under an exclusive sales arrangement.

 

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Segment sales, losses, depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested and EBITDA from continuing operations for this segment are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008     Change  

Net sales

   $ 30.0     $ 60.5     (50 %)

Operating losses

     (9.2 )     (8.1 )   (14 %)

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     3.0       3.9     23 %

EBITDA from continuing operations

     (6.2 )     (4.2 )   (43 %)

Sales in this segment by product line are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2009    2008    Change  

LVL/LSL

   $ 14.4    $ 24.1    (40 %)

I-Joist

     9.7      20.7    (53 %)

Related products

     5.9      15.7    (62 %)
                

Total

   $ 30.0    $ 60.5    (50 %)
                

Percent changes in average sales prices and unit shipments for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,
2009 versus 2008
 
     Average Net
Selling Price
    Unit
Shipments
 

LVL/LSL

   (14 %)   (30 %)

I-Joist

   (5 %)   (50 %)

During the first quarter of 2009 compared to the corresponding period of 2008, we saw reductions in sales volumes in both LVL/LSL and I-Joist. These declines are attributed to significantly reduced housing starts. Net average selling prices declined as we continued to see price pressure caused by lower demand. Additionally, during the second half of 2008, we introduced LSL which is a lower priced substitute for certain applications where LVL can be used which along with price pressure resulted in lower prices for LVL/LSL. Our focus in the EWP segment continues to be on reductions in conversion costs, better geographic manufacturing and distribution, and maintaining key customer relationships. Included in this segment is a plywood operation, which primarily produces plywood as a by-product from the LVL production process.

For the first quarter of 2009 compared to the corresponding periods of 2008, the results of operations for EWP were lower primarily due to lower sales volume which increased our conversion costs and reductions in sales prices which were slightly offset by reductions in raw materials costs for veneer, OSB and lumber.

OTHER PRODUCTS

Our other products category includes our moulding business, South American operations, export sales and our joint venture that produces and sells cellulose insulation. This category also includes our remaining timber and timberlands and other minor products, services and operations closed prior to January 1, 2002.

Segment sales, profits, depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested and EBITDA from continuing operations for this category are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2009    2008     Change  

Net sales

   $ 28.5    $ 22.8     25 %

Operating profits (losses)

     1.6      (2.3 )   170 %

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     3.2      1.4     (129 %)

EBITDA from continuing operations

     4.8      (0.9 )   633 %

 

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Sales in this segment by product line are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2009    2008    Change  

Moulding

   $ 7.9    $ 8.8    (10 %)

South American operations

     18.8      12.0    57 %

Other

     1.8      2.0    (10 %)
                

Total

   $ 28.5    $ 22.8    25 %
                

For the first quarter of 2009 compared to the corresponding period of 2008, sales in our moulding operations were lower due to reduced retail demand while our sales in South American operations increased as we continued to penetrate local South American markets through the addition of our Brazil facility in late 2008.

Overall, operating results associated with these activities were positively impacted by improvements in our South American operations, the performance on our U.S. Greenfiber joint venture and reductions in carrying costs of our nonoperating facilities.

GENERAL CORPORATE AND OTHER EXPENSE, NET

For the first quarter of 2009 compared to the corresponding periods of 2008, general corporate expenses declined 21 percent and overall selling and administrative expenses declined 32 percent. General corporate and other expenses primarily consist of corporate overhead such as wages and benefits for corporate and sales personnel, professional fees, insurance and other expenses. The decrease in the first quarter 2009 as compared to the corresponding period of 2008 resulted from right sizing activities that we began in the fourth quarter of 2008. This “right sizing” resulted in the elimination of approximately 200 salaried positions (included in both general corporate and other expenses as well as segment results), reduction in certain employee benefits, closure of a research and development facility and reduced expenditures for marketing and sales.

