Montreal-based Resolute Forest Products says strong lumber markets are allowing it to repay debt, invest in its sawmills and pay a special dividend.The Globe and Mail
Resolute Forest Products Inc. says strong lumber markets are allowing it to pay a special dividend, spend US$50 million on its sawmills to support growth and repay US$180 million in debt.
The Montreal-based pulp, paper and lumber producer says the $1-per-share dividend will be paid July 7 for shareholders at the close of business on June 28.
The additional capital spending includes $22 million to modernize equipment at its sawmill in Senneterre, Que., $13 million to increase capacity at the sawmill in Thunder Bay-Fort William First Nation, and $15 million at a sawmill in Arkansas and another in Florida.
The U.S. investments are in addition to spending associated with the restart of its sawmill in El Dorado, Ark.
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All projects are expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2022.
The repayment of debt in the second quarter leaves the company with just $300 million owing in 2026 and liquidity of about $850 million.
“The cash generated with our lumber platform in these strong lumber markets provides the opportunity to share benefits directly with shareholders,” stated CEO Remi Lalonde.
The forestry sector has benefited from record lumber prices.
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