West Fraser reports loss of $188 million for first quarter
The wood products company saw sales drop to $1.334 billion from $1.459 billion in the prior-year period
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (WFG), a diversified wood products company, reported a loss of $188 million for the three months ended April 3, 2026. This follows a profit of $42 million during the same period in 2025.
Sales fell to $1.334 billion from $1.459 billion in the prior-year quarter. The company reported an operating loss of $210 million, compared to operating earnings of $64 million in the previous year. Basic loss per share was $2.40 a share, compared to earnings of $0.53 a share in the prior-year period.
Costs and expenses for the quarter totaled $1.544 billion, up from $1.395 billion in the prior-year period. The cost of products sold was $989 million, while freight and other distribution costs reached $190 million. Amortization was $138 million and selling, general and administration expenses were $63 million.
Liquidity shifted as the company ended the period with $81 million in cash and cash equivalents, down from $202 million at the end of 2025. To support its position, the company took $203 million in proceeds from operating loans.
Capital allocation included $50 million in dividends paid during the quarter. The company also spent $94 million on additions to capital assets.
West Fraser operates 28 lumber mills, 15 OSB facilities, and other wood product plants across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. The company said its earnings are sensitive to world economic conditions, specifically the U.S. housing market for new construction and repair and renovation spending.