INTEREST EXPENSE AND INVESTMENT INCOME

Investment income in the first quarter of 2009 was significantly lower than in the corresponding periods of 2008 due to lower cash balances as well as lower interest rates. Capitalized interest was lower due to the completion of our LSL mill in the first quarter of 2008. Investment income was also impacted by losses on our SERP of $0.7 million for the first quarter of 2009 as compared to $0.8 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. Interest expense was lower than in the corresponding period of 2008 due to reduction of the interest associated with a term loan which was repaid in December of 2008 as well as a reversal of previously accrued interest associated with certain tax items. We anticipate that interest expense will significantly increase over the first quarter 2009 amounts due to the refinancing transaction that we completed late in the first quarter of 2009. Components of interest expense, net of investment income, are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008  

Investment income

   $ 5.2     $ 12.8  

Interest expense

     (11.8 )     (13.8 )

Capitalized interest

     —         2.6  
                

Total

   $ (6.6 )   $ 1.6  
                

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Included in discontinued operations for the first quarter of 2009 and 2008 are the results of the operations of mills that have been or are to be divested. At March 31, 2009, we had one remaining decking facility classified as discontinued.

 

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INCOME TAXES

Accounting standards require that income tax expense or benefit for interim periods be determined by applying the estimated annual effective income tax rate, by income component, to year-to-date income or loss at the end of each quarter, then adding or subtracting the impact of any changes in reserve requirements or statutory tax rate changes, if any. Each quarter the income tax accrual is adjusted to the latest estimate and the difference from the previously accrued year-to-date balance is adjusted to the current quarter.

For the first quarter of 2009, the primary differences between the U.S. statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate applicable to our continuing operations relate to LP’s foreign debt structure, state income taxes and the effect of foreign tax rates. For the first quarter of 2008, the primary differences between the U.S. statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate applicable to our continuing operations relate to LP’s foreign debt structure, state income taxes and deductible foreign income taxes.

The components and associated estimated effective income tax rates applied to the quarter ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 

      Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008  

Dollars in millions

   Tax Benefit     Tax Rate     Tax Benefit     Tax Rate  

Continuing operations

   $ (19.2 )   39 %   $ (35.9 )   44 %

Discontinued operations

     (0.3 )   39 %     (0.3 )   39 %
                    
   $ (19.5 )   39 %   $ (36.2 )   44 %
                    

We and our domestic subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple state jurisdictions. Our foreign subsidiaries are subject to income tax in Canada, Brazil and Chile. Our U.S. income tax examinations for the years through 2006 have been effectively settled. We continue to be subject to state and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2003 through 2007. Our Canadian returns have been audited and effectively settled through 2004. We have utilized all of our available net operating loss carry back capacity in both the U.S. and Canada, therefore our 2009 tax losses will be utilized as deductible net operating loss carryovers in future tax periods.

DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS

We maintain several qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. and Canada that cover a substantial portion of our employees. We account for all of these plans and provide aggregated disclosures about these plans in the Notes to our financial statements as required by SFAS No. 158 “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (SFAS 158). See Note 15 of the Notes to financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. We estimate that our net periodic pension cost for 2009 will be approximately $9.9 million. If a curtailment or settlement does occur in 2009, this estimate may change significantly. We estimate that we will contribute approximately $1 million to our defined benefit pension plans in 2009. At December 31, 2008, we had $101.9 million of net actuarial loss and $1.8 million of prior service cost included in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Of these amounts, we expect to recognize a net actuarial loss of $3.9 million and prior service cost of $0.4 million as components of net periodic pension cost in 2009, which will account for approximately 44% of our estimated 2009 net periodic pension cost.

LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

For a discussion of legal and environmental matters involving us and the potential impact thereof on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, see Items 3, 7 and 8 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Note 20 to the Notes to the financial statements contained therein and Item 1, Legal Proceedings, in Part II of this report.

HARDBOARD SIDING LITIGATION UPDATE

The following discussion updates should be read in conjunction with the discussion of our hardboard siding litigation set forth in Note 20 of the Notes to financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and notes 11 and 14 of the Notes to the financial statements contained within this report.

 

31


Cumulative statistics under hardboard settlements are as follows:

 

     March 31, 2009    December 31, 2008

Completed claims received

   71,200    66,800

Completed claims pending

   2,600    3,500

Claims dismissed

   12,600    12,100

Claims settled

   56,000    51,200

The average payment amount for settled claims as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was $1,100. Dismissal of claims is typically the result of claims for product not produced by LP or predecessor companies or claims that lack sufficient information or documentation after repeated efforts to correct those deficiencies.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

OVERVIEW

Our principal sources of liquidity are existing cash and investment balances, cash generated by our operations and our ability to borrow under credit facilities. We may also from time to time issue and sell equity, debt or hybrid securities or engage in other capital market transactions.

