Adjusted EBITDA was $11.3 million in the 4Q 2013 compared to $42 million in the same period of 2012, largely as a result of lower realized pricing. Net loss from continuing operations in the 4Q 2013 was $10.6 million compared to net income of $6.7 million in the 4Q 2012. The $17.3 million decrease was due to the reduction in gross profit and increased selling and administration expense, partially offset by a reduction in finance expense, and fluctuations in non-cash accounting gains and losses and income tax expense.
Sales of $488 million in 2013 were $78.9 million higher than sales of $409.1 million in 2012. This increase was mainly due to a 22% increase in realized pricing for the year.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $148.9 million in 2013 compared to $105.5 million in 2012, largely as a result of higher realized pricing. Net income from continuing operations was $39.4 million in 2013 compared to $28.4 million in 2012, representing an increase of $11 million. The increase included an increase in gross profit and a decrease in finance expense, partially offset by increased costs of curtailed operations, increased selling and administration expense, and fluctuations in non-cash accounting gains and losses and income tax expense.
Ainsworth President and CEO, Jim Lake said, "Ainsworth benefited in 2013 from the continued North American housing market recovery, although OSB prices did moderate in the second half of the year. Notwithstanding some near-term challenges in 2014 including transportation issues and extreme weather that have impacted OSB shipments and demand, the overall outlook remains positive with the consensus forecast for U.S. housing starts calling for further recovery in 2014. I am also pleased to report that our export markets exhibited strong growth, particularly in Japan."
Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of oriented strand board ("OSB") with a focus on value-added specialty products for markets in North America and Asia. Ainsworth's four OSB manufacturing mills, located in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, have a combined annual capacity of 2.5 billion square feet (3/8-inch basis).