Our principal uses of liquidity are paying the costs and expenses associated with our operations, servicing outstanding indebtedness and making capital expenditures. We may also from time to time prepay or repurchase outstanding indebtedness, repurchase shares of our common stock and acquire assets or businesses that are complementary to our operations. Any such repurchases may be commenced, suspended, discontinued or resumed, and the method or methods of effecting any such repurchases may be changed, at any time or from time to time without prior notice.

We expect to be able to meet the future cash requirements of our existing businesses through cash expected to be generated from operations, existing cash and investment balances, existing credit facilities and other capital resources. The following discussion provides further details of our liquidity and capital resources.

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

During the first quarter of 2009, we generated $2.3 million of cash from operating activities compared to a use of $108.6 million in the first quarter of 2008. The increase in cash provided from operating activities in the first quarter of 2009 resulted primarily from reduced operating losses as well as the receipt of approximately $70.7 million in income tax refunds.

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

During the first quarter of 2009, we generated approximately $39.3 million from investing activities. Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2009 were $3.9 million. Additionally, we contributed $3.7 million to our joint ventures for working capital requirements. We also received $19.6 million in proceeds on the sale of investments with maturities in excess of 90 days. Additionally, included in accounts payable is $2.0 million related to capital expenditures that had not yet been paid as of March 31, 2009.

During the first quarter of 2008, we used approximately $59.4 million in investing activities. Capital expenditures in the first quarter were $36.8 million and related primarily to the costs associated with our LSL facility in Houlton, Maine. Additionally, we contributed $4.7 million to our joint venture with Canfor Corporation for working capital requirements. We also used approximately $102.0 million to purchase investments with maturities in excess of 90 days and received $91.1 million on the sale of these types of investments. Additionally, included in accounts payable is $27.2 million related to capital expenditures that have not yet been paid as of March 31, 2008.

Capital expenditures for existing facilities and investments in existing joint ventures for 2009 are expected to total about $20 to $25 million.

 

32


FINANCING ACTIVITIES

In the first quarter of 2009, we issued and sold 375,000 Units consisting of (1) $375,000,000 principal amount at maturity of 13% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and (2) warrants to purchase 18,395,963 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.39 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances and to mandatory cashless exercise provisions. The issuance and sale of the Units generated gross proceeds of $281.3 million, reflecting original issue discounts of $93.7 million, of which $126.0 million was used to retire $126.6 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.875% Senior Notes due 2010 and $14.5 million which was used to pay related transaction costs (including costs associated with our new credit facility described below).

In the first quarter of 2008, net cash provided by financing activities was $31 million. We borrowed $38.5 million under a credit facility to support general operating requirements in our Canadian locations and borrowed $8 million under a long term credit facility to fund our Chilean expansion. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2008, we paid cash dividends of $15.4 million.

CREDIT FACILITIES

During the first quarter of 2009, we entered into a new credit facility, which provides for a committed asset-based borrowing capacity of $100 million, with a sublimit for letters of credit. The term of the credit facility will end in September of 2012 unless our 8.875% Senior Notes due 2010 are not repaid, defeased or adequately reserved for by February 15, 2010, in which case the credit facility’s term will end on February 15, 2010. The availability of credit under the credit facility is subject to a borrowing base, which is calculated based on certain percentages of accounts receivable and inventory and at any given time may limit the amount of borrowings and letters of credit otherwise available under the facility. In addition, the credit facility contains a covenant requiring us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.1 to 1.0 at any time that the excess of (1) the lesser of the commitments plus $20 million or the borrowing base minus (2) obligations outstanding under the credit facility plus certain of our and our subsidiaries’ past due trade payables falls below $50 million. At March 31, 2009, we had $87.6 million of unused commitments under the credit facility, resulting from the committed amount of $100 million less $12.4 million of outstanding letters of credit. Because our fixed charge coverage ratio on March 31, 2009 was less than 1.1 to 1.0 we were effectively precluded from utilizing $50 million of the credit available after giving effect to the borrowing base limitation. As of May 5, 2009, our ability to borrow under the credit facility is conditioned upon there being a minimum of $70 million of borrowing availability hereunder. This condition will remain in place until certain bank account control documents are completed. The deadline for such documents is June 8, 2009.

Louisiana Pacific Chile SA (LP Chile) has a committed term credit facility with a Chilean bank for up to $40 million. LP Chile’s ability to draw from this facility ended in December 2008, with the final maturity in March 2015. The proceeds from the facility were used to fund construction of an additional OSB plant in Chile. At March 31, 2009, there was $39 million outstanding under this facility. Borrowings under the facility were secured. Additionally, LP Chile has an unsecured working capital facility with a Chilean bank. This facility matures in June 2009. At March 31, 2009, there was $2 million outstanding under this facility.

OTHER LIQUIDITY MATTERS

As of March 31, 2009, we had $11.4 million ($151.8 million, par value) of principal invested in auction rate securities (ARS). The ARS held by us are securities with long-term nominal maturities for which the interest rates are reset through a Dutch auction each month. These auctions historically have provided a liquid market for these securities. Our investments in ARS represent interests in collateralized debt obligations supported by pools of residential and commercial mortgages, credit linked notes and bank trust preferred notes.

Consistent with our investment policy guidelines, the ARS investments held by us all had AAA or equivalent credit ratings (except for one corporate ARS rated AA) at the time of purchase. With the liquidity issues experienced in global credit and capital markets, the ARS held by us at March 31, 2009 have experienced multiple failed auctions as the amount of securities submitted for sale has exceeded the amount of purchase orders. As of March 31, 2009, all but one of our ARS securities continue to pay interest according to their stated terms. One of the investments has been accelerated resulting in LP receiving no further interest payments on this security until the Super Senior tauche is paid. The value of this investment as of March 31, 2009 was approximately $3,700 (par value $3.7 million). The below table provides additional detail as to the composition of our auction rate securities as well as the year of issue.

 

As of March 31, 2009

   Original cost    Year of Issue

Bank Trust Preferred notes

   $ 30.0    2003 -2004

Collaterized Debt Obligation

     25.6    2003 -2004

Credit Linked Notes

     90.3    2007

Corporate

     5.9    2006
         

Total

   $ 151.8   
         

 

33


The estimated market value of our ARS holdings at March 31, 2009 was $11.4 million, which reflects a $140.4 million adjustment to the par value of $151.8 million. Based upon our evaluation of the structure of our ARS holdings and current market estimates of fair value from issuing banks, we have recorded an other-than-temporary impairment of $0.9 million ($0.6 million after tax) in the first quarter of 2009 that was recorded as non-operating income (expense).

We review our marketable securities routinely for other-than-temporary impairment. The primary factors LP uses to determine if an impairment charge must be recorded because a decline in value of the security is other than temporary include (i) whether the fair value of the investment is significantly below its cost basis, (ii) the financial condition of the issuer of the security (including its credit rating), (iii) the length of time that the cost of the security has exceeded its fair value and (iv) LP’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

If uncertainties in the credit and capital markets continue, these markets deteriorate further or we experience any ratings downgrades on any investments in our portfolio (including on ARS), we may incur additional impairments to our investment portfolio, which could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

The following details our debt ratings as of April 30, 2009:

 

     Moody’s
Investor Service
   Standard &
Poor’s

Senior Notes

   B2    BB

Senior Secured Notes

   Ba3    BBB-

POTENTIAL IMPAIRMENTS

We continue to review several mills and investments for potential impairments. Management currently believes we have adequate support for the carrying value of each of these assets based upon the anticipated cash flows that result from our estimates of future demand, pricing and production costs assuming certain levels of planned capital expenditures. However, should the markets for our products continue to remain at levels significantly below cycle average pricing or should we decide to invest capital in alternative projects, it is possible that we will be required to record further impairment charges.

We also review from time to time possible dispositions of various assets in light of current and anticipated economic and industry conditions, our strategic plan and other relevant factors. Because a determination to dispose of particular assets can require management to make assumptions regarding the transaction structure of the disposition and to estimate the net sales proceeds, which may be less than previous estimates of undiscounted future net cash flows, we may be required to record impairment charges in connection with decisions to dispose of assets.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

A portion of our outstanding debt bears interest at variable rates and accordingly is sensitive to changes in interest rates. Interest rate changes would result in gains or losses in the market value of our debt portfolio due to differences in market interest rates and the rates at the inception of the debt agreements. Based upon our indebtedness at March 31, 2009, a 100 basis point interest rate change would impact the pre-tax net income and cash flow by $0.5 million annually.

Our international operations have exposure to foreign currency rate risks, primarily due to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar. Although we have in the past entered into foreign exchange contracts associated with certain of our indebtedness and foreign exchange contracts associated with major equipment purchases to manage a portion of the foreign currency rate risk, we historically have not entered into material currency rate hedges with respect to our exposure from operations, although we may do so in the future.

 

34


Some of our products are sold as commodities and therefore sales prices fluctuate daily based on market factors over which we have little or no control. The most significant commodity product we sell is OSB. Based upon an assumed annual production capacity of 6.5 billion square feet (3/8” basis) or 5.5 billion square feet (7/16” basis), a $1 change in the annual average price on 7/16” basis would change our annual pre-tax profits or losses by approximately $5.5 million.

We historically have not entered into material commodity futures and swaps, although we may do so in the future.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have carried out, as of March 31, 2009, with the participation of LP’s management, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act (the “Act”). Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that LP’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file under the Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

35


LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUMMARY OF PRODUCTION VOLUMES (1)

The following table sets forth production volumes for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,
     2009    2008

Oriented strand board, million square feet 3/8" basis(1)

   421    1,077

Oriented strand board, million square feet 3/8" basis (produced by wood-based siding mills)

   46    101

Wood-based siding, million square feet 3/8" basis

   187    220

Engineered I-Joist, million lineal feet(1)

   9    18

Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and laminated strand lumber (LSL), thousand cubic feet(1)

   667    1,423

 

(1)

Includes volumes produced by joint venture operations and sold to LP or through exclusive sales arrangements.

INDUSTRY PRODUCT TRENDS

The following table sets forth the average wholesale price of OSB in the United States for the periods specified in dollars per 1,000 square feet.

 

     OSB
     N. Central 7/16" Basis

Annual Average

  

1998

   205

1999

   260

2000

   206

2001

   159

2002

   160

2003

   293

2004

   370

2005

   320

2006

   210

2007

   146

2008

   172

2008 1st Qtr. Avg.

   138

2009 1st Qtr. Avg.

   154

Source: Random Lengths

 

36


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

The description of certain legal and environmental matters involving LP set forth in Part I of this report under “Note 16 – Contingency Reserves” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

You should be aware that the occurrence of any of the events described in this Risk Factors section and elsewhere in this report or in any other of our filings with the SEC could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In evaluating us, you should consider carefully, among other things, the risks described below and the matters described in “About Forward-Looking Statements.”

Cyclical industry conditions and commodity pricing have and may continue to adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Our operating results reflect the general cyclical pattern of the building products industry. Demand for our products correlates to a significant degree to the level of residential construction activity in North America, which historically has been characterized by significant cyclicality. This cyclicality is influenced by a number of factors, including the supply of new and existing homes on the market which are currently at above average levels, level of unemployment which has been increasing over the last year, longer-term interest rates, which in recent years have been at relatively low levels, the availability of mortgage financing, which has recently declined and mortgage foreclosure rates which are accelerating. A significant increase in longer-term interest rates, a prolonged decline in the availability of mortgage financing, or the occurrence of other events that reduce levels of residential construction activity, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our primary product, OSB, and a significant portion of our raw materials are globally traded commodity products. In addition, our products are subject to competition from manufacturers worldwide. Historical prices for our products have been volatile, and we, like other participants in the building products industry, have limited influence over the timing and extent of price changes for our products. Product pricing is significantly affected by the relationship between supply and demand in the building products industry. Product supply is influenced primarily by fluctuations in available manufacturing capacity. Demand is affected by the state of the economy in general and a variety of other factors. The level of new residential construction activity and home repair and remodeling activity primarily affects the demand for our building products. Demand is also subject to fluctuations due to changes in economic conditions, interest rates, population growth, weather conditions and other factors. We are not able to predict with certainty market conditions and selling prices for our products. In this competitive environment with so many variables for which we do not control, we cannot assure you that prices for our products will not decline from current levels. A prolonged and severe weakness in the markets for one or more of our principal products, particularly OSB, could seriously harm our financial condition and results of operations and our ability to satisfy our cash requirements, including the payment of interest and principal on our debt.

We have a high degree of product concentration. OSB accounted for about 35% of our sales in the first quarter of 2009, 45% of our sales in 2008 and 48% of our sales in 2007 and we expect OSB sales to continue to account for a substantial portion of our revenues and profits in the future. Concentration of our business in the OSB market further increases our sensitivity to commodity pricing and price volatility. In this competitive environment with so many variables for which we do not control, we cannot assure you that pricing for OSB or our other products will not decline from current levels.

Intense competition in the building products industry could prevent us from increasing or sustaining our net sales and profitability. The markets for our products are highly competitive. Our competitors range from very large, fully integrated forest and building products firms to smaller firms that may manufacture only one or a few types of products. We also compete less directly with firms that manufacture substitutes for wood building products. Many of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do, and certain of the mills operated by our competitors may be lower-cost producers than the mills operated by us.

Our results of operations may be harmed by potential shortages of raw materials and increases in raw material costs. The most significant raw material used in our operations is wood fiber. We currently obtain about 74% of our wood fiber requirements in the open market. Wood fiber is subject to commodity pricing, which fluctuates on the basis of market factors over which we have no control. In addition, the cost of various types of wood fiber that we purchase in the market has at times fluctuated greatly because of governmental, economic or industry conditions. In addition to wood fiber, we also use a significant quantity of various resins in our manufacturing processes. Resin product costs are influenced by changes in the prices or availability of raw materials used to produce resins,

 

37


primarily petroleum products, as well as demand for and availability of resin products. Selling prices of our products have not always increased in response to raw material cost increases. We are unable to determine to what extent, if any, we will be able to pass any future raw material cost increases through to our customers through product price increases. Our inability to pass increased costs through to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Many of the Canadian forestlands also are subject to the constitutionally protected treaty or common-law rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada. Most of British Columbia is not covered by treaties and, as a result, the claims of British Columbia’s aboriginal peoples relating to forest resources are largely unresolved, although many aboriginal groups are actively engaged in treaty discussions with the governments of British Columbia and Canada. Final or interim resolution of claims brought by aboriginal groups are expected to result in additional restrictions on the sale or harvest of timber and may increase operating costs and affect timber supply and prices in Canada. It is possible that, over the long term, such claims could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our operations require substantial capital. Capital expenditures for expansion or replacement of existing facilities or equipment or to comply with future changes in environmental laws and regulations may be substantial. Although we maintain our production equipment with regular periodic and scheduled maintenance, we cannot assure you that key pieces of equipment in our various production processes will not need to be repaired or replaced or that we will not incur significant additional costs associated with environmental compliance. The costs of repairing or replacing such equipment and the associated downtime of the affected production line could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. If for any reason we are unable to provide for our operating needs, capital expenditures and other cash requirements on economic terms, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are subject to significant environmental regulation and environmental compliance expenditures and liabilities. Our businesses are subject to many environmental laws and regulations, particularly with respect to discharges of pollutants and other emissions on or into land, water and air, and the disposal and remediation of hazardous substances or other contaminants and the restoration and reforestation of timberlands. Compliance with these laws and regulations is a significant factor in our business. We have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant expenditures to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Moreover, some or all of the environmental laws and regulations to which we are subject could become more stringent in the future. Our failure to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations and permit requirements could result in civil or criminal fines or penalties or enforcement actions, including regulatory or judicial orders enjoining or curtailing operations or requiring corrective measures, installation of pollution control equipment or remedial actions.

Some environmental laws and regulations impose liability and responsibility on present and former owners, operators or users of facilities and sites for contamination at such facilities and sites without regard to causation or knowledge of contamination. In addition, we occasionally evaluate various alternatives with respect to our facilities, including possible dispositions or closures. Investigations undertaken in connection with these activities may lead to discoveries of contamination that must be remediated, and closures of facilities may trigger compliance requirements that are not applicable to operating facilities. Consequently, we cannot assure you that existing or future circumstances or developments with respect to contamination will not require significant expenditures by us.

We are involved in various environmental matters, product liability and other legal proceedings. The outcome of these matters and proceedings and the magnitude of related costs and liabilities are subject to uncertainties. The conduct of our business involves the use of hazardous substances and the generation of contaminants and pollutants. In addition, the end-users of many of our products are members of the general public. We currently are and from time to time in the future will be involved in a number of environmental matters and legal proceedings, including legal proceedings involving anti-trust, warranty or non-warranty product liability claims, negligence and other claims, including claims for wrongful death, personal injury and property damage alleged to have arisen out of the use by others of our or our predecessors’ products or the release by us or our predecessors of hazardous substances. Environmental matters and legal matters and proceedings, including class action settlements relating to certain of our products, have in the past caused and in the future may cause us to incur substantial costs. We have established contingency reserves in our consolidated financial statements with respect to the estimated costs of existing environmental matters and legal proceedings to the extent that our management has determined that such costs are both probable and reasonably estimable as to amount. However, such reserves are based upon various estimates and assumptions relating to future events and circumstances, all of which are subject to inherent uncertainties. We regularly monitor our estimated exposure to environmental and litigation loss contingencies and, as additional information becomes known, may change our estimates significantly. However, no estimate of the range of any

 

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such change can be made at this time. We may incur costs in respect of existing and future environmental matters and legal proceedings as to which no contingency reserves have been established. We cannot assure you that we will have sufficient resources available to satisfy the related costs and expenses associated with these matters and proceedings.

The valuation of our investment in auction-rate securities (ARS) is subject to uncertainties that are difficult to predict. With the liquidity issues experienced in global credit and capital markets, the ARS held by us have experienced multiple failed auctions as the amount of securities submitted for sale has exceeded the amount of purchase orders. Given the failed auctions, the values of our ARS have been adversely affected. Factors that may further impact the valuation of our ARS include changes to credit ratings of the securities as well as to the underlying assets supporting those securities, rates of default of the underlying assets, underlying collateral value, discount rates, counterparty risk and ongoing strength and quality of market credit and liquidity. If uncertainties in the credit and capital markets continue, these markets deteriorate further or we experience additional ratings downgrades on any investments in our portfolio (including our ARS), we may incur additional impairments to our investment portfolio, which could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Settlements of tax exposures may exceed the amounts we have established for known estimated tax exposures. We maintain reserves for known estimated tax exposures in federal, state and international jurisdictions and uncertain tax positions. Significant income tax exposures may include potential challenges to intercompany pricing, the treatment of financing, acquisition and disposition transactions, the use of hybrid entities and other matters. These exposures are settled primarily through the closure of audits with the taxing jurisdictions and, on occasion, through the judicial process, either of which may produce a result inconsistent with past estimates. We believe that we have established appropriate reserves for estimated exposures; however, if actual results differ materially from our estimates we could experience a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in currency exchange losses. A significant portion of our operations are conducted through foreign subsidiaries. The functional currency for our Canadian subsidiary is the U.S. dollar. The financial statements of this foreign subsidiary are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the historical exchange rate for property, plant and equipment, timber and timberlands, goodwill, equity and certain other non-monetary assets and liabilities and related depreciation and amortization on these assets and liabilities. These transaction gains or losses are recorded in foreign exchange gains (losses) in the income statement. The functional currency of our Chilean subsidiary is the Chilean peso and the functional currency in our Brazil subsidiary is the Brazilian real. Translation adjustments, which are based upon the exchange rate at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and the weighted average rate for the income statement, are recorded in the Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss) section of Stockholders’ Equity. Therefore, a strengthening of the Canadian dollar, the Chilean peso or the Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may be unable to service our indebtedness, to refinance our indebtness or to fund our other liquidity needs. Our ability to make scheduled payments on and to refinance our indebtedness depends on and is subject to our financial and operating performance, which in turn is affected by general and regional economic, financial, competitive, business and other factors, including the availability of financing in the banking and capital markets as well as the other risks described herein. In particular, demand for our products correlates to a significant degree to the level of residential construction activity in North America, which historically has been characterized by significant cyclicality. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, single-family and multi-family housing starts for 2008 were approximately 33% lower than 2007. This reduced level of building has been caused, in part, by an increase in the inventory of homes for sale, a more restrictive mortgage market and a slowing economy. Home building activity is unlikely to improve until the number of homes available for sale is reduced and the rate of home purchases increases. We have experienced significant losses from operations and significant net cash used in operating activities in recent periods and expect to continue to experience such losses and net cash uses pending improvement in the factors referred to above. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our debt, to refinance our debt or to fund our other liquidity needs. If we are unable to service our debt obligations or to fund our other liquidity needs, we could be forced to curtail our operations, reorganize our capital structure or liquidate some or all of our assets in a manner that could cause the holders of our securities to experience a partial or total loss of their investment in us.

 

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Execution of our business strategies could strain management and other resources, which could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Execution of our business strategies, particularly those relating to international growth and the pursuit of strategic transactions, could place significant demands on our management, operational systems and capital and other resources, and could be disruptive to our relationships with suppliers, distributors, customers and employees. If we are unable to effectively manage our growth, including business integration and other issues that may arise out of business combination transactions, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

We have not verified the results of third-party research or confirmed assumptions or judgments upon which it may be based, and the forecasted and other forward-looking information contained therein is subject to inherent uncertainties. We refer in this report and other documents that we file with the SEC to historical, forecasted and other forward-looking information published by sources such as RISI, Random Lengths and the U.S. Census Bureau. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information, have not independently verified it and, with respect to the forecasted and forward-looking information, have not independently confirmed the assumptions and judgments upon which it is based. Forecasted and other forward looking information is necessarily based on assumptions regarding future occurrences, events, conditions and circumstances and subjective judgments relating to various matters, and is subject to inherent uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by, or based upon, such forecasted and forward-looking information. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance upon the third-party information presented in this report, particularly where such information is forecasted or otherwise forward-looking.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

The information relating to unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds otherwise required by this Item is set forth in our Current Report in Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9 2009.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

4.1

   Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 10, 2009, between Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to LP’s Current Report on Form 8K dated March 10, 2009.

4.2

   Indenture, dated as of March 10, 2009, between Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to LP’s Current Report on Form 8K dated March 10, 2009.

4.3

   Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2009, between Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as warrant agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to LP’s Current Report on Form 8K dated March 10, 2009.

4.4

   Unit Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2009, between Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as unit agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to LP’s Current Report on Form 8K dated March 10, 2009.

4.5

   2017 Notes Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2009, by and among Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and Banc of America Securities LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and RBC Capital Markets Corporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to LP’s Current Report on Form 8K dated March 10, 2009.

 

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  4.6

   Warrant Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2009, by and among Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and Banc of America Securities LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and RBC Capital Markets Corporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to LP’s Current Report on Form 8K dated March 10, 2009.

10.1

   Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 10, 2009, among the Company, and its subsidiaries, GreenStone Industries, Inc., Ketchikan Pulp Company, Louisiana-Pacific International, Inc., LPS Corporation, 3047525 Nova Scotia Company, 3047526 Nova Scotia Company, Louisiana-Pacific Limited Partnership, Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd., Louisiana-Pacific (OSB) Ltd., Louisiana-Pacific Canada Pulp Co. and Louisiana-Pacific Canada Sales ULC and Bank of America, N.A. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to LP’s Current Report on Form 8K dated March 10, 2009.

10.2

   Canadian Security Agreement, dated March 10, 2009, among the Company, 3047525 Nova Scotia Company, 3047526 Nova Scotia Company, Louisiana-Pacific Limited Partnership, Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd., Louisiana-Pacific (OSB) Ltd., Louisiana-Pacific Canada Pulp Co. and Louisiana-Pacific Canada Sales ULC and Bank of America, N.A. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to LP’s Current Report on Form 8K dated March 10, 2009. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to LP’s Current Report on Form 8K dated March 10, 2009.

10.3

   Intercreditor Agreement, dated March 10, 2009, among the Company, GreenStone Industries, Inc., Ketchikan Pulp Company, Louisiana-Pacific International, Inc. LPS Corporation and Bank of America, N.A. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to LP’s Current Report on Form 8K dated March 10, 2009.

31.1

   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

31.2

   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

32.1

   Certifications pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

LP hereby agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC upon its request any schedules and similar documents omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K and any instruments omitted pursuant to Item 601 (b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION
Date: May 6, 2009     BY:   RICHARD W. FROST
        Richard W. Frost
        Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: May 6, 2009     BY:   CURTIS M. STEVENS
        Curtis M. Stevens
        Executive Vice President Administration and Chief Financial Officer
        (Principal Financial Officer)

 

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